Susan

__Staff Meeting 12 May 2010 - The Big Idea__

 * I was amazed by the concept of 'neuroplasticity', and how much the structure of our brains can change with the use of ICT.**
 * It's great to get a 'vision' and big picture of ICT use and how students need to become unconscious in this use, in the process of learning. It's also important to come right back to the 'where are we right now?' and what is the very next small step. 'The longest journey began with one small step' - some Indian proverb I think!**

__Photography Workshop 18 May 2010__

 * It was great to go onto kidpix and have some 'sandpit' time, as this is the programme I will be using with my class. Good also to practice inserting of photos onto a 'created' page. Really good to have the instructions on the wiki to refer back to!**

__**Staff Meeting - 18 May 2010**__

 If we had all of the ICT tools, the management systems were in place and kids knew how to use them, what would we do?  - there would be children using ICT throughout the day, in all curriculum areas to enhance learning experiences.

 What authentic tasks can you come up with that relate to number 1 in the article?  - to produce maps with keys, symbols, compass point, coordinates - theme

 How would we use ICT in our learning activities?  - learn a waiata by looking online  - video conferencing of experts for theme work  - using images on the projector to assist with writing motivation

 How would we use ICT for complex tasks rather than subject of study?

 __**Staff Meeting - 22 June 2010**__


 * Our workshop with Michael was a great motivator and springboard for our first ICT task. Using the projector the students were taught a few Kidpix skills and were then introduced to the context for learning. We have been focussing on 'mapping' and specifically keys and symbols. The student task was to create an island, and include the symbols shown in the key template. Because there were two students to each computer, every student had the opportunity to begin the task. This they completed on their own at various times in the school day. While their fine motor skills on the track pad were limited, I can see improvement already, and this will continue with continued practice.**




 * One reading group have used Kidpix with a follow up task to a journal article they had read. The article was about mangrove trees and their task was to pull out some facts about the mangrove tree and benefits (white and yellow hat thinking). They also drew a picture to go with their information.**

=**__Staff Meeting - 17 August__**= ====Was using Numbers Up, Maths Invaders, and PM Readers on the old lap top, and found these programmes great for consolidation and maintenance of concepts. I am going to put the maths software on my three apples, and have the PM readers put on my toshiba. My main focus will be on getting the students to use these programmes well on their own and in small groups.====

I want to have 'sand pit' time with the web.2 sites we have been shown and see what would be best to use in my classroom programme. Very helpful workshop
= __Staff Meeting - 14 September__ = =** This term we have been learning about the 'vital organs' as part of our The Body unit. To consolidate their understanding of these concepts, and to share their knowledge, we used Kidpix. Each student drew a body and also drew in the organ they had chosen to study. The new ICT skill was to learn how to put their voice on, to share their information. From the individual slides we put together a group slideshow, so that information could be attained about all the vital organs. ** =

media type="file" key="Vital Organs Slideshow Gp 1.mov"

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