HIAS ICT Learning Community – Sharing ideas, Innovating with ICT
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November 20, 2009 at 5:23 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
The ICT Excellence Awards is an awards scheme for schools, local authorities and other organisations supporting schools. These awards aim to identify and reward whole school excellence in ICT and reward those organisations who support school improvement with ICT.
The ICT Excellence Awards were established in 2006. They reward those who are making the most of technology for learning, which makes such a huge difference to learners, staff and the whole school community.
The winning schools and organisations for the 2009 Awards were announced on Thursday, 19 November 2009, at an evening awards ceremony at At-Bristol, Bristol. The HIAS ICT Team and Engayne Primary School both received awards. Please read the reasons why, taken from the Becta site below.
Havering Inspection and Advisory Service ICT Team – Joint winner: Support for schools award
Havering Inspection and Advisory Service provide a comprehensive and tailored ICT support service to all of its schools. It is a key part of Havering’s wider school improvement service, and draws extensively on the principle of partnership and collaboration based working.
There are many great examples of this work, including successfully encouraging suppliers to offer best value and amend their products and services to better suit the schools in Havering. The team’s contribution to the London Grid for Learning cannot be underestimated, both at a strategic and operational level.
Perhaps the most outstanding partnership fostered at local and national level is its work on e-safety. Havering has supported the development of national materials to support schools across the UK and beyond, and has also integrated the work of the local safeguarding children’s board with its own drive to ensure children and staff remain safe online. This includes representation by the team on the board and the implementation of excellent incident-handling procedures.
Whilst working at extremely high levels locally and nationally, the team also remains focused on supporting every school and individual learner in the local authority area. Schools benefit from excellent data services, which have been designed to ensure individual needs are picked up through the interpretation of assessment and tracking data. Through these systems, the outstanding collaborative work and the personal support that the team offers to schools, a small team is achieving an enormous amount.
http://awards.becta.org.uk/display.cfm?resID=41321
Engayne Primary School – Primary runner-up: Leadership, Management and Collaboration
Engayne Primary School has placed ICT at the heart of its successful practice, which focuses on achieving positive impacts for learners. Engayne began its ICT journey in 2003 following the amalgamation of the infant and junior schools and developed its practice quickly and innovatively to enhance management, teaching and curriculum delivery across the school. Its vision aligns with the national Fulfilling the Potential agenda, focusing on preparing learners for life in the 21st Century and delivering ICT across the curriculum.
The judges particularly commended Engayne’s strategic planning, distributed leadership, collaboration with a range of commercial providers, and the use of technology to facilitate management processes and links with other schools. Strategic planning at the school benefits from close working links with Havering Local Authority via a seconded ICT adviser. Their extensive use of video-conferencing is also central to Engayne’s role as a training school and it has forged links with stakeholders ranging from museums to universities.
Its collaboration with commercial providers including 2Simple Software, Samsung, Granada Learning and Pearson Education is particularly noteworthy as it enables Engayne to pilot ICT innovations without the constraint of being committed to a single provider. Cost-savings have been negotiated and passed on to other schools involved in its communities of practice project. The school has an evaluative culture, committed to sharing research findings and trialling technologies before implementation.
http://awards.becta.org.uk/display.cfm?resID=41312
November 8, 2009 at 8:53 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
About myself
My name is Matthew Turk and I suffer from a condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy presenting with extremely weak muscles. This means my mobility is very limited and I am confined to an electric wheelchair. Due to these limitations obviously I cannot participate in normal activities, I’m sure Arsenal wouldn’t appreciate tyre marks from my electric wheelchair on the Emirates pitch. With special adaptations and programs I can however regularly use my computer and spend most of my time on there. Playing games, writing and chatting to my friends are my adventures in cyberspace. Everyone loves the Internet.
The program: 2DIY
2DIY is a computer program which allows the user to create a variety of options from three separate categories: activities, quizzes and games. This is a review of the program and due to the enormous amount of choice within the software, I shall only mention one option from each category. I would like to say that this is my own opinion on the software, therefore it is not from a teacher’s perspective.
