ICT in Schools Bulletin
September 2015
How To Teach Coding!
TechFuture - inspiring a generation of young people
The Tech Partnership is working to inspire young people about technology through a range of programmes and resources designed by schools and industry, ensuring that a new generation of tech stars are equipped with the skills and ambition to drive the future digital economy. Two new resources are set to launch in September 2015:
- TechFuture Careers - the one-stop tech careers portal for 14 to 19 year-olds, which will bring the tech sector to life with interactive content to encourage students to consider a tech career - including video profiles of inspiring tech professionals and clear, up-to date information on the routes into the tech sector.
- Countdown to Chaos - a new cyber security key stage 3 learning resource from TechFuture Classroom, which is funded by the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) and will be available free of charge to schools.
The trouble with Sexting!
A story published recently across the media highlights the growing problem of teenagers engaging in “sexting” and the potential for significant ramifications on their lives and careers. In the present case, a mother of a 14 year old boy has spoken out, with the support of the Criminal Bar Association, after her son (A) was questioned by police in connection with a naked image sent via Snapchat to a girl (B) from his school. As users of Snapchat will be aware, images sent will usually be deleted after 10 seconds of the recipient viewing them. However, in this instance the image was not only saved by B, but also shared with other members of their school.
Michael Wilshaw - ban mobiles!
Google apps in Education
Google Apps for Education is a core suite of productivity applications that Google offers to schools and educational institutions for FREE. These communication and collaboration apps include Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs and Sites, and an education account unlocks access to dozens of other collaborative tools supported by Google. All of these applications exists completely online (or in the cloud), meaning that all creations can be accessed from any device with an Internet connection.
Objectives of the course:
· To give a working knowledge of standard Google apps;
· To explore a range of add-ons for Google apps;
· To explore how Google apps can support collaborative learning in school
Who should attend: KS2 practitioners
This course will also enable you to achieve these Naace CPD Digital Badges:
Wednesday, Sep 30, 2015, 04:00 PM
OpenZone CLC / ICT In Schools, Temple Park Road, South Shields, United Kingdom
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Learning about Autumn
Click here to access the resources
Website: http://www.freetech4teachers.com
15 topics for blogs
Are you a bit stumped for ideas to get your students blogging. Richard Byrne has some great ideas on his blog.
Website: http://www.freetech4teachers.com
NEW! Voice Typing in Google Docs
Booktrack Classroom
What do you think that chapter sounds like?
What if reading and writing could be just as engaging to your students as listening to the latest pop song? Kate Baker, 17 year English teacher at Southern Regional High School in New Jersey, is using tech to get her students thinking more deeply about the words on the page. Students in Mrs. Baker’s classroom use an app called Booktrack Classroom to layer sound effects and background music over a piece of writing. The music and sound teaches students to reflect on their writing styles, analyze author’s purpose and tell their story more creatively.
“Understanding how to make writing flow can be difficult for students as they try to get their thoughts on the page. But when they layer in sounds and music, listening to the flow of their ideas, they start thinking like artists, crafting their writing. Students also have trouble detecting tone in a text, but with Booktrack Classroom, the tone is immediately evident when listening to the sounds/music added to the text. It’s the only tool that I’ve found that helps students connect with author purpose and tone in writing.Website: https://booktrackclassroom.com