Presentation 4: Hands On Data

Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet

This week was about hands on data. I learnt that data can be represented in two forms which were: spreadsheets (used to sort, list and represent information) and databases (location where information is stored and retrieved). I have never used Microsoft Excel before so it was good to see how its works and be introduced to certain functions, such as the ‘Autosum’ option, and I found that using spreadsheets are an efficient way to display data because the information can be transferred straight into a graph, which is what we did in the task. The activity involved creating a shopping list on a budget for a class party. We referred to the database provided by the presenters to compile our list using a spreadsheet and then represent it as a graph. This was a good activity because it showed how teachers can get students to learn different skills and produce a  good amount of work from simple and clearly displayed information. The choice of graph was also important because it had to represent the data appropriately.

Like previous groups, the presenters modelled good teaching practice by having a work sample displayed on their website. This helped us during the task to see what they wanted us to do and possible methods of setting it out.

I have found that these presentations over the past few weeks have begun to advance my knowledge of using ICT and broaden my perspective of teaching with it. I am beginning to feel more confident to experiment with different programs/functions that I do not normally use and know that I can create simple activities if resources are not available or appropriate.

Presentation 3: E-Books

My eBook page created using Microsoft PowerPoint

This week was all about e-books! We learnt that they are literature in electronic/digital form. The task we were assigned was to create an e-book page about transport, which would then be collated with the rest of the pages made by the tutorial group (click here to see the example of what we created: eBook Transport Page). The result was a complete book constructed by different people which would be a good activity for students. I was surprised to see that the process of creating this book could be achieved using ‘Power Point’ which shows its versatility. I would definitely like to try this project one day in the classroom as I think it would be a motivating and fun activity and the website created by this group will be a useful teacher resource detailing how to do it.

 

The group also created a reviewed list of links with examples of pre-made e-books to use in the classroom. I think these are a great idea because they allow students to read literature in a new setting and one that may appeal to them more because of the interactive nature involved. They also displayed an example of an e-book they had made which shows that teachers can experiment with making their own ICT resources to suit a particular unit of work.

 

Presentation 2: Going Online

The Week 2 presenters informed the tutorial group about using the internet. The task we were given was to design our own webpage using the information that was provided. Before doing this activity I was unaware of any programs that would allow you to do this, so it was helpful that we were introduced to ‘NVU’ which is a free downloadable website creating software. I found it really easy to use as the options to create the page were displayed clearly and it was similar to creating any other digital document. The group also showed a brief lesson sequence which detailed how we can set up a small unit of work around getting students to create their own website in the classroom.

Another element of the presentation I liked was that the group modelled an example of what they wanted us to do. As a teacher I believe this is a simple yet crucial strategy that should always be adopted because it makes it clear to the students what you want them to achieve as well as setting the standard of work.

Lastly I learnt about child centred search engines, such as Yahooligans,  which are protected search engines that lets students use the internet safely by only allowing appropriate material to be seen. I did not know that these existed and think they will be helpful when the teacher has to moniter children using the computers.