During our last ICT session we had to make our own IWB presentations and present them to two other members of the group. My presentation was on the topic 'Staying Healthy' in Science and was aimed at Year 2. After our ICT sessions this term I felt confident about using the SMART software. The presentation was fun to make and I enjoyed experimenting with different ways to make the resource interactive.
Below are a few pages from my resource. In this activity children had to circle healthy food on the board.
Children had to sort the drinks at the bottom into the three categories in this activity.
I have learnt a lot about how to use ICT in the classroom over the past seven weeks. I will definitely be using many of the devices and websites we have discussed next year!
This week we experimented with Kodu, continuing on from last week's session on computer programming. Kodu is a visual programming language made specifically for creating games. Kodu is a good resource because children feel like they are playing games instead of programming. Kodu can be found here.
We used Kodu to design our own landscapes with avators and objects that we could program to do certain things. Below is a video with some tips on how to use Kodu.
Research has found that UK learners are some of the unhappiest in Europe. Therefore programs like Kodu are important to use to engage learners.
Another interactive program is Dance to Advance, which involves learning through physical movement. You can make your own resources on many different topics. An example is shown to the left where children have to match the function to the body part. I made my own resource using Dance to Advance. You can make the resource using the prompts shown below. I made a resource on odd and even numbers where children are ask which numbers are odd and which are even and have to click on the corresponding numbers.
Advantages of learning through these programs are that activities can feel like a game instead of like a test. Some children enjoy competing with each other which is a good way of improving their speed or skill at something. Activities can be used as rewards and so act as motivators. They are a good way to end a topic. Older children can design their own resources as an extension. They can design something for younger children in the school.
Other electronic resources include using the Nintendo Wii, for example using the Nintendo Fit and sports games in PE and dance. GPS and PSP devices can be used making videos, adverts and recording performances. Tim Ryland's website talks about how ICT can be used in the classroom and features lots of links to useful resources.
Simulations and Adventure Games
Like modelling programs, these games allow children to explore possibilities and experiment within a test environment. Simulations can be used to make and explore predictions and to identify patterns and relationships. Games such as Myst can encourage children to vocalise and write about the game (see video below).
Kent ICT features lots of simulations that children can have a go at. My favourite simulation was the roller coaster designer, where you have to design your own realistic roller-coaster taking into account the effects of forces on the carriage.
Another fun website is wordle, where text is transformed into word art. Pupils can make their own avatars on voki.
Teaching using games can have lots of benefits. Below are some articles on the advantages of using video games in the classroom and how to use them effectively.
M Learning: Pocket-sized computers that have a display screen, touch input or miniature keyboard. These hand held devices allow children to record what they see or hear. Now that phones, computers and media devices fit in our pockets, they can connect us to a variety of information sources and enable communication nearly everywhere they go. They can be very useful resources.
