I thought I'd review Amazon Prime today because there are quite a few substantial discounts for members for today only. For example, something I've been cogitating on for a while has nearly 20% off today. I've only talked about the UK site in this article.
Read More10 questions arising from lazy thinking in ICT and computing in schools
There's plenty of lazy thinking in the world of education technology, ICT and computing. Here are 10 useful questions to ask when you come across it.
Read MoreHow to evaluate a Computing scheme of work
Faced with deciding which scheme of work to use for your computing, ICT or digital skills course, what criteria should you apply?
Read More6 useful ideas for computing lessons
What can a book written 40 odd years ago have to say about teaching computing? Nothing, actually, but it did inspire me to write an article suggesting routines in computing lessons. Read on to find out more.
Read MoreTeaching computing, assessing computing, and a lot more
I'm on the final proof-reading stages of the latest issue of Digital Education. It's a free newsletter for people with a professional interest in ICT and Computing in education, ed tech, digital skills etc. This issue includes an article by William Lau on the 5 mistakes he made when teaching Computing, and an article by Sam Hunter on the ladders approach to assessing Computing.
For more information on what the new issue contains, read on.
Read MoreWhat I'm reading: Bounce
What does it take to become an expert? And what can the Computing teacher do about it?
Read MoreThe stimulating classroom revisited
How can technology help to make your classroom a vibrant, exciting place of learning?
Read MoreHow I deal with spam comments
How should one handle spam comments -- and what are spam comments in the first place?
Read MoreMessy problems and ed tech
Do we spoonfeed students too much? Or ask them the wrong kind of questions? Here's an interesting discussion between Kevin Hogan of Technology & Learning and Alan November.
Read MoreWhat I've been reading: Computers, they drive us crazy!
It probably won't have you clutching your sides and gasping for breath, but may bring a smile to your face.
I don't need any excuse to leap into the nearestsecond-hand bookshop when I'm out and about, but if I were forced to provide one, it would be this. You occasionally come across some real gems.
My latest find is “Computers: they drive us crazy!”, by Helen Exley and Bill Stott. Having been published in 2007, this now officially counts as an ancient document. You can try purchasing a new copy from Amazon, if you're prepared to wait until the book is in stock, which could be never. Alternatively, you could pay anything from a penny to almost £800 to receive it very soon if your idea of deferred gratification is having to wait for the tea to brew.
Because of the difficulty of acquiring this book I thought more than twice about writing a review of it. So regard this as an exhortation to visit used book stores and a plea to give cartoon books like this a second glance.
It's a slim volume, consisting solely of wry comments on technology in the form of cartoons. It's thin enough to get through in a single sitting, and while the jokes won't have you visiting hospital with cracked ribs, they will probably bring a smile to your face.
These comments pertain to this particular book, of course, but I think they probably apply to many if not all such books.
Are they good value for money, these books? Strictly speaking, not really. At least, I tend not to buy such things for myself. On the other hand, as a small gift for the geek in your life, or a little extra on top of their main present from you, a book like this can be a nice touch.
Here's the link to this particular book on Amazon, just in case you can find a decently-priced used copy: Computers: They drive us crazy!
5 minute innovation in education technology
What can you do in five minutes that is different? How can 5 minute innovation be useful in education technology?
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Farmers can teach us a thing or two.
9 things a Head of Computing or ICT should do to improve things
Here are 9 things you can do straight away to make Computing or ICT in your school even better.
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9 ways to make your Computing classroom 'immersive'
What is an 'immersive' computing or ICT classroom, why is it important, and how can you make your classroom immersive?
Read More10 ideas for Computing or ICT lesson routines
Things may be going great, so why change them? You know the old saying: if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
But there's another point of view too: who wants to become ossified? Read on for a few simple ideas to try now.
Read MoreComputing and magic
What can we learn from magicians when it comes to designing computer software and equipment? In this article, Professor Paul Curzon explains all.
Read More4 reasons that teachers in charge of computing should be concise
When in doubt, cut it out: 4 reasons that computing teachers should get straight to the point.
Read MoreThe Digital Skills Crisis
Apparently there's a digital skills crisis in England. Well, ain't that a surprise? Here's a brief comment, and a link to the Science and Technology Committee's findings.
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They're not that shocking, surely?
5 Outlandish things to do in your Computing lesson
Why not try something different in your Computing lessons? Here's a short list of suggestions.
Read More4 things I've learnt about assessing Computing and ICT
Assessing pupils' ability in Computing or ICT is not easy. Here are four things I've learnt about it.
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7 reasons to teach coding through problem-solving
Should you start with the raw components when teaching coding, or get the kids problem-solving immediately? This article argues in favour of the latter.
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