Big Wheel Flow

Found this task a bit confusing to start with but soon got the hang of it. It would be a great way to introduce children to computer programming and the way that computers work.

Animation update

Up to nearly 2000 views now. There are some interesting extras that can be viewed on a youtube video such as links made to particular videos, demographics, and the popularity of it.

Geo-technology

What an interesting way of giving children responsilbility on field trips. The ways of using some of the mapping sites are great, children creating their own, detailed descriptions and tours of places that are in or around the school. I wish i had used it on my last teaching practice for a Science lesson on materials. These technologies can be used in so many different lessons bringing focus and motivation, if a pupil can put this sort input into their work then a high level of ownership will be maintained.

Music task

I agree that ICT can be a good way of recording, presenting and making music but think that you have to carefully balance the ICT side of it and the practical, instrument part of music. It appears that it could become a 'lazy' way of teaching music if used too much. On the other hand it is great fun and very engaging. A tip for the future that I gained for the task is that a specific objective is needed to get the most from people, I feel that giving us the title 'radio music' was far to vague and I feel that something more specific would motivate and insipire to a higher degree.

Whoop whoop

Finding the animation task very interesting/obsessive, what a fun way to work. I feel that it would be great if used to concrete childrens learning of specific areas and another way to assess the childrens knowledge and understanding. It has given me a huge sense of ownership over the work and, therefore, would probably do the same for pupils studying it.
Why leave a written story as it is when a child can bring it to life!

Animation is now live!

Check out our finished animation, please comment!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRk_N3ii1D0

31 views so far

up to 146 now, whoop whoop

338 and counting

Please watch

Please watch this most amazing street art animation. Skill and dedication.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=uuGaqLT-gO4

Inspirational, can't wait to start our project now!

An animated discussion! (not funny but the best I could do)

So, ......................... animation ......................... it seems like an interesting way of both presenting work as a method of assessment and also a great way to motivate and enthuse children. Who wouldn't love to turn what they have learnt into a cartoon? At the moment I can't really think of any negative effects it may have on the pupils as it would obviously not be the only way of working.
The lecture presented some interesting methods and ideas of using animation in the classroom, and it appears to be an excellent way of mixing subjects, especially if different mediums are used in the animation process.
Here are two animations I love. One is basic but funny, the other is by the director Chris Cunningham who makes the most incredible music and art films.

Eddie Izzard doe Star Wars; http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Sv5iEK-IEzw

Chris Cunninham advert for the PSP (music by Coldcut); http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=lx5F8q-F3Yo

Some interesting Japanese light stop/go animation using long exposures; http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=2zp-65Lwmh8&feature=related

Any feedback most welcome.

The age of the dinosaurs.

I have been thinking about the effect of older teachers on childrens ICT experience. Does an old fashioned style of teaching made any difference? I have observed some teachers in the past where ICT is seen as a separate subject completely and focussed on very specific aspects of computer skills such as typing. I feel that in order to give children an effective, positive and realistic approach to ICT it must be intergrated into everyday school life and not shoved into a 45 minute slot at the end of a day.
Any views?

Are we too negative about ICT?

It seems that people find it very easy to criticise the various ways that school use ICT and the arguments are often confused and hypocritical. Are people scared of ICT (I know I am) and show their fear by insisting that the current ICT agendas are 'all wrong','too focussed on computer skills' and questions such as 'what about those jobs involving physical skills such as building?'.
What do you think?

Session 1

Feeling quite positive about this task, this a new, bold step into a technological world for me. This session was based on the introduction of Web 2.0 technology into schools as a way to bond school and home life, and introduce new and exciting ways to educate the masses.