smartleydoesIT » Learning Outside the Classroom http://smartleydoesit.co.uk Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:59:27 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 http://smartleydoesit.co.uk http://smartleydoesit.co.uk/files/2007/12/favicon.ico smartleydoesIT RE and Web2.0 http://smartleydoesit.co.uk/blog/2009/06/07/web20-and-re/ http://smartleydoesit.co.uk/blog/2009/06/07/web20-and-re/#comments Sun, 07 Jun 2009 10:37:45 +0000 smartley http://smartleydoesit.co.uk/?p=90 There are some great tools out there for teachers to create challenging RE activities or learners to make responses.

Check out Wordle. This is a useful tool for creating word pictures. Text can be looked at and analysed in new ways. The frequency of words in the text increases the size. Instead of uploading to the public gallery, I take screen shots and then paste into a document. Here is a small screen shot of one “I created earlier”.

A word of caution if you are using with students, Wordle is open to anyone to post anything. However, Jonathan Feinberg, who works for IBM and has created Wordle, has posted some very helpful advice for Making Wordle Safe for Classroom Use.

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Animoto is a great tool for creating audio/visual presentations.

If you want to be able to see a full screen version, then click here.

Prezi is another very useful Web2.0 application for creating dynamic presentations.You can use a variety of media – sound files, animotos, text and make it really dynamic. Here is one on Learning Outside the Classroom in Sacred Space.

I’m forever talking about RE having the HOTS – Higher Order Thinking Skills! These applications would certainly lead to a huge variety of ways in which learners can understand, apply, analyse, evaluate and create. They can also be used for PLTS – personal learning and thinking skills – e.g. independent enquiry, creative learning, reflection, teamwork and effective participation.

BeFunky is a great little program where you can “cartoonise” images. Learners could upload images of themselves and cartoonise them. In this way, they can be one step removed from themselves. Their cartoon selves could be used to create a graphic novel/comic presentation of, for example a visit to a place of worship, with word or thought bubbles added for text of their thoughts, questions or ideas.

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]]> http://smartleydoesit.co.uk/blog/2009/06/07/web20-and-re/feed/ 0 Learning Outside the Classroom http://smartleydoesit.co.uk/blog/2008/10/04/learning-outside-the-classroom/ http://smartleydoesit.co.uk/blog/2008/10/04/learning-outside-the-classroom/#comments Sat, 04 Oct 2008 08:44:36 +0000 smartley http://smartleydoesit.co.uk/?p=39 A new resource has been created to give ideas for providing high quality experiences outside the classroom. This can be found on the Learning Outside the Classroom website.

In addition Sacred Space part of the new REonline website for RE practitioners, provides inspiring ideas for quality RE and spiritual development in sacred space.

There are a series of case studies together with some advice to prevent withdrawal from visits. There is also a booking form to hire banners and order bookmarks to raise the profile of LOtC in sacred space if holding a conference event.

Take a look at the impact LOtC can have on RE and spiritual development by clicking here.

There is additional information about Sacred Space on the official Sacred Space section of the LOtC website.

]]> http://smartleydoesit.co.uk/blog/2008/10/04/learning-outside-the-classroom/feed/ 0 Consultancy and Training http://smartleydoesit.co.uk/training/ http://smartleydoesit.co.uk/training/#comments Mon, 21 May 2007 14:37:38 +0000 admin smartleydoesIT offers a wide range of consultancy, training, and support to individual schools, local authorities and dioceses. Courses include:
  • supporting primary and secondary RE
  • creation of interactive materials for RE and Collective Worship
  • Enhancing RE through ICT and higher order thinking skills
  • RE and assessment
  • RE – using interactive whiteboards to enhance lessons and engage learners
  • skills training in using an interactive whiteboard Promethean or Smartboard
  • Holocaust Education
  • podcasting
  • support for church schools pre and post Section 48 inspection (SIAS)
  • blogging
  • setting up blogs
  • stop frame animation
  • creative presentations with PhotoStory, MovieMaker and Web 2.0 applications
  • support and training for Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) and LOtC Quality Badge
  • website development
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