My thoughts on tux paint

I think tux paint is really good to use in school. I found it really easy to get to grips with (easier than textease!!). It would be interesting as a teacher to really think about the cross curricular implications for using this programme, as I feel there are other ways of making use of it rather than just Art. I think the children could make an excellent firework display using this programme or design a t-shirt or to research the styles of different artisits e.g. Picasso!

My pictures of Autumn

Autumn Pattern

Here is my pattern. It's got quite autumnal colours in it however I think its ended up looking a bit like a flag! Never mind. I'm sure children would enjoy this.

Autumn Picture 1

Tux paint is really googd. It has SO many different things that you can experiment with. I think it offers children of all ages the opportunity to release their creative side.

Video - creating a whiteboard lesson

This gave insight of how to use an interactive whiteboard in your lessons. It became apparent to me just how much technology has advanced since I was at primary school. It made me realise that I should practise making use of this opportunity as this is something which could be really beneficial to children in the class (and I think also encompasses the styles of all types of learners e.g. V.A.K). For instance, it can provide links which instantly get children interested, connected and involved in their learning. It enables us to use resources in a much more powerful and detailed way than ever before. It keeps children engaged. As teachers I think it's important to practise and experiment with this technology rather than be afraid of it. This way, we have an opportunity to reach to all of the kids in our class and to do it with confidence and in a way which will hopefully benefit all.

''10 ways to use a digital camera''

This reading lended appreciation to the ways in which digital cameras can be implemented during teaching and provided some fab examples! I particularly liked the idea of creating a 'video booth' as an opportunity for children to record their thoughts and feelings on a particular topic. I also very much like the idea of allocating a 'photographer of the day' role to kids; I think it would be really interesting to see what pictures they could come up with independently, given the chance! An excellent cofidence booster to be given that role too. Plus, I liked the idea of children being able to take 'snapshots' of their day home with them. This is a great way for parents and carers to be kept up-to-date on what their children do day-to-day at school. Why limit it to the classroom? I also see this as a great way for families to get involved at home too. Although you'd need to think of the practical implications of this: e.g. not everybody will have a digital camera. Maybe the school could loan one? Not sure. Using a digital camera can help to children to remember the process of learning... not just the end result, which is why it's important to think about ways they can be used. This is something which can be done right across the curriculum, not just in R.E. E.g. the video booth is something you could do as part of Literacy; getting kids to adopt the personalities of certain characters in books. I think adults get scared at the thought of lending the use of technological equipment to kids through fear that it might get damaged or broken, and this puts them off doing so. Therefore it's really important to give children that opportunity despite what the end result may be. I think they deserve that chance and it would be interesting to see what they came up with... you can only learn from your mistakes afterall!!