Just created a new how to video and uploaded it to youtube. This one looks at using Rulers and Guides in Keynote 6.0 The URL is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCEabYg-MNM&feature=youtube_gdata

I have made another How to video on Keynote 6.0 - this one is called getting started with Keynote. This one looks at adding new slides, changing layouts and re-ordering slides. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hlo5E7IwOvY&feature=youtube_gdata    

I have made another training/how-to video for Apple iWork Keynote 6.0. This one looks at Adding and editing text using the format inspector within Keynote.

IT Articles around the topic of surveillance. Canada ‘spied on airport travellers’ Keywords: Politics, government, surveillance, privacy, Canada Canada’s spy agency collected data from travellers using an airport’s wi-fi system, CBC reports, quoting documents leaked by Edward Snowden. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25977620 Supermarket attaches tracking devices to trolley Keywords: Business, marketing, surveillance, privacy, business, Employment http://www.nzherald.co.nz/aucklander/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503378&objectid=11195147 Yahoo email account passwords stolen Keywords: Security, reliability, integrity http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/30013628/Yahoo-email-account-passwords-stolen Google Glass introduces games Keywords: Wearable, games, Google, Glass, trend, technology http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/games/30013457/Google-Glass-introduces-games Whitelist for wrongly-blocked sites Keywords: Filtering, internet, politics, government, business, employment, digital citizenship The government is drawing up a list of sites inadvertently blocked by the filters it asked internet service providers to implement. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-25962555 Social media transforms lessons Keywords: Education, learning, social media, tablet computing A school in Norway has taken an innovative approach to learning by equipping every student with a tablet and teaching English using social media. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-25888737 Sorry gamers, ‘exergaming’ is no substitute for the real thing Keywords: Health, entertainment, leisure, games, consoles, exercise, fitness http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=11194277 Google gets AI start up Keywords: Google, business, employment, AI http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11193326 Google hopes designer frames will sharpen Glass - Business - NZ Herald News Keywords: Wearable, technology, google, business, leisure, entertainment, glass http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11193588 Smartphone sales ‘top one billion’ More than one billion smartphones were shipped last year, with Samsung extending its lead as the world’s biggest vendor, a new survey shows. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25923404 NSA ‘gets data from Angry Birds’ Keywords: politics, government, surveillance, security, privacy US and British spy agencies routinely try to gain access to personal data from Angry Birds and other mobile applications, a report says. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25922569  

Recent IT Articles - these relate to a variety of current issues and topics in IT - This especially suits the ITGS teacher. Untangling the complicated web Keywords: Internet, WWW, explanation http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/30012843/Untangling-the-complicated-web Tennis coaching gets a smart racquet Keywords: Sports, technology, convergence, leisure, entertainment, health Futuristic data-related tennis equipment may be about to change the face of the sport in the way that metal and carbon racquets once did. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25857296 The driverless car Keywords: Business, employment, AI, home, leisure, transport The driverless car may promise an accident-free motoring future, but Adam Gopnik raises a few moral caveats from the backseat. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25861214 Money lenders checking social media profiles of potential customers - National - NZ Herald News Keywords: Business, employment, commerce, social media, privacy http://nzh.tw/11192143 Pack your laptop, we’re off to $chool - Aucklander - The Aucklander News Keywords: Education, tablet, laptop, BYOD, Cost, schools http://nzh.tw/11191631 The future of work… office not required - Life & Style - NZ Herald News Keywords: business, employment, teleworking, home office, SOHO http://nzh.tw/11190340

