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The iPad (or iPod touch or iPhone) with its apps opens many new opportunities for learning. At the same time, it offers a slightly different wrapper for older learning opportunities. Both can be worthwhile, but it would be a shame if teachers missed the former for the latter. And, if past experience and research is any indication, educators are much more likely to co-opt the new technology to accomplish the status quo. This activity is designed to help teachers think through both opportunities and to categorize those apps that lend themselves to either or both. Teachers will start by exploring a variety of apps, some that lend themselves to learning content such as math facts or spelling words and others that can be used in open ended content creation such as storytelling or photography. Then, teachers will examine a set of lessons that use these apps. Finally, teachers will use a "taxonomy" such as Bloom's Taxonomy, SAMR, LoTi, ETaP, Prensky, etc. and attempt to classify/categorize where the apps fall. Most likely teachers will need to contextualize the app to a particular use/activity. Ideally, teachers will realize that in most cases it is not the app itself, but the use that detrmines where it falls and that the apps belong in multiple places.

Tom Bigglestone, who explores the benefits of Philosophy for Children (P4C). Chris Healey, who write about homework in the digital Age. John Pearce, advocates that teachers pledge a pedagogical oath. James Abela gives us a global perspective, writing about his experience in Thailand. Andy Knill waves the flag for the SOLO Taxonomy. UKEdChat Exclusive feature asked teachers what jobs they do if quit the profession. Martin Burrett tells of various highlights observed at BETT this year. Sharon Jones debates how debating can benefit pupils. David Moody shares some Stickmen without Arms! Tina Watson explains how she supports pupils to fill the blank pages. Leon Cych gives tips on how to produce professional video and audio with pupils. We review the book "The Philosophy Shop", edited by Peter Worley.

The blurred line between gaming consoles and real life educational / scientific devices has just been erased. No it's not April 1. Fascinating. Thanks to Craig Crossley for the link. If you haven't seen the Johnny Lee video under this one, it is amazing as well. A great webpage to share with your friends.

If you want the fastest, most intuitive and most stylish browser available, Firefox 4 BETA is probably still the best. But if you are bound by certain departmental, political or operational constraints, or if you don't know any better, you will probably have to use Internet Explorer (IE). Well the good news is that IE9 is actually VERY good. The similarities to Firefox do feature prominently, but don't take my word for it - this video will showcase the wicked new features. Enjoy. You'll need Windows 7 to run IE9 though. There's always a catch ...

ITC has released ThinkDrive, a digital version of their very popular Bloom's based thinking strategies. If you would like a trial version with a view to purchasing for your school, please emailmatthew@plana.net.au.