Education technology specialist ICT Direct is merging with sister company 1st Technologies to enable it to offer keener pricing and a wider product range to schools throughout the UK.
Useful ICT and Computing Conferences coming up
Creating a game – a positive impact on learning?
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.
Two factors prompted my decision. Firstly, the introduction of the renewed ICT framework in spring 2008, which introduced learning objectives around ‘sequencing instructions’ and opened up options other than control. Secondly, the availability of easy to use games making software, which had the capacity to build games with a very professional feel.
My grim and distant techie past: the uni years, part 1
I am not old enough to experienced quite as many dramatic changes as that, but as far as the world of education is concerned, there have been quite a few. I thought it might be interesting to try and document them from a personal point of view. Do feel free to join in by leaving a comment, or posting a response on your own blog.
Oh, and just for the record, I am not writing these “technobiographical” articles in a spirit of nostalgia. As I have said before, as far as I’m concerned, the best thing about the past is that it’s the past. The technology we have today is wonderful; who would want to return to an earlier era?
Coming soon: another great article
T is for … Tablets
A school that says they are implementing a tablet programme is doomed to failure.
You can substitute “ipad”, “Bring your own device” or some other similar kind of term for “tablet”, the result is the same.
R is for … Reviewing
The education research problem
15 reasons to read the latest issue of Digital Education. I really like #13 myself!
It ain't heavy, it's my Brother
Book review: Two girls, one on each knee (7)
Safer Internet Day: Time to turn to pawnography?
Digital Education: Safer Internet Day edition out now!
Updated! Discounts, competitions, news of events coming up, commentary, and advice about internet safety! And it's completely free!
Here’s what this issue contains:
The hidden messages behind the launch of the Year of Code
And it worked. There was a great buzz throughout the day, and I came away buzzing and full of enthusiasm – though I suspect not for reasons that the organisers had in mind.
Coding: the numbers just don’t compute
I have a problem: the numbers don’t stack up. According to Lottie Dexter, Director of the Year of Code, teachers can learn how to code in a day.
What are your top tips for ebook cover design?
Computer Programming Explained
Computer programming is the process of designing and writing computer programs. That is pretty straightforward, isn't it?
e-Safety in Digital Education
Mr Gove at Bett 2014
Improve student behaviour and attainment
Seating charts make a real difference to the classroom learning environment in terms of teacher effectiveness and student attainment. Through using a seating chart, the teacher is imposing their authority before the lesson has even begun and making it clear to the students that the classroom is the teacher’s territory and they are in control of it. By using their knowledge of students and putting careful thought into the design of the seating chart the teacher can minimise negative interactions between students and take advantage of peer-to-peer learning strategies.