room13

May 25th LT took reading group to show them how we can record a story being read onto easi speak and then put it onto a powerpoint. A photo was also uploaded to the powerpoint. The aim is for this group to teach others and have a powerpoint book of stories or pomes read by the class. This will then be used as a listening post style activity.

June Room 13 have used their wiki space to share goals from their reading program. Thy have used the easi speak to record how to show the main idea. The children were able to do this independently due to the skills of uploading voice and photos being used regulary in class through powerpoints and movie maker. http://westgoreschoolroom13.wikispaces.com/Bubbles+reading+group

http://westgoreschoolroom13.wikispaces.com/West+Gore+Comments This link shows how room 10 children who were working on finding the main idea were able to learn form this page and commented on it.

June – We have been using the easi-speak to record our class poetry competition. Students enjoy listening to their poem being played back. They have found it useful for peer assessment.

June – I have been using flipcharts for most of my lessons to record things down on. I just need to remember to save them and date. Useful for formative assessment when children put their initials by their ideas, the students love sharing to get to write or move something on the whiteboard.

July - One reading group is working on a web quest which they really enjoy doing independently. This has really motivated some readers wanting to read on as they are forensic scientists trying to solve a crime. The topic and activities that follow have really hooked them in.

July – On return from the holidays students are using Microsoft Publisher to create a brochure of a place they went to in their holidays. We have looked at a range of other brochures from the information centre. Students have learnt how to add pictures change the layout and colour themes. This will make a nice publication when they have finished.

Aug. Class teacher hasnt had many visits from lead teacher due to her ability to have a go at most technologies and allow ch to have a go at new sites and projects. Technology is just a part of life in this class with all children involved. and becoming more confident. One request was to train a few kids a wiki experts so they can monitor and encourage a regular update of the class wiki. Keeping ot up to date should lead to a keener interest in it and a snowball effect on participation and quality going on to the pages.

PowerPoint – reading group is summarising the book they have read to make a bank of mini stories. They have learnt to up load photos and a range of power point techniques. The children find this fun and get the job done in a more timely way, than writing it in their book. They also like the fact that the presentation is neater. As they work in a group they rotate using the computer and learn off each other.

Web Quests – Used for reading, the children work around the interactive whiteboard to complete the tasks as a group. Recording as they go in their reading books. This is broadening children’s knowledge on wider curriculum areas. They enjoy reading information for an end outcome independently. We have looked at Web quests such as Crime Solving, New Zealand disasters, Pirates etc.

Wiki / Blog – We have made our wiki and blog interactive. Children are able to show it to others at home and they are also able to learn of the work others have done. It keeps tasks fresh in their mind. The blog is easier for children, quicker to upload information on.

YouTube – We have been learning a variety of dance moves such as hip/hop and now a dance from Slumdog Millionare. This has helped the students develop their ideas. They like how it shows you step by step how to do a particular move.

Flipcharts – Great way of showing lesson progressions and children refer back to this independently taking ownership for their own learning. This term we have a flipchart for shape and our information report writing.

Digistore games – we have used the Digistore maths games that are aligned with numeracy lessons the children are working on. Children enjoy playing these independently as a follow up to the lesson. Playing these games has helped the children remember the lesson, and strategy focus.

Term 4 The ICT contract has been fantastic, it has been great to learn and use new programmes and equipment! Thanks to Sue for being such a whizz at this job and sharing you skills with us and especially the children. Some of them now know more than me and jump at any chance they get to use all of the things we have worked on over the year. They have been engaged in learning and share their skills with others while discussing what they have done.

The students love using the Interactive Whiteboard to complete flipcharts. I have found the flipcharts fantastic for modelling and demonstrating as the teacher. It is currently out of action and I am missing it greatly. All students can confidently use Windows Movie Maker to create their own clips with music and sound files over the top. Our Blog

[]  and Wiki started off with a bang but has faded out this last term. Not being able to project it so the whole class can see has impacted on this. My aim in future is to establish a Blog and use it for homework and notices. I will also need to make a note of it in my planning to ensure the children are using it. My next step is to now introduce the children to some of the Web 2 tools.

 Thanks heaps Sue and Jill! =)