North Korea imitates Apple’s Mac OSX Keywords: Ethics, digital citizenship, piracy, integrity, intellectual property North Korea has upgraded the operating system used in the country - and it bears a striking resemblance to Apple’s Mac OSX platform. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26047439 Google Search altered to avoid fine Keywords: Google, search engines, ethics, business, employment, commerce, politics Google promises to make "significant" changes to how rivals appear in search results in an attempt to avoid a multi-billion euro fine. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26047446 YouTube starts auditing video views Keywords: Social media, video, accuracy, reliability, trends, statistics The video-sharing website YouTube says it is starting to "audit" the number of views a video has received. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26043794 Pupils expelled in hacking scandal Keywords: education, digital citizenship, security, policy, ethics, hacking Eleven pupils who hacked teachers’ computers and changed their grades have been expelled from a school in California. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26031482 Call center sends staff home Keywords: teleworking, business, employment, connectivity Call center sends workers home to telework, rather than converge on center http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11196491 Smartphones taking over pre-schoolers basic skills Keywords: Education , preschool, smart phones, digital literacy, AVG research, new Zealand, Trends Interesting research by AVG comparing preschoolers digital and "real world" abilities. It does make the flawed assumption that digital skills are not "real world". http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11196474 Westpac trials Google Glass app for NZ - Business - NZ Herald News Keywords: Business, employment, commerce, banking, wearable technology http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11196536 Bugs money: Software sleuths cash in Keywords: Business, employment, software development, reliability, integrity, security, safety All software has bugs in it and now more and more people are cashing in on programmes that reward them for uncovering security vulnerabilities. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-25258620 Arabic suffix leads net name rollout Keywords: Internet, digital divide, communication, ethics, digital citizenship, policy, standards, politics, government A new net address written in Arabic script is the first to go live in what will be a huge wave of new suffixes to be launched over the coming months. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/26014829 Have laptop, will travel - and earn Keywords: Teleworking, business, employment, travel, commerce, communication http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11196243 School gives an iPad to every pupil Keywords: Education, learning, schools, computing, BYOD, integration Government funding and fund raising are enabling this small school to deliver ipad mini’s to each student http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11196246 Making The Most Of ICT - What The Research Tells Us Keywords: Education, learning, research, ICT, schools, John Hattie, benefit Steve Moss looks at what the educational research says about how to maximise the impact of ICT on learning. read more: http://www.ictineducation.org/home-page/2014/1/29/making-the-most-of-ict-what-the-research-tells-us.html

As a frequent presenter and speaker on digital citizenship, I feel it is critical to presented a balanced and considered perspective. Its easy, particularly when presented with a captive audience, to place undue emphasis on the darker side of out digital lives. The media abounds with horror stories and tragedies, of mis-adventure and mis-direction, crime and punishment, but this is what sells papers and magazines and attracts readers/viewers. Seldom do you see the predominant reality of our digital world, people getting on with their day to day activities, be these business or leisure. Standing up and preaching about the dangers and risks is easy, often captivating and grabs attention. Its simple to find the latest disasters and use these to highlight the pitfalls and traps that are present. Shock and awe does make for a good presentation, but to focus on the negative or exaggerate the risks is to lose the opportunity for learning. You don’t want to see teachers, parents or others in a fit of fervor banning all technology use because of perceived risks and dangers. Its critical that we provide a balanced perspective and provide mechanisms and processes that provide guidance and support. Short term solutions like blocking, banning etc are ignoring the underlying issues of digital citizenship. While they will stop or limit the incidence or occurrence of  either inappropriate action or damage, they do little to prepare people for a world beyond the walled garden we have created. It is only by changing behaviours and understanding, that real change can be made. It is only by changing these that we can make a sustained, hopefully life long, difference. Rules don’t work Too many people have fallen in to the trap of setting rules in an attempt to provide a safe environment. Definitive statements have a very limited life expectancy, they are often out of date before they are written. The rapid evolution of the web, of social media and technology means that statements specify medium or technologies are soon obsolete. However, behaviors and actions are timeless. Change and adapt these and you provide a safe foundation for activity, learning and recreation in a dynamic world. Want some Ideas on these? http://edorigami.wikispaces.com/The+Digital+Citizen and http://edorigami.wikispaces.com/Digital+Citizen+AUA

