Film of Tablet Learning
We would like to share some footage of the students using iPads in lessons. We have tried to convey what the application of the devices was in each lesson and to highlight how the students learning was enhanced.
We will add more films through the year so please keep checking back or watch out for updates on Parentmail.
Helping students get to grips with Maths
This video documents Mr Soni working with a student getting to grips with a difficult concept in Maths.
Several months ago this child found multiplication very difficult and would not have been able to attempt long division.
The student regularly uses MathsWatch on the iPad – watching a clip about an aspect of learning, such as long division.
He then works with Mr Soni – the student explains what he learnt from the clip – teaching Mr Soni.
Using Educreations the student records himself solving a problem – teaching Mr Soni.
This video can be retained by the student to go over their understanding at a later date.
Mr Soni reports that the student is really proud of his progress and ability now as a mathematician.
Kinaesthetic Learning in Science
Affording students time for kinaesthetic, or ‘hands on’ learning really helps develop and embed their knowledge and understanding. Here, complementing their plate tectonics textbooks, students are able are able to consolidate their leaning with hands on experience in a simulation of predicting and modelling what happens when they change a variable. Here are two examples of Apps used in Science for this purpose:
Self Directed Learning in Maths
Mrs Hargraves applies self directed learning to a Year 8 Maths lesson.
Holistic approach to developing self directed learning
In response to a parent comment which felt that we were not showing a true cross section of use – that the videos were only showing specific lessons – we decided to, without warning to the teachers, sample use in Science through a 2 hour period.
We feel this shows the typicality of device use. This sampling in Science showed 3 of 5 lessons used devices and the use was not directed by the teacher, instead allowed by the teacher with suggestions of use to facilitate more independent learning. It also importantly shows how teachers are embracing new pedagogy – where they are teaching students how to learn, rather than simply subject matter.
On many occasions the teachers question why students have selected certain information and ask them to check the validity and reliability of this information. Devices are complimentary to this new thinking with regard to teaching – allowing students freedom to access information and resources and find their own pathways through lessons gives teachers the ability and time to teach them various aspects of how to learn, not just what to learn.
Mrs Wolf Spanish Lesson
This video shows a lunchtime Spanish lesson where the students use the devices to record each other and playback to check pronunciation. The students swapped devices to peer assess each other. As you can see it might be useful for students to use headphones in languages!
Dr Timney Science Lesson
A Year 8 science lesson in which students used their devices as personal oscilloscopes. This allowed them to observe the changes in waveform caused by altering the volume or frequency of a tone produced by a signal generator. They could take screenshots of the waves and incorporate them into their presentations later. Prior to having personal tablets the students would have had to peer at a single tiny screen on the one lab oscilloscope to observe such effects. Students worked on their screenshots and annotated them to show their understanding. Presentations were then delivered back to the wider group.
Mrs Kirkby Art Lesson
A self directed learning lesson where students independently work on different tasks. Many use the iPads for different applications to assist them.
Mrs Spencer English Lesson
Students using iPads to independently watch a video and record their observations. Then students then record each other as a component of a Speaking and Listening Controlled Assessment.
Dr Wells Open-ended Task Lesson
This film shows an investigation lesson with a puzzle to solve.
The 2 types of frogs have to swap ends in the smallest number of moves.
The students investigated the puzzle and tried to come up with a strategy for finding the smallest number of moves which they could consistently demonstrate (hence shuffling paper ‘frogs’, or students on chairs, sorry lily pads, or the ipad app (from NRICH) or the animation in www.mymaths.co.uk) They started working in pairs and then part way through were given the option of continuing as a pair or working by themselves.
The extension is then to find an algebraic expression for the smallest number of moves, no matter how many frogs you begin with.
This lesson comprised many components with many types of learning – using the iPads was one small element, but that element added value as the students were able to complete their own modelling and record their own findings. This personalisation and independence often results in greater knowledge retention.
Miss Bigglestone English Lesson
An English lesson where students were tasked with examining a poem creatively and analytically. They were asked to portray the meaning in a media of their own choice. They were given freedom to find and use any Apps they wanted. The video includes interviews with the teacher, some of the students and some of the work created. Miss Bigglestone reported that a significant proportion of the work created was at a higher level than she had previously experienced without the use of the device. Previously this task would have been undertaken on paper.
Mr Brown History lesson
A History lesson where the teacher leads the learning – taking students through the elements of the lesson. The devices are used to control when students are prompted with new tasks and also to provide instant feedback to the teacher.
Mrs Erickson RE lesson
A Religious Education lesson where students used Edmodo to aid self-directed and self-paced learning. A short interview with Mr Erickson regarding the impact of Edmodo use in conjunction with devices in the classroom.
Miss Blake Art lesson
An Art lesson where the students used the devices to research a topic and create a presentation which they shared with the group
Mr Cornick Maths lesson
A Maths lesson where the students could work at their own pace and level