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Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
The Positive Effects of Gaming
This evening as I was wandering through posts on Google+, I came across this post by the Frugal Dad.
Now much of this is not news. Many of us have been hearing for years that gamer's brains are getter at certain tasks and that their are physical differences between brains on games and those not. Most of us are also very aware of the educational benefits of gaming, but didn't you know that video games were being used for pain management in hospitals? Did you know that after 21 hours of play a week, the benefits are outweighed by negative impact. I didn't, not until today, so I thought I would share.
The following Info graphic is worth looking at, so do scroll down.
Source: Frugal Dad
Friday, May 18, 2012
Voting has begun for the ABC DVA!
Only a total of 200 votes will be cast before voting closes so get in their early if you want your vote to count! Students please click here to vote.
Staff Members please use the link that was sent to your email.
Monday, May 14, 2012
The ABC DVA is Almost Here!
Check out our great video trailer and join us for one of the biggest events of the school year.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
3D Worlds in KS3
We have been working in virtual worlds in both 6th and 7th grade this month and it has been a roaring success. It is a sign that you've hit it right on, when kids don't want to leave a lesson and groan when the bell rings, and this is usually what happens when we teach with virtual worlds.
This is the first year we have used PoraOra virtual world with any of our classes. Prior to this we had always used WhyVille to introduce our students to educational virtual worlds and to teach web safety and netiquette. The people at PoraOra have worked hard to build educational in-world activities that are linked to the British Key Skills for KS2. PoraOra is full of fun games that help students review and build their skills across subjects. For our 6th graders most of it is review and practice, and they have great fun doing it.
In 7th grade we are working with Reaction Grid for the second year running. Our 7th grade students are having a great time learning how to get around, exploring different regions and learning how to build in 3D with their avatars. We have even found a bit of time for shopping at Gridizen's market and customising avatars.
So far the building has been very simple as students learn how each basic shape can be modified, how to import textures and how to link prims together to create complex objects. Our objectives are many, learning how to get around, communicate and build in a 3d environment are core. Very soon however we will be applying these new skills in a very special way. Our students are going to research and then commence the construction of an environmentally friendly homestead. They will do so collaboratively with over 100 students working on it in total.
It is a very exciting project and the first time around for us in attempting something so ambitious. We will play it by ear and if needed, slow down and continue it next year. One thing is certain, the students and the teachers working in RG are thrilled with this project as were the 6s were with PoraOra, to the point of ushering a collective groan every time the bell signals the end of the lesson.
This is the first year we have used PoraOra virtual world with any of our classes. Prior to this we had always used WhyVille to introduce our students to educational virtual worlds and to teach web safety and netiquette. The people at PoraOra have worked hard to build educational in-world activities that are linked to the British Key Skills for KS2. PoraOra is full of fun games that help students review and build their skills across subjects. For our 6th graders most of it is review and practice, and they have great fun doing it.
My Horses
So far the building has been very simple as students learn how each basic shape can be modified, how to import textures and how to link prims together to create complex objects. Our objectives are many, learning how to get around, communicate and build in a 3d environment are core. Very soon however we will be applying these new skills in a very special way. Our students are going to research and then commence the construction of an environmentally friendly homestead. They will do so collaboratively with over 100 students working on it in total.
It is a very exciting project and the first time around for us in attempting something so ambitious. We will play it by ear and if needed, slow down and continue it next year. One thing is certain, the students and the teachers working in RG are thrilled with this project as were the 6s were with PoraOra, to the point of ushering a collective groan every time the bell signals the end of the lesson.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
The ABC DVA
The ABC Digital Video Awards are coming up on May 29th. This the second annual event promises to be spectacular. If you are interested in submitting a video do so using the Google Form in your school email, or the form on the ABC DVA website. You have until this Friday to do so.
https://sites.google.com/a/abc-net.edu.sv/abc-oscars/
https://sites.google.com/a/abc-net.edu.sv/abc-oscars/
Learn By Gaming
This is a great TED Talk on how powerful the the learning is that takes place in when playing MMPOG.
Our World of Warcraft students are a great example of this. The learning that has taken place in-game, since January is exponential. This doesn't even take into account the additional learning they have engaged in through the novel study element of the club.
Games aren't bad and yes books are still good!
Our World of Warcraft students are a great example of this. The learning that has taken place in-game, since January is exponential. This doesn't even take into account the additional learning they have engaged in through the novel study element of the club.
Games aren't bad and yes books are still good!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
7th Grade Poetry Booklet Videos
Miss Nixon's class put together some great Poetry Booklets this month, just in time for Poetry Week.
Here is a video that she put together in Animoto to spotlight the student work.
Here is a video that she put together in Animoto to spotlight the student work.
Poetry Week
It is Poetry Week this week. Help out by filling in a line or two of the incomplete poems around the hallways. Try out the fun tongue twisters, performance poems and other activities in the poetry display in the LRC and join us for a special LOL on Friday to recite a poem, or simply kick back and enjoy poetry readings and raps as wall as great musical performances.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Santa Tecla Children's Libarary
Yesterday we had the great pleasure of visiting the Santa Tecla Children's Library. We took 11 students with us, from 6th to 11th grade, to drop off 3 boxes of book donations collected during Book Week.
During this time, the students had a long chat with Debra Gittler, the person in charge of the project. Debra explained her reasons for getting involved with the new library, two of which are the need for access to quality children's book throughout the community and the need to provide quality, engaging reading experiences for the local children.
The library is not quite finished yet, as additional funding is still needed, but it promises to be a very special place. The students, the English Department and the LRC are committed to helping in the ways we can to support this superb project in our city.
If you would like to find out more about this and other local projects you can do so through the Contextos website and/or view their YouTube videos.
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During this time, the students had a long chat with Debra Gittler, the person in charge of the project. Debra explained her reasons for getting involved with the new library, two of which are the need for access to quality children's book throughout the community and the need to provide quality, engaging reading experiences for the local children.
The library is not quite finished yet, as additional funding is still needed, but it promises to be a very special place. The students, the English Department and the LRC are committed to helping in the ways we can to support this superb project in our city.
If you would like to find out more about this and other local projects you can do so through the Contextos website and/or view their YouTube videos.
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Poetry Week
It is Poetry Week next week. Help us fill in the unfinished poems posted along corridors, and try out some of the interactive poetry activities in the display at the back of the LRC.
We will be holding a special Poetry Week LOL on Friday with both musical performances and poetry readings. This will take place on the lawn, however in the case of rain it will be moved to the mezzanine.
Join us in the audience or volunteer to perform or recite. Contact Mrs. Garcia or Miss Pogson if interested.
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