The Power of Technology

The power of technology to act as a catalyst for rich educational experiences of all generations. Technology can have relevance for all, in whatever phase of life they may be.

GPS

Interactive maps are wonderful tools. I wasn't aware that Google Earth had so many different features and layers. For example, it can start to aid in the teaching of astronomy which is a subject that is difficult to get hold of primary resources for.
The more I get into this module, the more excited I become about the potential for ICT in the primary school, and am now itching to try out some of these opportunities. Learning will never be the same again......

Welcome to ....... podacasting!!!

Follow the link below which plays a really simple video explaining exactly what podcasts are - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-MSL42NV3c

Using podcasting in primary school is a very new but they canbe a valuable tool. I have never even downloaded a podcast or seen them used in schools but I am sure as I myself become more aware of how they are used and the possibilities of them then I will use them more within my own education and teaching.It is obvious from this weeks lecture there are many advantages to using podcasts within primary education. Some of the possibilities include - creative writing, recount writing (orally telling a story - excellent for those pupils who are relectant to write), homework, reinforcing key concepts, assessment, supporting SEN learners, promoting collaboration, promoting speaking and listening.

ICT and Music

Like most teachers I imagine, my first reaction with music is 'its not my strongest subject'. I enjoy listening to it, but am aware nobody else would gain any sort of pleasure from hearing me create music! It's important to remember though, that this self-awareness is only brought about during late primary school, through to secondary school, and therefore children tend not to judge you. They will quite happily sing at the tops of their voices, regardless of how it sounds to everyone else, or play an insturment totally tunelessly. Like I said, as adults, we hold back with fear of embarassing ourselves, something children tend not to think about.

Vague ideas for ICT presentation

- Make a movie explaining 'something'.
- PE analysing performance.
- Case study movie, cafe clsoing down.
- Diggi blue, create story in literacy.
- Pupils make movie, to inform new pupils to school about school life/uniform etc.
- Pupils make weather report (Geo).

(my very first thoughts)

Digiiii Blue

I have been fortunate enough to have used this tool while on teaching practice (year 2 placement). So it is not new to me? The equipment is really really easy to use especially when you no what you are doing. When on my teaching placement i used it in Literacy (Narrative) and the class responded brillantly .... well i thought so anyway.

ICT is Everywhere

Many children in our society enjoy rich digital lives outside of school, downloading and sharing music, interacting in online multi user games environments and engaging in various forms of communication from e-mail to instant messaging.

The Power of Technology

The power of technology to act as a catalyst for rich educational experiences of all generations. Technology can have relevance for all, in whatever phase of life they may be.

Humour in teaching

As an aspiring Primary school teacher here are a few education related quotes to make you smile before you start that marking:

YOU CAN’T BE LATE UNTIL YOU SHOW UP

I AM NOT LATE … IT IS JUST EVERYONE ELSE IS EARLY

I HAVE TWO RULES IN THE CLASSROOM:
1. TRY YOUR BEST
2. AND OBEY ALL MY RULES

IF IT WASNT FOR THE LAST MINUTE I WOULD NEVER GET ANYTHING DONE

BEST EXCUSES FOR NOT HANDING IN HOMEWORK:
1. I COULDN’T FIND ANYONE TO COPY FROM
2. MY DAD SAW IT AND TOOK IT TO SHOW EVERYONE AT WORK BECAUSE HE
THOUGHT IT WAS SO EXCEPTIONAL

SOME PEOPLE TALK IN THEIR SLEEP. LECTURERS TALK WHILE OTHER PEOPLE SLEEP (please not lecturers this quote is NOT mine!!!)

A MAN WHO HAS GONE TO SCHOOL MAY STEAL A PINT OF MILK BUT IF HE HAS A UNIVERSITY EDUCATION, HE MAY STEAL THE WHOLE MILK CART

THE SCHOOL I WENT TO THE TEACHER ASKED A PUPIL TO PROVE THE LAW OF GRAVITY ... SO THE PUPIL THREW THE TEACHER OUT THE WINDOW (obviously i did not go to that school)

What makes an EXCELLENT Primary School Teacher, what sort of teacher do you want to see teaching your children???

PLEASE COMMENT

Teamwork in teaching

To be a great teacher you need to work as part of a team (if you don't work as a team member then don't expect to receive any christmas cards). If you look around any modern workplace today the key to success is team work. Working together halves the workload and doubles the success!

Creative teaching is becoming extinct

Follow this link to see a very humerous but professional speech about creative teaching in our schools.
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html(HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)

Research

Ofsted (2006) found that excellent ICT resources are available in schools but they are not fully and effectively linked to the curriculum.The money has been spent and the resources are there waiting for us (teachers) in schools to help enhance learning, to make learning interesting and fun!

Using ICT effectively

ICT can be used in any subject to enhance the subject but should only be used when necessary and certainly not for the sake of it. ICT can facilitate teaching but should not be used as a subsitute for it.

All schools CAN do well in ICT

A school with very low numbers of computers may still be doing well in ICT due to excellence in organisation and involvement of all staff. Similarly a school which looks good with a network room full of computers may be in fact be keeping the door locked and doing nothing with them.