CDP
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is said to' improve teacher motivation and morale; can have a positive impact on teachers' attitudes, knowledge and skills; can lead to successful changes in teachers' practice, to school improvement; can improve pupils' learning and achievement'.
(Johnson and Maclean, 2008)
In a world where technology is always changing, it is very important for teachers to keep up with it so that they can give the best teaching possible within ICT. Training often comes in the form of short training courses, often on an inset day or after school. these are designed to be short spats of information in in topics such as E-safety and specific computer programs. It is important for the person who is organising the training, often the ICT subject leader, to communicate with the other staff members so that the training can be more beneficial towards what they are doing within the classroom.
(Johnson and Maclean, 2008)
In a world where technology is always changing, it is very important for teachers to keep up with it so that they can give the best teaching possible within ICT. Training often comes in the form of short training courses, often on an inset day or after school. these are designed to be short spats of information in in topics such as E-safety and specific computer programs. It is important for the person who is organising the training, often the ICT subject leader, to communicate with the other staff members so that the training can be more beneficial towards what they are doing within the classroom.
E-Safety
The Internet has become part of our everyday lives and is now easier to access then ever before.
Use of the Internet can also have risks. Young people are more at risk of exposure to inappropriate or criminal behaviour if they are unaware of the dangers.
These dangers include:
- viewing unsuitable content e.g. hate material, adult content, sites that endorse unhealthy behaviour
- giving out personal information
- arranging to meet an online 'friend'
- becoming involved in, or the victim of, bullying, identity theft, or making and sending indecent or illegal images
- spending too much time online (internet addiction), which can effect concentration, sleep and health
- copying information from the Internet or buying work from other people to use as their own.
Click on the links below to view the nationally acclaimed website for support - 'ThinkUKnow'
ThinkUKnow website for children
ThinkUKnow website for parents/carers
You might also be interestd in the information contained in the attached website'Children, ICT and e-safety which was created to support Kent schools and these other useful websites:
http://www.o2.co.uk/parents from o2.
http://old.kidsmart.org.uk/
http://www.chatdanger.com/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/topics/stay-safe
Scratch
What is Scratch?
Scratch is a downloadable program for PC or Mac, that makes it easy to program your
own interactive stories, games and animations, through colourful drag-and-drop blocks. It comes
with some background images, characters and sounds ready to use, but you can also add your
own images and sounds, making it even more fun.
http://scratch.mit.edu/
Scratch is a downloadable program for PC or Mac, that makes it easy to program your
own interactive stories, games and animations, through colourful drag-and-drop blocks. It comes
with some background images, characters and sounds ready to use, but you can also add your
own images and sounds, making it even more fun.
http://scratch.mit.edu/
Beebots
Beebots are a starting point for scratch. They are used to prepare children to start coding on the computer. They are especially good because they are a physical object that children can touch and feel.
Simple instructions
1. The beebot has buttons on the top that show the direction it goes in.
2.The forwards and backwards buttons move the beebot and the left and right turn it. After putting in the code, press go for the beebot to move.
3. Let the children experiment with the beebot. I often find that a nice way of letting them experiment is to print off different maps for the beebots to follow, such as the one below.
4. For the more advanced children you can give them specific instructions.
The Pirates know that X marks the spot where the treasure is!
Starting at your boat, can you direct the BeeBot to the Mermaid to ask her for help? Then direct the BeeBot to get the treasure before the Pirates get to it?
Remember not to go over:
- the Pirates
- the Pirate ship
- the shark
- the lighthouse
The boat can safely go over anything else in the sea.
When you finish draw your route on the map with a coloured pencil.
Is there more than one route the BeeBot could go?
5. There are printable maps that can be used. These are good for children to work out specific patterns.
The Pirates know that X marks the spot where the treasure is!
Starting at your boat, can you direct the BeeBot to the Mermaid to ask her for help? Then direct the BeeBot to get the treasure before the Pirates get to it?
Remember not to go over:
- the Pirates
- the Pirate ship
- the shark
- the lighthouse
The boat can safely go over anything else in the sea.
When you finish draw your route on the map with a coloured pencil.
Is there more than one route the BeeBot could go?
5. There are printable maps that can be used. These are good for children to work out specific patterns.
6. There are different maps that can be used. These can link in with other subjects such as geography and literacy.
7. There is also a beebot app on the ipad which children can use. This is also very handy if there is not enough beebots or space for all the children to be able to use.
8. Just to inspire you