  Urgent need to change drone rules Keywords: Politics, Government, business, privacy, security, safety http://tvnz.co.nz/technology-news/urgent-need-change-drones-rules-caa-5807989 Download a movie in one second. Keywords: trends, connectivity, piracy, ethics, digital citizenship, 5G, South Korea, Mobile technology http://tvnz.co.nz/technology-news/download-movie-in-one-second-5807970 Warning after intimate video goes viral Keywords: Digital citizenship, cybersafety, ethics, acceptable use, privacy http://tvnz.co.nz/technology-news/warning-after-intimate-video-goes-viral-5829114 Bitcoin cyberattack a big warning to users Keywords: Business, employment, security, integrity, cybersafety, digital citizenship, commerce http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/30015749/Bitcoin-cyberattack-a-big-warning-to-users Robotics articles Keywords: Robot, Robotics, AI, Insect, self organising, building Termites inspire robot builders US scientists develop small robots that behave much like termites, able to build large structures even though each individual acts on its own and can follow only simple rules. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-26025566 Robot army ‘to help future floods’ A self-organising robotic construction crew has been shown off by scientists at Harvard university. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26158442 Cyber-thieves ‘film victim activity’ Cyber-thieves are increasingly grabbing video of how victims use their computer to better steal from online bank accounts, reveals a security firm. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26171123 Why isn’t Siri like AI in movies? Keywords: AI, Intelligence, voice recognition, AI systems, Siri, Google Now Are there ways to make virtual assistants like Siri and Google Now more like the AI systems in the movies, capable of natural sounding conversations? Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26147990 Push to keep kids safe online Keywords: Digital Citizenship, cybersafety, resource, edcuation, youth, children, internet http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/30015269/Push-to-keep-kids-safe-online Spam Attack company fined $120,000 (NZ) Keywords: Ethics, cybersafety, digital citizenship, spam, business, employment, security, politics, government http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11201559 Artists confront the web’s pirates Keywords: Piracy, digital citizenship, ethics, piracy, copyright, politics, legal, business, employment http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/30015337/Artists-confront-the-webs-pirates Major study confirms cellphone use is safe Keywords: Health, ergonomics, mobiles, cell phones, safety, research http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/gadgets/30015340/Major-study-confirms-cellphone-use-is-safe Parents unaware of smartphone danger Keywords: Smartphones, communication, ethics, digital citizenship, cybersafety, tablets, youth, education Many parents are out of touch with the dangers faced by their children on tablets and smartphones, according to a poll by BBC Learning. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26121434 Mask malware aims at governments Keywords: politics, government, surveillance, security, privacy, spying, digital citizenship, cybersafety, integrity, reliability Sophisticated computer malware aimed at high-value targets may have been created by a nation state, say security researchers Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26136412 Huge hack ‘is ugly sign of future’ Keywords: Politics, government, business, employment, standards, policies, security, reliability, integrity, infrastructure, digital citizenship, cybersafety A massive attack that exploited a key vulnerability in the infrastructure of the internet is the "start of ugly things to come", it has been warned. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26136774 Cyberbullying suicide shocks Italy Keywords: Security, safety, digital citizenship, cybersaefty, politics, government, policies MPs in Italy call for action against cyberbullying after a girl of 14, subjected to online abuse, kills herself in a north-eastern town. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26151425 Utopia drugs market forced offline Keywords: Politics, government, secuirty, police, dark net, TOR, Drugs, ethics, digital citizenship, cybersafety The Dutch National Police force seizes a "dark net" website used to sell illegal drugs, weapons and hacking tools. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26147994 Cyber-attack disrupts Bitcoin trades Keywords: Commerce, business, employment, security, cybersafety, bitcoins, digital citizenship, reliability, integrity Bitstamp becomes the second Bitcoin exchange to halt withdrawals. It says it has been struck by a cyber-attack. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26155157

This weeks updates Teens turn to anonymous-messaging apps Keywords: Digital Citizenship, Instant messaging, social media, privacy, anonymity http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/30016495/Teens-turn-to-anonymous-messaging-apps Google outs new guide for Glass Explorers Keywords: Wearable technology, google, glass, convergence, digital citizenship, ethics http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/gadgets/30016885/Google-outs-new-guide-for-Glass-Explorers 20,000 tickets wrongly issued keywords: reliability, integrity, politics, government, error, legal http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11204867 No Human brain can check this answer keywords: computing, supercomputer, mathematics, AI http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11206346 Salad Worker sacked by text gets $2000 Keywords: Digital citizenship, business, employment, mobile, ethics, legal http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11207198 The mystery behind computer speed Keywords: Hardware, software, technology, speed, processing http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/gadgets/30016426/The-mystery-behind-computer-speed A documentarian working in virtual reality Keywords: Documentary, media, virtual reality, augmented reality, film maker, evolution of media http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/gadgets/30016828/A-documentarian-working-in-virtual-reality MS Access Tutorial videos These are excellent learning resources for Microsoft Access Keywords: Tutorials, video, database, how to, Microsoft Access 2010, free http://www.gcflearnfree.org/access2010 Facebook ‘trolls’ find it harder to be mean in real life Keywords: digital citizenship, ethics, social media, home, leisure http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=11204762 Valve challenged over user privacy Keywords: privacy, security, leisure, entertainment, home, games Game maker Valve has issued a statement to defuse a row over data it gathers about people who play its games. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26240140 Thousands in Pokemon collaboration Keywords: Home, leisure, entertainment, collaboration, social media, games Thousands of people are taking part in an online game of Pokemon using the social gaming video site Twitch. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26240191    

