Kristianstill

In November, Microsoft released a major update to its Windows Live online services. The Windows Live suite included updates for mail, messenger, photo gallery and more, I was particular interested in how Movie Maker would work. I blogged about the  Windows Live Family Safety features although I am not sure our students won’t find numerous ways around these features. There are also a two new additions: Windows Live Sync and the Office Live Add-In. Silverlight is now also part of the Live Essentials suite.

We now also have Live Sync which allows you to sync any kind of file to the 25GB of space that Microsoft’s SkyDrive online storage service now offers. Now this has potential. I had read somewhere that the LIVE OFFICE would include OneNote? I have not seen evidence of this yet? Anyone?

Regardless we move forward. I am considering to use a folder and group to develop a group of Moodle ICT teachers. A place to share information and documents. I let you know how we get on – my only reservation with this option is that the Moodle group will set up a Moodle LP for this purpose.

Following a conversation with a colleague, I was asked about how they as parents could support/monitor their children’s online time, what the government refers to an e-Safety. So I posted a short answer on the Colleges blog. Here it is, can we add to it?

In reflection, I realised that this information may be welcomed by our students parents, guardians and carers. A full review is far beyond this forum, however I thought that I could share some links and tools with you.

Within College we have an infrastructure of whole-college awareness, designated responsibilities, acceptable use policies and procedures. We also have a range of tools to help us filter and monitor students online activity. What is readily available for you to use in the home?

Information: Parent Centre is a government support advisory service covering a wide range of topics. Simarily Child-net offers a host of projects, presentations and interactive materials designed to support the role of parent, guardian or carer.

During my conversation, the focus quickly turned to ‘Messenger.’ the hugely popular chat service. Interesting Microsoft have responded to parents call for assistance and recently launch their FREE Family Safety module offering safer browsing with Web site management for parents, including monitoring of MSN Messenger.

Now there are many more technology topics we could discuss, Thinkuknow outline the most widely used online tools. Should you have any further topics you think we should be discussing then emailThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it me.

This ties in nicely with my investigation of the WINDOWS LIVE options.

Its been too long since I spent time on a Middle Leadership CPD learning task. Accepted, I read technology and education blogs most days, I try and write to my blog most weeks and I have taught myself how to use a few new software tools. I continue to contribute to my Personal Learning Network (PLN) although with our new son, thats tailed off a little. I contribute to the Subject Learning Network as part of HIAS and I have also visited four schools this term, when it comes to genuine Middle Leadership and strategy development I need to make time for my own CPD leadership development.

Working at Taunton’s College, I stumbleupon the National College and School Leadership (NCSL). It took two weeks to get my memberhip approved and I completed the highly valued Online Facilitation & Tutoring course. To be honest though, the interface was pretty dismal, clunky but functional. I read the LDR magazines and from that I dipped in and out of the NCSL site to watch some of the excellent leadership videos referenced but I dont think I really took full advantage of the service.

Yesterday I revisited the sites and its had a much needed makeover. It looks ten years younger! Slim lined, functions, modularised (as most Social Networks are these days) and informative. If you have not been recently, its worth a visit.

Ever heard of Ocarina? All I knew was that it was an I phone application sensation. I didn’t know it was a real instrument believed to date some 12,000 years, and one of the easiest instruments to learn. Now a global phenomenon.

Out with the old and in with the new?

No, not ’shut up and move on,’ but a rather impressive in browser image editor, SUMO. Yes, I like our Serif draw, but more and more we (staff and students) are using GIMP as their image editor of choice. Now Dr Pic was neat for quick touch ups, picnik was good for photos, SUMO is designed for image creation rather than editing. SUMO offers selection tools, gradients, paint bucket, layers and blending modes and some filters as well. Add brushes, opacity and others (the symmetry tool is neat) and its an impressive tool.

What makes this site interesting to me, is the community behind it. Sumo has a fully fledged community and gallery. Will our students be able to share their art with more people than walk the corridors at Hamble College? Really, if you have time go and look at the art on show.