You liked the 10 new tools in the last issue so much, by popular demand, here are some others you could try. If you're looking for a way to create and store simple tests online (fill-in-the-blank and multiple choice, that sort of thing) Practicowl could be the answer. It seems fairly easy to use. You need to register – but don't forget to mark down you're a teacher otherwise it won't let you create courses and tests. Set up course categories, and then create and share tests, which can be made public or private. Of course, once students are done, you can check out the results. Students also need to register to take part. www.practicowl.com With just a few mouse clicks you can make impressive picture collages with Shape Collage . It can take dozens, hundreds, or even...   more

Organising an activity that uses ICT is easy, the challenge lies in proving it actually improves learning outcomes for students, writes Deidre Senior. Over the last few years I have seen what ICT does for students: it engages them; it enriches learning experiences; it allows connections to be made that couldn't happen otherwise. For many, it also diminishes barriers to learning that are often present in the traditional pen and paper form. However, while I find that teachers can easily organise an 'activity' in which ICT is the process or the product, the biggest challenge lies in being able to justify it – to prove that the activity actually improves learning outcomes for students. I have seen ICTs transform learning for students in my classes and I'd like to share what...   more

Microsoft recently unveiled its latest operating system, Windows 7. What's it like? Is it any good? Should your school upgrade? Marc Clarke investigates – and likes what he sees. If you'd asked me earlier this year whether I'd be writing an article about Windows 7 I would have laughed at you. "I'm a Mac guy," I'd have said. "Get lost!" But here I am … I switched to Mac in the last few years, lured by the thought of no viruses, no malware and more interface bling. What I didn't expect, however, was a largely closed system where things are best done a certain way – the Mac way. I tried Windows 7 out of frustration at Mac and Windows apps still (in late 2009) not playing nicely together despite being advertised as being compatible. And despite what passionate...   more