The use of the software in the classroom has provided pupils and teachers with an exiting and challenging tool, which has increased motivation and concentration levels in class. It was used to support pupil work and to reinforce particular lessons especially standard grade whereby pupil use the software for self-supported study as well as a useful resource for revision purposes. However there are definite curricular links and ways of using this software throughout the school - S1-6.

The software gives a brief introduction to general food safety. The modules are as follows: -

Displays created by pupils using the CD-ROM

Classroom organisation will depend on the number of computer systems you have available. A single computer will help research units of work and provide support materials. If there is only one computer in the classroom then you will have to spend time planning pupil access. An individual computer on a trolley is much better as it is easily accessible. Planning to use software in Home Economics is similar to planning a cookery lesson. If you have coped with only having one or two pieces of equipment but you have 20 pupils in your class then you simply transfer the some skills to ICT use.

As a teacher you need to be reasonably confident using the computer in order to show pupils how to use the software and as a manager you need to know how to access the software to monitor pupil progress. This allows you to see progress of individual pupils and modules they have completed to date.

After pupils have completed the individual modules the software provides them with a test purely on the information presented to them. This encourages pupils to recall knowledge they have gained from the CD and pupils can't continue to the next module until they have passed the test. Therefore it's a case of try and try again until you are successful.

"There was no real way of me monitoring the computers during a lesson as the computer base is situated in another area of the school. However pupil progress can be monitored on a regular basis". This gives the teacher an indication as to how much work a pupil carried out within a certain length of time.

The topic objectives in the software matched our S4 standard grade pupil objectives therefore the software was used to reinforce and motivate concentration levels in class. It a powerful classroom tool to support and extend course material being used. The learner can access tasks set allowing greater flexibility for differentiated exercises.

The incorporation of ICT must be planned and not just an ad hoc basis. This should be undertaken at the forward planning stage. The development of a unit of work should lead to the planned inclusion of technology. However, 'spontaneous' use is also possible. Time allocation for the use of software is important. Will all pupils carry out the activity or will you have some carry out a different ICT activity in future? Decide which pupils need access during the time have allocated and time each pupil/group. It is possible to print reference sheets from the software therefore find out whether or not the printer prints quickly or slowly it maybe necessary to collect and print off relevant information and distribute this to the pupils before hand. This will save unnecessary time downloading/printing material by each pupil. If the use of software is to be carried out by many pupils in a room with only one or two computers, it is best to demonstrate to the whole class or group what has to be done. This can be achieved using power point.
"A quick run through the program to demonstrate how to operate the software is a good way of showing the pupils how to use it most efficiently and effectively"

It is important that you are not only assessing pupil progress in Home Economics but also you are aware of their ICT progress. This CD gives continuous assessment and scores and marks can be recorded and monitored by the teacher. Once a pupil has completed the whole module successfully the CD allows the teacher to print out an individual certificate. This is the evidence that the pupil has met and achieved all the aims and objectives.   Sample Pupil PowerPoint slide