What is the biggest obstacle to developing ICT capability in Y7?

I have been having a discussion with several schools in recent weeks about where pupils ought to be when they arrive in KS3 and where they actually are. The aim of this post is to ask you for your thoughts and suggestions that I can take away and work together with other LA colleagues on cross phase planning in ICT and looking at transition (or transfer in DfES terminology) from Y6 to Y7.

Two of the most common issues are always

1) Pupil skills using secondary software (usually MS Office, but not always)

2) Inconsistent experience with ICT at KS2

What in your experience have been the greatest barriers to moving pupils on in Y7 this term? Would it be beneficial to your department if we could resurrect transition as an issue to explore within my support with your schools?

 I look forward to your comments.

How to use MS Photostory 3

Some basic tutorials for the brilliant Photostory 3.  I find that most pupils need no help at all with this, but here are some links just in case.

http://www.windowsphotostory.com/

http://www.windowsmoviemakers.net/PhotoStory3/

http://www.peachpit.com/articles/article.asp?p=363891&seqNum=3&rl=1

How to use conditional formatting in MS Excel

The links below provide some guidance on conditional formatting.  Some are ok to use with pupils, but some are a little involved.

http://www.digitalsurvivors.com/archives/000351.php

http://j-walk.com/ss/excel/usertips/tip006.htm

http://www.contextures.com/xlCondFormat02.html

http://www.functionx.com/excel/Lesson07.htm

http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,105312-page,1/article.html

How to use onscreen test WP, spreadsheet, database, presentation

RM/QCA materials part 3 shows how to navigate around the word processing, spreadsheet, database and presenation applications for the onscreen test.

How to use onscreen test email, web browser and file manager

RM/QCA materials part 2 show how to use email, web browser and file manager.

How to navigate around the onscreen test screen

RM/QCA materials part 1 provide a visual guide to the onscreen test interface.

How to embed video into MS Powerpoint

This site provides a useful guide on how to embed multimedia files into MS PowerPoint.

Keep them working until the end of term!

With Xmas on the way there is an expectation from pupils that may not be shared by all staff that maybe there will be some ‘fun’ lessons towards the end of term; more fun than usual I should add

Below are some links to some festive sites that I have taken from the TES ICT forum and selected what I feel may be the most appropriate ones for us.

Loads of links at http://www.supporting-ict.co.uk/weblinks/christmas.htm

Simple control: http://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/christmas/snow%20controller.html

Dazzle xmas stamps: http://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/ict/dazzle/design1.htm

Northumberland grid for learning xmas activities : http://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/christmas/default.htm

Animated gifs: http://rats2u.com/christmas/christmas_animation.htm

Christmas comprehensions: http://www.rhlschool.com/christmas.htm

Printables: http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/xmas/print.html

Try some of the Upper Primary links, especially the Xmas Treasure Hunt, at http://www.mcdowallss.eq.edu.au/Zones/student/events/xmas/christmas.htm

Not necessarily Xmas based, but worth a look

http://disney.go.com/hotshot/hsb.html

http://www.sodaplay.com/

Then of course there’s the Flowol Xmas mimic

http://www.flowol.com/SantaMimic.htm
 
 

Improve your blog with a slideshow

I don’t know how many of you out there have created your own blogs or wikis. If you have you may wish to add an existing slideshow to one of your pages.

SlideShare in a tool that allows you to embed your PowerPoint presentations into your blog posts.The process is pretty simple…..first sign up for a SlideShare account, and then upload your presentation to SlideShare. 

Once you have it uploaded, you need to copy and paste the HTML code that Slideshare will generate for you and you paste that into your blog post editor.

Exam officer training

I had a meeting this morning with Peter Forrow who is the Field Support Officer for the onscreen test for our area. He told me that the majority of exam officers of Derby City schools had been to one of his training sessions on how their role is essential to make sure that the 2007 test is administered smoothly and how they can support Heads of ICT. He felt that it would also be useful to share some of the FAQ he meets on his travels.  Read on…..

 

Q. How is additional time for pupils applied for and allowed? How does this work?

A. At present this is at the discretion of the school. Increments of 5 minutes, 10 minutes etc are easily entered via the pupil manager software. The test software then automatically allows the extra time.

Q. Can the ICT teachers act as test administrators?

A. Teachers can not be expected to undertake this role as it does not require the specific professional skills of an ICT teacher. Teachers that wish to carry out this role however can’t be prevented. A technician will clearly have any skills necessary. It is important however to ensure that someone who knows the pupils is present to ensure that passwords are handed out to the right pupils.

Q. Can older students (eg year 13) be used to act as test administrators?

A. ??? We would discourage anyone under the age of 18 from doing this and also would discourage anyone “close to” the pupils in the test. ???

Q. Can year 8 pupils take the pilot in 2007 and then take the statutory test in 2008 when they’re in year 9.

A. No. The test is for pupils at the end of the key stage. Pupils completing the test are then deemed to have moved on to key stage 4. Pupils (and teachers and others) can take a practice test at any time.

Q. How are Initial Level Assessments (ILAs), teaching sets etc. entered? Can this be streamlined?

A. Once the pupil data has been entered (eg by uploading a file from the school’s PLASC return) then the ILAs etc. can be entered. If the subject leader has created an spreadsheet with this data in a form that uses UPNs then this can be imported directly. The Pupil and Test management guide has further details.

Q. In a number of instances with the 2006 pilot more pupils sat the test than received results? Is this being addressed?

A. In 2006 there were a number of instances where pupils did not receive results. In many cases this was because the tests did not complete in schools or the results did not get uploaded. The reasons ar partly technical and partlt administrative and all are being addressed and rectified. The essential Guide and the software documentation will address administrative issues and there will be upgraded software available from November.

Q. Will the 2007 test be available for use (eg by year 8s) after the pilot test window closes?

A. No. Schools can continue to use the practice test, to be distributed shortly, before during or after the test window and are encouraged to do so.

 

Q. Must school have at least 20 workstations to pass accreditation?

A. Smaller schools may have less that 20 workstations and this may be fine. They need to contact the RM Customer Services Team on 0870 870 1025, option 1.

Q. Can middle schools who do not intend for their pupils to take the test provide familiarisation and practice tests to their pupils?

A. Yes, although we are not “chasing them”.

 

Q. Why is there no audio capability in the test, to read out tasks – particularly for SEN candidates? Will this come in the real test?

A. go to http://www.rm.com/qca/HelpArticle.asp?cref=hda647161 for details on SEN support including Microsoft Windows XP accessibility options.

Q. How do I get a formative report from a practice test?

A. This is not best dealt with by a simple FAQ. Formative reports are available after both of the 2 practice test sessions are completed. Pupils need to be identified for the reports to be available at the APS. For anonymous pupils the report is available at the DPS only. Full details on accessing these reports are in chapter 8 of the Pupil and Test Management guide.