Term 3 Reflection

During term 3 I have been working on integrating a lot of what I had been working on with iPads into the netbook world. The key thing that I have continued with when creating greater scaffolded reading followup activities have been the use of audio instructions and queues.

One interesting thing that I have found out when creating audio instructions and queues is the more natural they are the more powerful they are to the students. When I had created more of a scripted instruction I found that the students weren't getting the most out of it. I realised that the true power of these instructions was when I was recreating myself - more natural and conversational. This way it is like I am answering a question that the student has asked rather than just telling them what to do.

Creating Explain Everything Projects Using Audio Instructions

Since the beginning of the year I have been trying to get my target group using Explain Everything independently. This has had varying degrees of success! Recently, I have been trying to provide detailed written instructions on each slide to help the boys complete the activity. (see below) However, I was still finding that there was still a high degree of miscommunication and misunderstanding.

I had a brain wave! I had noticed that some of the junior teachers were inserting an audio file for spelling words. This got me thinking. I could do the same but instead record my instructions so that my boys new exactly what to do. (see below)

This has made a huge difference. Suddenly my instructions are rewindable, pauseable and much clearer. The boys aren't interrupting me anywhere near the same and I have noticed the quality of their work has improved also. I have also decided to keep my written instructions so that the boys are able to read along with the audio instructions.