Connected learning stories: English

The following stories of successful classroom practice the English KLA illustrate a range of approaches and strategies for incorporating information and communication technologies (ICT) into teaching and learning.

Stage 1

Learning ideas

Using Through my window in a Stage 1 classroom (pdf - 172kB)
This simple and engaging email activity is designed to allow students to communicate about their world through words and images. Students wrote a description of the view through a window of their classroom. They quickly found it necessary to use vivid and precise language to describe the view.

Games to practise literacy skills (pdf - 180kB)
Regular group activities in English included computer-based games for practising word recognition and spelling skills in Stage 1.

Creating a story in the form of a linear electronic book for Stage 1 (pdf - 112kB)
A Year 1 class used slide show software to create a story in the form of a linear electronic book. They were able to create their own illustrations and record their text.

Big mob dreaming - The Bunyip
2001 archived book rap for Stage 1. A rap or book rap is an exciting teaching and learning adventure which can be conducted on the Internet.

Stage 2

Learning ideas

Using word processing with ESL students (pdf - 192kB)
Word processing software was used in Stage 2 to make ESL students? first writing attempts more meaningful and rewarding.

Using clip art to retell a story (pdf - 312kB)
Students in Stage 2 listened to Aboriginal Dreaming stories, then retold one of the stories. They used the multimedia authoring software package HyperScreen and a CD-ROM containing clip art of Australian animals.

Newsday: Creating a newspaper in Stage 2 (pdf - 96kB)
Newsday is a student Internet project which turns your classroom into a newspaper office. This nationwide project is accessible through the Internet, which allows schools to participate in making a news product.

Mrs Millie's painting by Matt Ottley
2001 archived book rap for Stage 2. A rap or book rap is an exciting teaching and learning adventure which can be conducted on the Internet.

Book Week: the Early Childhood books
2002 archived book rap for Stage 2. A rap or book rap is an exciting teaching and learning adventure which can be conducted on the Internet.

Sailing home by Colin Thompson and Matt Ottley
1999 archived book rap for Stage 2. A rap or book rap is an exciting teaching and learning adventure which can be conducted on the Internet.

Stage 3

Teaching units

Using the Internet to encourage reading
This school story shows how a teacher can encourage students to develop their skills using the Internet. Suitable for Stages 3 and 4.

Learning ideas

Using a touch sensitive pad (pdf - 272kB)
Stage 3 students used a touch sensitive pad to write a synopsis of Storm boy.

Using computers to enhance reading activities in Stage 3 (pdf - 152kB)
Twenty thousand leagues under the sea was used as the basis for an integrated unit of work using both on- and off-computer activities.

Alternative keyboards make writing easier (pdf - 228kB)
A touch-sensitive pad (such as a Concept Keyboard) was used to facilitate report writing, especially for students who experience learning difficulties or who have specific problems with writing. Suitable for students in Stage 3.

Book Week - Picture Books
2001 archived book rap for Stage 3. A rap or book rap is an exciting teaching and learning adventure which can be conducted on the Internet.

Matthew Flinders - Fiery or friendly
2002 archived rap for Stage 3 English. A rap or book rap is an exciting teaching and learning adventure which can be conducted on the Internet.

ParaGames rap
2000 archived rap for Stage 3. A rap or book rap is an exciting teaching and learning adventure which can be conducted on the Internet.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
2002 archived book rap for Stages 3-4 English. A rap or book rap is an exciting teaching and learning adventure which can be conducted on the Internet.

Luke's way of looking by Nadia Wheatley and Matt Ottley
2001 archived book rap for Stages 3-4. A rap or book rap is an exciting teaching and learning adventure which can be conducted on the Internet.

My girragundji by Meme McDonald and Boori Pryor
2000 archived book rap for Stages 3-4. A rap or book rap is an exciting teaching and learning adventure which can be conducted on the Internet.

Stage 4

Teaching units

Using the Internet to encourage reading
This snapshot shows how a teacher can encourage students to develop their skills using the Internet. Suitable for Stages 3 and 4.

Learning ideas

My girragundji by Meme McDonald and Boori Pryor 2000 archived book rap for Stages 3-4. A rap or book rap is an exciting teaching and learning adventure which can be conducted on the Internet.

Connected learning projects

The NSW Department of Education and Training provides many connected learning projects for use by students in government schools.

Some of the current ones relevant to English include:

Through my window
Web Design Awards (DET schools only)