Wondering About ICT.........?!

Sunday, 25 November 2012

The reindeer orchestra.

http://interactiveboardresources.wikispaces.com/Interactive+Christmas+Activities

Here's something that is seasonably supportive. Great on a big board- but ok on a smaller one with good mouse control.... here's a screen shot below and a link above.

It's on line so choose your moments. The idea is to click the reindeer nose of the reindeer that the number above the reindeer says. A nice introduction to the notion of written musical notes that we follow to make a tune....

Lessons we learn

I was reading a blog from "EduTech' which has a post telling about Worst Practice in ICT use in education. It holds warnings for us in Education- those we can all use whether we have started our ICT journey in any meaningful way or if we are only considering it.

Here's the highlights for me - somewhat paraphrased with my own thoughts:

DO NOT- Dump hardware in schools or ece and expect instant miracles. The responsive teacher and a decent planned ece/primary programme surrounding the hardware is vital. so teachers- step up and become familiar so you are knowledgeably part of the planning about how ICT should support the existing curriculum - and be technically able to be a learning partner with children.
DO NOT - take a model of operation from an entirely different culture and transplant it lock stock and barrel. This never works even if we aren't talking about ICT. Take aspects that fit with your centre and develop your own processes.
Do NOT - only think about what you are trying to achieve until after you have rolled out the hardware. This doesn't mean you should not rethink this philosophy later on.

The gaming 'Devils advocate' rides again...

Here's an interesting clip looking at engaging boys in learning and the role gaming might have in the social or cultural context of school as a learning place. I still have conversations with myself on this topic. I am particularly interested in the notion of the gamer culture and the way negative teacher attitudes affects your sense of self and your ideas about the relevance of school to you. I'm still coming down on the side of using their 'culture' and skills as a power for good.......at the moment!

Saturday, 17 November 2012

looking at current work on ipads in ECE...

http://www.educationreview.co.nz/pages/section/article.php?s=ICT+%26+Procurement&idArticle=24665

Here's some ideas from the wider 'powers that be' about using ICT in our programmes... I was particularly interested in the ipad angle after helping Maraeroa Kinderagrten get their ipad out into everyday kindergarten life recently.

Thursday, 15 November 2012

Petone Kindergarten is live and on line.... !

Greetings teams... It was great to hear your perspectives on our hui where lots of teams shared their thoughts, anecdotes or journeys. Here's a link to a Kindergarten blog in our association where the team are exploring the use of a blog to communicate learning programmes and to engage the participants. It's all new and support would be appreciated.....