We had lots of fun exploring the possible uses for our new low tech tools,
Talktime postcards from TTS.
These are postcard size recordable modules. On one side there is a red record button. You need to hold it down while recording and you get 10 seconds. On the other side there is the play button. There is a flimsy stick-on pouch to slip in a drawing, picture or photo. We preferred not to use the pouches. If you click the record button by accident you delete the previous recording but it is easy to record again. Sound quality is not wonderful but adequate.
1 First idea - matching sound to picture, pupils record one card each
I gave all the class of 11 teachers a French flashcard (newly bought in Tesco's sale for £1.25, rather nice, have word on one side and picture and words on the other) and a talktime card. I said aloud the words for each card and they repeated while recording, one at a time. Then we laid out the flashcards on a table and they swapped the talktime cards about. In turn each played their sound and found the matching card. Then go on to
2 concentration game with all the cards on the table and find a matching pair
3 blutacked to wall as a talking flashcard resource
4 to support any written text especially when working independently.
They cost about £3 each depending on how many you order. No way of replacing the battery so don;t know how long they would last.
TTS also has A4 sized ones and smaller ones.
I also ordered the
recording button which could be used with a display or to give intructions. You can record 10 seconds and it has a replaceable battery.
We are looking forward to exploring more possibilities! There was a real buzz about when we were using them . I am sure the pupils will love using them especially when they get to record themselves.
