|
Strategic Learning Networks case studies
SLNs | action plans | support | case studies | FAQs
Developing strategies to use digital media effectively in the classroom
March 2008
Lead Teacher and Lead School
Lisa Parkes, Friern Barnet School – Barnet LA, London
Main objectives of the network:
Developing strategies to use digital media e.g. Photo Story (a simple way of making a movie which allows images to be imported and text or sound to be added) and Crazy Talk (import still photos and animate them! The script can be typed into the software and then be translated into a voice over or you record your voice), effectively in the classroom to:
- Improve motivation among Year 9 learners with the aim of increasing uptake of a modern foreign language at KS4.
- Raise the achievement of lower and average attainers
The objectives of this network focus on the following MFL Framework objectives:
Reading and Writing. Learners are able to
- write creatively in the target language using simple literature devices e.g. scanning for key words
- check their written work for quality and accuracy
Sentences. Learners are able to
- use questions as a source of language to gain answers
- understand and build sentences with clauses of different types
- begin to use different tenses of familiar verbs within complex sentences or text (this is key to gaining a level 6)
Speaking. Learners are able to
- speak with confidence about a range of topics
- use the correct pronunciations.
Cultural Knowledge and Context. Learners will learn about and inform others about some well-known features of the country in the target language.
How many schools are involved in the network?
Eight - Friern Barnet School plus
- Bishop Douglass Catholic School – Alison Orr
- Mill Hill County School – Fiona Tobin
- Oak Lodge Special School – Julian Cole
- Queen Elizabeth Girls’ School – Marie Foucha
- The Ravenscroft School – Rebecca Gitau
- St.James Catholic School – Melanie Knibbs
- Whitefield School - Vicky Collinge
With support from the borough ICT Consultant, John Simpson and the Teaching and Learning Consultant, Rosemarie Little.
Description of how the network was launched:
Barnet has three MFL networks which were launched at a Borough conference in June 2007. This initiative was supported by the Regional Trainer – David Buckland. Prior to the setting up of the networks, MFL teachers in Barnet had two inset days on the use of ICT to improve learning in languages. This was followed by three days where interested MFL teachers worked to develop resources for use in their classrooms in June and July of 2006. This was supported by the borough ICT and TLFS Consultants. These were well received and the decision to make ICT the focus for one network was a logical development. Interested schools opted to join this network.
Any advice you may give to others looking to set up a network:
The network works effectively because meetings are structured to:
- Provide CPD in using the exemplar materials and nuggets to support each objective, and in using digital media to support the teaching of MFL
- Agree a gap task to apply digital media to the teaching of MFL
- Allow feedback and sharing the resources developed by the group and the outcomes of the gap task, including what has worked well and what is challenging
- Focus on the impact of the application of digital media, through monitoring a small group of disaffected learners in Year 9. Their feedback has supported evaluation of the work in the classroom alongside the views of the teacher.
It is important that the teachers:
- Keep in touch throughout via a group e-mail.
- Have some fun!
In addition teachers were:
- Funded to attend the network meetings, and given a day’s supply cover to produce materials.
- Provided with microphones to support the use of Photo Story and Crazy Talk.
- Provided with Crazy Talk software and training from an external trainer
- provided with refreshments
This is how the funding for this network has been spent.
Help for teachers included:
- Support from the Lead Teacher, Lisa Parkes and the borough ICT Consultant, John Simpson and the Teaching and Learning Consultant, Rosemarie Little.
- Opportunities to develop coaching skills through inset
- Assistance to video lessons and interview learners. The outcomes of this have supported the sharing of practice at the network meeting.
Briefly, what are the future plans of the network?
- To facilitate a video conference in September 2008 to share the outcomes of the three networks with all language teachers in Barnet.
- To develop Barnet ‘nuggets’ which will be posted on the Barnet grid for learning.
- To develop the learners’ skills to produce their own work using Photo Story and Crazy Talk.
- To develop teachers’ skills in using Wordwall.
CILT wishes to thank Rosemarie Little and Lisa Parkes for writing this case study.
