Four US universities are now offering videos of lectures in MP4 format for ‘mobile attendance’ Education technology experts believe the move by Villanova University, the University of San Francisco, Tulane University and the University of Notre Dame could one day be commonplace in higher education, marking the next step beyond distance learning courses on standard computers or laptops – which aren’t always portable. MP4 videos are viewable on a large range of devices, including Apple iPod/iPhone current models, Blackberries, most other smartphones and all portable video players. This move in mobile learning technology was pushed by findings in the recent New Media Consortium’s 2010 Horizon Report. “Users increasingly expect anytime,...   more

New research suggests that using Web 2.0 tools in the classroom will improve your students’ writing skills. A survey of nine to16-year-olds found that those who contribute to blogs and use text messaging and social networking websites have far more confidence in their literacy skills than those who don’t. Sixty-one per cent of those with blogs rated their writing skills as ‘good’ or ‘very good’, while 56 per cent of social networkers reported similarly. Conversely, only 47 per cent of those who did not use technology rated their writing skills well, according to the UK’s National Literacy Trust. “Our research suggests a strong correlation between kids using technology and wider patterns of abilities and enjoyment of reading and...   more

Educators from the Asia Pacific region interested to develop their technology skills can now hone their talents at the School Technology Innovation Centre (STIC) in Singapore. Giving teachers a chance to develop their professional skills and learn from one another, the centre’s goal is to provide an infrastructure for teachers to share ideas and think up the best uses for technology integration to make in-class learning more exciting and involving. STIC is a SGD$1.35 million (NZ$1.38 million) investment deal by Singapore’s Media Development Authority, the National Institute of Education and Microsoft. Within three years, it's hoped that 3,000 teachers from Singapore (and many more from elsewhere in the world) make trips to the centre to share and devise new 21st...   more

HP is trialling a new 'multiple seat' computer system in emerging educational markets. The HP MultiSeat Computing Solution is equipped with Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 and is aimed at schools that do not have the money to buy computers for every student. It comprises a single PC that's connected to up to 10 sets of monitors, keyboards and mice, allowing independent use for 10 students without the need for their own processors. Designed to allows schools to offer twice as many students access to computers for the same money as standalone PCs, MultiSeat has been introduced in Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines, with other emerging markets to come. “HP New Zealand is evaluating the potential for this solution in NZ schools,” said HP’s Simon Molloy. ...   more

Tens of thousands of Kiwi kids and their teachers have added, subtracted, multiplied and divided their way to a new world record. They spent all last Wednesday and Thursday challenging other students around the world in quick-fire 60-second online maths games as part of the world’s biggest education event – World Maths Day 2010. With 1,133,246 students getting involved official results are still being calibrated. However classes from Devon Intermediate in New Plymouth and Upper Moutere School have placed within the world’s Top 50 classes in for the 9-13 age category. Rob Haddock, Principal of Tahuna School, has taken out New Zealand’s top honours in the over 18 category for Teachers and Parents, although he noted that his final score was nowhere...   more