Tips and Tricks
Have you ever had a 'wow!' moment – when you realise that technologies you use every day can be used in new and exciting ways to simplify tasks or to enrich teaching? We come across many wonderful and easy practices which have been discovered and developed by teachers up and down the country. The best will be featured here and we hope they work for you too!
We want to build and grow our archive of Tips and Tricks and will offer software and prizes for the best practices submitted each month. Submit your best tips and tricks to the Innovative Teachers Network
1. Make Better Use of Video ResourcesSchools with a valuable library of VHS recordings may like to think about converting some of the footage to digital format. This offers the flexibility for teachers of taking clips out of videos to incorporate in their own resources, view on an interactive whiteboard or create a library of DVDs.
2. Improve Children’s HandwritingChildren with poor handwriting may benefit from using Tablet PCs. The letter recognition software will recognise different styles of writing and providing the letter formation is reasonably good it will convert the writing to text and present the correct word. This can be very rewarding for children as they make every effort to improve their letter formation so the computer can read it. The conversion of their writing to text also makes for easier reading, enabling children to read each others' work. Children generally enjoy using the resource and try really hard with their letter formation to deliver their best handwriting so the computer will understand them.
3. Desperate to Find Good Quality Music ClipsA rich library of free music clips is available to you from your Broadband Consortium. The 10 regional broadband consortia have clubbed together to purchase a vast array of music from Audio Networks. Any downloaded clips can be used free of charge for educational purposes.
These resources will enhance the creativity of teachers and children. Many are fast becoming experts on generating multimedia content and have a thirst for content to support presentations and other activities.
| 
