Christ Church C.E.

Primary School

Year 4 Key Stage 2 use of the VISUALISER

Although we originally set out to utilise and research the use of the digital presenter
within science it has being used through many areas of the curriculum within the
primary classroom the VISUALISER has had numerous benefits and uses. The
children’s confidence in speaking and listening has been the most noticeable change
in classroom achievement.

Science
The VISUALISER has been used for a variety of tasks and purposes within
science. Close observation of specific equipment, objects or materials. It’s
functionality to be able to adjust the lens view is perfect for this subject where
aerial views are not always useful.
Teacher and pupil modelling of reading measuring equipment accurately is
excellent using the VISUALISER; in particular the ability to show the children
how to read measures on weighing scales, rulers, thermometers. Moreover, the
VISUALISER provides opportunity for assessment of the pupils ability to do this
independently through their own demonstration of measure tasks to their class.

The VISUALISER is excellent for maximising on resources to be shared between

the whole class – for example electronic data loggers. The children were
investigating principles of insulation using animal fat as mock blubber to cover
their hands. A data logger was placed on the VISUALISER so all could see the
changes in temperature of the water as the child with ‘Blubber’ hands held the
temperature sensors in the water. It gave the children instant analysis of what
was happening scientifically to the temperature of the water and provided a rich
whole class discussion of events whilst they were happening.

The movie presentation tool has been useful to capture images of materials
changing for example Ice Hands when salt is added. The children used the video
as a stimulus for discussion the next session and therefore as excellent formative
assessment for learning by the teacher.

The zoom and pause facility is also useful in science to develop the children’s
observational skills in science – encouraging close focus on small details.

The children regularly use the VISUALISER to share their results of an

investigation, possibly tables, graphs or scientific diagrams. It gives a purpose to
recording science for feedback. (see video clip : MVI 00114)
English & Maths
The year 4 pupils have made excellent developments in a variety of aspects
within English. Ranging from a greater confidence to share their work, speaking
and listening skills are developed naturally and rapidly by children working at
all levels of ability, the children’s handwriting has also dramatically improved
through the direct experience of excellent examples and very clear teacher
modelling.
The children’s enthusiasm to write has grown over the few months we have used
the VISUALISER due to their desire to show and share their own and each
others work. School had begun a revised strategy for marking pupils work
focused on self and peer assessment, the VISUALISER has been paramount in
its successful implementation.
In Numeracy the VISUALISER has been a very useful aid to modelling written
mathematical methods once more, sharing work, dealing with misconceptions
and the development of objectives. Mostly it has been used as a display tool for
small equipment for example counters, dice, playing cards, 100 squares, number
lines and fractions of shapes and numbers.

The VISUALISER is used in every lesson with great effect. Although specific
uses are planned for there are always many other instances where it is the perfect
tool to quickly enrich a part of the lesson.

Foundation Subjects
History & Geography
The VISUALISER has been used to share photograph and text resources, the
advantage over previous methods of photocopying or OHP is definitely the
quality of colour images the children are experiencing together, the reduction in
copy costs and it’s superb accessibility and ease of use.
The VISUALISER has been used in a variety of lessons ranging from discussion
and observation of photographs of contrasting settlements, map work,
observation of historical artefacts and during group task feedback to the whole
class .

R.E. & PHSE

The children regularly bring into school photographs of family or special
occasions, this is where the VISUALISER has once more served to develop
speaking and listening skills through these sharing activities. They regularly
share thoughts and feelings about a variety of social and religious aspects.

Art & D.T.

The VISUALISER has been an excellent modelling tool for some art skills, the
children worked on a coastal mosaic project, they used the VISUALISER to
make closer observations of the colour, tone and shading of a variety of shells.
The teacher modelled how to create depth through shading using the
VISUALISER. The task developed into the production of mosaics created by
mini photographs of the shells, the children used the VISUALISER zoom feature
to create their mini mosaics.
In DT the pupils have created mini movies of their work, one example where
they created a moving diagram of a steam engine to practice skills and
knowledge of levers. Once more the value of the VISUALISER in terms of
modelling and sharing pupils work has been highly beneficial. (see beam engine
movie)

Overall, the VISUALISER has become an integral resource in the year 4

classroom, the children have clear ownership in its functionality and reliability.
They have become more confident in their relationships with each other as a
class and shown enthusiasm and enjoyment for their own learning.

Karen Hodgkinson
Primary AST