Understanding Geography with Keynote Animation

This week's snapshot of iPads in the classroom takes us to some recent lessons in Year 6, where we see a great example of dual coding taking place whilst learning about tectonic plates and plate boundaries around the world.

Through the use of carefully designed activities, students were asked to demonstrate their knowledge of tectonic plates by creating an animation in Keynote. Where previously boys may have drawn a diagram with labels in their exercise book, the iPad allowed them to draw a diagram of tectonic plates and animate the tectonic movement in Keynote. They then recorded and embedded their own voiceover explaining the process that they'd animated, including any impacts such as the creation of mountain ranges, using the correct terminology in their explanation.

Our teachers observed that through the use of dual coding (presentation of knowledge in text, visual and audio formats) our boys clearly developed an increased understanding of geography content and concepts.

For a detailed overview of the learning, including some excellent student reflections of the process, please watch the video.

Mrs Sophie Berry
Dean of Teaching & Learning (Middle School)