Change of Direction
By Paul McMahon on Aug 4, 2009 in Education in Hong Kong and tagged career, conference, future, mathletics
Readers of this blog will know that the last few years of my life have been an immensely rewarding but often frustrating time for me as I have gone about trying to work with schools to support 21st Century Learning in a region where many schools are still so predominantly textbook and examination driven. Whilst I have really enjoyed working with a lot of different schools in different parts of the world to support initiatives like 1:1 programmes, the setting up of Virtual Learning Environments, wireless projectors and tablet PCs and much more, it has been a struggle to manage my time and my requests from schools to ensure that I have a steady, reliable income. The words “feast or famine” spring to mind here.
I have recently been having discussions with the company 3P Learning, a Sydney based company that have an enormously successful online mathmatics programme called “Mathletics“. Initially those discussions were about representing the company as an agent in the Asian region but it quickly became evident that the company is exploding in the region and needed a full-time person. After a bit of negotiation surrounding me still being able to carry out my role of organising the 21st Century Learning @ Hong Kong Conference and a few other small things, I have just signed a contract to represent 3P Learning in Asia as a Regional Manager.
I am very excited about this prospect as it enables me to still build my relationship with international schools in the Asian region whilst at the same time, have a reliable income to be able to contribute to the household expenses such as my new daughter’s education. This is an area I have been sadly deficient in of late!
Please drop me a line or a comment if you want to know more about Mathletics as I really am excited about the product which I see as meeting a lot of the needs of schools and teachers just beginning to make a foray into a blended learning approach, I look forward to getting to more International Schools in the Asian region and getting them to use the product effectively.
Congrats my friend. I look forward to hearing how things work out with your position. And if there is ever an area of educational support we need in Asia, it is in math. I spent a great deal of time trying to find ways to help teachers differentiate for our accelerated math students. Any support with your new partnership is appreciated.
Well done Paul.
I hope you keep blogging and update us on you progress. mathletics a product we use and appreciate, I am sure with your input it will go from strength to strength
Andrew
David,
Part of the reason that I made my decision was to with the fact that I spread myself too thin. I think if you can take an area like Mathmatics and show how online tools can go a long way to support differentiation, adaptive delivery, a highly motivating and engaging environment and powerful tools to support teachers, then you are doing a long more to effect change in schools.
I sure hope so!!
Andrew,
Thanks so much for the encouragement. I have been a bit slack on the blogging of late but rest assured it is something that is very high on the priority list.
Thanks to all!
Paul
Mr. McMahon,
Congratulations! I’m sure you’re quite stressed with worrying about income and whatnot, but I’m very happy for you that your mathletics program has been successful. I look forward to hearing more about your new position.
Jessica Eaton
University of South Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
I have been visiting various blogs for my illustration essay research. I have found your blog to be quite useful.Keep updating your blog with valuable information… Regards
Mr. McMahon,
I’m sure you are glad not having job security is over! A late congratulations on the Mathletics. I’m sure Asia is a beautiful and exotic place to live. Good luck on your future endeavors!
Hey there my name is Jenny Turner and I am in EDM 310 at South Alabama. A late congrats are in order. I think it is great you are trying to help other schools trying to catch up to the 21st century.
Yes
I have been visiting various blogs for my illustration essay research. I have found your blog to be quite useful.Keep updating your blog with valuable information… Regards
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A great collection of articles and far better than most expat content on other sites – keep up the great writing!