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.”

IMG_0076

Primary 6 had a ball with the ipods. We produced wall charts for speedy tables and what a difference in such a short time! What competitive children we had!

We used the Martian app to write our kenning poems, what strange creations and vocabulary we produced.

We also had the opportunity to record our ICG raps, this was a favourite for all the children.

On the whole the children loved having the ipods handy for tables practise, spelling or a little research. It was an innovative way for the children to enhance their learning and this was seen through their enthusiasm when using them.

Great way to learn. Children were encouraged to better personal bests and the element of competition further enhanced their eagerness to improve. A great resource which promotes learning and had the children working together and encouraging each other along the way.

I explore and experiment with the features and functions of computer technology and I can use what I learn to support and enhance my learning in different contexts.

TCH 1-04a / TCH 2-04a

This year I’m responsible for delivering ICT and French throughout the whole school. We recently borrowed 10 IPod Touches from the Computer Centre and they have been exceptionally popular.  I have used them in every stage throughout the school in a variety of different ways.

In Primary 6 & 7, children used them to research countries around the world and Google Earth to enhance their class topic.

In Primary 5, The Human Body app tied in nicely with their current topic.

In Primary 3 and 4 the maths apps were a huge hit.

Primary 2 had great fun with the Martian app, Fling Free and Sketch Pad apps; and in the last 2 weeks I have been brave enough to try them out with Primary 1 classes. Initially, it was very basic things such as unlocking the screen and sliding between pages.  However, their enthusiasm and fearlessness has meant that they have quickly been able to progress to choosing an app themselves, after showing them simple ones that were suitable for them.

The French Lite app has been used throughout the upper school classes to reinforce taught French vocabulary and encourage a renewed enthusiasm for learning a language.

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.