Image Door and Grapevine, Assos by tallguyuk from Flickr used under Creative Commons.
We’re almost there and here it is, the final version of NewsFeed for this session. You may be looking forward to turning the key in the lock and closing the door on 2009-10 (while you contemplate dropping down to a different gear for a few weeks) but the pace of technology never slackens and this month has been no exception to that rule. In fact, this edition is so hot you’ll need your shades on to read it.
Here you’ll find news from the JISC, as usual, and updates on the latest in e-assessment and accessibility. We report on a Scottish success at the Chelsea Flower Show (that most English of institutions) and take a close look at a webcam you can build yourself without breaking the bank.
We have features that will interest staff in travel and tourism and food prep and a feature which listens in to the latest developments in audio software online (extending a trend which has marked this year’s collection of NewsFeeds). We have a competition from JORUM, online office apps from Microsoft and ‘born digital’, a glimpse into the future of of the ancient art of storytelling.
The mix as usual then, sourced from all points of the digital compass which brings us neatly back to the subject of travel and the vacation to come. We’ll be back in early September with the first issue of NewsFeed for next session and if there’s anything you’d like is to feature in the coming academic year then please let us know using the comment facility. If fact, you’re welcome to use the same channel if you have any comment on any item in this issue.
So thanks to all our readers across Scotland’s colleges and far beyond. Sit back and relax as the delights of NewsFeed unfold….
JISC
JISC Awards: Green Computing & Outstanding ICT
PowerDown from University of Liverpool wins the Green Gown Award for ICT and the OU wins a THE Award for OpenLearn
Additional e-book Titles for FE
Titles in the e-Select Top 100 Collection have been selected according to their relevance to FE and provide demonstrable discounts for colleges
New Website from JISC Collections
Enhanced resources catalogue and online ordering service are just a couple of the features available on the new site
JorumOpen: A Quick Overview and Competition Details
Open repository for educational content under a Creative Commons licence, and a chance to win cash prizes for innovative learning resources
Technology Focus
DIY Webcam Close-up
RSC Scotland N&E comes up with a simple solution for those looking to provide close-up demonstrations in your teaching
Assessment
SQA e-Assessment Update
Training available for those looking to take advantage of the SQA’s Deskspace e-Portfolio solution
Scottish e-Assessment Awards 2010
Submit your entry for this year’s Scottish e-Assessment Awards which highlights best practice and innovation in the country – part of the eAssessment Scotland conference
The ‘Martini Model’ Extends to Exams
Secure assessment solutions to support the ‘anytime, anywhere, anyone’ model of assessment
Online
Free Web-based Office Applications now Available from Microsoft
Microsoft releases the beta version of its own free online versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote
‘Inanimate Alice’ – The Future of Digital Storytelling?
The story of a young girl growing up in the first half of the 21st century told in a way that wasn’t really possible before the 21st century
Live Web – Insert & View Web Pages Live in PowerPoint
Insert web pages into PowerPoint and refresh pages in real-time so you don’t have to go outside your presentation
Accessibility
The British Assistive Technology Association
RSC Scotland North & East recently becomes an associate member of the British Assistive Technology Association (BATA)
Guidance for Staff Working with Disabled Learners
Guides that deal with issues such as skills, knowledge and understanding that staff need to appropriately support learners with additional support needs
Resources
Sound Investments: Audio Software
Full mixing desk with over 50 simulated musical instruments, streaming MP3s, and sharing your content with others
Internet Research Skills
Internet for Food Safety is a free online tutorial to help university students develop their Internet research skills
Misc
SAC Wins at Chelsea and the Gardening Scotland – Can You Do Better?
A hearty congratulations to SAC and a set of online resources to set to work on your own gardens
Oddcast Widgets: Putting YOU in the Movies
‘fully-functioning, embeddable applications’ which allow you to insert an image into a recognisable piece of video
YouTube Adds Online Video Editor
Browser-based editing making it easy to add existing videos, trim clips, add a new soundtrack before republishing at a click of a button
Travel
Trains & Boats & Planes
Monitor live aircraft traffic flying through European airspace, follow Tube trains in the London underground, or find cheap train tickets
Your Face in Space
Send your face and your image into space on board one of the final two shuttle flights
TripWow: Make a Travel Slideshow In Minutes
Map out your journey and supplement with images and nuggets from your travel journals, or share your experiences in a travel guide
Snippets
Final Cut: June Snippets
Online drawings, 3D models, strip the audio from YouTube videos, open clipart and a succinct explanation of the Creative Commons licence
