How ICT can be used outside the classroom

How ICT can be used outside the classroom By Zainab, Iram, Arsalan &Amar

Learning outside the classroom is very important as it enables learning to become more effective. Learning outside the classroom has its benefits for children such as: • Enables to gather data/information which relate to their studies. • Tackles social mobility- children are given new experiences. • Re-motivates children- meets the needs of those who don't enjoy learning in the traditional classroom. ICT can be used outdoors by pupils in a variety of ways. Information and data can be gathered using different devices such as: • Data loggers • Digiscope • Digital Cameras/camcorders • Ipads/tablets • Voice recorders

Theories of outdoor learning/play “The outdoor classroom is a world full of opportunities for learning, creating and exploring” (learning outside the classroom manifesto 2006 Df. ES) Bilton (1998) When learners are able to carry out learning outdoors as well as indoors, it helps them to better their play and learning both within the classroom and outside it. Research from Finland has identified that having factors such as outdoor space area to learn and play increases a child’s brain development. . Piaget (1962) was one of the first researchers who took children's play seriously and believes that a child learns through play as they use “step-by-step interaction and experience's with the world around them. He felt that play is an important aspect which is involved in a child socialcognitive development.

John Dewey argues that educators should give pupils something ‘to do’ not just something ‘to learn’. He saw the curriculum as focusing on just the subject that is being taught alone and not going anywhere beyond this. However, Dewey argues that in order for learning to be more effective and understood pupils should be able to learn from experiences, so having an environment (Outdoor environment) helps students to have more control over their learning where they will have something to do. For example, watching a plant grow. If the child just reads about how a plant grows they wont understand it as much, whereas if they plant the seed and watch it grow into a plant and do the required steps of maintaining its growth such as watering it, ensuring it is in a suitable area where sunlight is available then they are able to see it first hand it becomes more useful because they will remember the process. ICT can be incorporated as the child can for instance take pictures of the process and then use them in their work to display the growth of plants. Susan Isaac 1971 was a psychologist who argues that “child play is very important as it helps towards their development”. From play a child is able to “express themselves” play helps a child to become familiar with the outdoor world and environment which is important to take place from a younger age.

Data logger A data logger is an electronic device that allows people to collect and store information about the environment. Firstly you have to activate it from a computer, after this it can be used outdoor to record data during activities/lessons. For example, in a science lesson children may go to two different outdoor locations to record the temperature levels, sound levels and light measurements. The data logger will be used to record this, once it has been recorded and stored it can be taken back to the class where it needs to be plugged in to the computer and all the recorded data will be available.

It is used to record different forms of measurements and data such as air, water temperature, wind speed, noise level and soil moisture. Helps to save on cost- rather than buying loads of different gadgets a data logger is able to record data for a variety of things. Benefits of a data logger Findings are more accurate and reliable- when students record measurements themselves they are more likely to make errors. Can be used to present both qualitative and quantitative data.

Podcasting is a way of allowing children to share any work or experience through the use of the internet with a huge audience. Schools now are using this system to promote learning and to celebrate the achievements of their children. A podcast is simply like a radio show, but is not presented live, however it is recorded and then uploaded onto the internet where it can be viewed at any time. Students can use them to interview one another, tell stories or hold debates. Various ICT software’s are used when making a podcast e. g. Jingles, software’s like e. Jay (PC) or garageband. An mp 3 player can be used when podcasting as it can record lessons/activities. For example it can be used in an outdoor p. e lesson, where the teacher can record students in various activities such as trampolining, gymnastics or dance performances. After this the audio/ video digital files can be uploaded and shared onto the internet.

Involves teamwork, where children will be really eager to work together and produce a good show for the audience to benefit from. Gives children a potential audience for their work which helps them feel more comfortable with what they produce. It is a great way of developing ICT and literacy skills. Benefits of Podcasting Students who are absent from the lesson when the podcasting is being used are able to download the podcast from online, so no one misses out. Allows children to develop and practise other skills like speaking and listening.

Mobile Phones/tablets/ipads Mobile phones are very popular and it seems most people today have one, even children. They can be used outside the classroom by children and even teachers if they need to: access the school website, find out information during activities/tasks, collect data, take notes or use apps to support learning. They are small in size and lightweight which is an advantage of using them especially when being used outdoors. GPS devices are installed on most phones and tablets, this can be useful for an outdoor history lesson where students need to identify landmarks and having this feature included makes it easier to gather the information. Another benefit of using these devices is the camera. Most come with an installed camera and in an outdoor learning environment pictures can be taken. Taking pictures means individuals get to capture their different experiences and record footage that the school can keep.

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