English
Retrieval
In English, iPad is frequently used as a form of revision and consolidation of previous knowledge but also as a way of incorporating previous contextual aspects of learning into new texts. Most lessons will include a task where students will use Socrative, Quizlet or Seneca learning to test previous knowledge and expand on this by making connections with new topics, allowing them to interleave their learning throughout the different aspects of both Literature and Language.
By using these platforms, it has allowed us to determine whole class understanding, so any misconceptions can be covered in more depth, as well as positively reinforce the knowledge and challenge the students to make connections. Likewise, technology encourages students to take part who are not always as keen to contribute verbally, as all answers can be shared and discussed anonymously.
Thinglink
Remotely, an app called Thinglink has been an innovative tool for students to revise particular characters, settings and plot through images. The image captured in Thinglink can include video links, voice recordings and notes to act as a way for students to revise in both a visual and auditory way.
Texts
As a result of the pandemic, all texts are now in a digital format, which has allowed students' to mark up and make digital notes on their texts. Previously, at Key Stage 3, paper copies of texts could not be annotated, whereas iPad has allowed for students to make notes and annotate subject terminology and the effect of language used by a writer. It is a skill that Key Stage 3 students start to develop in preparation for Key Stage 4 and has enabled them to think more closely with the devices and structure of a text as they are physically interacting with the text.
Similarly, using the Books app, allows for students to make comments and have colour coded notes which are typed, if they do not wish to use a pencil and mark up. In addition, some students prefer to use dictation on iPad to consolidate their thoughts and verbalise their ideas into writing.
Open the pdf above or tap the button to download the EPUB file to your iPad or MAC
The iPad also has two apps called Sora and The Day. These both include digital texts for students to read. Sora is an online library, meaning students can access a text via iPad without visiting the library. Some students have found this much more convenient and accessible, particularly those who forget to visit the library at the correct times, it has enabled them to read at all times. Likewise, The Day is nonfiction news covering a range of genres, supporting students with their understanding of current affairs, helps them to develop subject knowledge in areas that interest them, as well as prepare them for the GCSE English Language non-fiction paper. It allows them to read other people’s opinions and supports them with learning how they can develop their own voice and argument.
Collaboration and Creation
With some topics, students will work collaboratively to share ideas, adapt a text or present information relevant to what they are studying. Depending on the task, students are able to collaborate more effectively through the use of apps and Google products, ranging from Google docs, iMovie and Pages. For example, students have been able to collaborate to write speeches together using Google docs as an extended project both in class, as well as at home. Having the ability to record performances has redefined their learning experience when adapting texts using iMovie, as well as Pages to create their own narratives, supplementing these with images and artwork to create their very own book.
Teachers too have used iMovie to create a World Book Day competition, encouraging students to take part and promote reading.
Assessment for Learning
In English, students are encouraged to use a good old fashioned pen and paper to write essays, however, iPad has been a great tool to empower students to select a method of preparation for assessments. They are also able to co-create revision notes and examine previous essays to help improve and make progress in coming assessments. Students are able to have a QR code with corrections and model answers in their books to accompany their written work, ensuring when they look back and prepare for upcoming assessments, they can remind themselves of the changes they need to make. Students can also use voiceover and dictate notes/ideas in preparation for an assessment.
In Year 7 and 8, students are part of Accelerated Reader which is a reading platform to support students with their reading. Once they complete a text, they take a quiz which tests their comprehension. It also includes vocabulary tests to develop their vocab and encourages them to use the new words they have read in their written work. Both students and parents/carers can access the website and see the students’ progress, words read and the level that they are reading at.
Likewise, teachers can monitor this which helps them to ascertain whether a child is reading a book that is suitable or can direct them towards different genres.
Teachers also use Officelens to compile a selection of assessments to share digitally with the department to moderate. This ensures that all students assessments are marked fairly and allows for teachers to see different approaches to essay writing and ideas towards texts, enabling a collaborative and consistent teaching platform across the whole department, which allows us to develop our teaching practice.