Welcome to the future!
A third of computer technology goes out of date every twelve months and this is the third year that the two Scottish JISC Regional Support Centres have been bringing you NewsFeed. This must mean that the information world we were observing when this blog began has been almost entirely upgraded and replaced. Nothing stands still and here at the beginning of a new decade we stand poised to bring you news of change and innovation from the four corners of the technological world which seem set to have an impact on teaching and learning.
‘May you live in interesting times’ runs the old Chinese proverb (sometimes seen as a curse) and 2009 certainly lived up to that label. Throughout the year we sifted through the technologies on your behalf separating out the truly useful from the truly awful. You can look back on that year in technology by clicking here for the Best of NewsFeed 2009 where we’ve assembled some of the diamonds filtered from last year’s dust.
And we’ll continue to provide more of the same in 2010 as this issue will amply evidence. Here you’ll find tentative glimpses into the future and attempts to second guess things to come, as well as a trip to the glory that was once Pompeii. You’ll find news of innovations in accessibility and the first look for the year at Cloud Computing (though certainly not the last). You can also savour a fine blend of teaching and technology in our guest contribution. Finally, watch out for the January Snippets and the ‘tabloid’ version of NewsFeed for those who still prefer the future printed out in A4.
Over to you and welcome to NewsFeed 2010.
Guest Contribution
Burning Need for Online Learning Leads to Awards
An innovative project which uses widely-dispersed fire stations to offer new learning opportunities to local people across rural Aberdeenshire.
JISC
Snowbound Students Visit Virtual Pompeii
Explore an intricate 3D reconstruction of a Roman house built in the virtual world Second Life by academics from the University of Bristol.
RSC NewsFeed eBook Edition
As a single ebook standard is yet to emerge, NewsFeed is now available in 3 different formats: EPUB, Mobipocket/Kindle and PDF.
JISC’s Annual Review 2008-2009 Published
On the 21st December last year, the JISC Annual Review was published online.
JISC Podcast- Maximising Motivation – How JISC is Improving Student Retention
In this podcast, Nicola Yeeles finds out what JISC is doing to help improve student retention and motivation.
Funding Postponement
JISC is postponing all current capital funded calls and Invitations To Tender (ITTs) from 5 January 2010.
Nominations Invited for the Green Gown Awards 2010
For the second year running, JISC is sponsoring the Green ICT Category at the Green Gown Awards.
The Shape of Things to Come
I Have Seen the Future – Does it Work?
A new report anticipates the type of education and training people will need to match the type of jobs available 20 years from now.
Assessment & Teaching of 21st Century Skills
A new set of draft white papers produced via a Cisco/Intel/Microsoft initiative: Assessment and Teaching of 21st Century Skills.
Horizon Report 2010 Released
The report identifies emerging technologies likely to have an impact on teaching, learning within the next five years.
Cloud Spotting
Cloud Computing Study – Call for Participation
JISC has commissioned a study to review the environmental and organisational implications of cloud computing.
Head into the Cloud with Free Storage from Google Docs
Google announces plans to allow the upload, storage and organisation of any type of file in Google Docs.
Repositories & the Cloud
A free JISC/Eduserv event to discuss the potential policy and technical issues associated with cloud computing and the delivery of repository services.
Accessibility
Students Have 10-Minute Attention Span Says New Study
Students can concentrate in lectures for an average of 10 minutes; a third blamed lack of sleep and being overworked.
Get Yourself Rewired for 2010
If you’re interested in how technology can break down barriers for learners, then this conference is for you.
Accessible Toolbar
The JISC TechDis Toolbar provides productivity and accessibility aids to help with viewing and interacting with web pages.
British Assistive Technology Association
BATA has been set up to promote the interests of users of Assistive Technologies and the companies, organisations and professionals who serve them.
New Video Tutorials on the RSC e-Inclusion YouTube Channel
The RSC e-Inclusion YouTube Channel now has 60 video tutorials on a range of accessible and inclusive topics.
e-Inclusion Treasure Trove
The newly designed e-Inclusion blog is a treasure trove of exciting, innovative and useful resources.
Almost 8m Adults Struggle To Access Websites
Public sector and corporate websites could be turning away almost 8 million people if they fail to meet the latest accessibility guidelines.
Misc
EU~Canada Exchange Possibilities
A new call for proposals to fund study/training programmes allowing exchanges between European and Canadian education institutions.
Having Phun with Physics
Phun is a free educational, entertaining and somewhat addictive piece of software for playing around in a 2D physics sandbox.
New Video Available from Common Craft
‘Protecting Reputations Online in Plain English’ is the latest video offering from Common Craft.
Web Applications with Real-time Interaction
Explore three sites which allow real-time collaboration with text, mind-maps and diagrams.
Snippets
SnowBlind – January Snippets
Plagiarism guide; PowerPoint slides search tool; iconic electronic gadget visual timeline; digital images for visual storytelling; and free maths video tutorials.
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