© learnthings 2008

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C ontent Page This user guide will take you through the main features of the learnthings content. Introduction to your learnthings materials 3 Your learnthings Science materials Dynamic tools and whiteboard applications 6 Interactive lesson packs 10 Your learnthings Literacy materials Comprehensive lessons 16 Your learnthings Numeracy materials Comprehensive lessons 24 Worksheet generator 34 ICT Show me 39 Integrating ICT into teaching and learning 42 Study support 43 Troubleshooting 45 Contact us 45

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Introduction to your learnthings materials Learnthings’ interactive learning materials are a comprehensive e-learning package

consisting of high-quality interactive materials designed to empower teachers and

engage learners in the learning process. The material is presented in grades and

age groups for ease of use. This exciting, interactive resource has been written by a

dynamic group of experienced teachers and subject specialists covering Science,

Literacy and Numeracy and a range of related concepts. The package offers you

access to thousands of pages of online lessons, printable worksheets and

interactivities.

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How do I use the resources featured: The content is simple and easy to use. Simply click on the resource you wish to use and off you go! This user guide will take you through the main features of each of the resources within each of the subjects, providing you with suggestions on how to use the resources to suit your specific requirements.

Our materials include a variety of the following key offerings: Dynamic learning tools and whiteboard applications:

• Bank of easy-to-use tools with supporting teachers’ notes and step-by-step instructions

• Ideal for illustrating difficult concepts in a dynamic, graphical manner • Specially developed for whole-class activities or group demonstrations • Suitable for interactive whiteboards, PCs, data projectors and laptops

Interactive lesson packs:

• Dynamic packages of information that comprise: background information, photos, interactivities, printable worksheets and comprehensive teachers’ notes

• Suitable for independent work, whole class teaching or group work

Comprehensive lessons for PCs and whiteboards

• A comprehensive resource containing online lessons • In-depth lessons linked to clear learning objectives • Worked examples, diagrams and animations • Engaging and motivational online activities • Key questions to print as homework or extension activities • Pictures and photographs included to aid learning

Worksheet generator:

• Thousands of dynamic worksheets ready for use in the classroom and at home

• Worksheets support the assessment process • An excellent time-saving tool, supporting teachers in the classroom • Answer sheets are provided

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ICT Show me

This is comprised of more than 100 short online demonstrations teaching computer and Internet skills at all levels. Tutorials guide users through a simple step-by-step process, teaching beginners how to send an e-mail or use the Internet. More experienced users are taught how to create pages and master spreadsheets in Excel, or create presentations with sound effects and animations. Integrating ICT into teaching and learning:

• A guide to using the interactive whiteboard, learning software and Internet resources to facilitate teaching and learning

• Ideas and suggestions on how to integrate ICTs into teaching Study Support:

• A revision and homework support guide designed specifically for learners • Learners are provided with tips to help them cope with their workloads,

manage their time, and improve their results through extension work and revision at home

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Highly graphical, dynamic interactive tools used to facilitate the learning process. These tools are ideal for illustrating difficult Science concepts in a dynamic graphical manner, e.g. reversible and irreversible changes, vehicle acceleration and reaction rates. Some ideas for teachers when using the dynamic tools in the classroom

• Teachers can use with the whole class, small groups, individuals or pairs to reinforce teaching points and learning objectives

• The interactive and colourful activities engage the learner and help facilitate an understanding of difficult concepts

Main features

• Online activities designed for use on whiteboards, data projectors, laptops or PCs

• Screens sized to fit whiteboards • Teachers’ notes • Step-by-step instructions • A floating tool bar, e.g. highlighter, print and reveal tools to use with activities • Science experiments brought to life • Innovative use of ICT

Accessing your dynamic learning tools

Step 1

Click Go on the opening page.

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Step 2

Select Dynamic tools.

You wil be presented with the page below. Select a lesson within one of the topics presented e.g. Living things-Life cycles.

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Step 3

You will be presented with your lesson/whiteboard screen.

The button labelled Instructions (Number 1) will give you a detailed guide on how to work through the activities. Teachers’ notes (Number 2) will clearly identify learning objectives, and how these activities can fit into the classroom environment, as well as ideas for offline activities.

