All posts by Mrs Steel

iPod Touch

I-Touch in Kirkshaws

Kirkshaws had use of the I-touches from the loan centre in the second term this year. They were used in most classes in a variety of ways . The most common use was taking photographs, short videos and using the pre-installed apps during maths and language times as well as playing a part in our ‘Go For Green’ reward afternoons.

The children benefitted from having several devices as it allowed most of the children to take active part in the activities together. They experimented with creating short sideshows using Sonic Pics lite as well as creating slideshows for assemblies incorporating their own video footage

Rebecca – “I used the i-touches to go around the playground after lunch to take pictures of the litter during Eco week. Mrs Steel then helped us make a slideshow to show at assembly.”

Litter

Jordan – “They were really fun and a change from always using the laptops. We used them for lots of things but mostly to play maths games and stuff like Maths Pop. Because there were more of them we got more chances.”

Shannon – ” I liked the Octopus App and challenging my pals at it. We also took them to Tesco’s when we did our bag packing to take video and photos to show the rest of the school what we did.”

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Nintendo DS

Kirkshaws DSi Experience

This is the second time in 3 years that Kirkshaws have had the use of the DSi’s from the loan service. The last time they were used solely by the P5 class. During this load period their use was spread from P3 to P7. The DSi’s were timetabled for use across these classes for the whole term.

The brain training game proved very popular with children creating their own personal challenge targets over the time we have had them in school. Mixed ability paired participation was also used to improve ‘brain age’ in P3.

The DSi’s were also used as a motivation tool with identified children and played a part in the ICT group during the ‘Go For Green’ reward afternoons. The overall experience was very positive, from both teachers and pupils. They will be missed!

Pupil Comments

Zoe, ” We used them during maths times a lot, but I think the game really helped me with my spelling.”

Monique, ” I loved using them. They have helped me to do division and my tables. They make you think a bit quicker too. I wish we had them all the time.”

Casey, ” My favourite thing was taking photographs and making special effects with borders and squiggles and stuff. I got a brain age of 70 once. It would be good to use them again.”

iPod Touch

i-pod Touches in Thornlie

Thornlie Primary was lucky enough to get 8 i-pod touches out on load from the ICT Loan Service.  They were an immediate hit with all the classes and ended up having to be timetabled to ensure that every class had an opportunity to use them.

They were used in a variety of ways depending on the class and the subject the children were doing.

In Primary 7 they were used largely for the purposes of  research on their current topic allowing every child  along with the use of the lapstops, to have the opportunity to independently research without having to share hardware.

In Primary three they were inspired by the Wallace and Gromit cartoon to create their own cartoon strip in the same style. In the infants the monster app was used as an inspiration for their imaginative writing.

We down loaded the i-Translate German app which added a new dimension to the German lessons, with children readily creating more complex and personalised conversations.

Across the whole school the maths apps were extensively used as extension and motivational activities. One child in Primary 2, who is de-motivated by maths ( especially addition and subtraction), could be happily found on level 32 of the Pop Math app, while another another’s was extended by the use of Maths Tappers to allow him to move on to more difficult time telling at his own pace.

The children found them not just a novelty but real learning tool. They embraced their learning when using them and engaged with their peers, sharing successes and creating their own goals of achievement. (Many challenged each other on some of the tables apps to achieve certain levels in specific time)

Support from the Computer Centre was excellent, helping us make the most of having them in the school.

When it become time to return the i-pod Touches we realised just how much the children had got from them. Excited by the endless possibilities we have now purchased 12 of our own.

These have been used to create short films, audio slide shows, extension activities, information gathering, art activities, topical games… the list is endless. Our only problem is keeping them charged to meet demand.

Nintendo DS

Brilliant Brains on the DSi’s at Thornlie

Our Primary 7/6 had the opportunity to have the use of 10 DSi’s with Braintraining from the Loan Service.

To start with we numbered them and allocated  them one between two children. After taking a base ‘Brain Age’ the children were given the opportunity to use them on a daily basis at specific time to play the Brain Training Games. Every Wednesday each child recorded an updated Brain Age. These were recorded on a wall chart  and progress was tracked.

At the end of our time using them the child who had improved their brain age the most won a small prize and got  a ‘Best Brain” certificate.

At other times of the day the children were allowed to use the DSi’s to create animations, use the photo facility and ‘chat’ to friends.

The children found the DSi’s to be very motivational. They were amazed that their teacher encouraged them to play on the DSi.

Here are some of the comments from the children in the class.

The DSi’s are so much fun. The stuff in it is challenging and really makes you think hard and fast.

The thing I liked best about having the DSi’s is that you think your playing but your really learning.

I liked it best when you got your new Brain Age and you could see how you were getting better.

The thing I enjoyed the most was the maths tasks. They were quite tricky but you can amaze yourself at how well you do.

It’s sad that the DSi’s have to go back. Maths’s time hast been the best since we’ve had them.