I’ve just started a project with some 5th and 6th class pupils using Scratch. For the uninitiated, Scratch is a visual programming language that is similar to building virtual Lego. I’ll try and explain a little better. When you open Scratch, you are faced with a cartoon cat and the user’s job is to get […]
Scratching the Surface Read More »
Edchat is a Twitter conversation about educational matters both general and specific. The brainchild of Americans Shelley Terrell, Tom Whitby and Steven Anderson, Edchat widely used by educators within Twitter to tag their tweets, allowing them to develop discussions. Some discussion are ongoing, some take place at agreed times among local groups who address an
Fáilte #edchatIE – Irish debut for #edchat Read More »
Freemake Video Converter is a very handy piece of “free” software allowing you to convert videos to AVI, MP4, WMV, MKV, SWF, 3GP, DVD, MPEG, MP3, iPod, iPhone, PSP, Android, rip & burn DVDs, convert online videos directly from 40+ sites, burn Blu-ray, and upload to YouTube. This piece of software is built using Microsoft’s
Freemake Video Converter Read More »
Smart Technologies, the world’s leading interactive whiteboard manufacturer recently released Smart Notebook Express – http://express.smarttech.com a web application that is a lightweight version of their Smart Notebook software that is bundled with their interactive whiteboard equipment for creating interactive lesson resources. In addition they have also released a downloadable version of the Smart Notebook Express
Smart Notebook Express Read More »
While surfing through Microsoft’s website in the US I came across some interesting tutorials and information for using Microsoft tools and programs in the classroom. Fostered by Microsoft under its Innovative Educator Program, the Microsoft Teacher Development Community has lots of resources and ready-to-use training materials from US based workshops. To view these materials you
Microsoft Education Resources Read More »
Critics often accuse video games of making players lazy, inept and socially awkward. Contrary to popular belief, though, a growing body of research is now showing that many build, not burn brain cells by requiring extensive problem solving, teamwork and dynamic decision-making skills. Also capable of building players’ confidence and helping them see the world
How video games can make you smarter Read More »
Over the past few days, we have been looking out to see what the politicians are promising in regard to ICT in education and how they see (or don’t see) technology and e-learning enhancing the teaching and learning that’s taking place in our schools. Fianna Fáil’s Manifesto makes no mention of education or ICT. However,
ICT in Education: What are the Political Parties Promising? Read More »
I recently had the opportunity to attend the ‘Learning Without Frontiers conference in London and found some really good ideas were discussed. This is a summary of what some of the guest presenters had to say. Karen Cator, Director of Educational Technology, US Department of Education – The National Education Technology Plan in the United
Learning Without Frontiers – London 2011 Read More »
In this latest podcast, Michael Hallissy is joined again by Robbie O’Leary, Principal of Sacred Heart SNS, Killinarden, to talk about his new book ‘ICTs in the Primary School – Teaching and learning for the 21st century’, co-authored with colleague John O’Mahony. Divided into two sections, section one provides a range of practical advice
ICTs in the Primary School Podcast Read More »
In the coming weeks many politicians will call to your home or school seeking your vote and promising to bring about “change”. But how many of them have considered what impact digital media should have on learning in the 21st century. Interestingly the most recent edition of Silicon Republic published a story entitled, Today’s Digital
What vision do the main political parties have for learners in the 21st Century? Read More »
