I setup Goolge Apps for Education in Feb. 2008. Here is a video of their thoughts on Google Apps. It has been a huge success.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
PhotoStory the hidden gem
PhotoStory is a program that allows students to combine images, recorded voice, music and sound effects simply. Photostory is one of the most inspiring pieces of technology available for students .... and it is free from Microsoft:
Download PhotoStory click here
PhotoStory Tutorial click here
I have worked with a number of secondary teachers on assignments where students create photoStory presentation. It has been very successful. These assignments are posted on http://www.connectingeducation.com/
Download PhotoStory click here
PhotoStory Tutorial click here
I have worked with a number of secondary teachers on assignments where students create photoStory presentation. It has been very successful. These assignments are posted on http://www.connectingeducation.com/
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Electronic Reading Devices
About a week ago (around May 10, 2007) Bill Gates said that in 5 years most of the reading done by people under 40(?) would be done on electronic devices which are wireless and have access to the Internet.
The Sony Reader's visual quality of the displayed text is close to a book.
See http://adamscottlibrary.pbwiki.com/Reading%20Devices
Personally I still like the tactile feel of a book. I think somehow it brings you closer to the author. However, I do think this technology will have huge implications.
Imagine a student starting grade 9 with a device the size of paperback which holds every book (and them some) he/she will need in high school. The product may be considered green as no paper is used or tranportation - as ebooks are sent electronically over the Internet
The Sony Reader's visual quality of the displayed text is close to a book.
See http://adamscottlibrary.pbwiki.com/Reading%20Devices
Personally I still like the tactile feel of a book. I think somehow it brings you closer to the author. However, I do think this technology will have huge implications.
Imagine a student starting grade 9 with a device the size of paperback which holds every book (and them some) he/she will need in high school. The product may be considered green as no paper is used or tranportation - as ebooks are sent electronically over the Internet
Friday, February 23, 2007
Wikis
Wikis are an increadible tool and orgainize information the way today's students like to use information.
According to Max Valiquetee one of Canada's foremost expert on youth culture and President of Youthography - today's youth search by keyword ... they are not interested in classifying information like previous genenerations (From OLA SuperConference 2007). Today's youth use services like gmail which allows a google search of all their email. Wikis take advantage of this searching paridigm.
Imagine that every student is required to create their own personal wiki when they enter high school in grade 9. Assignment, research links, RSS feeds and students reflections are then posted to the Wiki. This should be a private Wiki where only the student and teachers have access. Nothing is lost, students learn technical skills. Over the students high school career, teachers will be able to see the students progress.
Free wiki is available from pbwiki.com.
According to Max Valiquetee one of Canada's foremost expert on youth culture and President of Youthography - today's youth search by keyword ... they are not interested in classifying information like previous genenerations (From OLA SuperConference 2007). Today's youth use services like gmail which allows a google search of all their email. Wikis take advantage of this searching paridigm.
Imagine that every student is required to create their own personal wiki when they enter high school in grade 9. Assignment, research links, RSS feeds and students reflections are then posted to the Wiki. This should be a private Wiki where only the student and teachers have access. Nothing is lost, students learn technical skills. Over the students high school career, teachers will be able to see the students progress.
Free wiki is available from pbwiki.com.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Why do middle and high schools not carry Manga.
A good friend of mine who is responsible for purchasing reading material for his grade 7,8 school refuses to buy any Manga.
I think this is a big mistake. Manga (you have to be careful of content) has many of the main attrinbutes that research shows reluctant readers (especially male) will read.
In my school library Manga is by far the most popular genre. Some titles have been taken out over 30 times in 2 months.
If you do not have Manga in your school ... get it. Some good titles are Bleach, Kingdom in Hearts and One Piece.
check
http://boysread.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manga
I think this is a big mistake. Manga (you have to be careful of content) has many of the main attrinbutes that research shows reluctant readers (especially male) will read.
In my school library Manga is by far the most popular genre. Some titles have been taken out over 30 times in 2 months.
If you do not have Manga in your school ... get it. Some good titles are Bleach, Kingdom in Hearts and One Piece.
check
http://boysread.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manga
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Tips getting boys to read
TIPS
CONTENT - try different genres. Manga, graphic comics, magazines, Orca novels are popular with boys. Keep trying different reading material.
CHOICE - boys enjoy getting ownership and being actively involved in decisions about what they are reading.
RELEVANCE TO LIFE - a lot of boys like to read manuals for mp3 players, games and activities that they are interested in. Magazines on skateboard, cars and their hobbies should be popular.
MODEL IT- boys appreciate it when they see us reading with them, and learning from the material too, reading is not hierarchical experience, reading what they are reading legitimizes the process
CONTENT - try different genres. Manga, graphic comics, magazines, Orca novels are popular with boys. Keep trying different reading material.
CHOICE - boys enjoy getting ownership and being actively involved in decisions about what they are reading.
RELEVANCE TO LIFE - a lot of boys like to read manuals for mp3 players, games and activities that they are interested in. Magazines on skateboard, cars and their hobbies should be popular.
MODEL IT- boys appreciate it when they see us reading with them, and learning from the material too, reading is not hierarchical experience, reading what they are reading legitimizes the process
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
