Roamer visits Russia

Roamer will be making its first appearance this term in an international school in Moscow. During the first term the children in year 5 will get to learn how to use Roamer via a literacy unit on instructional writing. They will be writing a variety of different instructions on how to make the Roamer move. Their work will appear in our blog as well as on the Roamer news page

Then in the new term in January, Roamer will be involved in their topic about space. Whilst using the robot the children will learn about the vastness of our universe, as well as what the robot would need in order to be able to live on one of the planets. Roamer will also be used to develop their science fiction writing, the robot will be the main character in a story about being lost in space. Further details about this work will appear here closer to the start date of the project.

May I say many thanks to Dave Catlin CEO of Valiant Technology for allowing us to bring Roamer to Russia. This will be an excellent opportunity for cross curricular work as well as introducing the children to coding.

Flipped Classroom

Conferences and Books

Feedback

Maggie provided relevant and up to date materials. The course was very relaxed with flexibility built into the day so that we could plan and swap resources."

Ella, New ICT Coordinator

This course opened pathways into science that I never realised were there. One activity on the course involved fruit. We had to make a list of adjectives on what we could see, not touch or taste. This was a perfect example of how to begin an investigation in the classroom; start with the visual aspect and then move onto other senses/experiences to build on, evaluate and cement our first thoughts/findings. I have applied this approach in the classroom (reception class) while teaching about minibeasts: we started by reading a book about spiders; described the spider in the book; looked at and discussed a picture of a real spider; talked about what spiders can do and how they do it; went outside to try and capture a spider discussing where they might live; finally caught one and the children intuitively went to find food and made a habitat for it in the container; took the spider into the classroom and are now studying his behaviour and appearance first-hand. This in depth investigative process took little time to prepare and deliver. It also helped the children to overcome their fear of spiders and helped adjust their preconceptions. The course definitely challenged my thinking about science and has made it a much more enjoyable experience for the children I teach and for me. For them it's fun, informative and hands-on, they cant believe that it's actually a lesson. The outcomes and observations produced are outstanding. I can't believe the amount of information they could absorb in such a little amount of time.

Peter Farmer ~ Reception Teacher CIS Moscow

Went to Technology To Teach's course on developing self-confidence not knowing what to expect at all. I was very impressed! She turned a roomful of awkward young people (myself DEFINITELY included!) into a group of warm acquaintances, laughing and joking, sharing experiences and ideas. It was quite an innovative form of teaching, compared to what I've previously experienced - focusing on IT communication solutions, visual aids and good old fashioned discussion. After every session I went home with a spring in my step, and a smile on my face. Also, I've since successfully done a presentation to thirty business people and government executives! If you have the opportunity to work with Maggie, take it up - so, so worthwhile.

Rhian - course attendee

The course was good for providing creative and practical strategies and is very helpful in defining and evaluating the role of an ICT coordinator."

Richard, ICT Coordinator

Input from the consultant was pitched at the right level to engage all learners. Children were motivated and excited by their learning. Staff now feel confident to embed the good practice demonstrated by the consultant. The quality of teaching was excellent. The consultant provided advice about structuring follow up activities. This is the third time I have worked with the consultant and I would recommend her input.

Anna Cook ~ Headteacher St Mary's Primary School Bucknell