Just a few interesting things I’ve stumbled across recently .. .
Gliffy - online diagram creation
I came across Gliffy via Tom Barrett’s “ICT in my classroom” blog (which is really worth a visit, by the way - he’s doing some interesting things with blogs and wikis with his Y6 class).
Gliffy is an online tool for creating diagrams and charts, and includes a collection of standard shapes for creating flow-charts and floorplans. In a similar way to Google Docs and Spreadsheets (the leading online office web application), you can collaborate with other users online to create your chart. You can then publish your chart immediately to your own unique web address, then send the link to this to your colleagues or embed it easily inside your own website or blog. Gliffy also allows you to download your completed chart as a JPEG or PNG image file for insertion into documents on your PC.
Gliffy is free to use - check it out now.
Edublogs
Phil Gregory at Longton City Learning Centre in Stoke has been delivering some sessions on “Transformational Technologies” to teachers in the city, focussing on the use of blogs. Stoke CLCs are recommending a service called EduBlogs as a quick-and-easy way to get a class or teacher blog online. I’ve just signed up for a free account, and like it very much. Edublogs use the WordPress blogging platform for their blogs (the publishing system also used for this website). WordPress is fast, configurable and easy to maintain, and there are lots of attractive themes for your blog to choose from.
If you’re interested in creating multiples blogs (e.g. one per student), Edublogs also have a paid-for Premium service; prices depend on the number of learners involved.
Phil has also created an introduction to blogs and blogging as a PDF; visit the Stoke CLC Blog to download it.
Smart Interactive WhiteBoard Tutorials
The Redbridge ICT Consultant Blog pointed me in the direction of some SmartBoard video tutorials made by Camden CLC that do a good job of covering the basics of using your board. Worth a visit if you’re a new SmartBoard user.
