We are also looking ahead to next year, and are looking for ideas for a whole-cluster Inquiry Learning project. For this, our first project, it will probably be aimed at years 7 - 10. There will be planning meetings organised next term to begin work on this project so keep this in the back of your mind.
Also at this lead teacher meeting, we had a quick look at ArtRage2 and PhotoStory. PhotoStory is a free Microsoft program which makes movies much the same as Movie Maker, but only uses photos. It is therefore even easier to use, includes it's own background music (or add your own), and has interesting panning and transition options. It works like a Wizard - you just keep clicking Next between steps - and is ideal for children and teachers alike.
ArtRage2 is a painting program for both Windows and OS X- we tried out the free trial version which is a great little program with many options. It requires users to apply the same basic techniques as regular painting - the brush runs out of paint after a while; you wash the colour off in a glass of water; you can blend two colours together; ink smudges if you rub it straight away; and you can load an image to 'trace'. It's a great way to create a painting in a digital format that can be used to illustrate stories, add to digital portfolios, movies etc.
Even better news is that the full version of this program, which allows you to sprinkle glitter, paint with gold leaf, silver foil, and other metallic colours, can be purchased for NZ$32.50, and only $1 per machine for licences. Information regarding this option has been sent out separately to lead teachers, or can be viewed in the Software for Learning section of TKI. Read about ArtRage at www.ambientdesign.com.Remember - if you are thinking about units of work for next term (or next year) consider sending me a copy to see if I have any ideas for including ICT.
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