As I recall…
I was asked to write a review about 2DIY for this blog and upon contact with the relevant staff, I learnt not only about the software but also the company itself. To be told this by a staff member personally, rather than reading a “default explanation” on a website, has made the beginning of this process more enjoyable and feel less like a piece of work to do. During the email discussions, I asked if this software had been demonstrated at the Teachmeet earlier in the year which I had attended, and it was the same software I saw at the event. I remember thinking at the time that I wished the software had been available during my school years. It would have meant I was able to join in with the tasks which my limitations had excluded me from. It shows how much progress technology has made in just a decade.
Installation
As with most software, you need to install it onto the desired computer. It was a very simple installation and very fast too. The required space on my hard drive was around 190mb which isn’t really that much. There were no problems or issues during the installation which again makes the experience better and when you see the icon appear on the desktop, you get the feeling that the software itself can’t wait to be used.
First use
I double clicked the icon and 2DIY loaded almost immediately. My first impression was that it was very colourful and easy to understand. There are two windows initially, the foremost lists the categories and options, while the screen behind has the basic functions. I decided to play around a little so I closed the first screen and started drawing. The area on the left has pens in different colours which you click, and under the last colour there are a few squares which if you click, will open some drawing tools. While these two individual concepts are already familiar to us, they are simple and diverse in 2DIY which is a good thing. The icons in the top left corner are straightforward, and the symbols further along represent the webcam (I don’t believe that the software requires one, just a bonus if you do), programmable instructions for that activity and the play button, which will run the chosen option.
After a few minutes of playing around and “exploring” the software, I realised that is the first time I had used anything like this. Whereas with most programs you can say it is similar to another, I can’t with 2DIY. This in my opinion is a good thing because I wasn’t subconsciously comparing it to something else. I was discovering something completely new.
The categories
Now I do believe in writing a review at the same time as you’re using the equipment, not looking back and trying to remember each part. So, category one lists the activities and I will briefly comment on…“Pairs”. This is the classic game where you have to match two identical cards. It could be used to improve memory and identification skills with younger pupils. You can select either 8, 12 or 18 cards and obviously you must draw matching pairs. I’m keeping this simple, just doing 4 different colours of circles. Selecting a colour was simple, and selecting a card to draw on was simple although I didn’t quite understand the dotted line around a pair. I drew a colour on random cards, clicked play…and even if I got the right colour it wouldn’t match properly. I tried again, just doing four lines on four cards instead of eight, this time I matched some very odd combinations. I tried a third time, and realised that the dotted line around two cards represented they were already matched, all I had to do was draw the same pattern on both cards. This time it worked, to my embarrassment. But that’s a positive of the software in a way, it’s easy to play around and have fun learning what to do.
Possible uses for the “pairs” game include: teaching shapes, teaching objects such as food items or transport methods, you could simply draw the object and then write its description underneath.
Category two is quizzes so I shall select Multi Choice. Obviously this is going to be a multiple choice questionnaire and I won’t type all the questions and answers I will be using. I will however say how I included sounds and pictures. My theme will be space, so I will try to include a picture of a planet. I simply right clicked the white box, selected import picture and after scrolling down, found an image of Saturn. Choose which version of the image you’d like and just drag it over. It’s that simple. For the sounds you simply click the speaker near the top of the screen, click the speaker next to right or wrong answer and select the sound you would like. You can record your own and even create unique robot sounds with one option. The correct answer always goes into the box with the green tick as the software randomises the answers automatically during the quiz. I know I keep using this word but it really is simple and fun to use.
Possible uses for the “Multi Choice” include: a quiz at the end of the lesson to test the pupils on what they have learnt. If for example the lesson is on the planets, then it would be easy to have an image of a planet and give multiple answers on its name.
The final category is games, and I shall pick “catching”. Everyone has played this type of game before, whereby the user has to move an object in order to collect other moving items. As with the other options the user gets to draw everything within the selection. I just made it very basic with a blue background for clarity. I decided to make each object just a coloured circle for simplicity and the same with the moveable character at the bottom. You can assign however many points you desire to each falling object, and if the activity requires it, even minus points. On pressing play, the game worked perfectly and would work well for any lesson trying to teach children to distinguish objects by collecting the correct item but avoiding the incorrect. It is even fun just as a game. The character is moved using the arrow keys on the keyboard, which can be a disadvantage for people who are unable to use a regular keyboard.
Possible uses for the “catching” game include: identifying flags (you could draw correct and incorrect flags and assign points accordingly), identifying carnivores and herbivores, assigning types of animals (reptiles, mammals etc).
