PROJECT REPORT - SPINFIELD SCHOOL

School Contact Mrs Daphne Dru

Aim

To increase use of ICT in the classroom

Description

A recent OFSTED inspection commended the school on its increased use of ICT, including use of the ICT suite, but highlighted the need to develop its use in the classroom. When devising the action plan, it was felt that staff as well as children should be using ICT, especially given the input from NOF training. Consequently, a bid was submitted requesting money for 2 interactive whiteboards, together with projectors, laptops, training in the use of the interactive whiteboard software and any other appropriate software (eg RM Easiteach).

Cost

The major cost (of the Smartboards and projectors) was met from the Standards Fund Grant.

Project Outcomes

• Increased use of ICT in the classroom when delivering lessons across the curriculum
• Greater involvement of children during the input of lessons, leading to improved concentration

Evaluation

Training: The initial training was not sufficient to give teachers confidence in the use of the Smartboards. An additional INSET day, led by the ICT coordinator, gave staff more opportunities to learn about and use the whiteboard.

Positioning: This became quite a major issue! Stands were bought so that the Smartboards could be moved from one class to another; trolleys were essential to house the projectors, laptops and software. But some staff found it difficult to find a suitable place for the equipment within their already crowded classroom, especially given the wires which inevitably trail across the floor. After experimentation, it was decided that KS1 would use the Smartboard in their library; the children in years 3 and 4 tend to move into one end of (a large) computer suite where the equipment the equipment is stored, whilst years 5 and 6 use the whiteboard in their classes.

Software: Staff have found it difficult to use the Smart Notebook, but there are a number of excellent programs which support the interactive whiteboard. The school has purchased RM's primary maths portfolio, which includes Easiteach. Additional activities can be downloaded from the Internet, which link in to the NNS. Ginn have produced similar programs to support the Abacus scheme of work.
Existing software can also be used eg Talking First Word and the DfEE CD-ROM (Using ICT to support mathematics).

Use: There is no doubt that the more you use the Smartboard, the more uses you can find for it! Staff are able to timetable its use on a weekly basis, but it would be far easier to have one in each classroom. The greatest advantage is the way in which children become involved in lessons; however, it is essential to allow some time to let them 'play' initially.

The Smartboards have enabled the school to achieve their aim of increasing the use of ICT in the classroom. Staff have been supportive of the initiative and, although initially a little wary of the technology, have been encouraged by the enthusiasm of the children. We will be adding use of the whiteboard into our medium term plans and considering ways of using it in all areas of the curriculum.