Odds & Ends and Final Comments

Catchment Detox
This online game doesn't really fit into any of my categories but is worth a mention. Found at www.catchmentdetox.net.au , it is a game from which a major government push was made to inform people as to the effect people are having on water quality. At the time major prizes could be won. Although now over the game is still available and an excellent resource. It is a free online game which, similar to the Sims has players making big decisions and also seeing the consequences.
It would be too complicated for the younger ages but the Grade 5/6's could really enjoy it. It is engaging, interactive and fun. It may take a little time to get used to it so I wouldn't introduce it unless I was intending to use it across a number of weeks. Perhaps as an earlier finish activity.
Its links are clear, to sustainability and the environment, as well as civics and citizenship as the player makes decisions which effect everyone.

Another great resource is the learning federation website. See image left.
It has a large database of resources available that you can search through for the topic of your choice. The resources available mainly consist of browser run interactive teaching tools. It is what you would use if you had a smart board in the classroom.



I wasn't so lucky but still managed to hook up a
digital projector and it worked a treat. See the brief of the percentage resource I used (left). It provides excellent engagement to children and is a welcome change from a boring verbal introduction.

Along with the Math 300 website it provided the greatest resource during my latest practicum experience.

If you are serious about 21st century education in the classroom there are a number of resources out there. These include the Intel Teach Program where they have been 'helping K–12 teachers around the world understand how, when, and where to bring technology tools and resources into their classrooms'. Alternatively you could register to the ICT in Education Victoria Professional Teachers' Association which runs publications, events and professional developments.

Before I started this subject Technology across the Curriculum I never knew how much software and resources were out there. Not only that, but the amount that is both free and easy to use. It is incredible. I have always been taken to liking the use of technology but now I feel a lot more prepared and inspired. It will undoubtedly become a feature of my teaching.

THE END
for now