The aim of this Tasmanian project was to set up a series of smart zones within the classrooms and workshops of the VET campus. Budget was limiting, so best use was made of existing computers and equipment, including low cost headsets. So far three areas have been set up each with a fixed PC plus the Learning Table equipment and personal headsets.
Portable laptop units will be set up soon within the workshop areas to assist learners with understanding the functions and safe use of the tools, machinery and equipment that is used in these areas. Currently the classroom smart zones include resources that cover theoretical knowledge and processes for application in the field, such as natural science subjects, scientific testing procedures and product/plant identification.
Helping special needs learners
Within the class there are some special needs learners who have varying learning issues, and so far in the short period of this pilot it has been shown that this method of delivery has allowed for some real advances with these learners. Small but significant improvements have been noted in areas such as concentration, motivation, memory as well as increased assertiveness and pre-emptive skills. It seems this technology provides a non threatening environment that they can access whenever they wish, on whatever subject they need, without any uncomfortable supervision or perceived assumptions on their abilities from others.
An interesting outcome from an observation of one of the learners was that they could repeat the information from the audio visual resources with such detail, that they would present it back to the other learners using the same tone and modulation of words as the original narrator of the resource.
Resource development
The resources are being developed as short audio visual products (video) most no longer than one minute. They are developed using simple and often free software that is readily available and easy to master; such as MS PhotostoryTM and MS Movie MakerTM.
As one teacher stated,"...why do an award winning multimedia production that takes days to complete? The learners want useful information which is clearly presented, that's all they want. An Oscar winning production is an overkill."
Of course there have been planning requirements laid out for the resource design being used, particularly with special needs learners, this being achieved through the collaboration of specialist teachers and learning needs consultants.This has included specifications for some of the areas mentioned previously as well as literacy, numeracy and study skills.
More information will be available here later this year(2008) |