This weeks On the wire round up of articles includes 3D printers, digital citizenship, games, addiction and Wearable technologies Google Glass - Wearable technology - 3 articles Keywords: Wearable, Technology, Privacy, security, safety, digital citizenship ‘I was attacked for wearing Google Glass’ http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/gadgets/30017829/I-was-attacked-for-wearing-Google-Glass All wrapped up in wearable devices http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/gadgets/30017383/All-wrapped-up-in-wearable-devices Glass bar clash part of San Francisco tech wars UK spies ‘intercepted webcam images’ Keywords: Privacy, security, integrity, policy, government, politics British spy agency GCHQ intercepted webcam images from millions of Yahoo users around the world, according to a report in the Guardian. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26367781 Yahoo users’ webcam privacy breached by British spies - Guardian http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11211356 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11211800 Robots whirr into elderly health care Keywords: robotics, AI, Health, Home, Leisure, Reliability, Integrity http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11211852 Retailers urged to ride the online wave Keywords: Business, employment, commerce, home, leisure, online, retail http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11211853 Family Memories lost as backup fails Keywords: digital citizenship, security, reliability, integrity http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=11211029 App offers new way to learn Maori Keywords: Language, education, learning, school, app, mobile learning http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11209201 Endgame for online addicts keywords: Health, Pyschological, gaming, addiction, internet addiction, medical http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11209190 Virgin Media rolls out porn filters Keywords: Filtering, censorship, internet, digital citizenship, cybersafety, integrity, reliability, freedom, choice Virgin Media has turned on a filtering system to help parents stop children seeing inappropriate material online. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26383279 Energy firm cyber-defence ‘too weak’ Keywords: Security, reliability, integrity, infrastructure, politics, government, safety, cyber-attacks Power companies are being refused insurance cover for cyber-attacks due to inadequate defences, the BBC learns. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26358042 Top Tablets Revealed Keyword:tablet, ipad, education, ibooks, learning, mobile, review and comparision http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11209872 Tablets replace books as Collegiate goes hi-tech Keyword:tablet, ipad, education, ibooks, learning, mobile, review and comparision http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/9773389/Tablets-replace-books-as-Collegiate-goes-hi-tech Printers capable of making guns keywords: Security, safety, control, politic, regulation, weapons, 3D printers http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/gadgets/30017857/Printers-capable-of-making-guns Kiwis go online to research health problems Keywords: health, reliability, accuracy, integrity, security, safety http://tvnz.co.nz/technology-news/kiwis-go-online-research-health-problems-5854188 Bitcoin owners find safe place for digital currency Keywords: Business, employment, commerce, finance, security, safety, digital citizenship, bit coins http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/30020054/Bitcoin-owners-find-safe-place-for-digital-currency

This is an interesting article I have just found in the local paper. A well regarded school is shifting from textbook into eBooks. The preferred option, even though it is a BYOD program, is iPads. The functionality of interactive media wins over the traditional mediums.   The iPads do lend themselves very well to science. My daughter uses her iPad all the time, particularly to record demonstrations and experiments in class. When the videos and images are then linked to science reports developd in pages, you have a very comprehensive product.   http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/9773389/Tablets-replace-books-as-Collegiate-goes-hi-tech

