Speaking, Listening and Digital Imaging

This week we looked at using ICT for speaking, listening and digital imaging. Like last week this session was very interactive and hands on and we got to explore a lot of the technology that is used in classrooms to enhance children's learning. Webcams, podcasts, digital video and images and transportable sound recording devices all provide greater opportunities for talking. They also allow for instant feedback, reflection and interactivity. Below are some of the devices we looked at.

Talking Postcards

These are recording, talking postcards which are great resources for all children, especially SEN. The Postcards can come in various sizes and offer different recording times. They can stick to the wall so are good for displays, children can record themselves talking about their work.

Talking Tins 

This is a really good device that helps children with their speaking and listening skills. Like the Postcards they allow you to record and playback your own voice messages or sound effects. This video explains many of the uses for Talking Tins. They are incredibly versatile and can also be used for storytelling, treasure hunts, in displays, for relaying instructions and are particularly good for SEN children as it allows them to record what they want to write.

Podcasting

A podcast is an online broadcast a bit like a radio station, except a podcast is recorded and then uploaded to the internet. Podcasts are very inclusive and give children a voice and an audience. The link below shows The Downs Primary School, which is a great example of children using podcasts, digital imagery and blogs.

http://www.downs.kent.sch.uk/page/?title=Home&pid=1

There are a number of issues that need to be considered and discussed before children begin to make podcasts, such as:

• What audience are they targeting?
• What language is appropriate to the audience?
• Who has responsibility for the material broadcast?
• What quality control is there?
• E-safety: protecting the child's identity and the importance of not revealing personal information.

Digital Imaging

Digital cameras are an invaluable resource in any classroom, they are simple to use and provide a vast number of uses in the educational setting to benefit both the teacher and the children. Here are 1001 uses for a digital camera that can be used in the classroom. Taking photos is a great way for children to tell a story using their own pictures. In todays lesson we got to do just that, in groups we took some photos and imported them to Photo Story. Photo story is a fun program that helps bring still images to life. You can add text and customise each picture as well as adding music or recording someone telling the story.

Digital Video

We also looked at the possibilities of using digital video in the classroom, in particular stop-motion animation. We used a Digital Blue camera which is great for taking still photos, taking video clips and creating animations. We used plasticine to make models and took frame shots to make a stop-motion animation.  Morph and Wallace and Gromit are great examples of stop-motion animation, and by getting children to make their own animations really helps them to understand how they make the digital media they love to watch.