Configuring Technology in Schools

1. configuring Technology in Schools Good afternoon, I hope you all enjoyed your lunch! For those of you who don�t know me, I�m David Hunt, Head of Music at Shipston High School. Good afternoon, I hope you all enjoyed your lunch! For those of you who don�t know me, I�m David Hunt, Head of Music at Shipston High School.

2. To share the results of the action research project. To share my experience of using Wii consoles in school. The aims of this session The main aims of this session today is for me to share the results of the action research project I have been working on. I also hope to give you the information that you need in order to be able to decide whether having Wii consoles in your school would be a worthwhile thing to do, and if you do, how to go about buying, installing and maintaining them so that the process is as hassle free as possible.The main aims of this session today is for me to share the results of the action research project I have been working on. I also hope to give you the information that you need in order to be able to decide whether having Wii consoles in your school would be a worthwhile thing to do, and if you do, how to go about buying, installing and maintaining them so that the process is as hassle free as possible.

3. To develop pupils performance skills Reaction times Coordination skills Recognition times To develop pupils composition skills (in conjunction with Sibelius 6) To enhance pupil enjoyment The aims of the project How many of you are Music teachers? What do you teach? How many of you have used a Wii/have a Wii at home? I will be discussing my action research for some of this presentation but I hope to share some ideas which will be applicable in all subjects. The main aims of my action research was: To develop pupils performance skills, including Speeding up Reaction times Improving Coordination skills And developing Recognition times, ie the amount of time it takes to see something and react to it. This is similar in process to reading music, so one hopes would improve performance skills. To develop pupils composition skills (in conjunction with Sibelius 6) For large KS3 classes I planned to have half of the class on the Wiis while the other half used Sibelius 6 on the PC�s. This means that I can concentrate on helping those pupils on the PC�s, as Sibelius is a difficult program to use. To enhance pupil enjoyment I hope that pupils enjoy music lessons anyway, but any increase in their enjoyment of lessons and participation is welcome. How many of you are Music teachers? What do you teach? How many of you have used a Wii/have a Wii at home? I will be discussing my action research for some of this presentation but I hope to share some ideas which will be applicable in all subjects. The main aims of my action research was: To develop pupils performance skills, including Speeding up Reaction times Improving Coordination skills And developing Recognition times, ie the amount of time it takes to see something and react to it. This is similar in process to reading music, so one hopes would improve performance skills. To develop pupils composition skills (in conjunction with Sibelius 6) For large KS3 classes I planned to have half of the class on the Wiis while the other half used Sibelius 6 on the PC�s. This means that I can concentrate on helping those pupils on the PC�s, as Sibelius is a difficult program to use. To enhance pupil enjoyment I hope that pupils enjoy music lessons anyway, but any increase in their enjoyment of lessons and participation is welcome.