On the wire this week features privacy articles, 3D printing and Facebook’s New ‘DeepFace’ Program Is Just As Creepy As It Sounds Keywords: Social media, privacy, facial recognition http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/18/facebook-deepface-facial-recognition_n_4985925.html 3D-printing articles Keywords: 3D printers, Health, building, business, employment, medicience 3-D Printers Are Saving Babies’ Lives One Breath At A Time http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/21/3d-printer-health_n_4993565.html House building with 3-D printers http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/gadgets/30025046/House-building-with-3-D-printers HP 3D-printer coming in June? http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/gadgets/30027367/HP-3D-printer-coming-in-June Preschooler health put at risk Keyword: health, psychological, preschoolers, digital usage http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/30025725/Preschooler-health-put-at-risk University hires Wikipedian-in-residence Keyword: Wikipedia, wikipedian, university, open content http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/30026175/University-hires-Wikipedian-in-residence Android to power smartwatches Keyword: smartwatch, wearable, android http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/gadgets/30026129/Android-to-power-smartwatches Many Kiwis falling to cyber scammers Keywords: Cybersafety, digital citizenship, scams, New Zealand, phishing http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/30026995/Many-Kiwis-falling-to-cyber-scammers A look at Sony’s virtual reality googles Keywords: VR, Virtual reality, development, games, leisure, entertainment http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/games/30027048/A-look-at-Sonys-virtual-reality-googles Study finds wi-fi is safe in schools Keywords: Wifi, Education, health, youth, risk, http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/9850822/Study-finds-wi-fi-is-safe-in-schools Wi-fi not a health risk to pupils or staff, with exposure many thousands of times lower than relevant standard, Health Ministry says. Teacher sees value in online connection Keywords: Social media, education, learning, teaching, achievement http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/9855794/Teacher-sees-value-in-online-connection A teacher has challenged his colleagues to use the latest social media to engage their students - even if that means Snapchatting photo reminders about Vatican Library to digitise archives Keyword: library, Vatican, electronic archive, digitising The Vatican Library begins digitising its priceless collection of manuscripts dating from the origins of the Church with support from Japan’s NTT Data. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26676909 IBM’s Watson to help fight cancer Keyword: super-computer, health, science IBM supercomputer Watson is to help determine the best treatments for a common type of brain cancer. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26662230 MtGox finds 200,000 lost bitcoins Keywords: Finance, commerce, business, employment, bitcoins, digital wallets Bankrupt Japanese firm MtGox says it has found 200,000 lost bitcoins worth millions of dollars in a digital wallet from 2011 that it no longer uses. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26677291

This is a great set of resources from the BBC series "Click" Here are some that are quite relevant at the moment for 3D printing, Augmented reality, Language learning, modeling and simulations   Making Movies with your smart phone Keywords: Mobile, Apps, Video http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01sxpqq   3D Printers reviewed Keywords: 3D, Printers, Models http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01nrvtk   Whats next after the 3D printed gun Keywords: 3D, Printers, ethics, digital citizenship http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01nc4y6   Inside the worlds largest 3dPrinting factory Keywords: 3D, Printers, business, employment, commercial, factory http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01m9vvz   3D printing Chocolate and Pasta Keywords: 3D, Printers, business, employment, commercial, factory, catering, food http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01m2544   Augmented reality app brings drawings to life Keywords: Augmented reality, tablet, AR, http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01nkyxy   Learning a language with help from your peers Keywords: language, learning, Aquisition http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01w0c0t   Trying to predict traffic jams in Singapore Keywords: Modelling, Simulation http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01kgw6q

I have been working on a tool for students to do a self assessment/reflection and feedback. There are two version of the tool, though the difference is more in layout as the core content is the same. The tool is based around the work of Stephen Dinham which is used by DET NSW and  New Zealand educators John Hattie & Helen Timperley. Both works are created under the creative commons share and share-alike license. Acknowledgement is appreciated References Dinham S. May 2008. Feedback on feedback. Teacher, the national education magazine issue 191 Art 6. Australian Council for Edducational research (ACER) Timperley,H. Hattie,J. 2007 The power of feedback. Review of educational Research p77-87 self assessment & feedback landscape self assessment & feedback

Turkey vs Twitter - Draconian measure to silence the scandal Keywords; Politics, Government, social media, security, twitter, democracy, freedom of speech http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11228106 The future on NZ banking + Video Keywords: Business, employment, commerce, ATM, Bitcoins, banking http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11227640 Who determines the value of a sources? Keywords: Education, digital citizenship, validity, wikipedia, opinion piece, literacy http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=11227820 IT goes DIY - the sidelining of the IT department Keywords: Business, employment, BYOD, tablet, Cloud computing, teleworking http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11227722 Ray ban and oakley frames for google glass Keywords - home leisure, wearable, convergence, smart technologies http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11226130 Anonymity apps on the rise Keywords: privacy, anonymity, business, security, digital citizenship http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11225875 NZ Cyber law change articles Keywords: Digital Citizenship, safety, cybersafety, politics, government, legal 1. Judges warn cyber-bully law may flood the courts http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11228413 2. Microsoft opposes cyber law channge http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11227098 Smartphone overuse may ‘damage’ eyes Keywords: Smartphone, health, safety, damage, over-use, digital citizenship Opticians say people are so addicted to things like smart phones there’s increasing risk of damaging their eyes. http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/26780069 Preschoolers health put at risk keywords: preschool, education, digital citizenship, technology, health http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/30025725/preschooler-health-put-at-risk.html

