As a new school year dawns many teachers will return to their classroom to find some new piece of technology in their room, if they are lucky! This might entail a new interactive whiteboard or a laptop computer + digital projector installed in their room. This scenario should be occurring in many schools, as all […]
ICT Integration – what does it look like? Read More »
Younger learners are sometimes forgotten as I look at ideas for this blog. With this in mind I have two web resources that should appeal to pupils in Junior classes. Moshi Monster is an adopt a “monster” concept. Pupils get to choose their own monster from a selection of six cute critters. Then they are
Junior Web Resources Read More »
In this podcast TeachNet’s John Hurley speaks with Jason Ohler on the topic of digital storytelling. Jason prefers the term new media narrative and stresses the need for students to be able “to write what you can read”, particularly in a digital world. Jason stresses the need for teachers to have fun with their students
Digital Storytelling Podcast – Interview with Jason Ohler Read More »
I was browsing the Microsoft Education website the other day and came across Songsmith – which is a very clever application that will develop a soundtrack to accompany a singer’s voice. Songsmith will allow the composer to choose from thirty different musical styles from Rock, Hip Hop, Dance, Techno, Jazz and Blues. Users can download
Songsmith – Microsoft Research Read More »
I have been a teacher for 30 years, and have both attended and presented many CPD events (known as “courses” in the olden days!). Most of these have been devised and presented to teachers, who attend, participate to various degrees, evaluate, and leave. Evaluations almost always highlight that people like learning what other teachers are
A not-so-quiet (r)evolution – from CPD to DIYPD… Read More »
Every year, Educate Together organise a conference for its principals and we get to meet and learn from each other. It’s always a brilliant conference and one of the best sessions, this year, was when three principals spoke about a certain aspect of their school. One of these principals has done something amazing. Fintan McCutcheon,
A Blogging Principal Read More »
There has been mixed reaction in the UK to the announcement that Becta (British Educational Communications and Technology Agency) is to beclosed down by November as part of the new Government’s public spending cuts. There has been speculation about this for weeks, ever since Becta was singled out as one of the many quangos that
Becta to close as a result of cutbacks Read More »
Avatars are very much in vogue at this season. I have been using an an avatar generator called VOKI recently, having seen it’s use mentioned in this Teachers TV video. After login, the user takes three steps to creating a voki: 1. choose an avatar from a variety of human and animal forms, customise it
Avatars in Language Learning? Try VOKI Read More »
There has been a wonderful sharing of resources in relation to the use of game-making software on the MirandaNet network this week. This is an area that I have some experience in and I would like to share my thoughts and some links on useful tools. Game-making software provides a wonderful tool for young people
Game-making Software Read More »
In this latest podcast, Michael Hallissy speaks with Robert O’Leary, Principal of Sacred Heart SNS, Killinarden. Robert has been to the fore in integrating ICT across the primary curriculum for many years, and he has written and lectured widely on the subject while also developing a range of educational digital content for Irish schools. Robert’s
