Well who would have guessed it that "technology is vital to 21st Century learning" as the latest media release from the Rudd DER (or if you are not aware Australia's Digital Education Revolution) spin machine.
I have uploaded the press release and research document (Download 295M1722) for your enjoyment and when I get a little bit of time I will have a look at it myself and try to explore the findings and results. Your comments and thoughts are always welcome.
I am not sure why things pop in my head when they do but they just do, I have to share this PoP. I am currently reading the book "The Element" by Sir Ken Robinson where he talks about people being in 'their element' in regards to being creative and imaginative and that all of us have this within. Ken talks about the development of peoples talents and how they come about - not always through good luck and opportunity but sometimes through hard work and taking chances. So far the book has lived up to my expectations and is not shall we say one of those over the top self help books.
Whilst reading the book I could not help but think about the new series of 'Australian Idol' that we watched as a family tonight on TV. This series was of particular interest to me as I wanted to see how 10 would deal or show Kyle Sandilands who recently was involved in the on-air radio stunt involving the questioning of a 14 year old girl who said she was raped at 12. There are deeper questions here about the research of the show, the ability for on-air talent to respond appropriately and also the parent who obviously encouraged and knew more about the incident and should have know better - I will leave these for others to discuss.
For the most part 10 showed Kyle as per past seasons - being the judge that made the rude comments, that looked the contestants up and down and really laid on the sarcastic put downs. And it was this that got me thinking about the creativity in people - sure many that auditioned were not the best singers or performers or did not look the greatest but hell they gave it a shot. They signed up, waited in long queues and took their spot in front of the judges, only to be ridiculed and put down in most cases. I sat with my children watching and then in the ad breaks watched them sing and dance as if in the audition for the show and I noticed that my children were aware of the expectations of the judges about being good or bad - and all I could think of is this the start of the rot. Is this one of the avenues that subconsciously starts to drive creativity and imagination towards the back of the room to be parked for little use later? I am sure it is.
For me what idol needs is a sister program, almost like a repercharge round or new competition. Where we celebrate those that have had a shot - missed (and possibly by a long way) and then give them the support, encouragement and people to help train and unleash their creative musical sides. Imagine a show for one of the second digital channels where those without courage to fail are given the strength to shine - that would be great.
We need to make front and center the celebration of trying to be creative and innovative so that we build this value into our lives.
I think I would even have a go at auditioning!
This video from TED 2009 is another way to look success and life i general. If you are unhappy in your current job or position - grab a coffee and take 17 minutes out of your day to look at things a new.
Alain de Botton: A kinder, gentler philosophy of success
I was not around when man first stepped on the Moon but I can imagine the excitement and interested it generated.
I was presenting a Google session for educators today and one of the great tools I like to share with people is Google Earth - many people have yet to discover this wonderful resource. With the 40th anniversary of the Moon landing Google has enhanced the experience of the Moon within Google Earth. More information is available from the Google Earth Blog.
Or you could get a quick idea from the following video:
Late last week my podcasting partner (Darrel aka the ICTGUY) pointed me to a video clip for a beta iPhone application. I had held of on buying the new iPhone simply because i could not see enough enhancements to make me want to switch - well the following clip changes that. The potential future for the iPhone and other similar products, especially in education when the price point is not an issue is amazing.
You can hear more about our discussion on the Ed Tech Crew.
Tags: augmented reality, ictguy, darrel branson, edtechcrew, iphone, app
I just love the following clip - one for the simple idea and execution but secondly as a great way for students to create a movie with simple, accessible resources. I know schools have used Lego thousands of times to create stop motion video - this is just another idea and clip to inspire and challenge their story telling/creative imaginations. Enjoy
This morning I woke early to sit in on the online action and information coming out of the NECC09 Keynote (check out twitter with #necc09 or this blog post with coveritlive - http://bit.ly/gtcMD), the discussion and questions were interesting. Then on my way into a work engagement I was confronted with a news story on the radio about the Government pulling a television commercial by BMW because it might encourage hoons.
WAKE UP
This is an interesting commercial not because I aspire to own a BWM or because of the camera angles but because of the idea of using a car to create a form or art work (we will leave the whole green issues to one side for a moment) - the application and structure of the commercial may not appeal to everyone.
But seriously do authorities think people are going to watch this ad and start hooning? What the authorities don't understand is that our children, teenagers whoever really can access this clip online at a any time or access any of the hundreds of thousand other clips showing people really hooning. I would guess that this commercial would have been targeted to a certain audience and I do not recall seeing in a television show that the hoons would be watching (note to self locate def of Hoon).
Check out this next clip, it is available on the web - not sure I have seen any people try it in Melbourne yet. Maybe the authorities should put it on air so that we get better roads - the roads in the Saudi look great.
Here are a few links to the BMW ad:
BMW Z4 Roadster: Art of Driving
In the last week I have been involved in a number of meetings around the design and development of new learning spaces for an education provider. These meetings have been interesting and thought provoking and there are a number of sites and details I will put in future posts.
After doing a little research I found the following video that shows some of the technology coming our way, imagine having a wall like this at home or school and what you could do!
I have always been a fan of the "Gruen Transfer" now in its second season on the ABC. Basically the Gruen transfer takes a look at the tools, tricks and strategies advertisement agencies use to sell us products. What I like about the show apart from the light hearted and even comedic view is the fact there is a panel of advertising specialists; who discuss the adds and the applications, sometimes very passionately.
Recently on the show they discussed an ad called 'Million' (watch video) - basically the add looks at the idea of having a mobile phone available for students that when they are IN school the call and text functions are switched off but they can access educational resources and website - when OUT of school all these functions are back on. The idea has even been trialled and looking for further development.
Very simplistic I like the idea around this project and activity - I do think that mobile communication has a place in school be it with texting, bluetooth or some yet to be developed tool. We just need to have the right tools to use for communication and examples and strategies for schools, teachers and students on how it can be simply implemented. This clip makes you think differently about the use of mobiles - I like that.
The Long, Long Trail is all about the British Army in the First World War
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