There are people like myself, Steve Wheeler and others who think that blogging is a good thing to do for a number of reasons. I won’t rehearse theme here because you can read them in the articles referenced at the end of this one. However, blogging is not necessarily easy. Even if writing itself is not a problem, there are several other factors that need to be taken into account.
Read MoreComputational thinking? Algorithms? Why all the jargon?
The new Computing Programme of Study has been criticised not only for its content, but also for the terminology it uses. In particular, it speaks about “computational thinking”, “algorithms” and “decomposition”. “Surely”, the argument goes, “they could have used ordinary everyday language?”
Had “they” decided to do that, there would no doubt have had so many people panicking about it all. So, it’s a compelling suggestion. It just happens to be wrong.
The Internet of Things - The Inevitable Future?
Zaneta Stepien explains what the Internet of Things is, and why we should be excited about it.
Technology never fails to bring us exciting developments and always promises to make our lives better. In recent years, there has been an explosion of technological creativity and innovation, with bold projects being undertaken in all corners of the Earth: from wireless power, 3D printing, gamification, autonomous vehicles and Automatic Content Recognition, to mobile robots and -- the topic of this post -- The Internet of Things, or, as some call it, The Internet of Everything. Sounds grand? Well, it's probably because it is. The promise of this enterprise is nothing short of game-changing,
Technology and learning grow together at Yew Tree School
Yew Tree Primary School in Sandwell is always on the lookout for opportunities to help improve the learning environments of its pupils. As an Apple Regional Training Centre, the school is very keen on utilising technology to enhance the curriculum with all its KS2 pupils having their own iPad 24/7 365 days a year.
Hour of Code Competitions
Here are three competitions in which you may be interested. I have not added any of my own comments or editorial, in the interests of posting this information as quickly as possible.
There are some exciting opportunities here: don’t miss them!
Direct merger means even better prices and service for schools
This is a sponsored article.
Education technology specialist ICT Direct is merging with sister company 1st Technologies to enable it to offer keener pricing and a wider product range to schools throughout the UK.
Useful ICT and Computing Conferences coming up
With the new Computing Programme of Study looming on the horizon, there are a number of conferences and other events coming up in the near future. Here’s a list of some of them. The Education Show isn’t specifically about ICT or Computing, but there are seminars in those areas so it’s definitely worth looking at.Coming soon: another great article
Well, I think it’s great, cos I’m writing it! But while you’re waiting for my latest work to be bashed out crafted, why not read the articles penned by recent contributors to Digital Education. Here they are:
Read More15 reasons to read the latest issue of Digital Education. I really like #13 myself!
Subscribe to Digital Education, and get this sort of wonderful content without hassle! Here’s what is contained in the current issue.Safer Internet Day: Time to turn to pawnography?
Today I sent out my newsletter, Digital Education, and because today is Safer Internet Day the word “pornography” appeared. And guess what? The newsletter was blocked by a Local Authority’s filtering system. I’m not sure whether or not this is worse than the time I was told my website was blocked – because it featured an article about social networking.
Read MoreDigital Education: Safer Internet Day edition out now!
Updated! Discounts, competitions, news of events coming up, commentary, and advice about internet safety! And it's completely free!
Here’s what this issue contains:
The hidden messages behind the launch of the Year of Code
I had the pleasure of attending a summit at the Royal Society of Arts last week. Entitled Skills for the 21st Century Summit, the event was designed to launch the “Year of Code” with as much razzmatazz as could be mustered.
And it worked. There was a great buzz throughout the day, and I came away buzzing and full of enthusiasm – though I suspect not for reasons that the organisers had in mind.
e-Safety in Digital Education
I talked to members of the Lewisham Youth Parliament about sexting and they talked to me about the selfie, they described a selfie as a demonstration of confidence and self-esteem: ‘I look good and in sharing this you will know I look good too’.Mr Gove at Bett 2014
Once again, Mr Gove, Secretary of State for Education in England, gave the opening keynote at the start of Bett 2014. This was significant for two reasons.
Read MoreLet's think about eBook Cover design
I’m involved in a great 5 week course (free!) for teachers called "Crafting your own ebook". I’ll be leading a session soon on the subject of designing a book cover, and although I’ve found some great resources, I thought I’d turn to the community to find out what tips and/or websites others might suggest.
Read MoreBett 2014 Review
Is it really a week since I came trudging home from Bett 2014? I'm still in catch-up mode, which is why I haven't yet published my thoughts about the experience yet. But, I'd love to hear yours.
Please take just a few minutes to complete the Google Form below. My intention is to collate and share the findings.
Quick looks at Bett 2014
3 themes from the Education World Forum 2014
I haven’t had time to fully digest everything I saw and heard at this year’s Education World Forum, but I thought I’d just mention three themes that seemed to me to be emerging, as we move into this year’s Bett show.
Read MoreDigital Education Issue 1 is out tomorrow!
Our newsletter Computers in Classrooms has been folded up, put away in a drawer and replaced by another one. Welcome to Digital Education!5 Things to consider regarding seminars at Bett
With the vast amount of choice at the forthcoming Bett show (15 different events, hundreds of seminars, loads of exhibitors, plus networking), we need some criteria by which to judge whether or not something is worth going to or not – or worth staying for if you already have gone. Here are my suggestions. And remember: your time is precious, so if it becomes apparent that a seminar you thought would be relevant to your needs turns out not to be so, then get up and leave.
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