What I thought I knew!

Before I started working in a school I already knew how to use most microsoft programmes and considered myself computer literate. However the amount that I have learnt since working in a school and with ICT is always changing and getting better I now realise that I'm no wizzkid! But I do get by better than some I guess. Working in a school I quickly got good at using publisher to make resources, posters, worksheets, labels, leaflets, cards and much more. I also got used to using various camera equipment and music players mainly by potching with them rather than actually knowing what I was doing! It's been a good learning curve, but I am aware that as I.T does change all the time and it wouldn't take long for me to be out of date.

In the school I'm in now, I rarely use the computers which is a bit odd, but as I'm purely support I only use a computer or any equipment when the children are using them, and to be honest the way kids are today they know just as much if not at times more than me! Its mad but they know how to do stuff I ve only in the past few years learnt to do! However I have learnt how to use a literacy programme called Clika 5, which I don't use much with the pupils but it is fab for writing stories and building up their vocabulary. It basically enables very low ability children to produce excellent pieces of writing. It introduces them to new vocab, themes for stories, layouts and grammer. It even talks back to you so that if they've made a mistake they can identify it when hearing it. It is a lovely and vast programme as it is linked to the web where there is even more themes and games etc. I highly recommend it. The other thing I ve found good since being in comp is starspell. The programme helps pupils with their spelling, hence the name! But it is fun, ability appropriate, and thourough. Another one worth having, other than that though I don't do much anymore, thats why its nice to do the ICT module in uni, keeps me in touch, and i'm chuffed with how much I've learnt.

In addition to this I use the computer alot at home, for various things. I do my shopping online, all my uni work and even though it seems simple I ve only known how to use ebay and have an ebay account for a few months really! I know some people who use it constantly but as I have never really had a use for it I never needed to know how to use it. Its a similar story with downloading. I ve only had the internet for 18 months so once I got it I had catching up to do, fortunately my boyfriend is technically minded so now I know how to use loads of different programmes like Altbinz and photoshop, and also how to use various storage devices. Its all very niffty, but I ve gotta say with ICT it can be great fun and really educational but if you don't have a use for it then you don't really need to know how to use it. For example there would be no need for my mother to know how to use an external hard drive media box as she doesn't have one and will probably never need one! I think some aspects of ICT are a given, a must have like, a phone, but I do think there is alot of ICT equipment out there that may be 'cool' but is nt nessercary, and in some regards its puts pressure on people to always have the next best thing. Especially the teenagers in school. They need to have an Iphone and an I pod and if they could an I pad! They're always in competition with each other, and I do find it ridiculous, especially when most of them don't even know how to use them! Just like 4 year olds having Ds 's. They want one because they think they need one when actually they can't even use it, or read the instructions on the games! Its mad, technology is something I love but also loath. It would be nice for them to make things to last, and only bring out the new version evry 5 years instead of every year! There we are, rant over!  

My first blog!

Heya, I'm Betty. Im currently doing the foundation degree in learning support and we've just started the ICT module, which is why I'm doing a blog! I wouldn't be doing one otherwise, but its good to have a go! I'm 27 and I work in a comp with children with speacial needs. The school is a mainstraem school but it has special units for the deaf, speech and language and autism. I work throughout all three departments. Its a fab job, really rewarding while being a bit frustrating at the same time. Its new to me as I only started in September after working in a primary school for 5 years. That was fab too but like everything, familiarity breeds contempt sometimes and I needed a change!