NTO

TeleStory is a teaching programme that has been specifically developed to help Primary School children learn about Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The programme introduces the child to the essential telecommunications networks required when making telephone calls, by fixed and mobile phones and when accessing the Internet.

The Telecommunications Industry Links to Education (TILE’s) required material to raise the awareness of Telecommunications, specifically to be aimed at young people at the Primary, Secondary and Tertiary (Advanced) levels of education. TeleStory is first stage, a 45-60 minute Computer Based Training package, aimed at Primary School students.

The contant of the teaching package has been aimed at Primary School children between the ages of 7 and 11, at Key Stages 1 and 2 of the National Curriculum. However, research has shown that the package is also suitable for older children.

Learning Method

It was agreed that the overall package (CD + workbook) should provide sufficient in-built support so that it could be used on a ‘stand alone’ basis and need not rely on the availability of the classroom teacher.

Children are encouraged to develop their own glossary by writing down keywords that relate to telecommunications – these could be tested later. An in-built glossary explains some of the key words appearing in the package, accessed via a button or by clicking on the relevant words on the page. Within the glossary each word will be read out for those with learning difficulties.

A designated panel of schoolteachers developed worksheets aimed at a variety of ability levels. These include questions on topics which relate to the National Curriculum at key stages 1 and 2, and refer to the content of the learning package.

It was recommended that children work in pairs, so as to allow greater access time to the package. Any given activity should last 15 to 20 minutes.

The CD and support material were distributed, free of charge, to schools via the LEA Learning Advisers.

Look and feel

The package consists of three 10 to 15 minute scenarios based on a cartoon theme, and a section relating fundamentals of telecommunications to the National Curriculum. The appearance is bright and vibrant in order to maintain the attention of the student.

The package is highly interactive and intuitive, allowing the student to explore things for themselves and maintain their interest.