Week 5 etwinning MOOC

   

   

Week 4 etwinning mooc

Using canva I have created the plan of the technology I would use in the project.

I have chosen padlet, snap guide, storyboardthat and scratch.

I would like to try to make the children more collaboratively so would like to explore which web tools enable the pupils to work collaboratively.

Here is an example of the beginning of a story board.  https://www.storyboardthat.com/storyboards/kkeaveny/a-mixed-up-fairy-tale

A mixed up fairy tale Storyboard by kkeaveny

A mixed up fairy tale Storyboard by kkeaveny

Week 3 evaluating other projects #twinmooc

Project evaluation rubric

This rubric is really useful when planning an eTwinning project.  Using it to evaluate other teachers draft projects also made me reflect upon the quality of my own projects and what I could do to improve them.  I am always keen to learn and develop.  I also want to make sure that the etwinning projects my pupils take part in ensure good progression in learning linked to our national curricukum.  This can sometimes be the challenge.  I do think that making the links to clear learning outcomes is crucial.

Week 3 eTwinning MOOC

Task for Week 3

The task for week 3 is to plan a collaborative quality project.   This is a great opportunity to really begin to think about a project for next academic year.  I am keen to plan a project that enables even the youngest pupils to collaborate with one another.  I have found that whatever age the pupils are, it can be challenging to create a fully collaborative project.  

One tool I have used in eTwinning project is Padlet.  It is a good way for pupils to be able to quickly respond to one another and have a shared space.  I would like to develop the use of it further, using it to encourage collaboration between pupils using padlet.

Another tool that is really useful in a project is Google forms.  I have used these to create questions that the children can answer.  We can then compare the results and look at similarities and differences.  With older children I have got the children to create their own forms.  This could be a follow up activity to information provided by the pupils.

Here are some of the responses to some questions that children in the UK and Italy answered in the project 'We are what we eat?'
 

In a recent project we have used story jumper to create a recipe book of the recipes the children have made in the project.  This is a really nice resource to share with parents as well as having a nice end of project piece of work.

Read this free book made on StoryJumper

Coding in Key Stage One

I know this app has been available for a while but I haven't really spent much time thinking about how to use it until recently.  Whilst completing the European Schoolnet course: Game in the classroom I wrote a brief lesson plan for the first lesson I would do with my class using Scratch jr.

lesson plan  The lesson plan was created in learning designer, which is a really interesting way to plan lessons that you can then share with others.

I am looking forward to working with my class next week to see how quickly they develop their understanding of Scratch jr.

Projects #twinmooc

What needs or areas of improvement and learning have I detected in my teaching? 

The best place to find inspiration is through eTwinning.  I don't just mean other projects but also the professional development available and the contacts you make.
I also look to the European Schoolnet website.europeanschoolnetacademy
There are a number of courses that you can sign up to but also past courses for you to view.
I have just completed the games in school 3rd round course, which was a great way to find out some new ideas for using games in the classroom. 

What projects have I found that might help me?

One place to start is with the Project kits these can provide the basis for a project that can be worked through.  I especially like the
The next place to look is within the forum on etwinning and also within the project gallery where you can view other people's projects.

I have been fortunate enough to be involved in some very successful projects two of which have been awarded quality labels recently.
We are what we eat. and A trip to London

I am really keen next year to develop a project for younger children involving an exchange of bears, I have done this in the past and it has been very successful.