Today I finally got round to using PrimaryPad successfully in my classroom. I’ve tried it a couple of times before, however the connection kept dropping, so with the installation of a new server I thought I’d give it another go with a smaller group of students.

It worked really well – we were looking at how ICT could be used in schools and the advantages & disadvantages of this. After watching a video of the great ways in which Robin Hood primary integrate technology into their school, I shared the PrimaryPad link with the students who went on to answer some questions I had set.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dvl-jRec8lg

PrimaryPad worked really well and as a simple, collaborative tool it is really excellent – the students needed very little introduction, just the link and were able to get going with their answers. A few were a little distracted by the chat, but far less than I envisaged, which was great (they had a short deadline which may have helped). The Time Slider playback is also really useful to see who’s being doing what.

A couple of students did have an issue with getting on to the pad and being disconnected, however they were able to team up with a friend and get on with the work and some of them complained of slow saving, however, this could well be down to the systems. Once the time was up, we were able to download and print the pad for their folders and they will be using this as a basis for their response to an exam question I have sent them for homework.

Overall, an excellent tool!