Adora Svitak: What adults can learn from kids.

www.Glogster.com - Could it be an education tool?

Glogster is a web 2 app for sharing photos, information, thoughts, and comments in a creative and visual way. This website is filled with colourful images from the moment you open the home page, this is good as it draws in viewers. After creating an account I found there were many ways that the website could be used in an educational context. Glogster has the qualities of all web 2 apps sites meaning one way it could be used in an educational context is through sharing and commenting on information. The posts can also be shared with other social networking sites such a face book. This could be useful in an educational context as information could be shared with other pupils in the class. The web 2 site has options to make posters, and store information on creative readymade templates that can be edited to suit each individual. This is a brilliant way to reflect and revise work in an interesting and entertaining way. It would be good in an educational context as pupils could use this to not only revise but back up work in a format that they will remember. There is also the option of tagging posts. This is a good feature as work can be tagged so that other pupils or students can find information on any topic. It could be used as a learning diary for students also. It is a great way to share and keep information in an interesting and unique way that is personal to each individual.

Creating Learners Blog review.

One of the blogs I am following is creating learners by Toby Fischer. After reading the blog I decided it was valuable and should be connected to my blog. I thought this for many reasons. One reason I considered the blog valuable is because it is very current. Every week there is a new post uploaded with new information on different themes with in education. This is important to me as I think it important to take in new information regularly. This blog ensures that there is new information for the reader to mould in to knowledge. The posts are filled with links to where the information has been found as opposed to articles written by the author. On the one hand I find this irritating as I would like to read it from the author’s point of view. However on the other hand, I prefer direct links. I prefer direct links because the reader can then see the exact information the author has, and re-use the information themselves. Another reason I think the blog is valuable enough to be on my blog is because of the availability of sharing posts with social networking sites such as twitter or face book. To me this is very useful as I can share any information I find interesting or important with class mates. The blog is filled with useful links and information that date back a substantial amount. There for I think the blog has earned the right to have a place on my blog.

Mmmmm Raspberry pi.. .

This week, I heard about a new piece of software emerging that both intrigued and surprised me. You may or may not have heard of it; it is called a raspberry pi. After having a look around the website I found out the following: The Raspberry pi is a small computer which can be connected to any monitor, be it computer or TV screen. It is essentially a tiny computer that is affordable. When I heard about this I was instantly won over by the company. I think that it is a brilliant idea and can't wait for it to be released. It will provide children from less fortunate backgrounds the opportunity to have a computer of their own. Not only that, but it means that computers will be more affordable for schools as well. I think this is excellent as in our world filled with ever changing technology; it is important that children are educated and are comfortable with the tech that is available to them.

Referencing!

In my seminar on Thursday the 29th of November, I found out that referencing does not have to be a chore! After going through the steps provided, and playing with the referencing options on Microsoft Office' word processor I realised it doesn't have to be time consuming. I previously was not aware this option was available. By using the referencing options I found that you can store and reuse your references at any time. Not only that but the word processor will also provide your reference list in alphabetical order. This was some what of a revelation. I dare say I will not go back to my old style of referencing again.

Xtranormal dot com.

After having the chance to create my own animation on 2animate I looked at an animation website called Xtranormal.com. The website provides members of the public who register an easy way to create their own animation. There are three types of account available ranging from a basic free package to a small fee package with extra features. There are a lot of story boards, characters and effects to chose from on the website, and easy step by step videos to watch.There is an option to view other members videos as well. I thought this was beneficial as it inspired me to want to create a video of my own. You can view these with out being a member, giving the public an inside look of what they could do were they to register. The website is linked to social networking sites such as twitter and face book, and gives you the option to share your video to these sites. Xtranormal.com also gives you the option to download videos to your desktop. I personally would use this website because I find it easy to use, and very appealing in the way it was designed. However I would like the option to make my own characters and sets as opposed to choosing from a list.