In this weeks workshop we focused on some of the many ways ICT can be spread throughout the curriculum and provide excellent opportunities for children to develop their speaking and listening skills.
Through simple devices such as digital recorders, webcams and video cameras, children can extend opportunities for interaction thus developing their social and communicative abilities. With technology becoming increasingly available within the classroom, teachers can provide a great number of activities using these simple devices that will really benefit the children.
Speaking and Listening
ICT tools that revolve around speaking and listening have many uses in the classroom. Whether it be recording simple instructions onto portable MP3 devices or recording narrations for storyboards on 'Talk Time Cards' to assist EAL or SEN children, there are endless ways ICT can support speaking and listening in the classroom. Here are a few more ideas to consider:
- Talking Photo Albums - Great for supporting speaking and listening, particularly in literacy. Can be used for photo sequencing, presentations or word recognition.
- Talk Time Cards -Limited recording time keeps pupils focused on the task and ensures they record what is really needed. The larger A4 cards are perfect for storyboarding and planning
- Talking Tins - Great for recording instructions or sounds; can be attached to almost ant surface or even display boards. Can also be used in treasure hunts as can be hidden easily and contain clues to the next location.
Podcasting is another excellent way for children to improve their speaking and listening abilities. A podcast is like a radio show, however rather than being broadcast live it is a recording that can be uploaded onto a site to be streamed or downloaded. These can be done by anyone, discuss any subject and target any audience. Recordings made within schools are often uploaded onto sites such as Educate or Radio Anywhere.
So what are the benefits of Podcasting in the classroom? Well, children love to create things they can share and show off. They also love hearing their own voice. By combining these two facts, Podcasting is the perfect medium to really get children enthusiastic about learning. They will try harder knowing it can be heard by anyone and love the fact they can share it with their friends and family. Also, as previously mentioned, Podcasts can focus on any topic so can be used throughout the curriculum.
Children will benefit greatly from using Podcasts due to the level of thought needed to create them as they know they will be shared with such a wide audience. The department of Education recommend the use of podcast in the classroom and explain how "creating a podcast allows students to share learning experiences. It provides them with a world-wide audience that makes learning meaningful and assessment authentic. Teachers can use the technology to provide additional and revision material to students to download and review at a time that suits them. The flexibility that such time-shifting offers makes podcasting a valuable educational tool." (DfEE, 2012)
They also provide simple instructions on how to create podcasts:
- 1. Recording. You will need a microphone and software such as Audacity (cross-platform) or GarageBand (Apple) to record your sound file. A number of sites on the Internet offer tutorials for using the software, such as this one on setting up and using Audacity by Jake Ludington and Apple's page on using GarageBand for podcasting.
- 2. Publishing. Once you have created your audio file and saved it, usually in mp3 format you need to upload it to a webserver. Many sites on the internet, including Blogger offer free podcast hosting services. Make sure you read the Terms of Service.
- 3. Publicising. Having created your podcast and uploaded it to make it available to potential users you need to provide a way for users to access your files. This may be as simple as providing a link from an existing webpage or more complex, such as creating an rss feed document which will allow users to subscribe to your podcast. Depending on the traffic your webpage receives, and the intended audience for your podcast, you may also choose to register your podcast. A comprehensive list of Podcasts Suitable for Educators, Schools and Colleges is maintained by RECAP.
Digital Imaging Devices
Digital cameras, video cameras and webcams also provide children with excellent opportunities for learning. There are a large range of software, such as PhotoStory3 or Clicker 5 that can provide exciting methods of incorporating Digital images into the children's work. Again, this has many advantages, as it allows the children to work at a higher level of thinking when producing their work.
During the workshop we thought about some of the simple ways in which children can encorporate digital images into their work. After have a play around with some of the fantastic resources, a group of us quickly threw together a small story using PhotoStory3 and a simple digital camera. This was the result:
As you can see, this is just a simple yet effective way to get children engaged in creating stories and other pieces of work. We really enjoyed putting this together and I am sure the children would really enjoy it too!
Thats all from me this week folks! Stay safe and catch you soon!
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