Articles - Latest and archive
Articles to inform, alert and inspire
Robotics learning in te Classroom uses robots to teach STEM concepts and skills in a hands-on, engaging way, fostering problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning is an interdisciplinary approach to education that focuses on hands-on, problem-based learning to develop skills in critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.
Robots that use software like Arduino provide a fascinating and exciting way to ctreate a superb a software coding and practical learning environment in the classroon at low cost.
A range of models supplied as a class kit with different operating functions and features enables groups of students to gain broader experience and share their learning with the whole class. See full range, option and features here
Robots available with Arduino, Micro:bit, ESP32 and Raspberry PI technology.
The Podcast Studio Lighting Kit has LED soft box lighting with diffusers to create well lit professional videos, it includes a "Chroma" green background to enable video backgrounds to be inclded in podcasts.
The Studio Lighting kit is supplied in a separate hand held carry bag so that it's easy to carry and set up prior to podcasting.
To capture, record and stream more professional podcats with a full podcast kit the use of OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) an open source free download software using online tools. A 4 channel HDMI video capture device can also be added to connect up to 4 cameras to create stunning and professional presentations.
OBS Studio Software
To capture, record and stream more professional podcats with a full podcast kit the use of OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) an open source free download software using online tools. A 4 channel HDMI video capture device can also be added to connect up to 4 cameras to create stunning and professional presentations.
OBS Studio Webpage and Free Download
4 channel video and audio input with 4 chanel video output ans audio
Video Controllers
Another way of creating podcasts (instead of using software like OBS Studio if it is too complex for pupils or teachers), is to use a video controller to connect cameras and audio sources then record a simpler podcasts on a PC or Laptop (see and click picture below) and edit with CapCut software.
Video Controller with 4 Channel video input and Audio but only single video and audio output
Video Editing Software
CapCut is a Free basic and simple all-in-one creative platform for beginners powered by AI that enables video editing and image design on browsers, Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. With speech to text.
Sound effects and ambient backgound sounds
To make recordings sound more interesting and to add background sound the sound card can be used by pressing the sound "pads" or mbient background sounds and effects can be downloaded and added when editing.
A podcast starter kit supplied in a carry case with wheels contains all the equipment and connecting cables needed to make a podcast without the complexity that would need substantial technical support.
Small groups, working together, can take all the steps of planning, writing scripts, recording and editing a podcast to share with class members or upload onto a school or internet service to share their learning performance.
A podcast is made by connecting microphones to the sound card and it's audio output to the 4k camera (that has an SD memory card) or direct to a laptop/PC if only an audio podcast is required.
The recording can be edidited with the Free and easy to use CapCut software.
This low cost but effective and easy to use starter kit enables pupils to work together to create Podcasts on topics of choice that they have a real interest in, allowing them to show their knowledge and passions and convey their thoughts and opinions to others.
A choice of items can be included in the case to suit your budget (withut camera or lighting etc) or additional items can be added to this kit as learning progresses to convert it into a fully equipped multi-resource Podcast solution.
The carry case is made from strong p;astics material with foam mouldings to secure items inside (and to ensure all items retuened to their place) with wheels and handle for easy transporting and storage.
Connecting microphones
5 microphones can be connected to the sound card as shown and a total of 5 headphones using the headset amplifier and one of the two extra headphone outputs on the sound card
Connect the sound card to a camera or direct to a PC or laptop
Podcasting is a cross-curricular tool that enhances communication, creativity, digital skills, and subject-specific knowledge. It is being used in the English and Welsh curriculum to improve oracy, literacy, digital competency, and critical thinking across multiple subjects. Schools integrating podcasting into their curriculum provide students with real-world media experience, teamwork and the opportunity to
reinforce prior learning.
There is a lot of positive research endorsing the benefits of school children creating podcasts.
The National Literacy trust recognises that listening to podcasts has a positive impact on children's reading.
The research also shows that boys listen more to podcasts. Reaching this group is always more difficult but this improves their reading abilities.
Teaching students to make Podcasts also helps develop a wide range of skills that can better equip them for todays modern life.
It can be an activity for a full class activity, creating teams for research, creating presentations and editorials including music, artwork and more.
Communication skills: Students improve their speaking skills, confidence, and their ability to grab attention.
Developing their communication, speaking, reading and writing skills, along with how to best present them, are all invaluable skills for their future. It improves the way they listen and comprehend, exposing them to greater vocabulary and different voices and language patterns.
- It fosters a greater understanding and acceptance of their peers.
- They learning how to thoroughly research a topic and how to write about it and present their findings in an engaging way
- The learn how to work as a team on a project and how to manage their time to meet deadlines
- They learn how to overcome barriers and obstacles.
- They learn about Audio Visual technology, how it works, how to make the most of the opportunities it brings and how to use if effectively.
Creating a Podcast boosts a student's confidence. Sharing their thoughts and views to others encourages them in the belief that they too can have a voice that matters.
Creating Podcasts on topics that they have an interest in allows them to show their knowledge and passions and convey their thoughts and opinions.