Have a look at the East Lothian Schools ICT Newsletter to find out what is going on in the authority. As always, we are happy to hear from you if you have any questions, suggestions or concerns.
May 082013
May 022013
Promethean are offering a range of half hour webinars that you can log into at home and watch either live or watch the recorded session at a time that suits you. As long as you have registered you will be sent the live recording once the webinar is finished.
Apr 292013
This new 48-page report from the National Foundation for Educational Research contains the following recommendations and ‘take-home’ points for teachers:
- The evidence suggests that game-based learning can improve engagement and
motivation, but don’t rely on games to improve attainment – there is still a lot we don’t
know about the impact of video games on learning.- The best way of integrating gaming into teaching is by using it within a clear pedagogic
process. In particular: Continue reading »
Earn £20 trying out the new ‘Magic Cloud’ ICT toy
Active learning, Classroom resources, Technology, Tools
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Apr 092013
The Magic Cloud is a soft (cloud shaped) cushion that you plug into a computer (USB). When small tags are placed on or near the Cloud, the computer detects them and plays digital media you have chosen e.g. a picture or video recording. By sticking the tags on an object of your choice, you can link any object to any media on the computer e.g. a clay model linked to a child talking about it. The software has been designed for children as young as 4 years to author independently.
Andrew Manches (co-director PlingToys) is looking for P1 to P3 teachers to take part in a focus group to create ‘activity suggestions’ for using the Magic Cloud across the curriculum. He can offer £20 per teacher for an hour session, which will be held in an informal venue. In the session, participants will play with the Magic Cloud and Andrew will ask for your ideas on how is might be used to address CfE objectives. Whilst the tool emphasises creativity, feedback from teachers has been for specific curriculum activity suggestions.
If you are interested please email andrew@plingtoys.com. He will then email you with a list of possible times (evenings) for the focus group. As well as the £20, he hopes this offers an interesting opportunity to play with a new form of digital technology (Near Field Communication / RFID).
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Mar 112013
‘Banner’ is a popular piece of software that can be found in the Applications folder on Windows XP computers in primary schools. All new computers are now operating on Windows 7 and the ‘Banner’ software is not compatible. There is no money available to buy purpose specific software but there is a solution to this…at no extra cost.
You can use Microsoft Publisher 2010 to design and print out a banner. Full instructions can be found here