• Teachers can copy and paste sections of the teachers’ notes into their own planning schedules or lesson preparation notes

• Teachers can print out the teachers’ notes as a teaching aid to be referred to during a lesson

• Extension activities provide teachers with ideas on how to explore the lesson objectives further

Tools (Number 3) – will bring up the following bar:

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The Text tool enables an online alphabet keyboard to use for typing in answers to the activities.

The Number tool enables an online number keyboard to use for typing in numbers.

The Highlighter tool can be used to highlight areas of the screen. You can select from a number of colours.

The scalable Reveal tool enables the user to manage the amount of text/ information revealed on the screen.

The Bar, Line and Pie graph tools enable you to depict results graphically. These tools can be customised to reflect results of a specific activity and then printed out.

The Print tool enables you to print out the screen.

The Move tool enables you to position the complete tool bar anywhere on the screen.

You can access the different screens of the tool, referred to as Parts, by clicking the arrow button (Number 4).

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A selection of highly focused lesson packs based on a variety of Science themes. Each pack includes an exciting assortment of photos, printables, activities and interesting facts. Some ideas for teachers when using the interactive lesson packs in the classroom

• Teachers can introduce the packs to the whole class, small groups, individuals or pairs

• Learners will enjoy exploring the lesson packs on their own Main features

• Lesson pack components are designed for use on whiteboards, data projectors, laptops or PCs

• Screens sized to fit whiteboards • Each pack presents information in a contained, focused format • Each pack includeds the following components: Did you know, Activities,

Photos, Printouts and Teachers’ notes • Innovative use of ICT

Accessing your interactive lesson packs

Step 1

Select Interactive lesson packs from the menu.

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Step 2

Select an age group from the list presented on the opening page of the resource.

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Step 3

Select a theme from the list provided.

Step 4

You will land on the lesson pack navigation page.

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Each pack includes the following:

Did you know presents interesting information on the theme in manageable chunks.

Activities presents contained activities that enables the learner to explore the theme and reach greater understanding of the concept being taught

Photos includes a couple of theme-related photos that can be copied and pasted into other documents i.e. a worksheet or project being created by the learner.

Printouts includes three theme-related printables for completion offline

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Teachers’ notes present the lesson pack’s aims and learning objectives, ideas for starter activities, group work as well as provides ideas on how to conclude the learning on the theme. They also makes clear what aspects of the Science curriculum are being dealt with.

Step 5

You will be presented with the relevant lesson pack component depending on the icon you select. Please note that the number of screens in this component is indicated at the bottom of the screen (Number 1). You can move from screen to screen by clicking on the page numbers displayed. To navigate to the other lesson pack components, find the icons on the left-hand side of the screen. (Number 2)

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Step 6

In order to access other themes you need to select the menu icon positioned at the top of the navigation bar on the left-hand side of the screen.

To access another theme, select one of the following from the top navigation bar: an age group or, if you want to select from another age group available, select, Interactive lesson packs.

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Each lesson consists of engaging and motivational online activities and includes printable worksheets and teachers’ notes. Main features

• Comprehensive coverage • Online activities designed for use on whiteboards, data projectors,

laptops or PCs • Screens sized to fit whiteboards • Simple navigation • Supports classroom planning • Useful for homework and revision • Written by practising teachers and specialists • Innovative use of ICT

Accessing your lessons

Step 1

Click Go on the opening page.

Step 2

Select an age group from the list presented on the opening page of the resource.

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Step 3

Select a topic e.g. Module 2 Word level.

`çãéêÉÜÉåëáîÉ==äÉëëçåë=Ñçê=m`ë=~åÇ=ïÜáíÉÄç~êÇë Step 4

You will be presented with a list of lessons from which you can select. Each lesson is split into units e.g. Blending sounds, Blend them together, Splitting sounds – click on a unit to select.

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The following diagram shows an example of an Activity page.

Below is another example of an activity.