This is a very interesting interactive page produced by the antivirus/malware company Kaspersky. It looks at the real time threats to cyber safety. Real-time cyberthreat map. No. 1 infection-ridden country is Russia, No.8 Indonesia No. 30 Philippines No. 118 New Zealand To use: click and drag to look for your country. Click on the country to see real-time statistics. Click on the tab at the lower right (labeled "About Detection Types") for an explanation of the kinds of viruses infecting the country. http://cybermap.kaspersky.com/

What will the Internet Look Like in 10 years? Elon University & Pew Internet Project Ask the Experts. Keywords :Internet, future, Pew internet project http://www.elon.edu/e-web/imagining/surveys/2014_survey/2025_Internet_Impact.xhtml Global cloud future seen for workforce Keywords: Cloud computing, teleworking, business, employment, future http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/60032363/Global-cloud-future-seen-for-workforce Consult your kids before posting pics online Keywords: social media, digital citizenship, cybersafety, ethics, privacy, anonymity http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/60033307/Consult-your-kids-before-posting-pics-online Smartphone case could prevent strokes Keywords: Health, smartphone, apps, monitoring, stroke http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/gadgets/60033454/Smartphone-case-could-prevent-strokes Hate With Friends, fun new Facebook tool Keywords: Social media, digital citizenship, ethics, safety, cybersafety http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/60033636/Hate-With-Friends-fun-new-Facebook-tool Google pays $1.6m Italian StreetView fine Keywords: Google, privacy, surveillance, politics, government, streetview, data collection http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/60033973/Google-pays-1-6m-Italian-StreetView-fine Narrative Clip logs your life in photos Keywords: privacy, future, digital life, home, leisure, privacy, social media http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/gadgets/60033649/Narrative-Clip-logs-your-life-in-photos Engineers unveil bionic kangaroo keywords: robot, robotics http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/gadgets/60034272/Engineers-unveil-bionic-kangaroo Robot mannequin to test army kit Keyword: robotics, robot, testing, military The Ministry of Defence is to test armed forces’ protective suits using a £1.1m robotic mannequin named the Porton Man. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26892771 Read all about it Keywords: ebooks, epublishing etc http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=11232977

On December 29th 2014, the extraordinary man who inspired me to be a dreamer, a fighter, a creator, a writer  left me alone with only emptiness and so much darkness in my heart. My dad passed away and my whole world just collapsed… My father … Continue reading →

