Technology talk for teachers in Stratford session
Teachers at a major teaching seminar hosted by the Discovery Children's Story Centre - Credit: Archant
Teachers across the UK came together in Stratford to explore new ways technology can boost literacy and creativity in the classroom.
The event, hosted by Discovery Education, saw 80 educators gathered at Discover Children’s Story Centre for the ‘Day of Discovery’ where they all shared various ideas.
The tech tools included green screening, augmented reality and story-building apps with the event showing how these resources can transform the way children learn literacy and story-making skills.
Discovery Education’s head of community, Chris Nash, said: “We’re delighted that so many schools were able to join us on our Day of Discovery, and immerse themselves in wonderful, creative activities related to literacy.
“We’ve enjoyed virtual reality, model making, film making and news reporting to name just a few, giving teachers the tools and confidence to make ‘Writing Without Words’ part of their everyday lessons.”
The teachers were joined by Canadian tech blogger Dean Shareski, and children’s author and illustrator Paul Stickland.
Mr Stickland, who wrote Dinosaur Road and Swamp Stomp, showed how technology could particularly benefit youngsters with special needs, or those with English as an additional language (EAL).
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The teachers also had the chance to create their own pop-up characters as just one way they could boost youngsters’ skills in storytelling.
Mr Stickland said: “Pop-up paper models have a magic all of their own. They are a fantastic interactive tool which can lead children into different realms of storytelling.”
One teacher who attended was Sarah Baker, an early years teacher from Elfrida Primary School in Lewisham.
She said: “I teach a number of children who struggle to communicate and they respond well to technology.
“Today has really opened my eyes to how we all need to make things more accessible for EAL pupils. I really enjoyed the event today!”
Teaching assistant Kelly Sewell from St Richard’s Church of England Primary School in Hanworth, west London, added: “I’m just in awe of all the amazing things I‘ve seen today. I can’t wait to get back to school and implement them.”
