Room+3b

Term 3, 2010 We continued to use the active board as a prominant teaching tool. The coaching model continues to be used as the children become ICT literate. We also use the camera to take photos as a tool to ignite writing. During discussions we have used the internet while the Commonwealth Games have been on. The NZ rowing champs were on as well and we were looking at profiles of local sports people. We are currently working on using emails in the classroom as we have child going away for a month and we want to stay in contact. We have set up a folder where children can put samples of work done from the computer so we can go back and use it as a model and a tool for revisiting. Having been on the contract for just over a year, I can see lots of great ways to use ICt and the technologies but as time continues to be a challenge we really need time to become familar with the tools.

Term 1, 2011 After taking photos of an event we can display them on the interactive board and use them when planning writing. More interesting topic language is then used in the writing. The children learnt to use the camera in small groups based on the coaching model and have used it around the school. We have suggested each class have a camera of their own so it is always available. The children have taken some excellent photos although some children did need more coaching than others. The children were very good when it came to rules around handling the equipment to ensure it was looked after.

We had intended to skype a student who was away for a month but were unable to do that or email in the end because of restrictions beyond our control.

We have started a 'Computer Know How' folder we use to put examples of fonts, notes on how to do stuff etc which is useful for students to refer to when working independently at the computer.

We now have a new projector for our interactive whiteboard which is amazing, we can actually read what is on the screen! This was a real problem until earlier this year as the equipment had been so unreliable. Once again the IWB is used everyday.

The coaching model continues to be a good strategy although needs closely monitored. It is being used for teaching skills expected at this class level.