**Which+Tools+can+I+use+for+the+foundation+Phase?**

**The value of and using** **the Internet, websites, wikis, blogs and online discussions**  **for grade 2 fractions.**



I was not very sure if Internet, websites, wikis, blogs, and online discussions can be used with success for learners younger than 10 years old.
 * As a person interested in the implementation of ICTs in the Foundation Phase,


 * I think it is very important not only to use these tools with the learners, but also use it to communicate with the parents. Foundation phase parents still have to be very involved and the online tools can take a lot of pressure of the learners to transfer important information.

I think that young learners need to develop the following skills  //before// they will be able to use the above-mentioned tools successfully: 
 * Typing


 * Reading [[image:sitting_on_reading_books_500_clr.gif width="135" height="112" align="left"]]


 * Collaboration i.e. learn to work together[[image:stickman_building_blocks_anim_500_clr.gif width="108" height="106" align="left"]]

One application that I found to be an excellent tool to learn these skills is MS PowerPoint:
 * The learners can learn to type
 * The learners can improve their mouse skills
 * The learners can be creative
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Add-ins like Mouse Mischief and Yawn busters can be used to teach the learners to work together
 * <span style="color: #1426d2; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[[file:May6 SA BESTER 11ICT0027 Fractions MOUSEMISCHF OWN LESSON.pptx]]
 * <span style="color: #1426d2; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[[file:May6 SA BESTER 11ICT0027 Fractions MOUSE skills OWN LESSON.pptx]]

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%; line-height: 115%;">**I found some usefull information on the following websites of how to use some of the tools:**

__ Thank you to Zodwa for the following valuable information : __ <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">__ Software Applications __ <span style="color: #1426d2; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The following are software applications widely used in schools today and each plays a different role in students` learning
 * <span style="color: #1426d2; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">DES - Discrete Educational Software
 * <span style="color: #1426d2; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">WPS - Word Processing Software
 * <span style="color: #1426d2; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">CAI - Computer Assisted Instruction
 * <span style="color: #1426d2; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">ILS - Integrated Learning System
 * <span style="color: #1426d2; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">CBI - Computer Based Instruction

<span style="color: #1426d2; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[EXAMPLE] <span style="color: #1426d2; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">DES-Discrete Educational Software is used by teachers﻿ to:
 * <span style="color: #1426d2; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">supplement instruction
 * <span style="color: #1426d2; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">introduce topics
 * <span style="color: #1426d2; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">provide means of self studies
 * <span style="color: #1426d2; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">offer opportunities to learn concepts not accessible to students

<span style="color: #1426d2; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Zodwa

<span style="color: #1426d2; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[]