Author: drfoti

The Latest Solution for Collaborative Learning: Google Slides
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The Latest Solution for Collaborative Learning: Google Slides

Imagine all students collecting information into one document simultaneously. Imagine all students having instant access to class work. Imagine all students taking the responsibility of others learning as well as their own.

Now stop imagining.

The solution is here.

Welcome to Google Slides.

 

In the classroom…

Word walls are an extremely effective resource than can be used across the curriculum. Being exposed to an environment full of new vocabulary is a critical component of emerging literacy. However, if your classroom walls are always full or you find your students go home and forget the new words as they cannot access them, Google Slides is your answer. All students can have access to the slides through one link. Select a topic for the word wall and students can then create one slide for each new word. Students can include definitions, pictures and decorate slides for their peers to use. So next time you start a new topic, assign each student a word and share the link for the Slide with them.

Using Google Slides:

  1. All students and teacher must have a google account to sign in.
  2. Create the Google Slide and copy the shareable link. Ensure the Slide is set for others to be able to edit the document.
  3. Assign each student a vocabulary word or direct them to select their own.
  4. Provide an outline of the requirements for the slide (definition, picture, example sentence).
  5. Share the link with students.
  6. Students work on their slide using their word.
  7. Have students present their slide to the class.
  8. Remind students that they have access to the slides using the link whenever they require it.

Curriculum Links (SCSA 2017)

Subject: Technologies

Year level: 5

Strand: Digital Technologies processes and production skills

Sub-strand: Digital Implementation

Create and communicate information, including online collaborative projects, using agreed social, ethical and technical protocols (codes of conduct) (ACTDIP022)

Link to resource: https://www.google.com/slides/about/

Cross curriculum priorities and general capabilities

Personal and social capability (PSC), Literacy (LIT), Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Links to other learning areas

English, Maths

Architects in the Classroom
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Architects in the Classroom

Imagine being able to design any room or area with a vast range of materials and resources right at your fingertips.

This is all possible using Floorplanner

In the classroom…

This program is engaging and interactive. It uses digital technologies for creation and design. Begin by giving students an authentic project. This can involve students redesigning an area in the school, a community area, their bedroom or anywhere their imagination takes them. Through the program, students are able to be creative and innovative. They are given the opportunity to engage confidently with and responsibly manipulate designs as they create solutions for their area. The floorplan program can become part of a bigger project involving students choosing and locating resources, calculating budgets, measuring the area and selecting appropriate sized objects to fit.

Images retrieved from http://floorplanner.com/

Using the floor planner…

  1. Create a free account using an email address.
  2. Start in the ‘Build’ tab to find the tools to start drawing your floorplan. The room can be drawn wall by wall or room by room.
  3. Add surfaces for outdoor areas to the floorplan if required.
  4. Place structural units (windows, stairs, doors) into the floorplan.
  5. After the plan is drawn out the rooms can be decorated using furniture and materials.
  6. The floorplan can also be organised with custom dimensions and labels.

Tutorial

Curriculum Links (SCSA 2017)

Subject: Technologies

Year level: 6

Strand: Design and Technologies processes and production skills

Sub-strand: Creating solutions by designing

Select appropriate materials, components, tools, equipment and techniques and apply safe procedures to make designed solutions (ACTDEP026)

Link to resource: http://floorplanner.com/

Cross curriculum priorities and general capabilities

Critical and creative thinking (CCT),  Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Sustainability

Links to other learning areas

Art, Mathematics