Literacy with ICT Blog

One of the big ideas from Literacy with ICT Across the Curriculum is Produce to Show Understanding. You might be wondering of different ways that students can demonstrate their understanding and what tools other than the standards available such as PowerPoint they can use. Well, MIT has created a new computer programming language that is EXTREMELY simple and yet powerful. If you are like me, programming is a world that is completely foreign and bewildering. Scratch makes programming as simple as snapping Lego pieces together to create an object. In fact, the programming commands resemble Lego pieces and students as young as 8 will be able to create animations and simple games in a matter of minutes.

It is a free download from http://scratch.mit.edu and students are able to share their work via a Scratch website that resembles YouTube. MIT is recommending the software for students from ages 8 to adult. Even if programming is not something you have ever considered doing with your students, download this software. You and your students will love it and Produce to Show Understanding is a big idea that will take on new meaning and purpose! Big Ideas such as Communicate, Social Implications, Collaboration and Motivation and Confidence are also well served by the use of this software
Let the programming begin!

Thank you for coming to the LwICT Institute with open minds, for participating fully, and for learning from and with your peers!

Please reflect on your experiences at the LwICT Institute by responding to the following, or by reflecting on something of your own choosing.

1. What are some things you learned when you made your classroom visitations and observations of students?

2. In what ways will your assessment of LwICT support the growth of your students’ critical and creative thinking?

3. What are some opportunities and challenges you anticipate as you prepare to implement LwICT in your school?

Thank you for making time in your busy schedule to attend this 2-day Institute on LwICT.  Please make a comment to this post by reflecting on the following:

1. How has your understanding of Literacy with ICT Across the Curriculum developed today?

2. What did you learn today that was a real ‘Aha moment’?

3. What are you looking forward to learning tomorrow?

 Please feel free to read and respond to any of the previous posts to this blog!  Come back often!