4. Equipment was purchased from Amazon and Tesco 12 x Wii consoles 14 x extra controllers 2 x complete Band Hero sets 10 x Band Hero software 10 x Guitar Hero 5 with guitars (bundle) 2 x DJ Hero packs including software and hardware (turntable) 10 x 19� flat screen televisions 2 x 32� flat screen televisions 12x Headphone Splitters 24 pairs of headphones Budgeting � Buying equipment: Equipment was purchased from Amazon and Tesco and took less than 7 days to arrive. Amazon have a buy limit of 5 x Wii consoles and therefore orders had to be put through Tescos as well (all could be ordered from Tesco but Amazon at the time were offering a cheaper price) We approached Game, Tesco and Asda locally but received no replies. To supply an average class size of 24 the following items were purchased: 12 x Wii consoles (came with 1 handset, console, Sports Resort, nunchuk) 14 x extra controllers 2 x complete Band Hero sets (includes guitar, drum kit and microphone) 10 x Band Hero software (can be used with other guitars) 10 x Guitar Hero 5 with guitars (bundle) (Note: including Band Hero allows for more �pop� based songs) 5 x Rock Band software (only software as we already have the guitars) 2 x DJ Hero packs including software and hardware (turntable) (Note: can�t buy DJ Hero separately as turntable is needed for play) 10 x 19� flat screen televisions 2 x 32� flat screen televisions (for whole class play or Band Hero full set use) 12x Headphone Splitters � 24 pairs of headphones are required but we already had these. The total spend was approximately �7500, essentially my music budget paid for the Wiis and all of the software and the LEPP funding paid for the TV�s � Buying equipment: Equipment was purchased from Amazon and Tesco and took less than 7 days to arrive. Amazon have a buy limit of 5 x Wii consoles and therefore orders had to be put through Tescos as well (all could be ordered from Tesco but Amazon at the time were offering a cheaper price) We approached Game, Tesco and Asda locally but received no replies. To supply an average class size of 24 the following items were purchased: 12 x Wii consoles (came with 1 handset, console, Sports Resort, nunchuk) 14 x extra controllers 2 x complete Band Hero sets (includes guitar, drum kit and microphone) 10 x Band Hero software (can be used with other guitars) 10 x Guitar Hero 5 with guitars (bundle) (Note: including Band Hero allows for more �pop� based songs) 5 x Rock Band software (only software as we already have the guitars) 2 x DJ Hero packs including software and hardware (turntable) (Note: can�t buy DJ Hero separately as turntable is needed for play) 10 x 19� flat screen televisions 2 x 32� flat screen televisions (for whole class play or Band Hero full set use) 12x Headphone Splitters � 24 pairs of headphones are required but we already had these. The total spend was approximately �7500, essentially my music budget paid for the Wiis and all of the software and the LEPP funding paid for the TV�s

10. The Room Layout A lot of thought went into how to arrange the room. I�m very lucky as I have a large teaching room, but it was already well equipped with 12 keyboards and 15 computers so fitting in 12 Wii consoles and TVs was a challenge. I managed to arrange the room so that all of the keyboards, consoles and computers could be used at the same time if necessary, although we still do not have the ideal situation of having enough headphones for every piece of equipment so these have to be moved to where they are needed. (Discuss Layout)A lot of thought went into how to arrange the room. I�m very lucky as I have a large teaching room, but it was already well equipped with 12 keyboards and 15 computers so fitting in 12 Wii consoles and TVs was a challenge. I managed to arrange the room so that all of the keyboards, consoles and computers could be used at the same time if necessary, although we still do not have the ideal situation of having enough headphones for every piece of equipment so these have to be moved to where they are needed. (Discuss Layout)

15. 15 minutes to set up each Wii terminal. Synchronise any extra controllers Setup TVs Number the workstations and associated equipment Installing Setting up: It takes 15 minutes to set up each Wii terminal. This includes setting up all of the wiring and starting the console up for the first time which involves inputting the date/time and country of residence etc. Also it is necessary to synchronise any extra controllers (the ones which did not come with the consoles) with the appropriate console. (Note: extra time will need to be allowed for unpacking the materials including the TV�s which may need to be screwed to their stands) Each �Wii station� is numbered. This number is also written on the TV, Wii Console, Controller, and Guitar. This is to help keep track of equipment and to also try and prevent confusion. For example, after the controllers have been synchronised they will only work with that Wii console, so �Guitar� 12 will only work on Wii 12. Setting up: It takes 15 minutes to set up each Wii terminal. This includes setting up all of the wiring and starting the console up for the first time which involves inputting the date/time and country of residence etc. Also it is necessary to synchronise any extra controllers (the ones which did not come with the consoles) with the appropriate console. (Note: extra time will need to be allowed for unpacking the materials including the TV�s which may need to be screwed to their stands) Each �Wii station� is numbered. This number is also written on the TV, Wii Console, Controller, and Guitar. This is to help keep track of equipment and to also try and prevent confusion. For example, after the controllers have been synchronised they will only work with that Wii console, so �Guitar� 12 will only work on Wii 12.

