This week’s lecture focuses on the importance of utilizing web tools to increase a student’s technological abilities, as well as to plan and organize learning activities that are suitable. Evidently, it is difficult to find online programs that are effective for all students, however as teachers, we must try to discover programs that promote independent learning and encourage students to expand their web skills.
During my prac, the English department provided us with a website that was called “Spelling Bee.” Teachers were given a login number and were responsible to add their classes to the program. Different classes in the school would compete against each other virtually, establishing virtually connected classrooms. This program was initiated as a way to support the use of the laptops within the classroom. The students really enjoyed the spelling activities that they interacted with online amongst their peers. The program allowed students to spell out words, listen to sentences, fill in the blanks and more. Essentially, the program tests students’ literacy skills and encourages them to compete with other students to increase their literacy ability.
The program was extremely effective and conducive to student learning as they were able to independently plan and organize the activities they would partake in. Essentially, allowing students to control their own literacy levels simply encourages them to be responsible for their own learning and to not be discouraged. I know that some students found different levels more difficult than others and in order to continue with the spelling activities, they would choose an easier level. All in all, this program increases the use of ICT within the classroom while creating an inclusive classroom activity as all students are able to actively participate, regardless of their literacy skills.
I really like what you've shared here Jen. The program or website, 'Spelling Bee', (I'm not sure which it is?) sounds great! I had a year 7 and year 8 class I tested on their spelling once a week whilst on prac. With 30 students in the class this often took up to 30mins. Being able to test students online would be a great way for them to learn their spelling virtually, and an easy way for teachers to monitor results. In one lesson we made spelling find-a-words on the computers and alot of students really enjoyed this. Spelling is one thing that alot of students struggle with and providing an interactive way of learning words is excellent!
ReplyDeleteI also really like the idea that the students could put the words into sentences and fill in the blanks. Hearing of this really makes me want to learn about other programs and websites that could be useful in my KLA specifically. I realise this is hard, as 'Curriculum, Assessment and New Media' is an education subject with students across all KLA's.