Speaking and Listening

Today's ICT session focused on the various methods of technology available to schools and the benefits that they provide. We had the opportunity to test a number of different pieces of equipment which I'll reflect upon further within this post. Lets begin by considering the benefits of using different pieces of technology such as the IWB, Ipod or digital camera. They all provide an opportunity for discussion and instant feedback, whether it be through discussion and interaction using the IWB to write upon or through dialogue about how useful the digital camera was as part of a lesson. Below are a number of pieces of technology looked at in more detail:

iPods

iPods are portable devices used for storing and playing digital media files. There are several variations of iPods that are different sizes, have different purposes and use different technologies. For example, some smaller versions are mainly for playing music files through headphones. Other versions have video screens and can play movie files. iPods can be used in a variety of ways within the classroom:

• Creating and listening to podcasts
• learning a new language

I think that iPods are a good tool which can be integrated into children's learning. There are 1000's of free apps available to accompany different lessons. They can be used for group reading activities by purchasing a headphone splitter to allow five or six children access to the same iPod. The ease and speed of use also make iPods a great choice for the classroom.

Interactive Photo Albums

Today is the first time i have across the interactive photo album. I am sceptical about how successful these photo albums could be within the classroom. I feel there are a number of other resources you could you which would be better suited. Having said that, the interactive photo album does still offer some positives:

• Producing a photo series from a school trip.
• Visual story books for literacy.
• Phonics - produce a number of different pictures associated with a particular phoneme.

Talk Time Cards

These are like a mini interactive whiteboard. They can be written on and then using the recording facility this information can be made verbal. These are a good resource to use with EAL children and SEN children where you are able to write in large print and support this with audio. 

Below is a short clip of our group using the talk time card.

Podcasts

Following on from what was mentioned about iPods, podcasts are a brilliant of developing speaking and listening within the classroom. A podcast is similar to a radio show, however instead of broadcasting live, a podcast is recorded and then distributed onto the internet at a later time. There a number of schools who now have their own podcasts, a number of which can be seen here. In order to create a podcast, users need to download specific software in order to be able to synchronize the content to their media players. A great programme to use is Audacity which is free to download. It allows children record, edit and export their work as a WAV or MP3 file. Within my own teaching i am definitely going to integrate the use of podcasts across a number of lessons, especially within group work.

Digital Cameras and Videos
Digital cameras and videos are often considered too "expensive" and too "delicate" to use in schools. Nowadays there are lots of different hard-wearing models available. Two models that we used today were the "Digital 'Blue" camera and the "'Tuff Cam 2" used for digital video. These can be used with Photo Story 3 software, which allows users to make short videos using digital photos and images, create a voice-over and add a music track. In terms of speaking and listening these pieces of equipment can be used to generate discussion, encourage group working and can be used for drama activities. My group had a go at using the Tuff Cam 2, below is a video we made on our travels around campus.

                

Control and Monitoring Technology

Developments in computer hardware has allowed ICT to blossom in the classroom. Equipment such as the digital microscope and webcam are now common place in most primary schools. Without a computer, many of these brilliant pieces of equipment simply would not function. Computers control these various pieces of technology and give them their functionality.


What is Computer Control?
Computers are used to control many types of devices such as robots. They are controlled by inputting a set of instructions (programming) which tell them what to do. There are a number of appliances and devices both inside the home and outside of the home which use computer control. Some are listed in the table below:

Inside the Home	Outside the Home
Washing Machine Cooker Central Heating Microwave Sky TV Burglar Alarm Telephone	Traffic Lights Pelican Crossings CCTV Cameras Cash Machines Aeroplanes - Autopilot Car park barriers

Why use Computers to Control Things?
Computers are used because:

• They are consistent- they can repeat the same process over and over again.
• Never get tired.
• Doesn't lose concentration.
• Doesn't make mistakes.
• Cheaper to employ than humans.

What is used in KS1 and KS2?

The Bee-Bot is a programmable floor robot aimed

at Early Years and KS1. Children are able to input 

instructions using the four operational keys on top. The 

Bee-Bot is able to move forwards and backwards as

well as through 90 degrees. It has the ability to remember up to

40 instructions/steps entered by the user.

Bee-Bot Curricular Links 
Numeracy






What is Computer Monitoring?

Computer monitoring involves the use of sensors for two main purposes:

• As a scientific measuring tool to record information about environmental changes over a period of time (data logging).
• To provide feedback for a control system

You can find sensors in things such as central heating, street lights, security lights and supermarket freezers.

What is used in KS1 and KS2?

The Log Box data logger has a number of functions.

The built in sensors allow children to measure

 temperature, light and sound. Recordings are easy

to download straight to the computer. Data can be displayed

in graph, bar chart, chart or table formats.

My Reflection

I had an opportunity to take the Log Box out on a journey around campus this morning... exciting stuff i know! The Log Box is a useful piece of kit in terms of its cross curricular flexibility. Its functions allow it to fit within a number of subjects and can accompany various lesson plans. There are opportunities to use it in maths by interpreting the data represented via the Log box software. It can support children's learning in science, by allowing them to carry out experiments regarding temperature, light and sound. Furthermore it allows children to develop their skills using ICT! Children become familiar with downloading data straight from the data logger on to the computer desktop as well as choosing different formats in which they are able to display the data (charts, bar graphs, line graphs).