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Here are some of the symbols you will see in your lessons:

Symbols in lessons

Information: by keeping this icon active – you will receive additional instructions throughout the lesson

Sound: you have the choice whether to have the sound on or off by clicking this symbol

Play again: this will allow you to play again

Clear: this will reset your input

Reset: this resets the activity

Print: this allows you to print the page

Forward: takes you to the next screen

Check answer: this gives you feedback on your answers

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You will be able to progress from screen to screen in each lesson by: • Using the drop-down menu • Using the next buttons • Using the previous buttons (to return)

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The following pages describe the units of each lesson in more detail including:

• Printable worksheets • Learning objectives • Teachers’ notes • Teacher activities • Learner activities

Printable worksheets

• Teachers can use these for group and individual work

• Teachers can use these for revision purposes, to consolidate concepts learned during class

• Suitable as an assessment tool

• Can be used as homework tasks, as extension activities or for remediation work

• Simply click on the print button to generate your worksheet

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Learning objectives and teachers’ notes

• Teachers can copy and paste sections of the teachers’ notes into their own planning schedules or lesson preparation notes

• Teachers can print out the teachers’ notes as a teaching aid to be referred to during a lesson

• Extension activities provide teachers with ideas on how to explore the lesson objectives further

Teachers’ notes

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Teacher and learner activities are highly interactive and engaging – and aim to ensure concept understanding through participation. Some ideas for teachers when using the Literacy comprehensive lessons in the classroom.

• Teachers can use these lessons with the whole class, small groups, individuals or pairs to reinforce teaching points and learning objectives

• The interactive and colourful activities engage the learner and help facilitate an understanding of difficult concepts

Example 1

Example 2

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Each lesson consists of engaging and motivational online activities and includes printable worksheets and teachers’ notes. Page Main features

• Comprehensive coverage • Online activities designed for use on whiteboards, data projectors,

laptops or PCs • Screens sized to fit whiteboards • Simple navigation • Supports classroom planning • Useful for homework and revision • Written by practising teachers and specialists • Innovative use of ICT

Accessing your lessons

Step 1

Click Go on the opening page.

Step 2

Select an age group from the list presented on the opening page of the resource.

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Step 3

Select a topic e.g. Measures, shape and space.

Step 4

You will be presented with a list of lessons from which you can select. Each lesson is split into units e.g. Teacher activity; Pupil activity – click on a unit to select.

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The following diagram shows an example of a Teacher activity page.

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Here are some of the symbols you will see in your lessons:

Symbols in lessons

Information: by keeping this icon active – you will receive additional instructions throughout the lesson

Sound: you have the choice whether to have the sound on or off by clicking this symbol

Play again: this will allow you to play again

Clear: this will reset your input

Reset: this resets the activity

Print: this allows you to print the page

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You will be able to progress from screen to screen in each lesson by: • Using the drop-down menu • Using the next buttons • Using the previous buttons (to return)

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The following pages describe the units of each lesson in more detail including:

• Printable worksheets • Learning objectives • Teachers’ notes • Teacher activities • Learner activities

Printable worksheets

• Teachers can use these for group and individual work

• Teachers can use these for revision purposes, to consolidate concepts learned during class

• Suitable as an assessment tool

• Can be used as homework tasks, as extension activities or for remediation at school

• Simply click on the print button to generate your worksheet

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Learning objectives and teachers’ notes

• Teachers can copy and paste sections of the teachers’ notes into their own planning schedules or lesson preparation notes

• Teachers can print out the teachers’ notes as a teaching aid to be referred to during a lesson

• Extension activities provide teachers with ideas on how to explore the lesson objectives further

Teachers’ Notes

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Teacher and learner activities are highly interactive and engaging – and aim to ensure concept understanding through participation. Some ideas for teachers when using the Numeracy comprehensive lessons in the classroom.

