Using ICT to promote learning

The Visitor Centre at Culloden utilises a wide range of new technologies to promote learning. Pupils can experience interactive maps, audio stations, a ‘surround’ film experience, an animated map of the battle which uses computer generated imaging, audio soundscapes and a GPS-triggered audio-guide to the battlefield. There are many activities suggested within this pack for utilising the power of technology to motivate and challenge pupils. Key examples are:

• Pupils can become familiar with how to use data-base websites such as www.scran.ac.uk to stimulate questioning and provide background information before and after a visit
  
• Pupils can take photographs of the battlefield using digital cameras or mobile phones. At a lower level, these could be designed as postcards which could be sold as part of an enterprise project. At a higher level, these can be developed into a PowerPoint-type presentation about their visit or as evidence to support their research findings. Pupils can learn how to embed photographs within text documents as part of a class or school newsletter, or on a school website.
• The Resource Bank section of this pack includes many images which could be built in to presentations or research. It includes a series of maps of the battle, to which pupils could add their own commentaries, either a general commentary or one presenting the view from each side. These could perhaps be recorded.
• Inspired by the soundscapes and film footage within the centre, pupils can storyboard, script and film or audio-record their own responses to or recreations of the battle.