I recently had a conversation with a game developer who was interested in becoming a subcontractor for us. While we do almost all of our development in-house, I thought I would entertain the conversation to see his capabilities. This developer shared several examples of games he had developed. All the sample games featured gorgeous graphics and lots of "action" in the games with things flashing, scores popping, and new game elements introduced as I advanced through levels. On the surface, it was quite impressive! "Candy" Isn’t Enough The trouble was that, while these game elements can be very addicting and engaging in a commercial game, they can get overdone and distracting in a learning game. The commercial developer’s goal is to keep players engaged in their game. The problem is that game developers tend to use a lot of "wow" factor and eye candy to keep the player interested. They will intentionally try to frustrate the player just enough to be motivated to make in-app purchases so the player can more easily progress through levels. And, if it’s well-done, this approach works well. Heck - even when it is NOT that well-done many players stay connected. Candy Crush is a game that exemplifies "sensory overload" and millions love to play it. Other mobile games have followed the Candy Crush format, some more successful than others. I evaluated various commercial games, including a lesser-known game that is very similar to Candy Crush, here. However, when devising a learning game, you have to carefully balance the complexity of your game mechanics and elements with the learning needs of the game. And your game developer needs to understand this and believe that less really is better. When it Comes to Learning, Less is Better "Less is better" is one of the four lessons of game design that I explained in my ATD blog post, Lessons from the Trenches of Digital Game Design. Less is better is all about managing learners’ cognitive load. Novice learning game developers often design a very "fun" games that make learning harder rather than easier. They load their games up with rules, pile on different game elements, and incorporate multiple dynamics (e.g. the "how" of achieving a game goal) to keep player interest high. However, in typical corporate environments, players may have limited time to play and multiple distractions competing with their attention. Game play that is too complex will either frustrate learners if it’s too hard to learn quickly, or distract them from the learning they need to do. They can become engrossed in winning the game while failing to focus on the learning. Instead, they get distracted by collecting resources, competing against time constraints, or accumulating lots of points. The learning gets overshadowed by rule complexity or too many game elements. The job of a learning game designer The job of a learning game designer is to combine solid instructional design and game design so the learning gets woven into game play. The game rules support the learning need and the game elements function as reinforcers. Commercial game developers may not embrace this "less is more" philosophy. There is a misconception with learning games that it’s the fun of the game that keeps learners engaged. It’s almost as though we’re trying to hide the learning…sort of like chopping up vegetables and pouring chocolate sauce over them so no one realizes they are eating vegetables. This typically doesn’t work. Even if we do eat the concoction we made, the "bad" of the chocolate sauce outweighs the benefit of any vegetables we might have consumed. When I play test learning games, I always see that engagement comes when players love the challenge and goal associated with the game - not whizzy-wig game mechanics, graphics, or game elements. A learning game with well-managed complexity provides solid game play AND an optimal learning experience. Be cautious of any "learning game design" that has people do a bit of "learning" and then offers up game play as a reward for doing the dull learning part. Instead, look for (or try to design) a learning game where the learning is woven into the game play experience itself. Learners will appreciate it - and be engaged by it. Build Your Skills at Learning Solutions 2016 Want to build your own skill set at learning game design? Join Karl Kapp and me for a one-day learning game design workshop at Learning Solutions 2016 on March 15th. We’ll walk you through the game design process and how to weave the learning into the design. We’ll share best practices to follow and pitfalls to avoid (such as making a game too complex). Best of all, you’ll get practical experience designing a game. Register Here The post Commercial Games vs Learning Games: Avoid the "Bling" appeared first on .

Gartner Group, which monitors trends across many industries, has labeled gamification as a trend that is sliding into the "trough of disillusionment" within the education industry. Does that mean that it—and its cousin learning games—are dying? The short answer is "No"… at least not the good applications of these learning methods. Instead, it means that gamification and learning games are moving toward mainstream usage and beyond early adoption stage. It means that bad uses of them will become more apparent… as will effective uses. It means that companies who are more conservative—who are the "let’s wait and see how this shakes out" kind of decision-makers—will likely be ready to jump on board soon. Products that were mediocre and not grounded in good instructional design are going to disappear. Those with strong underpinnings will remain. Custom initiatives will also get better as people make more thoughtful choices on what type of game or gamification to implement… and when to do it. Here’s a quick list of things to think about as you consider ways to gamify or incorporate full-fledged games: Use a portal: A portal is a web-based access point that shows leaderboards, achievements, levels, etc. With a portal, you can gamify non-game activities and let people earn points or badges based on what they complete or how they progress.  For example, you could gamify your entire onboarding experience by letting new employees earn points for completing specific activities such as an eLearning course, execution of a particular project, etc. Gamifying an entire experience such as onboarding program can work if the experience will be of fairly short duration (weeks, not months).  Their weakness can sometimes be that people tire of them fairly quickly if they are intended to last for long periods of time. They also run the risk of focusing more on completion of activities than the quality of performance when doing those activities. Create an immersive game or simulation. Immersive games or simulations are terrific for helping people learn and practice new skills while receiving continuous feedback. People get pulled into them and even feel real emotions as they play. They also lay a very strong foundation for extensive post-game discussion as people evaluate the experience and share insights. Immersive games are best when they function as part of a learning experience rather than being the learning experience. Produce mini-games focused on reinforcement. Mini-games that require only minutes to play can serve as strong reinforcement tools, helping people to retain what they may have learned as part of a formal training component or helping them to prepare to learn in a more formal way. Where does Knowledge Guru fit in? Companies have used Knowledge Guru as a way to prepare people for learning or to reinforce learning. We have some terrific success stories of companies who used Guru to help people prepare for launch meetings, companies who have used Guru as a game activity during a live meeting and companies who use Knowledge Guru as reinforcement. It can be played in small increments, so it has the ability to mimic the value of a mini-game while also having value as a more robust experience, too. Background on Gartner’s hype cycle Gartner’s hype cycle refers to the cycle that emerging technologies go through on their way to mature usage. There are five stages in the evolution of a technology that makes it to maturity: Technology Trigger - the new technology or concept comes onto the scene. Early proof of concept stories emerge and the media grabs hold. Peak of Inflated Expectations - early adopters start sharing success stories. While failures occur, too, these tend to get ignored… for awhile. Trough of Disillusionment - Interest wains if experiments fail. Producers of technology start to shake out with some providers disappearing. Slope of Enlightenment - More instances of how the technology can benefit the organization start to emerge. Conservative companies initiate pilots and the concept/technology gains broader acceptance. Plateau of Productivity - the technology finds its place and becomes mainstream. Criteria for viability are clear. The post Gamification and Serious Games Headed to the Mainstream appeared first on .

