Programme

Keynote speakers

Using ICT to support children's learning in the Foundation Stage
Ruth Pimentel, Deputy National Director for the Foundation Stage, Primary National Strategy. This presentation will look at the role of ICT in supporting children's learning, drawing on the use of video materials and on research findings.

Ruth Pimental (PowerPoint Presentation 5MB)

'That Bucket is for Filling in!': The incidence and use of ICT in the early years
Mark O'Hara, Principal Lecturer in Early Years Education, Sheffield Hallam University. This presentation will give an overview of current use of ICT in maintained nursery and reception settings across three Local Education Authorities. Illustrations and exemplar material will also be drawn from class based observations and interviews. The presentation will refer to data on young children's ICT capabilities and experiences both at school and at home. This data raises interesting questions about the implications for initial teacher education of young children's exposure to, and facility with, ICT.

Mark O'Hara (PowerPoint Presentation 3MB)

Workshops

Delegates will have the opportunity to attend two workshops from a choice of five during the course of the day. Please note that the number of places on each workshop is limited and delegates are requested to give advance indication on the booking form of their preferred workshop choices.

Workshop Option 1: Control Technology
This workshop will focus on the use of programmable vehicles (Valiant Roamer and the Pixie) in the early years curriculum. Delegates will have the opportunity to gain first hand experience of the technology and to consider examples of early years practice in which programmable vehicles have been incorporated into a number of different areas of learning contained within the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage.

Pixie User Guidance (Word Document 140 KB)
Control Workshop Presentation (PowerPoint 126 KB)

Workshop Option 2: Content Rich Software
This workshop will explore some of the benefits and pitfalls associated with content rich software. Content rich software packages can constitute powerful tools for children. CD-ROM talking books, electronic encyclopaedias and computer games or simulations can all offer opportunities for exploration and discovery in which the user is being both active and interactive. Delegates will have the opportunity to use examples of the kinds of software to be found in nursery and reception settings and to consider appropriate teaching and learning strategies.

Evaluating Content Rich Software (Word Document 94 KB)
Content Rich Presentation (PowerPoint 366 KB)

Workshop 3: Interactive Whiteboards
This workshop will introduce delegates to some of the educational thinking behind the increasing use of interactive whiteboards in primary and early years settings. Delegates will have the chance to explore a wide range of curriculum material, much of it freely available, and will consider ways in which this technology can be used to support and enhance young children's learning.

Workshop 4: Generic Software
Generic or open-ended software is not related to any particular topic, but can be used to extend and enhance children's efforts to communicate and handle information across a wide range of activities. This workshop will introduce delegates to examples of generic software to be found in foundation stage settings and will provide opportunities to consider ways in which the software can be incorporated into teaching and learning in developmentally appropriate ways.

Generic Software Guidance (Word Document 150 KB)
Generic Software Presentation (PowerPoint 120 KB)

Workshop 5: Digital Video
Digital cameras are becoming increasingly common in nurseries and schools. Such equipment can provide practitioners and children with an extremely valuable tool for recording and communicating. This workshop will focus on the use of a camera designed for use with young children. Delegates will have the opportunity to make short films and to consider the advantages and shortcomings associated with the use of the hardware and software in nursery and reception classes.

Digital Blue Guidance (Word Document 104 KB)
Digital Blue Presentation (PowerPoint 173 KB)
Useful Links (Word Document 83 KB)