Issues+Discussion

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 *  How can we make sure that ICT is encouraging higher order thinking rather than just being 'busy work'   ||
 * * Have a definite purpose in mind for using ICT
 * Integrate with other subjects
 * tell children what the outcome will be of the session and get them to figure out which tool to use to get there.
 * Include activities that encourage processing skills, problem solving, questioning, creativity.
 * As a school plan different skills for each year group.
 * Model the task.
 * Plan for some time to do the "how to" so they can spend the bulk of the time on the activity rather than being lost and unsure.
 * Use tasks that align with thinking tools such as Habits of the Mind or Thinkers Keys
 * Have clear learning intentions for the task. ||
 * Just in time versus just in case - how much time should be spent on skills? Can this always be done in context? How can you plan for ICT to address this?
 * * Enough skill base so that they can use the skills in a practical scenario
 * Can't always do this in context
 * Needs to be taught just before it is needed for an authentic activity or it is forgotten.
 * If they are in context, they become more concrete for the children. They can see 'why' they need to know it.
 * Things like keyboarding can be taught 'just in case' as it is a skill needed across a wide range of ICT applications.
 * Some skills have a logical sequence and may need to be taught first so that you can continue building on skill base. ||
 *  Managing computers - in the classroom with one or a few computers.
 * * Timetable - individual/ pairs
 * Use learning logs and cycle through children so all have a turn.
 * Use it for publishing work.
 * Use a data projector for presenting and to model.
 * In an ideal world, every student would have one each!!!
 * Have children own their own flash drives to move files. ||
 * Managing a pod/suite ||
 * * Have one group in the class using the pod while other children do other activities.
 * Have children paired/ grouped within class using pod as a whole class
 * Make sure that classes have shared areas to save work to and that these are set up well beforehand and all children know how to get to these.
 * Check beforehand that the equipment is all there (cables etc) and available to use (eg charged!) ||