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/

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

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.

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