Generic Software Using Dazzle and Text ease Carys Bishopp Joanne Dickson

Introduction General Generic software overview Our observations of their use Information on Text ease Information on Dazzle Play time Discussion regarding links to the curriculum and classroom management issues Questions

Generic Software Software which is content free Word processing and desktop publishing (like Text ease) Graphic software Graphing programs Databases inc spreadsheets Internet (browsers, packages)

Observations Often restricted to the ICT suites and used for activities unrelated to the rest of the curriculum. ICT in the classroom is generally content rich software with little or no support given. Non child friendly equipment e.g keyboards. Potential of this software not realised and can often be linked to most areas of the curriculum.

Textease A word processor and desktop publisher Can be used to create documents of any size An advantage of Text ease is there are several features that support children's learning from pictures and animation to sound and text Another advantage is that like Word, you can change colour, effects, font size to customise children's work

Dazzle Art program suitable for the Foundation Stage, KS1 and 2 Can be integrated into most subjects inc. literacy and numeracy Not just an extension activity! An advantage of Dazzle is that it can be adapted to individual children's needs and abilities A disadvantage of Dazzle is that some tools could be difficult to use if children are not experienced in program

Play time! Use Dazzle to create a pirate picture of one of the characters from Pirate Boy. Use Text ease to write a pirate poem or short story which the children can read using the voice function to practice their reading. Use the voice function to read your poem to a friend. Think about the pros and cons... – Teacher support – Transparency – Usefulness

Discuss With the people sitting near you, come up with a teaching idea for the Foundation Stage or a subject in KS1 which incorporates Text ease or Dazzle to feedback to the rest of the class. Consider the pros and cons in relation to classroom organisation and management.

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