Groundhog Day (2nd), St Valentine’s Day(14th), Chinese New Year (14th – Year of the Tiger), Mardi Gras (16th – aka Pancake/Shrove Tuesday), Hoodie-Hoo Day (20th – Northern hemisphere only) and International World Thinking Day (22nd) important dates all. What an action-packed month we’re steaming on through and the turn of the year already seems a long way back away.
Self Portrait with Pancake by Marino’s doodles from Flickr, used under Creative Commons
However, being stuck in the past is not something that can be associated with NewsFeed this fortnightly technology, teaching and learning blog brought to you by the two Scottish JISC Regional Support Centres. Instead we’re on the case monitoring cutting edge developments in educational technology which will be at a college near you by the day after tomorrow.
In this issue we feature new products available from Google,World War II and classic paintings ‘mashed’ together with online maps, accessibility guides, social trends among America’s young people, rises in University applications and in exam cheating.
We hear of innovative uses for tiny video cameras at Perth College, of new JISC reports and resources and of new electronic ways you can make your voice heard in the Scottish parliament. All human life is here (even if it is only February) and we hope there will be something(s) here that will take your fancy. If anything has slipped off our radar, or you know of good technology or techniques which need wider exposure then please let us know by using the comment facility.
Nearly there now. Time to take a minute or two, sit back, relax and enjoy this latest issue of NewsFeed.
Guest Contribution
Lights, Cameras, Action… at Perth College
Perth College have been using digital video cameras to create content for portfolios, diaries, curricular content, promotional materials and their VLE.
JISC
New Report on Web 2.0 in HE
A survey published at the end of last year on the use of Web 2.0 tools and services in the UK HE sector.
New JISC Resources: Achieving Business Goals through Technology for HE
An interactive publication highlighting how to achieve a dynamic business environment through the use of technology.
HEFCE Funding Reinstated: JISC Reissues ITTs
JISC confirms that funding calls, previously postponed on the 5th January 2010, will now take place.
Let There Be Enlightenment
Electronic Enlightenment, a website of 18th century correspondence that marked the start of the modern world, wins a JISC Collections-sponsored prize.
Events
Game To Learn – eLA Annual Conference, 30th April, University of Abertay Dundee
Sign up for the e-Learning Alliance’s Annual Conference on the theme of games-based education.
Free half-day construction/trades event, 5th March, Jewel & Esk College
Stepping Into the Future: Modelling Practical Skills in Virtual Reality
RSCtv
Tune in to the latest online broadcasts from the Scottish Regional Support Centres
Online
From Landscape to Screenscape: Great Paintings Mapped
Use Google and Bing maps to view the exact spot depicted in landscape, cityscape and seascape paintings.
New CommonCraft Video on Secure Websites
This video teaches the basics of website security and how to recognize a secure site.
Resources
History of the World in 100 Objects
A collaboration between the BBC and the British Museum which involves a mix of media including ‘deep zoom’ imagery, podcasts, and games.
New Social Media Trends in America
Blogging declines for under 30s, though wireless connectivity and social network use rises; teenage girls, rather than boys, prefer Twitter.
MIT STAR Projects – Free Software and Resources for Engineering and Science
Software tools and classroom materials for biology, physics and civil/environmental engineering.
British Library & Microsoft Announce Online Research Platform
A ‘virtual research environment’ that provides a single easy-to-use interface enabling research teams to work collaboratively.
Google Goodies
Creating & Publishing Online Quizzes with Google Docs
Use Forms within Google Docs to create simple online quizzes, choosing from a small range of set question types.
Google Buzz – New Way to Organise Social Information on the Web
An attempt by the software giant to move into the social web which up to now has been dominated by the likes of FaceBook, MySpace and Bebo.
WWII Historical Imagery from Google Earth
Aerial images taken over several European cities, available via the historical imagery feature, can be compared with those of the present day.
Accessibility
A Guide to Creating Accessible Word 2007 and PDF Documents
Download the free guide and access the online video tutorials on the RSC Scotland North & East Youtube channel.
Snap Happy
Ways for disabled photographers to overcome barriers to taking photographs and getting that perfect snap.
Books for All: Online Library
An online library of educational books distributed in plain text, Word and PDF available free to vision-impaired users.
Scotland
Scottish Universities See Rise in Applications
Overall applications have increased by almost 32% since last year due to admission process changes and the current economic situation.
22% Rise in Exam Cheating Reports SQA
Increase in the use of technology by students to cheat on exams.
Boo, Text and Pod: New Ways to Influence MSPs
Social-media tools – digital sound recordings, texts and podcasts – introduced as ways of getting involved with the Scottish Parliament.
Snippets
Spring Forward with February Snippets
Taxi fare calculators, ideas for free e-Learning, aging on Facebook, initiatives in educational technology, screencasts for Twitter and visual thinking for journalists.
