There are so many webtools that's it gets a little confusing about which one to use. I have turned this into a positive by looking at the tool and thinking 'Will this increase student capability?" and "How can I use this within my class programme?"
On the go (at the moment)... VOICETHREAD
When I found voicethread and started using it in the classroom I could see the benefits straight away!!!
It captures student voice instantly and then can be uploaded and shared straight away on children's e-portfolios.
It's great for instant reflection and because you can upload a scan of children's work or a photo it provides the visual sample as well.
Here's an example: (from my class blog)
I have also trialled using googledocs to create online powerpoints and documents. The positive from creating online powerpoint is you can upload videos from youtube and you can share/embed your powerpoint onto blogs. Visit room 7's blog to see an example of using a google doc and very shortly I'll have a powerpoint embedded.
I am going to trial using this with my class next term.
I have found that a computer roster works wonders at getting children taking turns at updating their e-portfolio or using IT tools on the computer. I use ICT leaders within the classroom to teach others and support them so that my teaching groups are not interrupted.
As a staff we have discussed teaching children to be reflective about their ICT learning. We do this in written form and orally often in our classroom so it's logical to transfer this knowledge to the digital form. I try to ensure that children regularly reflect on their work and either add a written reflective post or a verbal reflection captured on voicethread. I have began getting chn to make comments on their peers' e-portfolios and respond back to the comments I make. This is working well and chn love reading their comments!!!
Onward and upwards!!!
My goals for term 3:
- keep up the momentum of using voicethread in the class
- get children to upload samples of their writing onto their e-portfolios and then reflect and set new goals
As ICT leader my goals are to:
- continue with sharing and reflecting on ICT at staff meetings (which is working well so we need to keep the momentum!)
- ensure each syndicate is sharing, asking questions and supporting each other with their ICT journey
