Think Learning 15
ILT edition
Welcome
Use of screencasting in education
What is it?
Screencasting in simple terms is the recording of the actions on your screen, generally accompanied by an audio narrative. In the past access to software to create screencasts involved paying for software and the time to learn the tools involved. Today this process is much easier. Screencasts can be created on a tablet device as well as on computers.
What can they be used for?
There are many uses of screencasts in education, traditionally these originally started as video demonstrations of software applications. For example, how to create reports in an access database, how to use layers in Photoshop. From there the use of screencasts has expanded to include narrated presentations, web tours and video feedback.
Screencasts can be both cost and time effective. If you have to demonstrate how to use a piece of software or have an important presentation which you want students to be able to review and think deeply on then providing access by way of a screencast could be the most effective way - "make once, play many". Students are able to review your video however many times they need allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the content, it is great for revision and could enable students to progress with practical work independently.
How to screencast.
To begin screencasting you will need access to head phones with a microphone and the software to cast your screen.
Software - we now have as part of our Planet eStream licences access to the eStream encoder app. This will allow you to record your screen and also to do a live stream broadcast. Headphones with mics and webcams are available from IT if needed. Watch out for training on using video to support learning in the staff development programme.
View the short screencast below to see how to download the encoder app from home. If you want this installing on your machine at College please submit a service desk request.
Further information
Using mobile devices in the classroom
iMovie - Pam Small
I used the Ipads with 2 particularly challenging groups during ‘Safer Internet Week.’ The learners used Imovie to create their own videos about cyberbullying. By choosing pictures from internet browsing or by creating their own photos, they created a short movie trailer about either a cyberbullying case or about managing cyberbullying (to support others). The learners seemed to be having lots of fun and they really engaged with the technology, producing some excellent videos. The videos were then used as a topic of conversation for their speaking and listening assessments.
Socrative
A simple, easy to use student response app. Has both student and teacher apps or can be used from any web browser. Create multiple choice, true/false or short answer questions. Use the space race option to have students compete against each other and best of all get live results so you can see which students have answered correctly or not.
Use Socrative as a starter activity to gauge how much your students already know about a topic, as formative assessment mid session or as a plenary to check understanding.
Explain Everything
This is a great app, available on both android and apple devices which essentially gives you an interactive whiteboard in your hand. Use it to create screen cast type presentations.
Explain Everything was one of the tools used to provide video feedback on student essays - the essays were Imported into the app, feedback was recorded whilst also using the annotation tools to highlight the part of the work under discussion, The end result was then exported as a video, uploaded to the media server and the link shared privately with that particular student.
Ipads - fancy a go?
VLE - did you know?
Assignment submission and feedback
Student shared work/resources area
Similar to the assignment dropbox but this is a page where we would set up document, image and links libraries where your learners can share their work (e.g. examples of art work or sharing resources in teaching courses). The difference with this one is that students will see what others are posting in these areas.
Get your students to create revision resources or quizzes and share links to websites they have found particularly useful. This is a great way of building collaboration and gaining a collection of useful resources.
Discussion boards
Did you know that you can have discussion boards on the VLE? If you don't use Facebook groups then a discussion board could be a great way of engaging your students in discussions on topics relating to your area of study or you could use it as a way for them to ask questions on topics which they find difficult. Encourage students to answer each others questions and give peer support.
Again alerts can be set up on these so you will recieve an email when someone posts to the discussion enabling you to keep an eye on when things change. Items posted on the discussion board could then be discussed and further explored within face to face lessons. Discussion boards can be set up at unit level or whole site.
Embedding different types of media
The new VLE essentially provides you with a set of web pages where you can combine resources and media from a variety of places. This enables you to bring all your resources for a unit together. You can embed videos from the mediaserver, Youtube and Vimeo, slideshows and presentations from sites such as Prezi and Slideshare, collaborative spaces such as Padlet walls. You can add further context to these resources by typing explanations into your page.
Learning coach corner
The following information on enrichment opportunities has been submitted by Matt Wigmore.
Keyfund - If a student group would like to organise an educational visit or a trip of their choice they can submit a proposal to the Keyfund. The process is quite simple. The group would need to write a short proposal and then present their idea to a Keyfund representative. The group can get funds for one event up to £250. The Prince's Trust tutors have received funds up to £1,000 over the year. There is an initial payment of £190 for the year. As of yet we have not renewed our membership. If you feel your students might benefit from this opportunity contact Matthew Wigmore - 07969335538.
Go Fencing. This is an initiative that is delivered by Beth Davidson from 'Go Fencing'. Beth works with our student groups to teach them the sport of Fencing. The groups then deliver their new found skills to Primary School Children in the local area. Beth is keen to set up Fencing clubs across the North East. If you feel your students would benefit from this opportunity please contact Matthew Wigmore - 07969335538.