16. Guitars are worn out already (but have been well used!) Batteries are an ongoing cost Maintaining The main issue with maintaining the equipment is the replacement (and cost of ) batteries. The batteries in the Drum kit controllers lasted 3 weeks. This was with near constant use, so approximately 60 hours. In the Guitars the batteries lasted a whole term with near constant use which means an average of 240 hours. The issue which is much more concerning for me personally is that the guitar controllers are not yet a year old and most are now failing to strum down (if you are right handed, which most of us are). To get around this I encourage pupils to strum upwards as this function is used so much less that it still works. How much longer the guitars will last is a real worry as my standard music budget will not stretch to buying new guitar controllers every year. The main issue with maintaining the equipment is the replacement (and cost of ) batteries. The batteries in the Drum kit controllers lasted 3 weeks. This was with near constant use, so approximately 60 hours. In the Guitars the batteries lasted a whole term with near constant use which means an average of 240 hours. The issue which is much more concerning for me personally is that the guitar controllers are not yet a year old and most are now failing to strum down (if you are right handed, which most of us are). To get around this I encourage pupils to strum upwards as this function is used so much less that it still works. How much longer the guitars will last is a real worry as my standard music budget will not stretch to buying new guitar controllers every year.

17. Pupils enjoy using equipment Pupils listen to more music. Pupils performance and composition grades have improved. Pupils teamwork and social skills are developed. The Benefits The benefits Pupils enjoy using equipment Pupils listen to more music, in various styles. Mostly pop of course, but some of the songs on Band Hero and Guitar Hero V are older and pupils often enjoyed playing (and often singing) along to YMCA and ABC. Pupils performance and composition grades have improved which I�ll discuss in more detail later. Pupils teamwork and social skills are developed. What I found really interesting was that in the lower ability classes, which are smaller, pupils could have had a console each. Rather than working/playing on their own, pupils often chose to work together, often in groups of three or four. The benefits Pupils enjoy using equipment Pupils listen to more music, in various styles. Mostly pop of course, but some of the songs on Band Hero and Guitar Hero V are older and pupils often enjoyed playing (and often singing) along to YMCA and ABC. Pupils performance and composition grades have improved which I�ll discuss in more detail later. Pupils teamwork and social skills are developed. What I found really interesting was that in the lower ability classes, which are smaller, pupils could have had a console each. Rather than working/playing on their own, pupils often chose to work together, often in groups of three or four.

18. Theft Breakages Longevity Parental concerns The Concerns A major concern, particularly when we first got the equipment was that it would be stolen. All too often we hear of schools having computer equipment stolen days after it has been delivered and the first few weeks I almost expected to come into work and find my classroom stripped of all it�s new toys (I mean, important research equipment). To try and combat this risk all of the equipment was stored in the most secure cupboard in the school, and was put straight in there as soon as it was delivered. What we didn�t want was for the pupils to see it before it was installed in the classroom, partly so as not to spoil the surprise, but also so it wasn�t stolen in it�s boxes. We also told the pupils at the launch and in their introduction lesson that the equipment had been covered in Smart Water, which meant it could be traced back to the school if the police found it. To keep the equipment tidy and safe at the end of the lesson pupils replace all controllers and software in the same place. I then check each table to make sure everything is as it should be before that pair of pupils can leave. This is to prevent theft of software or controllers. Generally the equipment is hardy and has been designed to withstand a reasonable amount of abuse. The pupils do look after the equipment though and the only thing that has broken over the year has been a clip on the back of one of the guitar, although my pride has been damaged a few times when pupils beat me at my own game. Only one parent raised concerns that their child was playing on Wii games during their Music lessons, but I believe that their concerns were put to rest after I explained the nature of the action research. A major concern, particularly when we first got the equipment was that it would be stolen. All too often we hear of schools having computer equipment stolen days after it has been delivered and the first few weeks I almost expected to come into work and find my classroom stripped of all it�s new toys (I mean, important research equipment). To try and combat this risk all of the equipment was stored in the most secure cupboard in the school, and was put straight in there as soon as it was delivered. What we didn�t want was for the pupils to see it before it was installed in the classroom, partly so as not to spoil the surprise, but also so it wasn�t stolen in it�s boxes. We also told the pupils at the launch and in their introduction lesson that the equipment had been covered in Smart Water, which meant it could be traced back to the school if the police found it. To keep the equipment tidy and safe at the end of the lesson pupils replace all controllers and software in the same place. I then check each table to make sure everything is as it should be before that pair of pupils can leave. This is to prevent theft of software or controllers. Generally the equipment is hardy and has been designed to withstand a reasonable amount of abuse. The pupils do look after the equipment though and the only thing that has broken over the year has been a clip on the back of one of the guitar, although my pride has been damaged a few times when pupils beat me at my own game. Only one parent raised concerns that their child was playing on Wii games during their Music lessons, but I believe that their concerns were put to rest after I explained the nature of the action research.

