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=Understanding of assignment =

Our understanding of this assignment was to incorporate the use of interactive and constructivist styles of ICT into the classroom. From learning about the different uses of ICT in the classroom it is evident that technologies used in the classroom can be both very positive, yet also very negative depending on how they are being used and applied. ICT are a great tool to use as students are now using more and more technology every day. We decided to look closely at health related issues as they are becoming more problematic to our society. It is important for students to research and learn about the different health related issues that affect people and why each person’s body is different to another’s. Our assignment caters for different learning abilities as well as diversity, as each of our tasks can be done at an easy and slow pace, yet on the other hand students that are very confident are able to expand on the task given and then smoothly move onto another task. We also made the assignment based around the social constructivist method, by using large group, small group and individual work. It is important for students to have the different styles of learning in each group as it helps to promote their social skills and being able to share their ideas with their classmates. This assignment is important as it allows for student to broaden their knowledge on healthy lifestyle’s and gives them the opportunity to search for answers that they want to know. =Social Constructivism =

It is important for students to be placed in different learning environments as each student is diverse. It is not effective to have a classroom where all the students work individually as they will not develop their social skills, working with others, sharing and a like. Where as it is also not effective to have a classroom that is entirely based around working in whole group situations as the students will never get the time to reflect on what they are learning. There needs to be a balance between the different groups of learning in order to allow for learner diversity. Some students will excel from working in larger groups and being able to express their thoughts, ideas and being able to discuss the topic at hand. Whereas other students may find it easier and more comfortable to work individually. However, there must be a balance to allow for the student to work individually and in groups to improve their individual strengths, social and communication skills, as well as working on the assignment at hand.

We found this method of using social constructivism to be very positive as we believe that students should be able to work in large, small and individual learning situations. The model of social constructivism should be applied and used more often by other teachers. =Use of ICT in the classroom and why we chose the ones that we did: =

 The Interactive Whiteboard is an effective tool that can be used in small groups, but is also effective for whole class instruction. It is effective because the students are able to be visually stimulated and they are also able to manipulate the information on the whiteboard easily. In small groups students are able to gain more access and be more interactive with the whiteboard, as sometimes in larger groups some students will remain quiet and not get involved as the dominant and confident students in the class will take the lead.

We decided to use some games in our assignment as they can be used as both a reward and a learning tool. It is a good way for them to enjoy learning and having a break from the formal side of work. It also allows the students to use the technology for relax and fun time instead of only using the technology for a learning foundation.

Wikispaces is another ICT tool that we decided to use, as it enables the students to create their own website that they can edit and have their own say. It also allows the students to edit information at home and allows for the parents to be involved and see what their child is currently learning in school.

Inspiration is a great brainstorming tool that we have incorporated into our assignment. We decided to use this tool as it allows the students to creatively and interactively use the computers to put across their ideas and make a brainstorming chart, add pictures, chop and change ideas and make it as personal as they would like.

=Documents and Lesson Plans =