Below is an extract from an exemplar sent to NCCA for inclusion in the new Primary IT Curriculum
School context
Scoil na mBuachaillí is an eleven teacher school with 223 pupils - all boys. We have eight classroom teachers, 3 resource teachers (1 part-time), an administrative principal, 1 shared resource teacher for travellers 1 shared learning support teacher and a part-time language support teacher.
Classes
This exemplar can be used with classes from 3rd - 6th. All classes can be involved to a varying degree.
Children's level of experience with ICTs
We have been involved in a SIP project for the past two years and the boys in the senior classes are highly skilled in the areas of -Word ProcessingMultimedia Authoring using Opus Pro/HyperstudioVideo EditingDigital Camera and Paint Shop Pro
Teacher's level of experience with ICTs
All teachers on staff have some experience with ICT's and each year do
a staff course after school hours.The teachers in the senior classes are
very highly skilled.
ICT Resources
In Ranganna 3 - 6 there are five PCs in each room. In all other classrooms there are two.Digital scanners, CD Writers, Digital Cameras, Digital Video Camera, Data Projector, Opus Pro (software), Hyperstudio (software), MGI Videowave (Software), MSWord (Software), Paint ShopPro (Sofware)
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As Clonakilty is a very scenic, picturesque and historical town the children decided that it would be a good idea to represent the town and its Shopfronts on CD ROM.
Type of Activity
An integrated approach to local history/local geography using Word processing, Multimedia Authoring, Video and stills
Target Areas
Local History and Local Geography/Language - English/Art
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Strands
History: Local Studies/ Continuity and Change over timeGeography: Human Environments/Environmental awareness and careEnglish: Competence and Confidence in using language
Strand Units
History: My Locality through the ages/Shops etc.Geography: People living and working in the local area /Enviromental awarenessEnglish: Writing: developing competence, confidence and the ability to write independently
Teaching Approaches/Methodologies
The methodologies used in the development of the project are as follows:·
Field work - initially - go around the town to view the shops/premises.·
Group discussion - to elicit which premises should be chosen (using Branstorming)·
Planning the project on Blackboard and in copies in order to decide
Layout of CD
Style and look of CD.
How many images and Videos were needed.
Who would do what?·
Draw up a questionnaire - in order to elicit information from Shop owners.· Carry out research - using questionnaires, books, CD ROMs and the internet.· Involve parents and grandparents - in eliciting what information they might have.· Write up information - first draft· Correct and redraft,· Video and video edit.· Take photos and resize.· Review work on an ongoing basis.· Presentation and publication of work.
Learning Objectives
The child will be enabled to
o Work independently and as part of a group.
o Realise and discover the importance of planning and preparation.
o Learn more about the local environment that he lives in and develop and appreciation for same.
o Learn to research using various and different media.
o Learn the importance of drafting and redrafting work that will be eventually published for a wide audience.
IT Resouces needed to carry out the project (Hardware and Software)
HardwareDigital Camera, Digital Video Camera, CD Writer, SoftwareOpus Pro (Multimedia Authoring Software), Paint ShopPro (Software), Videowave (Videoediting Software)
Other Resources
Pen and paper.Colours and paints. Enthusiasm
Context and Classroom Planning
Integration across the curriculum and across the strands - History, Geography and English.The children will be divided up into groups/pairs.The children will have to have learned the programme beforehand - therefore will have completed all 16 lessons in our School Manual (Opus Pro)
Lesson/Project Outline
Before project would begin - skills would have to acquired by the pupils. This is done over a number of months using lesson notes specifically designed by our school.
Other CD ROM examined for ideas - with regard to layout, presentation, content etc.
Choose Topic - e.g Shopfronts of Clonakiltyo Field Trip - brief - to choose which ones will be included.
Brainstorm Class(es) and choose premises.
Design layout of pages.
Design questionnaire.
Perform questionnaire.
Take photos and videos.
Edit photos and videos.
Write content - using word processing package - this could be done on a number of PCs by a large number of children and then inserted later on.
Draft first and then redraft.
Make CD ROM with links etc.
Insert content and pictures and videos.
Design quiz which goes at the end of CD ROM.
Review.
Review.
Publish.
Presentation to the public.
Project Duration :
It would take approx. 1 month - 6 weeks work or more depending on the help the children needed.
Follow Up :
Review CD ROM and get opinions from the public - conduct a critique of
CD.Discuss how the CD ROM could be improved in the light of the comments
received. Publish work for children on CD.
Extension activities:
Devise other topics that could be made in multimedia format in their local area - e.g. Streets of Clonakilty,Historical Sites, Michael Collins (a past pupil of our school).