ICT

A favourite subject of mine, I have been using computers since the mid 1980s and have picked up a range of tips and techniques over that time. In fact I have never been trained on how to construct websites but as you can see I have managed this one.

One of the biggest topics I have worked on in terms of ICT is Spreadsheets. By using some contacts I have I was able to produce an A1 sized screen shot of a blank Excel spreadsheet which came in useful when the Hertfordshire ICT advisor came to observe a lesson and the multimedia projector arrived a few hours too late. By putting some OHP transparencies over the sheet I was able to write on the sheet and have a child at the computer typing in whatever was decided upon by the class. The original lesson plan and some of the comments form the report are available here, the complete report can be brought to interviews.

ICT Wall Display on Spreadsheets

I have also worked with children using a range of software covering most of the QCA units of work and the National Curriculum for Key Stage2.

Computers in Classroom

During my NQT year I had a classroom that had just been networked and had had the computers put on a bench to one side. In the ceiling above the workbench there was a hook which I used to hang a banner from to identify the ICT workstation. To make the banner I used Microsoft Publisher and printed it so that each page was double sided. When all the pieces were laminated and stuck together, both sides showed exactly the same information. Some balsa wood was tacked along the top of the banner to keep it straight when it was hanging. Using a hole punch and some treasury tags I then made three smaller signs to hang from the banner. One reminded the children how to login to the network, another displayed the school's internet address while the last showed the class e-mail address. All three were double sided.

I have always enjoyed using computers and have taught adults how to use some programs as well as children. Most of my knowledge of computers is self taught, for instance I have no training on creating websites but I have constructed this one at home by myself.
When I leave supply teaching and return to one school full time, I would enjoy the challenge that comes from being the ICT coordinator.

One of my regular slots at a school has seen me working as an ICT support teacher, creating units of work along QCA guidelines, teaching ICT and supporting ICT within the school. This has been also been linked with designing a new website for the school.

I now have a range of free resources for using ICT in maths.
I am also able to provide some schemes of work for ICT that I have developed for a modest cost.