Three members of staff along with three year 6children were trained to use Radiowaves in October 2009. This was a successful day, to which the children responded incredibly well. It seemed to be something they ‘hooked’ into and were very keen to get started on their own station.
Trained staff then cascaded this training to a wider group of children.
The children who were trained helped me set up our station; they chose the text, logo and station name and also the colour and background for our homepage. They were then free to set up their own profile pages and begin using Radiowaves.
I used the children trained as ‘experts’ to help set up year 5/6 with profile pages. A letter was sent home to all parents/carers explaining the aims of Radiowaves and asking for consent for their child to use the site to which we had a very good response. Once the children had set up their own profile pages, signed our rules and contract and had a session learning how to navigate the site and use the equipment, the project really took off.
Children regularly came to see me with ideas for stories, interviews etc. so much so that a lunchtime club was formed which is still oversubscribed.
We have found it really easy to use Radiowaves to deliver weekly curriculum lesson objectives in innovative ways.
For example:
• Making up and recording ‘raps’ about prime numbers
• Making a video explaining how to find a fraction of a number for other children to watch
• ‘Lines’ karate – using our arms to remind us what vertical, horizontal, parallel and perpendicular lines are.
• Hot Seating - interviewing Queen Victoria during our Victorians topic
• Debate - Videoing our debate and watching it in order to make a conclusion.
• SEAL - Going for Goals. Interviewing people to see what they want to achieve this term.
The list is endless and all of our videos and recordings can be viewed on the Station – http://www.radiowaves.co.uk/rockfm .
How has Radiowaves improved teaching and learning at Rockingham?
They are many and various but include:
Improved Speaking and Listening skills:
- Children interview each other
- Children share their ideas with others and adults at home
- Going out into the community and interviewing other adults
- Voicing opinions – having a voice in the community
- We have also found that Radiowaves helped to boost children’s confidence
Improved ICT skills:
- Using Flip cameras to make videos
- Using MP3 players and microphone to interview people
- Editing and uploading
- Improved word processing skills
- Safe and responsible use of the internet
- More awareness of internet safety
