After three weeks of tutorials in the subject of ICT, there seems to be much to say! Week one was spent learning shortcuts on the Apple Mac’s (not too different from PC at all – just use the apple button instead of control on a PC!). My friends would know that I love the Mac computer, even though I don’t have on of my own. It’s great because at J23 (John XXIII Primary), Macs and MacBooks are everywhere, so I’ve been able to practise and extend my knowledge. Last year when I was on prac at the school, I was privileged enough to meet Marco Torres (who has “been recognised locally and internationally for his accomplishments in the classroom, creative program building”… and is teaching students (amongst other things) “how to use multimedia tools to share their very special stories and ideas in the world,” Click here to learn more).I recommend having a look at his site. It’s got a range of media for you to watch including digital stories. He ran workshops with the year four class I had where they were happily using iMovie, iPhoto and GarageBand, and were enjoying every minute of it. One other detail I should also mention is that Torres is also recognised as an Apple Distinguished Educator due to his innovations in the classroom. The video below is an example of how positively technology can impact on our students. It showcases Torres’ ‘project based learning,’ and is set in a Sydney Catholic school. Have a look and think about how this applies to us as teachers!
It’s great having the built-in camera (iSight?) on all types of Mac; it’s very easy taking photos with all kinds of effects and making a quick movie with music. Speaking of which, I enjoyed using iWeb during the tutorials. Students could easily be given a task in groups where they use iWeb to present the information.
It was also visually stimulating to make various arrangements with lollies during tutorials – and then trying not to eat the whole packet as the hour and a half went by! Digital cameras feature in almost every classroom these days and students are taught to use them as early as Kindergarten. One is only limited to their imagination when it comes to taking photos of objects in the classroom. Below is a photo of my lollies… which are all gone now!
The pink Starburst is my favourite!
Filed under: EDTS100, Using Technology
Kyra, one of the many keys I find very useful is apple shift 4 – that enables you to do a screen shot. Try it – I’m sure you’ll love it!!!!