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Keep in mind that this experiment was focused on "classroom use" of Kindles, not necessarily "library use." Libraries have never supplied the resources used directly in the classroom for literature study (students don't markup library books!). At Cushing Academy, we are using Kindles to support recreational and personal interest reading rather than directly supporting the curriculum. In that role, they have worked very well.

Well, maybe not just like plain old books. Ebooks have many nice advantages for libraries, such as 24/7 access, always pristine and readable copies for the user, built-in dictionary (which our students tell us they really like) and, for the library itself, very efficient use of space and staff time.

"Last fall, Princeton launched a small experiment, replacing traditional textbooks with the Kindle DX, Amazon's large e-book reader. Almost from the beginning, the 50 students participating in the pilot program expressed dissatisfaction with the devices. Yesterday, a university report offered some more definitive findings. On the upside, students using the Kindle DX ended up using far less paper. (Paper consumption was generally reduced by 54%.) On the downside, students complained that the Kindle was fundamentally "ill-suited for class readings.""

Helps find search engines best suited to your research needs.

Today, they are increasingly more common. ioSafe has two SSD versions in their lineup, and many other manufacturers are beginning to follow suit. So, let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of buying one as your next external storage device.

A great suite of child friendly applications including a music creator, sound editor and image editor. http://ictmagic.wikispaces.com/ICT+&+Web+Tools

A good office suite designed for young learners and is based on Open Office. http://ictmagic.wikispaces.com/ICT+%26+Web+Tools

See Microsoft Office 2010 Features and Video for Microsoft Office 2010 Software Suites and Applications. Learn more about Microsoft Office Software Including Microsoft Office Professional 2010, Microsoft Home and Student 2010, Microsoft Office Home and Business 2010, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access, SharePoint Workspace, Office Mobile, and Office Web Apps

"SchoolTool es una suite de software libre administrativo para escuelas. Ya que puede instalarse y usarse sin ningún pago por licencias, SchoolTool puede ser usado con un propósito particular, por profesores o pequeños equipos en las escuelas, o como un sistema completo de información de estudiantes, que cuenta con información demográfica, cuadros de notas, asistencia, calendarios y reportes."

Are you worried about what your children are doing on the Internet? Well, help is at hand from the free parental internet controls that Microsoft offers as part of its Windows Live Essentials suite. The setup procedure is quick and easy.

HP Digital Learning Suite- PDF so will need to be downloaded-- Tools for K-12 educators-

Audacity is a free widely used sound editing/mixing suite. Download and install the software. To make mp3 files you will need to download a LAME file. Instructions for this at http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help/faq?s=install&item=lame-mp3. http://ictmagic.wikispaces.com/Music,+Sound+&+Podcasts

This site provides 5GB of free online cloud based file storage with with an online desktop. Easy to use and provides a simple way to share files with others. Also has media player, chat and Office suite. http://ictmagic.wikispaces.com/ICT+&+Web+Tools

Have the most organised staff meeting ever using YAM. A suite of collaborative tools to make sure everyone is up to speed before, during and after your meeting. http://ictmagic.wikispaces.com/ICT+&+Web+Tools

A site with a large collection of information on a variety of historical periods and regions. The site is mainly text and image based with a small set of video and audio clips and it is more suited to older students. http://ictmagic.wikispaces.com/History

"A superb online whiteboard suite of tools, including a random name picker, classroom sound level indicator, display a QR code, drawing and text tools, traffic lights, timers, clocks and dates, and even a fab exit poll tool. You can even change the background, including your own images to display extra resource information, or use your computer camera to show live video like a visualiser."

Rather than expecting to be immersed in learning that shines a light on the path forward the notion of searching for driftwood that suits the learner's needs is very empowering. It requires an imagining of learning as a very active process where the learner is aware of their context, their current understanding and what they might need to move forward. It demands a conscious practice of reflection and a disposition towards taking charge of one's learning. It is a very agentic view where learning is something that you do, not something that happens to you. 

Free resources and lesson plans for teaching with technology

Good blog about free technology teachers can access for education

"Even with 'expert' advice from consultants, self-proclaimed gurus, or politicians, managing behaviour in secondary schools is an art within itself. Different personalities, socio-economic conditions and expectations are all unique to each individual setting so no one slant on how to manage behaviour will suit all schools. Yet the role of pastoral care in many schools has evidently been diminished with the focus turning towards academic achievement in high stakes exam results, with pupils being reduced to 'units of progress'. This is not only a UK shift in focus, with many jurisdictions around the world following a similar pattern."

"An amazing suite of design tools to create beauty images, videos and webpages using stock photos and your own text. Use the integrated website tool, or download the individual iPad to design on the go."