Play to Learn

It’s the way I learn. I have to DO something and PLAY with it (if anything computer related this usually means HOURS of ‘play’) to fully understand the way it works.  I’m still playing with Twitter, playing with the iPad… but pushing myself to go further. This week I have been playing with (I mean ‘focusing on’) two things (in the late hours…). 1. More Twitter… Getting my presentation ready. Actually I don’t know for SURE that my workshop will run, but it is good for me to get my ideas laid out clearly. Have prepared a nice looking Keynote presentation. I LOVE making things like that…  I also just got my Twitter feed embedded in this blog (note left hand column!). 2. Planning for iPads in my Performing Arts classes with Prep students.  We have had a pretty good response from parents and my Parent iPad team are ready to roll for two lessons during the week beginning November 28. Here is a brief overview of what I have planned for the lessons so far: Lesson One

1. I will introduce the students to the iPad and the basic features of the GlowTunes app (as a whole class)

2. Students then break into their groups (approximately 4 students and 1 adult per iPad).

3. Students play with the app and experiment with its features.

Lesson Two

1. Whole class – review app features (briefly) and explain task

2. Students break into groups (same groups as first lesson)

3. Students create a musical pattern in GlowTunes as a group. Each child takes a turn to add to the group composition. I will try to capture each group’s composition on video before the end of the lesson!

4. If there is time (after the composition has been videoed!), students can continue to experiment individually with app (e.g. if there are 8 minutes left they have 2 minutes each).

I am also going to set up a Google form (started today) with a short questionnaire for parents and teachers to give feedback on the lessons.

Quite a lot going on, but it is all good!