Thoughts

Thoughts, observations and questions noted by delegates at the SW IT Conference 2007 using Alphasmart Neos.

ICT is a tool that should be used to aid and enhance existing methods of teaching. It can inspire children as well as the Teachers as long as it doesn't crash and you end up losing your files! Oh and it helps if the children can spell their surnames so that they can log on! But hopefully today I will be inspired on ways in which I can implement film making and cine-literacy in my school without a very small budget and not a lot of ICT resources!

We have Alphasmart and Inspiration in school for @special needs@ but can now see how useful they would be for so many things.

Like the idea of using palm tops and sound recorders - great for KS1.

Just how flexible is the alpha smart? How simple/quick is it to transfer and edit files? (Very easy connect a USB cable and press send!!)

Some really useful ideas to enhance the use of ICT - more importantly, allowing the children to take full ownership of their work in a very independent way.

I have been using PDAs for a number of years and find them invaluable. It is a great idea to encourage children to use these devices. Children will find them easier to use than PCS and less threatening! Great idea!

Mind mapping software is also very useful for Autistic Spectrum Disorder pupils, as it enables them to record thoughts/ideas without immediately putting them in order. An Open Source alternative is Freemind.

Have Alphasmarts , though need more now to really get better coverage in class. Love the Palmtop devices - will need to budget for these in classes now. Great!

What is the make of the projector? It's very clear and bright. (Sorry I don't know!)

Loving the equipment and the software but I am very aware that our budget is very tight and that the children will not get the opportunity to use software and equipment as advanced as this!!

Must track down voice tracers at school and remind myself how to use them for when I have a class fulltime in September!

I think we would like to use PDAs in school more so it is interesting to learn a little about them. I think this would add a really interesting element to visits and outdoors experiences, especially as we are trying to use the outdoor environment more.

Some good ideas but how much would all the equipment in the bum bag cost??? (Camera @ £80 Palm Handheld @ £70 Voice Recorder @ £40)

Open office is great … but parents are not really into getting hold of it yet, they all want microsofts latest offerings…. Slowly we will educate the children to choose software that does a job..

I have already had several ideas for new schemes of work and it is becoming more and more difficult to listen and write down all of the new ideas coming into my already overloaded brain. I am worried about missing something else while I am typing so I am going to stop. But I also am enjoying using this equipment.