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We recently ran a training session on using the computer games ‘Myst III – Exile’ to develop student’s literacy skills – in particular, writing.
This builds on the fantastic work that Tim Rylands has done using Myst in the classroom.
We have developed a teaching pack for primary schools that can be downloaded for free here:
Character Profile Sheets
Sequencing Activity
The activities use the game as an inspiration for creative writing. The Teacher presents game footage through the interactive white board and interacts with the students to discuss game tactics and choices.
The game is a first person adventure games with fantastic graphics and sound that lend themselves to reading and writing activities linked to the fantasy genre. It is hard for writers (never mind young writers!) to create these kinds of worlds on paper as they are very different to what we know – children have no context for this kind of writing. What would you see in a fantasy land? What would you hear and smell? How would it feel?
It’s a great immersive experience made possible through ICT that definately produces results in terms of motivated learners, enjoyable lessons and great writing. As one of the teachers working with us using Myst said:
Myst has been fantastic, I have some excellent writing I can send to you. I … made the game fit the 5 different stages of a story – opening, build up, dilemma, events and conclusion. Children watched each part of the game and then wrote the appropriate paragraph for their story… the quality of work has been excellent.
Myst can be bought relatively cheaply through Amazon or other computer games seller and all you need to run it is a PC and whiteboard.
I have also developed planning for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 3 but these aren’t at the stage the Key Stage 2 planning is – I was very fortunate to have the support of Steve Smith – the Sheffield Learning and Achievement Service’s Primary Literacy Advisor on this. I’m happy to send anyone who is interested the Key Stage 1 or 3 planning – just email me sarah(at)nwsclc.net.
How can the City Learning Centre help you this year?
This year, whether you have plans to begin to use ICT in your teaching or try something new we may be able to help.
The City Learning Centre has three state of the art ICT teaching rooms which can be booked through our online booking system.
You may need additional help planning or delivering the session – perhaps you want to try a new piece of software or even have a go at film making, podcasting or animation? We have anumber of staff who can help you with this. Contact us with your requirements and we can discuss how we might be able to help you.
Don’t forget that all support falling within the aims of the partnership of the CLC schools is free too.
We will be running a number of training sessions this year for teaching staff as well as supporting partner schools with longer projects.
In addition, this year we will be starting ‘Teachmeets’ – sessions for any teaching staff from partner schools who are curious about using ICT across the curriculum or who are enthusiasts. The sessions promise to be different from the usual long and boring meeting and instead will a forum for sharing what has been going on in school and finding out about new and exciting technologies and how they are being used in the classroom.
And finally, don’t forget to bookmark the CLC web site so that you can find out what priojects are coming up and how you can get involved.
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