Student Centred Learning - Minecraft

Putting students at the centre of the learning process and allowing them to learn through areas that they are passionate about is the most important thing.

Listening to the level of talk, discussion, conversation around Minecraft you would be silly not to allow students to explore their learning or have a chance to learn through this media. The skills that they use and explore are amazing from problem solving to collaboration, instinct to imagination.

Teach for tomorrow, learn for today. Lets the kids be the reason we get up and come to school each day.

This is a 45 min collaborative learning time on Minecraft, driven by the students. They are amazing.

 

 

 

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iPad/iPod Help Desk

These are useful hints and tips when using iPads and iPods. 

Notifications  - Swipe finger down from the middle of your screen at the very top (where the clock is) to reveal any notifications i.e. emails, messages or in app notifications. It is a lot easier than having to open multiple apps etc to check. 

Screenshots - You can take a screenshot at anytime using the iPad. You simply just need to press the Home button (The only button on the Front Face) and the Sleep/Power button which is located on the top TOGETHER. The image below shows the 2 buttons. All screen shots are saved straight into your camera roll. Brilliant and easy. 

Keyboards - The keyboard on the iPad is designed for all user types from 1 finger touch typist to thumb typists. Not only does the keyboard spin to fit either landscape or portrait mode but it can be split and undocked to suit your needs and speed. 

There are two ways to change the keyboard display. 1st simply hold down the Keyboard button (shown below) and you can select your option or you can pinch and un-pinch your thumb and first finger over the keyboard to see it split automatically. The Thumb typing mode is brilliant when you are having to hold the iPad and type at the same time. 

When the keyboard has been undocked, you can then hold the Keyboard button and move the keyboard anywhere you like on the screen : )

Writing Websites

These are websites that we use in Room 8. Each site has a different purpose and can be used in so many ways. They are all student tested and approved. Enjoy.


Comix! - http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/Comix/

This is a very simple to use website designed to assist with comic creation. Great for all ability levels and perfect for those that need some motivation or help with writing.

Wordle - http://www.wordle.net

The original word cloud creator. A brilliant website with so many possibilities for writing, language games or activities, spelling etc. The list goes on. This is a must in the classroom. 

Tagxedo - http://www.tagxedo.com

This website takes word cloud creation to the next level. More advanced to use than "Wordle" but the end result is a bit more eye catching. Brilliant as a publishing tool, show piece or just for fun. Students will love it.

Storybird - http://storybird.com

PicLits - http://www.piclits.com/compose_dragdrop.aspx

Literacy Teaching Ideas - http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/english/contents_writingfiction.htm