Marie Therese Taylor, School Librarian, Balwearie High, Kirkcaldy
ICT across the curriculum - Learning Resource Centre
S1 to S4

 

Why was this work undertaken?

History 1

To enhance standard teaching, to support revision work

 S1 - S4

Modern Studies

To increase pupil engagement in contemporary issues

 Standard Grade

History 2

To teach transferable skills in seeking and handling information

 S1


How was it developed?

History 1

Teacher identified appropriate software and other resources and developed programs in his own time.

Modern Studies

Teacher decided content and class objectives. Librarian developed digital means to deliver this.

History 2

Librarian developed course to exploit resources in the Information Centre and applied with a cross-curricular perspective.

 

What was the impact on pupils' learning?

History 1

Revision work previously not done was undertaken with enjoyment.

Modern Studies

Clearer understanding, graphic appreciation of the issues

History 2

Acquisition of skills necessary to undertake research in any subject. Importance of each pupil's input to the learning process, self-esteem enhanced..

 

What was the impact of teaching strategies?

History 1

Members of staff from other departments now using similar techniques.

Modern Studies

Learning experience became enjoyable and creative for both teacher and pupils.

History 2

Interaction on several levels - pupil/staff, pupil/pupil, pupil/computer - encouraged participation and helped develop differentiation strategies.

 

Hardware/software requirements and useful linked websites.

Hardware: 1 Computer per pupil
Software: History 1- Hot Potatoes. Modern Studies - Microsoft Office. History 2 - Microsoft Office & Internet
Web sites:

History 1 http://web.uvic.ca/hrd/halfbaked/ - please check licence agreements
Modern Studies http://members.fortunecity.com/stalinmao/China/Famous/Tienamhen.htm
History 2 http://www.google.com/
http://www.midcoast.com.au/~ttc/viking.html
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/vikings/village.html



Sample exercises from this work.

  1. Several History Interactive Quizzes using the HotPotatoes website

 
  1. Newspaper production for Modern Studies using Microsoft Office
  1. Information Handling Introduction to Internet using Microsoft Office and the Internet

 
Secondary Focus