Using educational technology effectively usually requires some planning. Here are ten suggestions.
Twitter: An evaluation
Back in August 2007 I wrote the following article about Twitter:
When Twitter first appeared on the scene, I thought it sounded like a complete waste of time.
But as more and people I respect started singing its praises, I thought I ought to give it a whirl.
That was a couple of months ago, and here are my conclusions.
My blogging toolkit
People often regard me as something of a prolific writer (which I think is another way of saying I need to get a life!). Anyway, in case you’re wondering what I use to write my blogs, here is the lowdown.
Join the discussion!
This evening, for the last time this term, Drew Buddie and I will be discussing matters ICT, from 7pm till 8pm, UK time (though as always we will leave the room open until 9pm). We will see what comes up, but one thing we may be chatting about is why I’ve decided to exclude links to Wikipedia in my articles, as far as I can, for now. Also, why I think it’s a good idea to close down the ICT facilities for the last week or so of term.
Read More25 ways to make yourself unpopular: #2 Provide timely information
You would think that providing timely information would be just the thing to get you applauded. However, as the song from Porgy and Bess tells us, it ain’t necessarily so. It really all depends on what the information is, and to whom you’re making it available.
Is this the newspaper I’ve been looking for?
A short while ago I expressed the view that paper.li, the Twitter-based newspaper, was no longer for me. I don’t like the lack of control over what is published, and it started to look a lot like spam. I experimented with a couple of other similar services, and they did nothing much for me.
But Microsoft's Montage looks promising. Although you still don’t have control over what appears in particular streams, you do have a say in what types of stream are featured, and (to an extent), the layout.
The sledgehammer as a tool for innovation?
Can the sledgehammer, an instrument usually associated with destruction, be enlisted as a tool of innovation? Educational Technology consultant Doug Woods puts forward a case for this unlikely-sounding approach. His position is that a good use for the sledgehammer would be to break up all the ICT suites (computer labs) that can be found in schools.
Read More25 ways to make yourself unpopular: #1 Don’t do as you’re told
Would anyone want to make themselves unpopular? I doubt it. But there are times when one has to choose between what is going to give them a quiet life, and what they feel is right. Obviously, though, you have to choose your battles. In this series I thought I’d explore the sorts of thing which some educational technology leaders or school leaders might not like.
Read MoreSearch engines with a difference: Collecta
Digital storytelling resources
I was completely bowled over last night, by Steve Bunce’s talk on resources for Digital Storytelling. There were quite a few that I hadn’t come across before, but which I am now looking forward to exploring. Most of them are free.
Read MoreDigital Storytelling
With Christmas just around the corner, what could be more timely than a discussion on Digital Storytelling? Steve Bunce looks at some of the great (and free) resources available. Join us here, at 7pm UK time this evening, Tuesday 7th December 2010.
Read MoreWalls
Here’s a nice idea for students to use as a basis for writing a blog post, making a video or other form of presentation, or a series of digital photos.
Is it rude to comment?
A big plus factor in blogging is, of course, the facility to have people comment on what you say -- and the ability to comment on what other people say. But should you comment back?
Read MoreICT and the Built Environment
I’m looking forward to a half-day conference tomorrow (30th November 2010) on the theme of the built environment.
Read MorePlease! No More Mantras!
If there’s one thing that really bugs me it’s people coming out with stuff with no thought whatsoever, but which they assume is profound. I’ve been to some conferences where a couple of speakers recited such mantras as
Read MoreCreating a game – a positive impact on learning?
David Luke writes, I have had an interest in programming and creating games since I purchased a BBC Model A in the 80’s (the good old days!). However, it was only recently that I have actively promoted the introduction of games making into the ICT curriculum.
Read MoreGames-based learning: a personal view
by Amanda Wilson
Six months ago, writes Amanda Wilson, I would have said that games in the class were not a way for children to learn mainly because I never thought of them as educational tools. I never really connected education with entertainment.
Update on The Amazing Web 2.0 Projects Book
In case you haven’t heard of it, or just to remind you if you have, The Amazing Web 2.0 Projects Book contains:
Personal Learning Networks
What a wonderful connected world we live in! Thus it was that a group of us were able to listen to, and chat with, Chris Smith about, appropriately enough, learning networks.
It’s Not About The Game!
Dawn Hallybone writes ... At first, this may seem a strange title for an article about using computer games in the classroom -- but bear with me!
I use computer games in the classroom with the children in school – why?
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