• Teachers can use with the whole class, small groups, individuals or pairs to reinforce teaching points and learning objectives

• The interactive and colourful activities engage the learner and help facilitate an understanding of difficult concepts

Example 1

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Example 2

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Worksheets are ideal Numeracy teaching tools. This resource is an online generator of printable worksheets. Each worksheet activity has been designed to be used as part of the assessment process. Only one computer and printer is needed for this tool. Worksheets are printed out for classroom or homework activities. Main features

• Thousands of dynamic worksheets ready for use in the classroom or at home • Can be used as an assessment tool and includes an option to include answers

for marking purposes • Excellent time-saving tool for teachers • Easy to use navigation helping you choose appropriate worksheets for the

required age group and subject area

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Some ideas for teachers when using the worksheets in the classroom • Demonstrate the worksheet to the group using a whiteboard before handing

out to individual learners • Use the worksheets on a whiteboard or PC with smaller groups, using a

whiteboard pen to fill in the answers • Use as extension work for higher-ability learners • Set the worksheets as homework tasks, hand out printed copies • Use the worksheets as a resource for learners needing additional support and

practice • Use as an assessment tool to test if learning objectives have been attained

How to use your worksheet generator

Step 1

Select Worksheets from the menu.

Step 2

Choose the relevant age group.

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Step 3

Select a worksheet title from the list provided.

Step 4

Welcome to your worksheet generator.

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• Click on the Worksheet button for a menu of available worksheets. See

button 1 on diagram below • Select a Worksheet from the drop-down menu provided

• Click Include answers if you would like the worksheet to print with answers.

See button 2 on diagram below

• Click Generate and a dynamic worksheet will be generated, ready for printing. Each time you click Generate, a new worksheet will be generated. See button 3 on diagram below

• You are now ready to print your worksheet. Click on the print icon.

See button 4 on diagram below (only the worksheet area will print)

• Click Quit to return to the list of worksheet titles. See button 5 on diagram below

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Introduction A range of easy to use lessons teaching computer and Internet skills. Aimed at all levels, there are over 100 short and fun lessons which guide users through simple step-by-step processes, teaching the most basic skills such as how to send your very first e-mail or how to use the Internet. Includes lessons on more advanced skills such as creating a web page, mastering spreadsheets in Excel, creating presentations complete with sound effects and animations in PowerPoint, and drawing pictures and painting in MS Paint.

Simply click on the area you would like to investigate. You will be taken to a more comprehensive list from which you can choose a specific skill or task. When you click on a link a small window will open. Click on “Show me” and a list of instructions will appear on the left-hand side. You can then either click on “Show me all”, at the bottom of the window, and the computer will run through the whole demonstration, or click on each instruction in turn and watch the animated demonstration on the right. “Tell me more” offers additional helpful information.

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Main features • An easy-to-use teaching tool for teachers wanting to teach basic and

advanced computer skills • Online animations are simple to understand • Pop-up windows give users the opportunity to view practical examples.

Instructions are presented and then demonstrated step-by-step within the relevant program being taught

Some ideas for teachers when using the ICT Show me lessons in the classroom

• Print screens from ICT Show me and make into a display for an ICT lab or computer area

• Use with the whole class or in groups as the main teaching activity • Teach learners the more basic skills first, building up to more difficult

applications later • Provide learners with an opportunity to work through the lessons themselves,

thereby giving them practical experience in the use of a particular program or application

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======fåíÉÖê~íáåÖ=f`q=áåíç=íÉ~ÅÜáåÖ=~åÇ=äÉ~êåáåÖThis mini demonstration provides some ideas on how to integrate Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) into the teaching process. The demonstration looks at the following areas:

• Types of electronic content

• Using the Internet

• Lesson templates

• Whiteboard tips

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This section offers advice on homework and revision.

The homework guide aims to give learners an understanding of where homework fits into the learning process, how to manage their time effectively, and useful tips for setting up a comfortable and productive homework environment.

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The revision guide focuses on exams. Exams can be stressful .This guide aims to reduce unnecessary stress, so that the focus can be on learning and success.

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======qêçìÄäÉëÜççíáåÖ= If you are experiencing problems viewing the learnthings interactivities, you might have an old version of the Adobe Flash Player. Please install a newer version of the Adobe Flash Player by visiting the Adobe website. Ensure that you have JavaScript activated in your browser. f`q=pÜçï=jÉ=

======`çåí~Åí=ìë= Tel: +27 11 719 4100 E-mail: info@learnthings.co.za Website: www.learnthings.co.za

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