ICTs and Pedagogy

I discovered Virtual Tours while on prac in America. It was a great way to show my students some of Australia's sites and they loved being able to work through the images and information at their own pace. Since then I have toured museums and galleries from all over the world without even leaving my desk.

Hi Tamara I looked at the site. Interesting - is it just still images though or are there actual virtual tours? I am keen on using the site but not sure I have the full idea/scope sorted out yet. Thank you http://mrsrobins.edublogs.org/ Jamie

Hi Jamie, Yes for the most part this site comprises of still images and written information...I primarily chose this one to share as it provides a wide range of art galleries. With using gallery tours in my pracs I have found that the still images are easier for students to view, analyse and work through at their own pace than a video feed. There are a few video tours availbale...many can be found on the website for the specific location (I have had more luck finding American and British than Australian tours) but they are definitely worth a look at if you get the chance. http://tammyjoy.edublogs.org Tammy

Comparing Computer based learning needs of Primary and Early Years.

Joanne Dwyer (2004) writes that some schools seem to give its students in the upper primary years priority over students in the early school years resulting in a reduced potential for learning with computer based technologies in the school environment. She expresses the concern that for equitability all students regardless of age or learning needs should be given maximum support and access to computer-based learning environments. This is obviously an issue that needs to be addressed as we intergrate ICT in to the curriculum. Nice read Kate. Thanks.

Unfortunately early years education often takes a back burner to higher levels of primary education across a range of areas and especially with regard to ICT. I am not sure whether it is a lack of understanding of the importance of early childhood education or just battling to get resources. Even with all of the research about the advantages of good quality early childhood education many still see these years as not containing any 'real' learning, just play. If young learners are viewed as 'just playing' then why would people use ICT budgets on them? As early years teachers one of our biggest battles will be to fight for recognition of early childhood education and the resources to support it.

from W.A Department Of Education

As I research reasons for ICT integration in the classroom, I came across this article. ICT is a great use of the multi-sensory approach to learning. Particularly, I can see this in regards to literacy and numeracy. Activating parts of the brain that can help with this engagement is essential for students with Special needs

That is so cool! Imagine how much harder it would have been for teachers ten years ago, they probably wouldn't even have imagined this kind of thing would be possible. It makes you wonder what technology will be like in the next ten years! In the next five years even!! Maybe special education schools and units won't be necessary anymore because technology will enable all students to be integrated!

This is a link to PKM in detail that I found very helpful when creating my concept map for Assignment 1

A great site for Early Childhood interactive games over a wide range of curriculum domains.  Yes it does cost but have a go at the free trial and see what you think.

Links to apps, websites, technologies that can be used in Middle School. 

PLN- thought you could become part of a wider network of teachers and educators

Tecnology doing great things in autism!!

Isn't it incredible what technology is doing for people with autism! Imagine what it would have been like for them 50years ago? 20 years ago? Even ten years ago!!! This knowledge is so crucial as a special needs teacher, there could be nonverbal students in the class who have deeper communication desires and intellectual abilities than we realise! This opens so many doors and opportunities for them, allowing them to participate in class, make learning their own, to engage in conversations and learn in a whole new way!! What a really useful tool that could be so easily incporporated in a classroom. Ipads now have apps that make this kind of technology really really accessible! http://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-apps

Some great activities on this website. I tried the Digital picture book and thought it was great. Check out my blog for the result. http://mrspoulter.edublogs.org

No problems Tamara.

I tried the book too. It was easy and fun. An excellent resource for early childhood and special needs fields. Thanks for sharing.

A great Article about Maryborough State School and the effects of using ICT's in a Special Education Classroom 

Another great resource for students with special needs. Thanks Lauren, this can help with our online artefact in our field.

An interesting and valuable teaching concept - extremely visual and interactive for students.

Danielle, this is fantastic! I want to locate these resources now, especially for students with special needs or literacy/numeracy learning difficulties. Thanks for sharing.

Here is a link that is used extensively at my daughter's school with great success. You can set up a personalised learning journey in many different curriculum strands that the student can follow both in class and at home. It can be enough to last the week for homework, the term or even the whole year. There is a built in reward system too.