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...