19. Recording Progress This sheet was designed to help pupils to record their progress. Pupils tended to try and play at least one of the same songs as they had the week before and see if they could improve their score. The score is really more important than the percentage as the score takes into account the difficulty setting. Pupils often found that playing on medium and getting 60% would still gain them a higher score than playing on easy and getting 90%.This sheet was designed to help pupils to record their progress. Pupils tended to try and play at least one of the same songs as they had the week before and see if they could improve their score. The score is really more important than the percentage as the score takes into account the difficulty setting. Pupils often found that playing on medium and getting 60% would still gain them a higher score than playing on easy and getting 90%.

20. The current Year 9 pupils are working two sub levels higher than the previous year due to improved performance and composition skills. Year 10 pupils who learnt how to use Sibelius in Year 9 are more able to work independently and are producing compositions of a higher standard. What has been achieved The current year 9 pupils who have been involved in the action research project for nearly a year (Easter to Easter) are working, on average, two sub levels higher than last year�s year 9. This includes improvements in composition and performance. Also, the current year 10 GCSE classes are much more proficient at using Sibelius 6 and this has meant that they can work more independently (and don�t keep having to ask me for help) and are producing compositions that are of a higher standard the previous years cohort. The current year 9 pupils who have been involved in the action research project for nearly a year (Easter to Easter) are working, on average, two sub levels higher than last year�s year 9. This includes improvements in composition and performance. Also, the current year 10 GCSE classes are much more proficient at using Sibelius 6 and this has meant that they can work more independently (and don�t keep having to ask me for help) and are producing compositions that are of a higher standard the previous years cohort.

21. Issues measuring reaction/recognition times Are the improvements due to the Wiis/Sibelius? Measuring Achievement Measuring progress when it comes to reaction times and recognition times is very difficult, however being more proficient performers is a good indication that these skills have been improved. Of course, as with any research it is almost impossible to prove beyond all doubt as we can always ask if the pupils who have shown such an improvement were more able musicians anyway, and the Wii�s have nothing to do with it!Measuring progress when it comes to reaction times and recognition times is very difficult, however being more proficient performers is a good indication that these skills have been improved. Of course, as with any research it is almost impossible to prove beyond all doubt as we can always ask if the pupils who have shown such an improvement were more able musicians anyway, and the Wii�s have nothing to do with it!

22. Specific SoW Beatles Scheme of work. Introduces pupils to most of the Beatles catalogue. The story mode allows pupils to follow the Beatles through their career. Beatles Scheme of work. Introduces pupils to most of the Beatles catalogue. The story mode allows pupils to follow the Beatles through their career.

23. Composition Explain the advantages of Sibelius 6Explain the advantages of Sibelius 6

24. Composition

25. Wii Sports Resort Day (Enrichment) Discuss enrichment days, Wuhu island. Some pupils brought in their own nunchucks for cycling. Discuss enrichment days, Wuhu island. Some pupils brought in their own nunchucks for cycling.

26. Applications for other subjects. History P.E. Physics Food MathsHistory P.E. Physics Food Maths

27. Book a room full of Wii�s An IT Room A room could be set up with the Wii consoles so that a teacher could book the room for a lesson or a SoW , like an IT suite. A room could be set up with the Wii consoles so that a teacher could book the room for a lesson or a SoW , like an IT suite.

28. Nintendo DS Sony PSP Sony PS3 Xbox 360 PC Software Apple Ipad Other Options Discuss the benefits of the other options that are available. Discuss the benefits of the other options that are available.

29. Time to have a go?