I have just come across an online document processor called j2e, which stands for "just2easy" apparently. It looks fantastically like Textease, so is highly suitable for education. I have really liked the online collaboration of Google Docs, but it is very MS Word-like. j2e has all the Textease-type features. It seems that j2e has been shibbolethised, so will work within Merlin. What a fantastic tool this would be in Merlin.

Our early testing of Flashmeeting in SWGfL proved very exciting. We have a very useable, simple online video communication tool now available for schools to try. The system enables a group of users to meet online using simple webcams and microphones, in much the way that Skype presents, but with added educational functionality. Although this won't enable a connection with the more expensive video conferencing equipment such as Polycom, it is a way that schools can try out basic VC and put it to real educational purposes. Flashmeeting was developed by the Open University who use it for distance learning. E2BN and Kent have been using it in schools for a while now. So, if you are in a SWGfL school and want to give it a try, check out our Flashmeeting support pages. Using your LA contact, ask to be a meeting booker. Agree to our terms of use, and you can then book flashmeetings for your school. Simply email the meeting confirmation email, with its web link, to others you want to meet online - an expert, another class, a school overseas. Exciting educational possibilities.

We have just heard the great news that Myths and Legends has been short-listed for the Bett 2009 Digital Content Award. It will be absolutely completely well deserved because Myths and legends is a truly remarkable piece of online software. What a prompt to look again at Myths and Legends If you havent yet tried logging in and creating and adding sound effects to your story, try that soon. And keep your fingers crossed for E2BN in the next round of the judging.

Halloween Story Competition. Have you seen the latest fantastic competition from E2BN? Use the excellent story builder StoryCreator 2 to create a Halloween story for this Myths and Legends competition. You could win one of two Flip Mino DV Cameras (the cameras that everybody is talking about) and have your story put into the showcase. The competition closes at midnight GMT on Friday the 14th November 2008. To enter the competition you must be aged between 7 and 13.

Myths and Legends Story Showcase. Also have a look at the wonderful two new stories in the showcase from the South West: Have you heard these tales: Green Lady of Longleat and the Gurt Worm of Shervage Wood Prepare to be enthralled!

 

 

Everybody seems to be launching on-demand video/TV services these days, and this is a particularly useful one for the classroom. English Heritage has teamed up with the History Channel to launch EHTV, to allow everyone with internet access to watch and download history programmes for free via the English Heritage website. Sponsored by the History Channel (viewable here). Check out the Silbury Hill footage, along with other south west sites to explore. English Heritage say the new free service offers accurate information on the past whilst offering the chance to 'access all areas' of English Heritage on demand, 24 hours a day.

The National Coal Mining Museum offers a new videoconference based on the dramatic inquest following the Hartley Colliery disaster in 1862.

 

SWGfL are delighted to announce the launch of SWGfL Merlin, a new service for learners across the South West.

To find out more, visit the Learning Platforms section on our website, http://www.swgfl.org.uk/services/learning_platforms/ 

There's an introduction to the service and what it offers schools and educational establishments in the South West in  'SWGfL Merlin - An introduction' .

To learn more about the features of SWGfL Merlin and how it can support your school, check out the section entitled What will SWGfL Merlin provide?

To find out more about the implementation of this new service in your local area, visit the section entitled Training and Support.

 

 

 

SWGfL BoB (Blog of Blogs) is a new resource bringing together the best Blogs from across the region and beyond. Supporting Primary, Secondary, Technology and Teaching and Learning.

By taking advantage of RSS technology the latest postings from each Blog can be found together with direct links to each site. Each month there will be a special feature of particular interest to the wider Blogging community and our first article has been written by Richard Knights who is a Digital Media Consultant with Devon Local Authority. 

SWGfL BOB can be found at www.swgfl.org.uk/bob. If you know of a good Blog not already featured, let us know by e-mailing ian.southwell@swgfl.org.uk

A series of workshops exploring the potential and functionality of the new uLearn interface took place across the region during the summer term. As a result, additional learning resources and support for teachers has been added including schemes of work and tutorials. A flyer can be downloaded below which explains in more detail how to access these resources. 

 

Geography is strongly supported with advice and guidance on how learners can research their locality and school environment at key stages 1 and 2.  For Key Stage 3 and beyond, the QCA’s ‘the importance of geography’ states that pupils must ‘learn to think spatially and use maps, visual images and new technologies, including Geographical Information Systems (GIS), to obtain, present and analyse information.’ uLearn helps Geography teachers to address these requirements in the Revised Geography curriculum. 

To access uLearn, visit the website at www.ulearn.infomapper.com. We would be very interested in hearing about projects across the region using uLearn, that we can share with the teaching community. Email ian.southwell@swgfl.org.uk

uLearn flyer - pdf (480.19 kb)

Junior animators and film makers from schools across North Somerset flocked last night to the Winter Gardens for a glittering awards ceremony. All in evening dress, and joined by parents, teachers and professionals from the industry, they were in for a treat of an evening. With entries on a history theme this year, the audience were entertained with a wealth of different animation styles, ranging from the Titanic Disaster to David Beckham’s Career. St Andrews School, Congresbury won the KS2 award with their very amusing Life of Van Gogh. Local radio covered the event and a camera crew from Points West filmed the day. Watch the films here. With generous sponsorship and support from Aardman and Dreamworks, as well as TAG, RM and other suppliers, the winners took away fabulous prizes, including Apple laptop first prizes. Apple were there too. Anybody who is anybody in animation, it seemed, was there! Congratulations to the organisers and all who took part.

SWGfL are putting plans together to support a regional film animation competition in 2008/9, building on expertise, such as that gained with the Noscars. With widespread publicity, animation workshops and local authority heats will lead to a South-West final. Watch out for further details or send us a comment.