The Role of Whiteboards in ICT

Interactive Whiteboards: Comments and Review

Workshop #2 - Tuesday 30th October

During today's lesson, we explored the role and purpose of interactive whiteboards in primary schools and how they can be an immense help when teaching. At first, the teacher gave us a short talk on whiteboards and how to find/open the software we use to create them (Smart boards). We had a look at the different things we can do on the smartboards, including searching for and posting pictures associated with many subjects. Then, we watched an interesting video called 'Magic in the Classroom'. The general impression that the video successfully portrayed was that, with the aid of interactive whiteboards, the possibilities are endless, with regards to what can be achieved during a lesson.

Once we had all discussed the importance conveyed from the video, our teacher separated us into small groups to investigate and experience completing different tasks and activities using the Smart board programme. My group explored a device which allowed teachers to cover up and erase particular phrases or answers, and reveal them when required. This allowed students to think about the questions and cooperate with the rest of the class. We then presented how to complete each task to the rest of the class, with each group demonstrating efficiently how each activity works. The groups were organised as follows:

- Group 1: Magic Tunnel
- Group 2: Magnifying Glass
- Group 3: Checker Tool
- Group 4: Click to Reveal
- Group 5: Erase to Reveal
- Group 6: Random Generator
- Group 7: Pull Tabs
- Group 8: Balloon Pop Tool

Today's workshop class allowed me to gain a firm and clear understanding into how Smart boards can be used for all types of subjects across the curriculum. I genuinely believe that I have enhanced my knowledge and confidence with using such creative tools. This is extremely beneficial for me, as the mechanisms of a smart board are very useful as a tool for teaching and educating pupils. This is because it effectively appeals to all types of learners - pupils who benefit from visual, kinesthetic or auditory learning styles. 

My PGCE Primary Experience

The PGCE ICT Module: Reflections and Thoughts

Workshop #1 - Tuesday 23rd October

As the month of October 2012 draws to a close and with winter fast approaching, I have completed my first ICT workshop and feel well-suited to comment and reflect on the little yet significant steps taken on the PGCE Primary programme so far. 

My initial thoughts are that this academic year has the potential to be the toughest I have ever endured. This is due to the demanding and intense nature of the timetable, workload and material. 

Our first ICT workshop related to blogging and how it can be used as an important device in education. We learnt about how schools have developed their technology to enable students to blog about their interests in and out of school, and how they can research and present information using different methods. 

Blogging can be seen as a way of schools keeping up-to-date with the growth and rise of social networking websites in today's world. As a result of the recent advances and successes of sites such as Facebook and Twitter, which specialise in allowing people to connect and share information and photos with others, the amount and popularity of blogging has also increased. Therefore, it is both relevant and pleasing to see schools incorporate this into the ICT curriculum. 

However, like most online phenomenons, blogging has its dangers and it is significantly important that schools are aware of these and protect children from them. Not only can pupils accidently publish confidential information, but they can also connect with strangers. It is critical that schools educate pupils on e-safety and the harm using the internet and blogging can create, such as viruses and fraud, for example. It is therefore, great to see schools doing their best in providing awareness and insight into e-safety and how pupils can prevent the dangers of the internet.

Thank you for reading and I hope you have found this blog useful. I would appreciate any feedback, both positive or negative.