One to keep an eye on February 6, 2010
Posted by bobharding in Software.add a comment
Project Sikuli is being developed by MIT (the same organisation behind Scratch). It it a tool for automating anything on the desktop – a bit like a macro tool for every application you have.
One job I do often is to change the proxy server when I am in the office and when I am at home – Sikuli could be just the job for this.
The thing that makes it different is that it has a small number of commands and works with screenshots, effectively “click the button that looks like this”. (and it doesn’t need installing – so there may be security implications for schools)
It’s early days yet but is works with anything that runs Java so that includes smartphones, Macs etc. The current version is quite temperamental about upper and lower case for example and there seems to be very little in the way of basic ‘getting started’ guides.
Touch Screen for all? January 17, 2010
Posted by bobharding in Hardware.add a comment
This is a neat device that can project an interactive display onto any surface (so they say).
Maybe not quite ready for classrooms yet but interesting sign of possible things to come …
The 2009 Zeitgeist December 17, 2009
Posted by bobharding in General Info.add a comment
Fastest Rising (Global)
- michael jackson
- tuenti
- sanalika
Fastest Rising in Entertainment (Global)
- michael jackson
- transformers
- eminem
- naruto shippuden
- beyonce
Fastest Rising in Food & Drink (Global)
- acai berry
- picnic
- クックパッド
- tesco direct
- senseo
Fastest Falling (Global)
- beijing 2008
- euro 2008
- heath ledger
- barack obama
- amy winehouse
Fastest Rising in Sports (Global)
- real madrid
- us open
- ufc
- sahadan
- livescore
Teachers loosing confidence with ICT December 8, 2009
Posted by bobharding in Teaching.add a comment
The DfES and BESA both try to track teacher confidence with ICT. The DfES ask head teachers to estimate for their school, BESA ask teachers directly. The data plots out like this
BUT
Data is not information and we have to dig deeper to understand this more.
At first glance it looks as if confidence has dipped by 10% in 2009 but I think that Ray Flemming makes some very good points in the Microsoft Blog.
You could even use this as a case study with children on why data really needs much deeper analysis.
Easy Games December 8, 2009
Posted by bobharding in Software.add a comment
It isn’t complex graphics that makes a game entertaining.
Here is a simple time waster – but the graphics could be generated in Scratch, It’s a bit like the fabulous ‘Portal’. Just an idea …
Instant wireless network December 7, 2009
Posted by bobharding in Software.1 comment so far
Windows: Windows 7 was supposed to be able to turn any computer into a Wi-Fi hotspot with any connection. They disappeared in the final release, but a free Connectify beta brings that helpful feature back.
Connectify is a free beta download for Windows 7 only—the virtualized adapters made their way into 7, but this kind of easy front end didn’t.
How to avoid web scams December 7, 2009
Posted by bobharding in Teaching.add a comment
Another guide. Probably brief enough for most. The headings are:
- Never, Ever Click a Link to Your Bank or Financial Institution From an Email
- Never Give Out Your Email Password
- Use Strong Passwords (and Secret Questions)
- Do Not Buy Anything from an Email You Didn’t Ask For
- Watch Out for Job Postings That Look Too Good
- Do Not Give Out Your Personal Info or Social Security Number
- Learn to Use a Modern Browser’s Security Features
- Ignore Web Site Popups Saying You Have a Virus
This has a slightly more adult feel (despite Futurama graphics) and are american rather than English but might be useful for some.
Google Dictionary December 7, 2009
Posted by bobharding in Uncategorized.add a comment
Looks nice. Nothing much to add.
Judging from this entry – it may not be 100% authoritive.
Google Sketchup December 6, 2009
Posted by bobharding in Software, Teaching.add a comment
Have you forgotten how good sketchup is?
Google Sketchup FTW from Mark Clarkson on Vimeo.
More from Wolfram December 6, 2009
Posted by bobharding in Software, Teaching.add a comment
This is one of those web tools I have to get into MUCH more.
Wolfram Alpha has so many potential uses – here is one I don’t know about – the Solve function. The picture below says it all really.
