How can web 2.0 tools impact on children’s learning? Emma Asprey

Sheffield Learning Journey Action enquiry – Identify an issue – Take action – Evaluate the impact of the action Teachers as researchers 10 primary schools 3 terms – Preparation and planning – Active projects – Evaluation and analysis

What is web 2.0? Web 1.0 – Consumption of information Web 2.0 – Contribution – Collaboration – Publication Web 3.0 – Apps and online applications – Online storage in the cloud

Concord Junior School Peer assessment – Children posted work on VLE – Others left comments and feedback Outcomes – WP, presentations, animations, images from Climate Change project – e-safety and responsible use in action – Children were prolific and comments in-depth – Real audience of children and parents – Spread to other classes in the school

They loved Studywiz and it wasn’t long before they were confident users.

Firs Hill Community Primary School Developing writing through speaking and listening – Used Voicethread with images – Recorded ideas about setting and character Outcomes – Increased engagement and enthusiasm in children and staff – Verbal ideas transferred to paper – Improved grammar, punctuation and structure – Positive impact on boys and EAL children

Firs Hill Community Primary School “Many of the children stated in their interviews that the project gave them more confidence both in their speaking and listening and writing skills. They felt the recording enabled them to know the story they would be telling really well and so they felt able to focus on other areas of their writing that they wouldn’t have otherwise. Several children who struggle to share their ideas in the classroom found it much easier to record them onto the computer and allow children to listen back to them.”

Voicethread in use

Children’s drama was videoed and uploaded. Children peer edited their work and checked comments before their next performance opportunity.

Voicethread examples Harris Burdick project dick.b i Embedded m/Mysteries+of+Harris+Burdick#Our%2 0VoiceThread%20for%20Comments

Voicethread main page: shows all the different sections you have uploaded

Children’s comments It really helped me focus on my punctuation – Sebastian I felt much braver talking to the computer than to the class – Heather It was exciting because it was different - Tashi

The children felt it improved their: Content Speaking and listening confidence Punctuation Checking work makes sense 19 out of 30 children improved a sub-level in writing during the half term of this work. All these children had a block in their writing that was adressed by using the drama/ICT combination

Southey Green Community Primary School Improving writing and links with other schools – Collaborative writing with Y2 and 5 using Storybird Outcomes – Enthusiastic and motivated by comments from real audience – Particular impact on reluctant writers – Learning from mistakes and each other – 70% accessed Storybird at home

Southey Green Community Primary School “For our school, children’s writing and community involvement are amongst our main priorities and having found a resource which will impact on both, I intend to ensure that its potential is maximised both with the group who are currently involved and throughout the rest of the school.” southeygreen

Springfield Primary School Extending learning in history – Skype a Viking – Publishing research into Vikings on websites using Google Sites Inspiring video conference with Viking Information on websites was structured and organised Highly motivated to work at school and home Sustained engagement

Stradbroke Primary School Using blogs to involve children in community projects and campaigns – Ongoing campaign to improve facilities at a local park – Podcast and blog Outcomes – Motivated by real audience for letters, images and podcast articles – Passion for the cause – Genuine links between activities in school and the wider community

Valley Park Primary School Exploring collaborative story writing – Re-engage children with writing using ToonDoo to create Science Fiction stories Outcomes – All abilities able to create meaningful texts – Writing seen as a way to interact with friends, peers and the wider community – Attitude to literacy work changed, from reluctance to great enthusiasm – Overriding mood during the sessions is great enthusiasm and 'buzz’

Swiggle Super Action Comic Maker

Web 2.0 for teachers’ reflections During the project – Blog – VLE tools Celebration conference – Backchannel - Twitter, Primary Pad, Wallwisher – Wider audience and greater value for presentations – Give and receive instant feedback – Felt part of a wider community – Aske and answer questions as the arose

Impact on learners Motivation – All teachers reported increase – Real audience Literacy – Extending the definition of Literacy – Vocabulary and punctuation – Boys, EAL, SEN Collaboration – Face to face and virtual – Peer assessment – Overcoming problems together

Impact on teachers Use of ICT – Extended through training and exploration – Discussion with consultants and colleagues – Confidence through overcoming concerns ICT skills, confidence, e-safety Critical reflection and evaluation – Sustainable approach – Evidence focussed on learning and teaching rather than ICT – Empowered to take risks

Impact on teachers Developing pedagogy – Strengthened and enhanced Web 2.0, action enquiry or other factors? – Role model as risk taker and collaborator – Metacognition Working with colleagues – Within and across schools – Learning from each other – Redefinition of roles – Sharing skills and findings

Impact on the school Curriculum development – Embedding ICT in other subjects – E-safety/PSHE – Peer assessment and teacher feedback Subject leadership – Strengthened role of ICT subject leader – ICT included in subject action plans Community involvement – Local, national, online

Further resources Full report and shorter version Suggested web 2.0 tools for schools