During last weeks ICT input, we were given a number of presentations from visitors from Fife Education. They were based on using Moving Image Education and game based learning in the primary school. We were given the opportunity to learn how to use the different digital media, why it is useful in schools and we also got to experiment and experience using the different software programmes. Programmes I found most useful and beneficial included: Comic Life, Pivot animation and the music software, Sequal.
Comic Life
Comic life is a programme which gives children the opportunity to design and produce their own comic strip!
The educational purposes of comic life are mainly linked with language within in the curriculum. ‘The comics provide narrative experiences for students’ (Plasq, 2012, no page given). They develop understanding in relation to story writing. The pupils have to follow the order of beginning, middle and end as well as think about plot, characters, time and setting. The pupils can also add images which help support the text and give the children contextual clues to word meaning (Plasq, 2012).
In my opinion, the software links with the principles of curriculum for excellence. It gives children personalisation and choice to design what they like and determine the outcome of their comic strip story. Comic Life is also relevant within language and can be linked with any context in the classroom. Comic Life encourages children to be imaginative as well as meeting the principle of challenge and enjoyment as the children are ‘active in their learning and have the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity’ (Scottish Government, 2009, no page given).
In my opinion, the software links with the principles of curriculum for excellence. It gives children personalisation and choice to design what they like and determine the outcome of their comic strip story. Comic Life is also relevant within language and can be linked with any context in the classroom. Comic Life encourages children to be imaginative as well as meeting the principle of challenge and enjoyment as the children are ‘active in their learning and have the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity’ (Scottish Government, 2009, no page given).
Introduction to Comic Life Video tutorial
Pivot Animator
Pivot Animator is an interesting piece of software which is free and easy to download. The programme allows you to create stick figure animations which you can control. It involves moving the stick figure, enabling a chain of animation frames which can be watched back as you go along.
In relation to education, pivot animator can be used in the classroom for a number of purposes. I think they would be benificial in ICT, however the software is also linked with other curricular areas such as language, teachnology or topic work. Some activities include: telling a story, exploring the technology of the programme (using size, speed, movement), or even using the animator to advertise something relevant to current class work.
Sequel
Sequel software is associated with music. It is used to make up your own music using a variety of instruments and sounds. In the 21st century, Sequel is the new, unique programme which includes the technology to make teaching and learning music more efficient and enjoyable.
I think Sequel would be an excellent and engaging as a tool for learning in the primary school. The children can be as creative as they like with the choice of different sounds, instruments and the speed their music will play. In my opinion, Sequel is useful for children to develop their skills in music. They have the opportunity to hear how different instruments sounds, how to compose music, learn about different pitches and tempos as well as have the freedom to experiment and engage with different musical sounds. The children can create music for a number of purposes including creating different moods through sounds using a class novel, using music to represent class topics or even just enjoying hearing different sounds and instruments.
The software links with the principles of expressive arts within the curriculum. It provides the opportunity for creativity through expressive performance and presentation, working individually or in collaboration with a group, discovering appropriate, effective use of technology and also having the opportunity to analyse, explore and reflect on music creations (Scottish Government, 2009).
Over the course of the afternoon, I was enlightened with so many different ideas and opportunities of using different software and programmes as a means of learning. I am excited to try out some of the software in the primary school envoronment and also refer others to try out the ICT programmes.
References
Graham, F (2010) Digital Literacy and ICT. [Available online at]: httpv://www.fife-education.org.uk/Dig_Lit/index.htm [Accessed on 05/02/2012].
Plasq (2012) Comic Life. [Available online at]: http://plasq.com/products/comiclife/win [Accessed on 06/02/2012].
Scottish Government (2009a) Curriculum for Excellence: The Purpose of the Curriculum- The Four Capacities. [Available online at]:http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/understandingthecurriculum/whatiscurriculumforexcellence/thepurposeofthecurriculum/index.asp [Accessed on 06/02/12]
Scottish Government (2009b) Curriculum for Excellence: Expressive Arts – Principles and Practice. [Available online at]: http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/Images/expressive_arts_principles_practice_tcm4-540037.pdf [Accessed on 06/02/12
I really enjoyed reading this post. It is very informative and you obviously took a lot from this session. Each of the software you have described in detail how it is used and what you could use it for referring to curricular areas. Which primary stage do you think these programmes would be most suitable for? Are these programmes adaptable to provide more of a challenge for those who need it? Do you think this kind of flexibility within software is important? If so why?
ReplyDeleteAn excellent post that provides the reader with a clear understanding of what the software can do and how it can be used. iClare's questions are very thought provoking that you might wish to consider thinking about.
ReplyDelete