November 2005 -January 2006

Touch Typing in Primary Schools
An investigation is being run in two Berwickshire primary schools, Reston and Chirnside, into whether pupils in the range from P5-P7 can learn to touch type following an intensive course of practice using a touch typing tutor package on the computer.
Rationale;
It has been suggested that if pupils are to learn to touch type they are unlikely to learn through regular sessions over a long period of time. Part of the reason for this is that they will have picked up a 'hunt and peck' style of typing. This habit can only be broken by intensive touch typing practice.
The software being used is English Type from www.englishtype.co.uk.

Digital Video Editing for staff working with Spectrum Support and Communication Impaired pupils
Thanks to Jo King who led an excellent day's workshop. In the morning we learnt about filming techniques. Participants created a short video based on a scary daydream! We learnt how to edit import video footage into Pinnacle Studio 9 and make miniature film masterpieces. The afternoon was filled with creating short films from footage taken of pupils in Denholm, St Ronan's Spectrum bases and Philiphaugh Speech and Language Centre.