I was interested in this youtube video because our school is about to begin a free trial of using Microsoft 365. Ignore the end where he gives a hard sell but the first part of the video give an interesting intro into how students and teachers can use this tool. #cserTask1

I look forward to getting my hands on an Edison to play with.
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Forwarding link below to an article in a New York newspaper. (thanks to John Pearce for sharing on Ed Tech Crew). Very relevant to this course and helps explain why Australia like so many countries around the world are introducing computer coding into primary levels.
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I wonder how long it will be before 3D printing becomes common enough to be used in schools. It looks like a lot of fun and I'm sure students would love to use it to enhance the presentation of their work, particularly in design. #csertask1  

I think this article not only highlights the importance of critical literacy skills but also how powerful what you say on social media can be. A piece that could be used with students to open up discussion for a range of topics. #cserTask1

This is a page I stumbled across which I think will prove to be invaluable. As a Teacher Librarian who has been at home for the past 8 years and just making my way back to teaching, I love the suggestions and links provided here. I wonder how many teachers out there are actually competent in all these skills? #csertask1  

One technology I would love to implement in the classroom is soapbox. So often because of time restraints, it's difficult to cater for every student  and their particular needs in a subject. This is a tool that could be used in a range of lesson formats, for both formative and summative assessing of the class. The only negative aspect is the requirement to have a class set of iPads, or other mobile devices, but nowadays so many schools are moving into that area that it just seems natural to implement technology which supports the full potential of the devices.…

This year we have launched a 1:1 Chromebook program in our Year 6 classrooms. The device is a great fit for our school environment as we use GAFE and is so easily managed in the Google Administration Console.  We are in the process of extending this program into our Year 5 classes. Here is a short video of how Chromebooks are used in education #csertask1  

So many interesting news stories at the moment – one that I discussed with a year 10 class yesterday is the student who was found to have defamed a teacher and now owes $105K in damages. It created a discussion on what is defamation and that it extends to any person you post information about not just teachers. #csertask1  

Currently I am exploring web-based coding apps. One I particularly like at the moment is pencilcode.net It was a new app last year and I believe it is based on Ruby. I used it with year 4 and 5 last year. This year I have a capable year 2 and some year 3 creating drawings. They seem to be continually developing resources and information in the Guide.  

I thought this article from the BBC was very interesting. It describes how the ping from the black box flight recorders can be located deep into the Indian Ocean as they suspected to be. A sad but topical story that highlights the use of technology in this specialised area.

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26721975

I think it would be wonderful if we could use technology to preserve Aboriginal culture and language, as well as engaging them in education. It is exciting and promising to see that the communities are already engaging in digital story telling. I think more research needs to be done into Aboriginal communities utilising digital resources for learning numeracy skills. Perhaps an app could also be developed to teach students Aboriginal numeracy. #cserTask1 

C3B4Me – An interesting strategy for encouraging independent,  self-directed learning.
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I think that a classroom blog would be a fantastic learning experience, where children can showcase their writing, artwork, photography, and interest in science/ other KLA's. The children's online visitors (including parents, grandparents and students from sister schools from around the world) have a chance to read and view classroom projects, and can then respond interactively with comments of their own. On the classroom blog, students can post documents, files (PowerPoint), pod casts, photographs, homework assignments, video and audio clips, articles, li…

This is an interesting article I found where a mother has created a new technology – The Upsee to provide her wheelchair bound son a chance to walk. This inventive technology is now sold globally and will provide new ways of interacting for countless disabled children. One child was even able to play soccer and games in the backyard with his siblings. Something he was unable to do before The Upsee. It's a very inspirational article in that it shows how with determination and perseverance anything is achievable

The rate of change is amazing. The news that Facebook has bought Oculus will bring VR into the forefront.. Virtual classrooms setup across the globe will enable collaboration on a new scale. The use of Virtual worlds in the classrooms takes on a whole new meaning. Instead of 'take out your earphones' it will be 'take of your VR device'
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I am currently working in a few rural Victorian schools as ICT support for teachers and one area we are looking at is how digital technologies can foster deeper learning for the students.  A recent paper by Michael Fullan gives a great explanation of his thoughts on it and we are hoping to become part of his project into deeper learning.  I am including a link to his paper.

We have started using iPad's in our classroom for many different activities, spelling tasks, prezi presentations, dictionary activities, mapping, maths rotation activities, Google Docs projects and the list goes on. I am looking to increase this knowledge with this course.

We also talk about the pro's and con's of using this technology (especially when it doesn't work the way you want it too!) and students like debating the uses for iPad's to be used in the classroom. One student found this funny Youtube Video at home that I thought woul…

This article, I read this week, really highlighted the use of technology to solve a problem. While the subject is of a sombre nature and sensitivity may be required for younger students, the article can be used to demonstrate to students a positive real example of technology solving a problem #cserTask1  

I really like it when the students are involved in the set up and process of using technologies. This video shows how (easily) grade 2 students can set up their tablets ready for the day. #cserTask1