TE year1sourcebook/year1 unit2 Summary of the Unit
The power of ICT is in the possibilities of creating resources in multiple formats, also in revising them and recombining them to create newer resources. In the earlier era of non-digital ICTs, creation was limited mostly to textual resource creation; the digital has helped us re-imagine the idea of information to include non-textual methods including audio, images and videos. Generic resource creation, meaning creating resources on any topic, across subjects, is possible using a variety of applications. Generic resource creation is contrasted with 'subject specific' resource creation, where we will use software applications that are relevant to a particular school subject, such as Geogebra for Mathematics resources. You will learn subject specific resource creation digital processes in the second year.
Some examples of generic resource creation are:
- Using a text editor to create documents
- Using a concept map to organize ideas and present
- Using presentation software to make slide shows
- Using pictures and combining with text to communicate
- Audio communications (recordings) using different methods
- Simple videos with pictures stitched with text added using screen cast methods
- Using a spreadsheet to create data analysis and representations
- Creating simple animations
- Editing videos with pictures, text inserts, video clips and audio
(You have learnt the first 6 items in this unit. You can try and learn the remaining 3 items on your own, by referring to 'Teachers Toolkit for creating OER using FOSS tools', mentioned in the 'suggested readings' section).
Each of this resource formats have their own advantages in communicating ideas. A picture can provide a clear idea of an idea or concept, a video can be even more powerful in enabling understanding. Text format can be used to communicate creative, subtle ideas and combining text, audio and video in well designed manner can make the resource useful and this can be tailored to the context, the learning need and the method chosen.