Bottom-Line Performance (BLP) is the proud recipient of two awards in the 2015 Horizon Interactive Awards competition. The prestigious competition receives thousands of entries each year, and only 65% of all entries receive a Gold, Silver, or Bronze distinction for excellence in interactive media. These award-winning solutions build on BLP’s recent success in the Horizon awards: BLP has now won six Horizon Awards since 2013, including two awards for the Knowledge Guru platform. The Knowledge Guru mobile reinforcement and gaming app earned a Silver designation in Mobile Apps - Education. The new app allows learners to start playing Knowledge Guru on their smartphone and finish on their laptop. Scores and achievements sync seamlessly between the web app and native app version of Knowledge Guru. "The Horizon Interactive Awards competition has always been about excellent design" said Sharon Boller, President of Bottom-Line Performance. "Winning this award with our Knowledge Guru app is a great honor and reflects the efforts of our product team to bring the full Knowledge Guru experience to mobile devices." BLP also won a Bronze Horizon Interactive award for Password Blaster, an arcade-style game that helps Cummins, Inc. employees learn how to create secure passwords. Players must "blast" the bad passwords while letting the good passwords pass by. It is part of a larger Information Asset Protection curriculum design to help Cummins employees protect sensitive information. "BLP helped develop resources to address and mitigate global threats facing employees, facilities and information assets. They created a multitude of interactive modules that fit within a one-stop-shop Security Toolkit designed to help our employees access and navigate our security resources and learning portals" said Bryan Langley, Global Security Manager at Cummins, Inc. "Their product has been globally acclaimed and we look forward to continuing our future collaboration with them." The Horizon Interactive Awards is a prestigious international competition recognizing outstanding achievement among interactive media producers. The competition recognizes and awards the best web sites, videos, online advertising, print media and mobile applications. Each year, the Horizon Interactive Awards receives thousands of entries from all over the world. A panel of industry professionals, from diverse multi-media, graphic design and marketing backgrounds, review the entries to determine the work that is to be recognized. BLP showcases Knowledge Guru, along with award-winning custom solutions like "Password Blaster," at the 2016 ATD International Conference. Learn more and register here. About Bottom-Line Performance The Knowledge Guru platform is imagined by Bottom-Line Performance, a learning design firm serving a wide range of corporate clients. Since 1995, we’ve helped clients choose the right learning solutions for their learners, while also helping them to design and develop learning tools effectively. Areas of focus include product launches, customer training, internal process training, safety & compliance and more. The post BLP Wins 2015 Horizon Awards for Knowledge Guru Mobile and Custom Game-Based Solution appeared first on .

Don’t let the title fool you…   So, while sitting in a team leaders meeting at the end of January, I was psychologically accosted by my administrator with the following statement (well, we all were, but I think I was the only one that had to restrain myself) I have a bunch of really great … Continue reading →

So, the Google Classroom pilot is plodding along in my building.  Depending on the amount of technology each has, some teachers are using Classroom as an announcement board, others are adding full lessons and assignments to their feeds, etc.  We’re talking to each other about things we’re doing, what we’d like to do, how the … Continue reading →

This time last year, I was starting my favorite project of the year with my students: i, Meteorologist.  I’d moved an almost completely pen and paper unit I’d been using for a couple of years into Google Drive, (pre-Classroom) and had spent the 8 weeks we worked on it tracking down assignments completed by students. … Continue reading →