By Yvonne Lusty

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Using new technologies to enhance children’s learning in Literacy

“If we are to educate children to be fully literate in the twenty-first century as new modes of communication develop, the timeless tools of creativity, imagination and playfulness are more vital than ever” (Rudd & Tyldesley, 2006, p.152).

Why use new technologies in literacy sessions?Enhances learning Is motivationalInspires creativityHooks in children who have additional learning needsEngages children with behavioural issuesPromotes collaborative and independent learningSupports the Every Child Matters Initiative

(Marsh, J. Brooks, G. Hughes, J. Ritchie, L. Roberts, S. &Wright, K., 2005; DCFS, 2009b & Wheeler, S., 2005)

The Unit of Work

This unit of work was based around the rhyming story of ‘Smarty Pants’ , By Joy Cowley.

Sequence of lessonsLesson 1 – Guided reading session Lesson 2 – As a group brainstorm rhyming wordsLesson 3 – Children to write their own version of

‘Smarty Pants’Lesson 4 – Children to read their Smarty Pants rhymes

to rest of groupLesson 5 – Record the original ‘Smarty Pants’ rhyme using

the storyphonesLesson 6 – Listen to recording using the storyphones and

record children’s own versionsLesson 7 – Children to use moviemaker to create short

movie using photographs taken during circus skills workshop

Lesson 8 – Insert Smarty Pants recordings on to movie

National Curriculum Links (KS1)ICT Literacy

1 (a-c) Finding things out 2 (a-d) Developing ideas and

making things happen3 (a&b) Exchanging and

sharing information4 (a-c) Reviewing, modifying

and evaluating work as it progresses

En 1 (Sp 1a-f) To speak clearly, fluently and confidently to different people

En 2 (1a-n) To read with fluency, accuracy, understanding and enjoyment, pupils should be taught a range of strategies to make sense of what they read

En 2 (3a-f) To develop their understanding of fiction, poetry and drama

En 3 (1a-f) Composition

DfEE & QCA, 1999

What are StoryPhones?The traditional listening station in the classroom has evolved! Each headset is an MP3 player and the whole system is wire free!There are 4 main aspects to the StoryPhones System:

StoryPhones MP3 Headsets StoryPhones Remote Console StoryPhones Base Unit StoryPhones Bookshelf Software

StoryPhones has been designed by an Early Years teacher for young children to help them develop their language,

communication, listening and literacy skills.

Click link below to find out more

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDu0IzL-pbE

StoryphonesPros

Wireless (listen anywhere) Download and listen to podcasts Develops speaking and listening skills Record function Inclusive Enables practitioners to use audio ICT

across the curriculum Provides and alternative means of

assessment and tracking Allows children to share their

recordings with parents on learning platforms and by email

Longlife rechargeable batteries – provides 8 hours of continuous play

Simple to use

Cons Very difficult to get a clear recording

of children’s voices Bookshelf not that easy to navigate No instructions in manual or on

website on how to import recordings to learning platform or how to email

Some recordings too big to email

Movie MakerPros Cons

Movie Maker is a free Windows resource

Users have the ability to upload images, moving image, text and sound clips

After capture and download, any clip can be dragged and dropped anywhere on the timeline

There are lots of effects, transitions, titles, and credits available

Can be difficult for young children (KS1) to edit and drag items to correct place on timeline

It can be difficult to align the visual and audio so that it flows systematically

Is prone to freezing and crashing Unable to email large files

Children’s Resource

Photographs - Parental permission has been sought

Bibliography Ameeca Limited (2009) ‘StoryPhones’ http://www.storyphones.co.uk/ (accessed 5/11/2009) Davies, H. & O’Sullivan, O. (2002) ‘Literacy and ICT in the primary classroom: the role of the

teacher’ in: A. Loveless &B. Dore, (ed) ICT in the Primary School Buckingham: OUP DCSF. (2009a)‘Teaching ICT at key stages 1 and 2’

http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/schemes2/it/teaching?view=get (accessed 30/10/2009) DCFS. (2009b) ‘Every Child Matters’ http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/aims/outcomes/

(Accessed 30/10/09) DfEE & QCA. (1999) The National Curriculum London: DfEE & QCA Marsh, J. Brooks, G. Hughes, J. Ritchie, L. Roberts, S. &Wright, K. (2005) Digital beginnings:

Young children’s use of popular culture, media and new technologies, Sheffield: Literacy Research Centre

Rudd, A & Tyldesley, A. (2006) Literacy and ICT in the Primary School London: David Fulton

Wheeler, S. (2005) Transforming Primary ICT Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd You Tube (2009) ‘StoryPhones Video’ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDu0IzL-pbE

(accessed 5/11/2009)