February Update

As it has been a while since I have logged my progress, I feel that this is the time to do so.

We have worked to develop our tablet useage within the school. A problem was found that meant the children all logged on to different style menus. This, it turns out was something to do with how the menu list was populated from the server rather than the device. With this issue solved, we are now in a position to really accelerate our use of the Windows 8 tablets.

Interest has been good, from other staff. All classes have now used the tablets in the 3 weeks since they have been fully operational. With a consistent menu appearance and better, more efficient Wi-Fi signals around the school, staff are more confident in directing pupils to use the devices.

Uses of the tablets have included

• Year 1 practicing dragging and dropping skills. Working solving maths problems.
• Year 2 practicing their dragging, dropping and control skills. Creating documents for their class work.
• Year 3 have been using the tablets to research the Egyptians. Using web applications that would not be available on the iPad.
• Year 4 have been researching specific topics about the Egyptians, practicing using the tablets and creating a collaborative piece of written work. (It would be interesting to see if we could use the microphone to convert speech to text for this)
• Year 5 have been using the tablets regularly in science, topic work and are beginning to see them used in maths lessons. 
• Year 6 have conducted research using the tablets, will see an increase in their use in maths lessons and have been able to video interview one another. 

Now that we have tried, tested and gained some interest from staff in the use of the tablets, I remain hopeful that we can push their use even further. I certainly have some ideas around ICT lessons, using Microsoft Kodu Game Lab to make touch based games would be one exciting start point.