ICT - Networking and Communications
Technology the catalyst for improving learning outcomes A look at some of the ways that ICT is being used in the classroom
The results? W
estfields Junior is a successful and popular school providing an outstanding education for 421 children aged 7-11 in and around the Yateley area in Hampshire. UniServity’s Life Learning Cloud, the school’s new web 3.0 cloud- based learning platform which uses semantic technology to conduct intelligent analysis based on the interests, strengths and priorities of the user, has played a significant role in personalising the learning experience for pupils and helping to raise standards – specifically in Maths. UniServity’s Life Learning Cloud was introduced in September 2011 as Westfields embarked on its first Teaching and Learning Project. A whole- school development focus was applied to children’s use of mathematical strategies to resolve word problems (Application of Number and Problem Solving). The intention of the project was to shift the focus from ‘teaching’ to ‘learning’ by encouraging more independence in the children.
How did the project work?
The teacher made a Jing Film about how to do a particular task (e.g. measuring angles, adding 3 digit numbers). The children watched the Jing for homework with parents, so that the parents understood what their child was doing in class, and could support them at home.
The children returned to class and opted into one of two groups: I understand and will now practice (Independent Learning Group) or, I don’t understand and need help (Targeted Teaching Focus Group).
March 2012
This was followed by Formative Assessment in a plenary used to review children’s understanding of the various tasks and to enable teachers to identify the next-steps for their class. The outcomes of this project were significant. Children became more independent learners, and less dependent on ‘Chalk and Talk’ teaching demonstrations. Teachers were able to better differentiate teaching with groups focusing on specific skills. Parents were more informed about exact strategies used within class, and thus able to help reinforce skills with their child more effectively at home.
In addition to this, teaching staff (Year Leaders, Classroom Teachers and Teaching Support Staff) identified other ways that Jing Films could be used in the Life Learning Cloud to support other areas of their pupil’s independence including: Screen capture of teaching inputs – so that if a child forgot what they should be doing, they could just re-watch the teaching
input/demonstration; demonstrations of skills (e.g. how to save work, how to draw a 3D shape), so that children could self-help, rather than depend on repeated teacher reminders. Commenting on the Life Learning Cloud, Teachers, Ruth Davey and Lawrence Britt, said: “Children have responded very positively to the Life Learning Cloud. It provides us with a seamless transition between home and school and flexible access for all. It helps engage learners and parents in meaningful, relevant conversations that aid understanding and helps raise standards.”
Well, they speak for themselves. In September Westfields Junior celebrated its first Outstanding Ofsted. Headteacher, Karine George, was ecstatic: “We are delighted that Ofsted have acknowledged the impact of the quality and breath of the curriculum that we offer. An essential and integral part of our curriculum is the technology which is fundamental to how children learn. UniServity’s Life Learning Cloud has allowed us greater flexibility in supporting children’s learning and the power to truly engage parents in meaningful and purposeful conversations about their child’s learning, together with the development of a legacy of learning for all!”
Serious games
There can be few schools in the UK, let alone Liverpool, who can say they enticed pupils back to the classroom on the very first day of their half- term holiday. Yet there’s one – North Liverpool Academy – who can, and with complete integrity. Extraordinary scenes unfolded on Monday 13th February, as 100-plus teenagers queued up to get through the doors of this striking building overlooking the city on Everton Brow. Granted, computer games were involved. And yes, there was the promise of meeting with Sony, creators of PlayStation. But even so, I ♥ Gaming, the event behind this half-term pilgrimage, was entirely educational, involving a bit of brainpower, imagination, concentration and investigation, as well as plenty of classroom work! I ♥ Gaming offered a ground-breaking mix of digital workshops, interactive demonstrations and 3D presentations by successful games developers,
www.education-today.co.uk 19
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