A Journey into Learning » teaching resources

Google Sketchup

Ben Annett — Mon, 24 May 2010 16:45:55 +0000

Inspired by Anthony Evans’ post I have been inspired to attempt teaching a short unit of work using Google Sketchup to my Key Stage 4 group of mixed ASD and GLD learners. I have adapted Anthony’s unit plan and the first lesson went down very well. The group are fairly difficult to engage, yet were completely absorbed in the work. We were amazed at the ease at which the kids got to grips with it (they seemed to find the concepts easier to understand than the me). I’m looking forward to teaching the rest of unit, not least to learn how to use this powerful tool myself.

We spent the first lesson playing around with some of the tools, and beginning designs for a doghouse. Have a look at some of the results from our first lesson on the Moselle ICT work gallery.

2Simple 2Create a Superstory

Ben Annett — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:44:52 +0000

At risk of sounding like a 2Simple fanboy, I picked up a copy of 2Create a Superstory at BETT in January. It’s great! Egged on by this review, I used it with a group of KS3 ASD learners, who really enjoyed creating their stories. The software is powerful yet beautifully simple to use. Their digital stories can be saved as flash files, and are then easily embedded in a webpage.

Below is an example of one learner’s story. Check out all of SB’s work on the Moselle ICT gallary.

Online resource – HelpKidzLearn

Ben Annett — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:33:58 +0000

HelpKidzLearn is an online resource with some really good simple activities for younger SEN and SLD learners created by Inclusive Technology. It’s a great source of starter activities for my ICT lessons, and is well worth a look.

Pictopus image library

Ben Annett — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:55:48 +0000

If, like me, you often have the children look for images then you may find the Pictopus image library useful. E-safety is a always a hot topic in our school. As all the images are vetted by the Pictopus team you can be sure that there is no inappropriate material on the site and that all the images are copyright-free.

Thanks to Sharing Good Pratice for ictopus for this.

Online SLD art resources

Ben Annett — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:14:26 +0000

Starry Nights is a nice IWB/touchscreen resource suitable for SLD/PMLD students. Also – have a look at this wonderful Jackson Pollock online painting resource. Spotted yet again on the fantastic Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs blog – where do they find all this stuff?

2Simple Do it Yourself

Ben Annett — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:02:32 +0000

I picked up a trial copy of 2Simple Do it Yourself at BETT – and must say that I have been very impressed. Like all 2Simple software the interface is simple and intuitive. It allows children to create their own games and activities and has lots of scope to be intergrated into our curriculum.

We’ve been playing with it this week. The work can be saved in both a 2simple format or as flash objects. It was all very creative and motivating – and was a big hit with the learners.

The work can be saved in a 2Simple format – or as a .swf – meaning that it can all be easily embedded in MLE’s or blog posts!

KS3 ASD learner (independent)

KS3 ASD non-verbal learner (indpendent)

KS2 GLD (supported)

Tutpup

Ben Annett — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:10:45 +0000

Tutpup is a lovely online numeracy and spelling resource. Free and simple to use. Appropriate for KS1-2 and older SEN.

Koosh Generator

Ben Annett — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 18:35:29 +0000

Koosh Generator is a lovely little online program that would work well with SLD learners using a touchscreen or interactive whiteboard and when teaching cause and effect. I spotted it on the prolific Teaching Learners with Multiple Needs blog.

Vocaroo

Ben Annett — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 13:19:03 +0000

Vocaroo is a great little web app. It has a beautifully simple interface. After recording a sound file it give the option to listen to it, post it on the internet (via an embed code) or send it via email. You can even download it.

I can see an application here with the work we have been doing using blogging with our pupils as well as building on our shared blog to build upon our international links with our partner schools in Ghana. I look forward to trying it out in the classroom.

Spotted on Doug’s blog.

e-motions

Ben Annett — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:34:24 +0000

This is a good emotions resource that I saw on the SEN ICT Nuggets blog. Beautifully animated and very useful in the ASD classroom.

e-motions