BL -Yet another useful session

This morning we were introduced to Google docs/forms and Xerte. A revelation, really as I was thinking of ways to create questionnaires quickly for my Research Project. Now I need to spend some time developing the actual questions to get the information I need. I must say that this is really useful as not only I will be able to generate quizzes and questionnaires but also email the link to my students. It will also gather the answers as a spreadsheet or summary graph.
Xerte is a free software that I will most definately download it at home and start creating online project. I am very pleased with this module as I have learnt so much in the last few weeks....

BL LP-progress so far

I have finally done it! I used my new activities for a lesson observation on Monday. It was great, this has been very exciting and challenging. I used Wink to record a demo on how to set up the Date and time on a computer, then I created a simulation to make the changes using PowerPoint with hyperlinks. I actually saved the PPT onto a web page so students would have to click each frame to go forward. It took time to get it right and I think that it is not perfect, I may do one or two adjustments to it but it certainly was effective. The whole lesson was kind of interactive, I started with a group activity (sorting activity on paper) then I got the same activity on the Interactive whiteboard (using Hot potatoes) for a class feedback. Got students from each group to come to the IWB and drag & drop the answers. Then we watch the demo online-and I introduced the simulation activity which was linked to their scheme of work. It was an easy task but students did enjoy the novelty. (I did too I must admit!) We then did move onto cosmetic and functionality configuration revision. For this, I had an activity I used before (on paper) and I created a drag and drop activity using the smart board software (notebook). It really brought the activity to life, students were giving and discussing answers and everyone participated. The whole session seemed to fly by and students feedback and behaviour were very positive. How often do you hear a 16 year old student leaving your class saying "Bye Miss, good lesson Miss!"

Blended Learning Lesson Plan

After Thursday's lesson, I have a real idea of how I will conduct my lesson for this assignment. It's going to be a revision lesson, where I will first use an online sorting activity (Hot potatoes), which is usually paper based- students will have to complete it first individually and then I will get them on the board(interactive one) to feedback the group.
At the moment, I am working on recording a demonstration using Wink to show them how to change a computer's Date and Time. We are unable to do so on the network (for obvious reasons) so I want to have a sort of tutorial video to show them first and then get them to simulate the changes via a PowerPoint. This great idea was suggested by Wendy and I am thankful! Now I just need to find the time to fiddle with the software. I have already had a go but want to change the desktop background so I need to redo the whole thing which is fine though because I am getting more and more confident with the software and really enjoying the learning process.
During the last session with Wendy, we were introduced to pod casting. I would like to use it somehow in my lessons but not sure how this will fit ...

BL Session 3

Another excellent lesson with Wendy. This module has been the most enjoyable so far. I feel that I have actually learnt a lot the last few weeks. last session, we opened a delicious account. I was aware of the name and that Wendy was training staff on it for a while but really did not realise what it was all about. This is about social bookmarking. A must for me and many others I think. I am forever adding bookmark on my home computer and never able to remember or access while at work. This is the solution to my problem. I am so pleased with this that I will be sharing this info during my weekly division meeting. We are trying to share good practice by passing on resources or material that could be of interest to other IT teachers. This is definitely something I want to share. I have already passed on the teachit countdown timer, I have used it during short activities and while students were performing group discussion. It's great, I don't have to interrupt by reminding them how long they have left, they can check it on the DP.

I also have picked up on Lee Lefever YouTube video and showed one to my Btec First group on getting on the web. The video received great comments and really did the job, plus it got them really focused for 3 minutes! It's really refreshing to be able to access new resources, I found that in general teachers are quite reluctant to share the good stuff...which is a shame. I guess, lack of time probably but for a new teacher any sources are welcome.

Anyway the Blended session was once more very useful, we went through some theories related to learning :Associative, constructive(ind or social), situative and for once did not feel completely lost.
I have been planning to use a recording software such as Wink, and have downloaded it onto my computer yesterday. I am trying wink at the moment but I also have used the smart board which uses real player and is really easy to use. I will try it out tomorrow afternoon and see how it goes... to be continued...

Thinking of resources...

I have many resources that need updating and this is the opportunity to give those good old paper sorting activities a new dimension...Although students enjoy them most of the time, now that I have access to an Interactive Whiteboard I can start producing some interactive resources using different software. I'm thinking of using hot potatoes to convert the paper-based matching exercise. I also would like to try using either debug or wink or something similar (could use smart board software too I guess) to record a demonstration and link the resource to the Scheme of Work. I could play the demo on the projector in class and it would be useful as students could revisit the demo if need be. I am thinking of planning my lesson with one of my level2 BTEC First. They have shown great interest using the interactive whiteboard on Monday, they were almost fighting to get to the board and even the usually very quiet student was engaged and eager to interact with the board. Technology definitely motivate all my students and I have seen dramatic changes in their behaviour in class when using interactive resources. I am convinced that it will make a difference not only on their attendance but also on their achievement. Using IWs is also my supported experiment as well as my CPD research report and although I didn't start very well due to lack of confidence and room allocation I am looking forward to planning every lesson I teach with the magic board!
I look forward to Thursday's session!

BL- Session 2

The good news is that the assignment is not too scary...It looks actually quite interesting and I already have a few ideas about the resources I will be creating for the lesson plan. It is ironic that during the session technology was challenging Wendy's Lesson plan but to her credit she remained calm and encouraged us to carry on . We still met the objectives! (I think). Thanks to the situation I actually discovered the free software for Mind Map called mindmeister.com and will definitely use it and hopefully can improve my own mind map skills.
I also learned a few things such as adding pop ups on a PowerPoint Presentation and different ways to make text easier to read.

Oh! almost forgot...I also learnt about Cloud...never heard of it before. I must keep up with the technology lingo!

BL Session 1

First session on Blended learning was very interesting and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
I thought the Ice breaker activity, although a little rushed was really innovative and truly fun.
I particularly liked the timer and will definitely use it in my lessons. I always lose track of time when students are working on timed activities and I am sure they will appreciate it too.
From today I have taken a few ideas with me which I will develop, regarding using some "unusual" technology such as mobile phones- It is always difficult to separate learners and their mobiles so instead I will try to use these indispensable devices to fulfil educational purposes....during presentations students will record each other in order to reflect on their own communication skills...
This has been an exciting session and I look forward to the next!