Umajin

Last week I attended a workshop on the Umajin creative publishing software. It is a NZ made publishing software (Story books - pics - animation) that is storybook based and very easy to use.

I was impressed especially with its easy to use interface, (ideal for Junior classes as it is so easy to use.)

They have plans to add many more features with upcoming updates.

A very good bit of software for all levels.

You can download a 90 day free trial at www.umajin.com but cannot save with this free trial.

Cost for 1 licence is a low $29.95 with price reducing the more licences you aquire.

Download it and give it a go.

Putting An End To Topic Research

Here's an interesting read from Jamie Mckenzie's latest newsletter.

When students conduct topical research, they do little more than scoop up information. Topical research requires little thinking and little imagination. It pays few dividends. It does almost nothing to prepare students for the kinds of thinking skills listed in state and provincial curriculum standards. (Jamie McKenzie)

I certainly agree that we need to making learning RELEVANT and focusing on thinking skills will help our students to lead their own learning.

Dr Jamie McKenzie in Gisborne

Dr Jamie McKenzie is in Gisborne for the day on Friday 2nd March.

Don't miss a day with him as he is a great presenter on debugging the information glut. His focus is on using thinking skills, images and questioning techniques inter weaved with e-Learning.

I was at one of his workshops a couple of years ago and was very impressed with his emphasis on child lead learning using 21st century tools.

DON'T MISS this opportunity to see an international educationalist.

Contact the Education Resource Centre 06 8633 3741 to enrol.

Check out his Website "From Now On"

20 reasons why ICT is an excellent tool for teachers

Kia ora koutou

Hope everyone had a fantastic holiday and all set for the New Year.

Here is an interesting list of why ICT is an excellent tool for teaching.

20 reasons why ICT is an excellent tool for learners and teachers

10 reasons why ICT is an excellent tool for all learners in the inclusive classroom:

• ICT enables inclusion in classroom activities


• ICT enables the pupil to be an active participant in the classroom, not just a passive observer


• ICT offers opportunities for differing learning styles


• ICT is a motivating medium which has 'street cred'


• ICT enables pupils to stay on task by focusing their attention and alleviating some of the physical pressures


• ICT enables pupils to develop independence


• ICT affords privacy to work and develop at the learner's own pace


• ICT provides a medium through which pupils can demonstrate their true ability and potential


• ICT can facilitate social communication and interaction, including pupils in a wider community


• ICT can support the production of well-presented, high-quality outcomes.

10 reasons why ICT is an excellent tool for all teachers in the inclusive classroom:

ICT provides a tool for differentiation by tailoring and adapting tasks to a pupil's abilities and skills

ICT provides a means for pupils to publish for a wider audience

ICT provides a readily available range of hardware and software to support all pupils

ICT facilitates continuity and progression.

ICT provides a different means of presenting materials which will engage, stimulate and motivate pupils

ICT enables teachers to produce materials of a high standard

ICT enables teachers to access adaptable, freely-available materials in electronic form from a wide variety of sources

ICT facilitates a collaborative mode of working, where teachers can share resources and materials using the World Wide Web and email

ICT provides a means of keeping records of individual progress

ICT encourages all pupils to work independently and creates opportunities for making the best use of human resources

From Becta.org.nz