Whilst I have only reviewed one option for each category, I am sure that every option is equally as good and the user would get a good amount of enjoyment from each one.
Overview
This software can be extremely useful in a variety of ways. Whilst I am not a teacher, and speaking about the actual software with all its possibilities, a single installation can be used to demonstrate to the class particular drawing activities, how to create basic quizzes and finally make learning exciting for younger children. 2DIY’s biggest advantage is its simplicity, it is so easy to use and play with.
Conclusion
For me, this software has been a joy to use and I believe most other people will say the same. I wish 2DIY had been around when I was at school because it would have enabled me to do so much. I have been able to overcome my limitations with this software and therefore it would be perfect for children with limited limb movement. It can also mean that during creative lessons, such as drawing and cutting, there would be less mess and the ability to easily start over.
The only things I would like to see added are incredibly minor, however they may be helpful. I would like to see pop-up bubbles on each icon especially the drawing tools as, if you are a first time user of any drawing program, you wouldn’t know what that icon can do. Secondly and finally (only two things, which means I can’t see much wrong) is that the games should somehow be able to be played with the mouse. For example, the character in the catching game could follow the movement of the mouse.
You use this software for a time and you start to want Windows itself to be this simple to use. No complications, no difficulties, just a wonderful program to use.
November 5, 2009 at 7:25 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
NGL logo
“The Journey” is an eight-part series of video diaries following two local schools, Ayloff Primary School and its neighbour, Dunningford Primary in Havering as they merge to form Elm Park Primary School. As well as a new building, uniform, logo and staff to think about, they want technology to play a central role.
The school aims to give children, and parents, access to a full range of technology. They want children to access learning through the technologies they are used to using. They want to help parents play a bigger role in their children’s education. But how easy will this be? There’s the funding to consider. And staff and parents will need training and support.
This is your chance to be a fly-on-the-wall. Follow the ups and downs and share the celebrations as the Headteacher, Vikki Knox, her staff, pupils and parents start on the journey of a lifetime …
October 11, 2009 at 6:51 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
Jenny_Hall_with_NGL_certificate_and_SRF
As part of the HIAS ICT Team’s drive to get schools to sign-up to the Becta ICT Self-Review Framework (SRF), Harold Court Primary School are one of the latest schools to review their ICT processes and are working through the SRF to improve impact on pupil outcomes, amongst other aspects. The School has received its certificate stating that it is committed to ‘Next Generation Learning’.
Harold Court Headteacher Mrs Beverley Swain and her Next Generation Learning Team are working with HIAS ICT Consultant Dave Smith to complete the SRF, with the intention of eventually moving the school towards ICT Mark accreditation.
Have you signed-up to the SRF yet? For more details visit https://selfreview.becta.org.uk/ or contact the HIAS ICT Team on 01708-433813.
October 11, 2009 at 6:04 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
Breis, Paul Cookson, John Hegley
On Thursday 8th October 2009, National Poetry Day was broadcast live from Crownfield Junior School in Havering. Hosted by pupils Elissa and Paul with football poet Paul Cookson, the day was a great success. Alongside Paul Cookson, John Hegley and the rapper Breis – with Michael Rosen, ensured that fun was had by all. It has also been announced that the event was the the biggest multipoint video conference www.ja.net had ever handled, with schools across the UK, France, Spain, Finland and the USA.
LGfL Chief Executive Brian Durrant commented,
“Yesterday’s National Poetry Day event was evidently a further big step-up in the use and effectiveness of VC as a tool in enhancing learning opportunities and experiences. It was wonderful to read of how schools valued their involvement.”
The HIAS ICT Team would like to thank Mina Patel, LGfL Curriculum Consultant for her excellent skills in pulling the event together and special thanks must go to Crownfield Junior’s Headteacher Gary Nott and his school (including Niki and Judith in particular), who supported the event superbly.
October 6, 2009 at 2:54 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
Scargill Junior Y Factor
For the second year in a row pupils from Scargill Junior School got third place in The Learners’ Y Factor at the national Handheld Learning Awards at the The Barbican presented by Jason Bradbury of Channel 5’s The Gadget Show. Led by teacher and ICT leader Karen Webley the children showed the audience and judges the excellent ways in which they use handheld learning to support teaching and learning. This included sharing their teacher and pupil joint planning for Technology Week and a live survey with the audience using SmartPhones and WildKey to gather data!
