Tuesday, 18 March 2014

Session 3: Multimedia in the Classroom



Hi again.
Today’s session focused on the use of multimedia in the classroom and its professional use. Multimedia is a range or a combination of ICT that can be represented through such media as audio, video, text or animation. We started off with using a Microsoft programme called PowerPoint. I am familiar with PowerPoint (unlike blogging) as I have used it on numerous occasions but there were some features to it that I was not aware of nor had I used before. For instance, adding animations, transitions and how to add buttons were all new to me .This was all very useful to know as it makes a presentation all the more interesting. I was able to explore the tools in order to make a presentation ‘all about me’. This was fun to do as each slide revealed a little bit more about who I am.



The use of PowerPoint in schools can be of great benefit, not only for the teacher but for the children too. If the class are doing group projects pupils can use text, art, animation, audio and video elements enabling the children to construct creative presentations whilst developing their ICT skills at the same time. 

Explore the links below to see what children can create with PowerPoint:
http://www.caerphilly.org.uk/projects/ict/GPP/Activities/KS1/GiantsShow.htm
  



Advantages for using PowerPoint

  • Engages multiple learning styles
  • Increases interaction
  • Increases visual impact
  • Can improve the focus of the audience
  • Easy to use
  • Illustrates effective visuals and images
However, not everyone agrees that it is an effective tool. PowerPoint is not for everyone, take a look at this article on the love and hate relationship for powerpoint:

 I feel that PowerPoint is more suitable for the older children. Even though it is easy to use it can become too technical for the younger children due to the numerous amounts of tools and features it has to offer. Yet there is other multimedia software available that the younger children can explore such as Active Studio, Photostory, Storymaker and Clicker 6.

Clicker 6 is multimedia software that I was able to explore in this session too. Clicker 6 is a literacy tool that supports and enhances the learning of children of all ages and abilities. This software consists of a primary talking word processor, built in painting tools, integrated word predictor as well as half screen grids and full screen activities.

After becoming familiar with Clicker 6 I was able to make a story book which was fun to do as you could add images and the talking word processor was quite amusing. I felt that Clicker 6 would work well with children of all ages but would work particularly well with the younger ones. Children could make books or diaries using this software which is almost a starting point for children to do a presentation. This creative and engaging software is of benefit to children with SEN, EAL or disabilities too because activities are broken down into small steps, it is multisensory and can develop speaking and listening skills and language structure.

According to crick software it is ‘an award winning reading and writing software for learners of all ages and abilities’. (Cricksoft, 2013)

‘Clicker 6 gives pupils of all abilities the tools they need to independently translate their thoughts into coherent writing’.

Check out how to use clicker in the classroom:
Clicker 6; The Clicker Project:
For additional help on how to get the most out of using PowerPoint visit:


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