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Hertfordshire ICT in Literacy Project 2009

A collaborative project supported by the Primary Literacy and ICT teams, developing ideas and resources to share with all Hertfordshire schools

This project aimed to build new approaches to learning in literacy linked to a specific Primary Framework unit through:

• establishing classroom-based enquiry to improve practice and develop pedagogy around literacy and ICT
• engaging pupils in supporting their learning in literacy using ICT
• developing creative approaches using sound capture technology and IWB software

Five leading literacy teachers, identified for their good practice, were involved in the project and worked over a term both at Hertfordshire Development Centre and in their schools creating and trialling the materials, supported by Pam Canning (Primary Consultant) and Shelagh Mackenzie (ICT Curriculum Adviser).

We are hugely grateful for the input and enthusiasm of the teachers and for the ongoing support of their schools:

• Katie Reeve, Arnett Hills (707)
• Claire Hawtin, Bovingdon Primary (903)
• Cora Banton, Holdbrook (358)
• Jo Lyness, Jenyns First (231)
• Karen Connolly, William Ransom (47)

The teachers selected the software which they used for the project.  Interactive whiteboard software included Smart Notebook, Promethean ActivInspire and ActivPrimary and Easiteach.  The materials are provided in one of these formats and work is underway to convert them to all.

• You can download free viewers for Smart Notebook and Easiteach

The project also used the open-source sound manipulation software Audacity:

• Audacity from Sourceforge

• Support for using Audacity

IWB Resources

The completed resources can be downloaded here:

• Literacy / IWB Resources

They can be accessed by Year Group:

• (link to the individual projects presented in year group order)

Or by Literacy unit:

• Argument (Y6- Unit 3)

• Dialogue & plays (Y3 – Unit 5)

• Journalistic writing (Y6 – Unit 2)

• Non-chronological reports (Y2 – Unit 4)

• Dialogue & Plays (Y4 – Unit 5)

• Traditional & Fairy Stories (Y1 – Unit 3)

The completed resources for each project can also be downloaded in zip file form.

Evaluation & Pupil Response

This was a very adaptable unit, which could be used to cover a variety of cross-curricular issues. 

The use of TV clips, radio clips and web reports kept the children interested and provided excellent practical examples of argument being used in real life.  The live debate from parliament was very useful for teaching how debates work.  Using recording equipment encourages children to formulate their own opinions and makes them feel that their views are valued.

This was an exciting project for both my class and myself.  It was exciting for me, as the children wanted to continue the lessons even when it was time to stop. The effectiveness of the lessons could be measured by the progress children made towards the learning targets.  It was easy to assess progress towards the learning outcomes, because of the interactive nature of the flipchart. 

The children where proactive in their learning and guided the path that they wished to take. Their opinions were valued and they were able to judge the quality of the outcome using success criteria developed. Fun was had by all presenting the finial broadcast.

Learning how to use the sound programme Audacity in Smartboard and as a tool for extending speaking and listening skills has been very valuable; extending the notion of plays into non- text based ,ie radio/spoken, form was very creative and different.