Use of Information & Computer Technology

IPads are used numerous times throughout the lessons. The use of iPads is clearly
linked with the TPACK model (Teaching Pedagogy Content Knowledge) (NMC Horizon
Report Preview, 2015). The lessons we create are based on content, while equally
incorporating ICT through appropriate apps, websites or technologies. Further detail
will be mentioned about each particular function/use we have chosen, however
generally the iPad utilises student interest and activity while the teacher is able to
monitor learning and increase motivation in learning.
QR code reader (app): Apart from simply being a new and engaging tool to use that
can easily change the tedious classroom routine, QR codes take the frustration out of
many activities for teachers. Long web addresses that may easily get spelt wrong are
avoided by scanning the code and students are taken straight to the website. Often
when leading students to particular videos, articles or areas of a website the address
may be case sensitive or contain a random mix of numbers and letters. QR codes are a
great tool for teachers of all year levels, they are a big time saver, and particularly
with primary students and those who are easily frustrated. We incorporated QR codes
into our lesson in the form of a scavenger hunt about the famous Australian
bushranger Ned Kelly. This led students to numerous sources with relevant research
information, age appropriate on the famous bushranger. Students are able to easily
move around the room and efficiently research information. This makes the teachers
life a lot easier also as the links (that would have been proofed already for age
appropriate information) are shared directly with the students, avoiding any further
navigating.
Popplet (app): This app that we have incorporated into the QR scavenger hunt is a
tool that can be used by all ages to capture and organise ideas. This tool works well in
addressing different intelligences. Students use Popplet as a mind map as it helps
those who think and learn visually. They are able to capture facts, their own thoughts
and images to create a mind map based on a specific topic, or area of learning. In our
case, the informative links via QR codes held facts about Ned Kelly. We used Popplet to
assist in the students research and note taking skills as they built their mind map with
what they considered important information. These mind maps can be saved as an
image in the camera roll or emailed to the teacher and used as a form of assessment.
Padlet: This tool is effective in collaborating with teachers and students anywhere in
the world. Teachers have a lot of power when it comes to Padlet and what is visible to
students. Restrictions can be placed on language used, links to social media websites
and who has access to each template. Another element of padlet that works well for
teachers is the ability to write information on it before students have access to it. In
the appropriate lesson we chose to easily link students to the class padlet via QR
codes. Here we had pre-written some indications as to what was required on the
padlet. This was done as a form of feedback, self-assessment and a critical reflection
on the ICT used in the lesson.
Kahoot (web access or app): With access on any device that has an Internet
connection, Kahoot is a fun learning game that is easily created to foster social
learning and deepen pedagogical impact. Students can take part in a whole class
game, or create and share their own Kahoot to deepen their understanding of a topic.
Games are created with a series of questions and multiple-choice answers. Kahoot is
best done in a classroom setting, however games can be shared with anyone across
the globe. Players select answers on their own devices while looking up at a shared
screen that displays the questions. While this game is fun and creative, for teachers it
can also be used as a testing tool of student knowledge. Results can be downloaded
for each person who takes part in the test, and an overview given of the right and

wrong answers for each player.

Powtoon: Powtoon is a tool on the Internet allowing anybody to easily create
animated videos and presentations in a funky new way other than power point and
prezi. We incorporated this into our QR based lesson, as some information that we did
want students to know, was imbedded in websites that had either too much
information or they were inappropriate. Therefore we were able to take that
information and put it in an interesting Powtoon clip that students are fascinated by
while still accessing the required information.
Google Docs: Shared via email, Google docs is interactive and collaborative by all
users. Using Google docs in a classroom eliminates the lag time involved in sending
updated documents back and forth making communication a lot easier and time
efficient. Whether this is between students working together on a project together or
between students and teachers it efficiently updates and saves changes instantly.
Specific to teachers wanting to see who has been contributing to the document,
Google docs provides a revision history throughout the entire process. Docs was used
in the first lesson to provide access to a range of information for students this acted
as the major source of information on the topic and a place where students could
teach each other about their expertise in an area.

Britannica: A great information resource for students that is easy to use and
age appropriate. There are three age levels to choose from, Primary, Middle
and Secondary, so is suitable for all ages. Britannica also links up to the
Australian Curriculum making it a great tool for teachers. We used Britannica in
our third lesson to help students research Ned Kelly. The program had sufficient
information and easy navigation making it perfect for what was required of the
lesson.
ReadWriteThink.org Timeline: This timeline creator is very simple to use so
can be used by all ages. We used it in our third lesson to create a timeline of
Ned Kellys life. You can have your timeline organized by time of day, date or
event. Students are able to create a label with short or long descriptive text
and add an image to display sequentially along a line. The program allows
students to simply add, drag and rearrange items when need and when
finished they have the option to save, email or print their timeline.
Spiderscribe: Spiderscribe is a tool on the internet allowing people to
brainstorm visually by creating mind maps. Not only does it allow you to
organize text notes, it can also capture files, images, events and locations.
Spiderscribe was used in our lesson to allow students to collaborate and share
different views of Ned Kelly.
Kidblog: Kidblog is an online blogging site designed for students to use in the
classroom. We thought it was a great resource to use as it allowed students to
work independently on their writing but then share them with others. The best
thing about Kidblog is that it provides the tools to help students publish writing
safely online and exercise digital citizenship. Teachers are able to set up a
secure classroom blogging space which they can monitor.
REFERENCES

NMC Horizon Report Preview K-12 (2015) http://cdn.nmc.org/media/2015-nmc-horizon-report-k12preview.pdf