The judges and audience were wowed by the innovative approaches and in a very tough field of candidates the School finished in Third Place, with all pupils awarded a Nintendo Wii. Special recognition needs to go to Karen Webley for all of her efforts and to the children at Scargill Junior for all of their efforts with the presentation.
http://www.handheldlearning2009.com/handheld-learning-conference-and-exhibition/learners-y-factor
September 27, 2009 at 3:59 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
Following-on from last year’s success at Engayne Primary School, Havering LA and London Grid for Learning (LGfL) are inviting schools across the UK to participate in a unique event to celebrate National Poetry Day (October 8th 2009) hosted via video-conferencing and live over the Internet.
Poet and former children’s laureate Michael Rosen, together with John Hegley and Paul Cookson, will be the star poets at the one-day “All about Europe” event celebrating National Poetry Day that organisers say, “will allow children to have the opportunity through technology, to meet role-models and participate in developing skills in poetry writing, listening and speaking”.
Schools can join the celebrations on October 8th 2009 by watching the real-time video stream throughout the conference on any broadband PC.
As judges for “All about Europe”, which is being hosted at Crownfield Junior School in Essex, the celebrity poets will need to be prepared. Pupils are planning to put them on the spot with questions about their work and life with responses to be broadcast internationally on the day. And with live presentations from participating schools, both in the UK and abroad, they’ll have to work hard at perfecting their own performances which are expected to include poetry readings.
We look forward to ‘seeing’ you.
September 27, 2009 at 2:26 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
LYF
After picking-up the 3rd prize at the 2008 Learners Y Factor at the Handheld Learning Conference – Scargill Junior School are aiming to win again. FInd out more at…
http://www.handheldlearning2009.com/handheld-learning-conference-and-exhibition/learners-y-factor
September 17, 2009 at 8:34 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
Children at Scargill Infant School, Mungo Park Road, Rainham are at the forefront of using information and communications technology (ICT) to enhance their work, and that’s official!
Scargill_Infants_ICT_Mark
Following an extensive external assessment Scargill Infant School has been awarded the prestigious ICT Mark by Becta, the government funded body responsible for promoting the use of ICT in Britain’s schools and colleges.
The award recognises the school’s success in developing the strategic use of ICT in both administration and across the curriculum. Parents will have proof that their children are attending a school at the forefront of modern technology.
Amanda Jackson, General Inspector ICT, London Borough of Havering said “Havering Council is determined that all local children will have the best opportunity to excel in the job market of the future. Scargill Infants should be congratulated on this wonderful achievement. This demonstrates the excellent ICT management and teaching that is taking place in local schools.”
Head Teacher, Kath Keeper commented “We are delighted to be awarded the ICT Mark. It recognises our positive approach to ICT and the benefits it is bringing to our children. We believe that ICT can be used in every aspect of learning and that it is essential our children are equipped for the modern world.” The school’s ICT Technician – Allyson Tyler added “This has reinforced the Ofsted inspection judgements that the teaching and learning in ICT at Scargill Infant School are excellent.”
Niel McLean, Executive Director for Institutional and Workforce Development at Becta said “Scargill Infants thoroughly deserve the accolade of an ICT Mark. They clearly demonstrate how important it is to take a holistic approach to using ICT in schools. Their investment in new technology has contributed to substantial improvements in learning.”
September 17, 2009 at 8:23 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
As part of a project to develop the effective use of podcasting to support reading in the primary classroom, pilot schools were given site licences of Podium software. Schools were then given time to explore ideas for the effective implementation of podcasting across the primary curriculum, with specific research into how podcasting can be used to support pupils’ speaking & listening and reading development. Squirrels Heath Junior School made the best use of the trial period and were pleased with the impact in the classroom. Jayne Taylor (ICT Coordinator) and Paul Stock (Literacy Coordinator) worked together on the project and found that this worked very well for them. Children in all year groups were involved and teachers did a variety of different podcasts. For example, Yr 4 wrote and recorded their own stories and then focused on intonation and pace when played back to improve their performance. Some classes went further and used for music and MFL as well. Teachers from the school will be at the next Primary ICT Subject Leaders Meeting to give a short session on their findings.
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