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"Over the last 12 months both Facebook and Twitter have quietly removed RSS links from their webpages, eliminating an easy way to receive notifications without the need to interact with the services directly. Meanwhile Google+ has never offered RSS feeds. Of course it's clear that these social media services have an interest in killing off RSS. They all want to usurp its role as the web's universal subscription platform and become the de facto gatekeepers of the web."

For midcareer executives, particularly in the media and related industries, knowing how to use Twitter, update your timeline on Facebook, pin on Pinterest, check in on Foursquare and upload images on Instagram are among the digital skills that some employers expect people to have to land a job or to flourish in a current role.

"This post is inspired by the Xmas end of year podcast by the EdTech Crew." Another great resource of thoughts and ideas to add to the discussion about eLearning leadership.

A year in…reflections on a my first year as an eLearning Coordinator .. So here a few things that I have learnt from my first year in the role…

"The role of technology in learning isn't entirely clear-or rather, is subjective. While it clearly is able to provide access to peers, audiences, resources, and data, it also can be awkward, problematic, distracting, performing more strongly as a barrier to understand than anything else. Why this happens also isn't clear, but there are some common patterns and missteps to look for while designing or evaluating a learning process."

"Our BYOD initiative at NMHS has succeeded and grown up to this point based on the basic premise of trust and respect.  Yes, we have policies in place, the right infrastructure, and support our teachers with professional development and guidance. However, the most important elements stem from the fact that we trust our students to use their devices as tools for learning, enhanced productivity, and to conduct better research.  Time is spent working with them on digital citizenship and the creation of positive digital footprints that they can be proud of.  We also respect them as learners growing up in the digital age where these tools are playing a greater role in the world we are preparing them to succeed in.  When creating a BYOD initiative grounded in these principles the possibilities are endless."

"Our information environment is constantly changing. How will we access, use and benefit from information in an increasingly hyper-connected world? The IFLA Trend Report identifies five top level trends which will play a key role in shaping our future information ecosystem:"

Waterlife is an interactive story about the water cycle in the Great Lakes. Waterlife is a twenty part story through which students can learn about the role of water in our lives. Through the story students learn about things like fishing, pollution, invasive species, wetlands, and the politics of water conservation. When students select a part of the Waterlife story they will be able to hear narration, see visuals, and read the text of the story. Some parts of the story also contain links to external resources that student can explore.

"There are lots of different skills that go into game development. This course is about key technical concepts in game development, and has been developed for people of many different backgrounds and skills. Some programming experience would be nice but is not required. We start by looking at the central role of game design and common development processes used in the industry. You will see how game software can be broken into parts that work together, and in particular the idea of game engines. We'll explore the relationship between game design, balance and player experience. Lastly we'll look at enhancing player experience though the use of AI techniques."

"In this age of social media, edtech, smartphones, tablets and MOOCs, software applications play a larger role than ever in the learning environment. In fact, apps have reached such a level of ubiquity and everyday integration that a number of software companies are turning out apps that can help students create apps of their own. Here's a list of 10 software tools that can jumpstart a student's knowledge and skill in computer programming:"

Free, hosting of your own small Drupal site (with ads). 1GB space; 50GB traffic. Easy to design with theme templates and layouts. Multiple roles and permissions could aid classroom sites. Hope this succeeds.

"Japan will soon start trialling electronic textbooks in primary schools, enhancing the role of IT in the classroom for a generation of "digital natives" born in the wired age. Under the "future school" project, 10 elementary schools will give all their under-12 pupils tablet PCs and fit their classrooms with interactive electronic blackboards starting as early as next month."

Interesting development in Japan with a pilot Tablet computer project.

The New Learning Institute interviews "leading thinkers and researchers who are examining the role that digital media plays in young people's lives. Mimi Ito, John Seely Brown, Henry Jenkins, Diana Rhoten, James Gee, Nichole Pinkard, and Katie Salen all see digital media - social networks, online games and media production - as the transformational tools of the 21st century."

"The rules and frontiers of our classrooms are changing with the disruptive technologies now being embraced by our society and integrated into our schools. In some ways, we are still playing catch-up with these technological and social changes. I am redefining my role as an educator in his new education landscape."

A short video that I made whilst on holiday about changing borders in our classrooms. Thought that you may be interested.

Schools are experimenting with devices, such as iPads and digital whiteboards, even as the debate about the role of technology in the classroom continues

Does the internet actually inhibit, not encourage democracy? In this new RSA Animate adapted from a talk given in 2009, Evgeny Morozov presents an alternative take on 'cyber-utopianism' - the seductive idea that the internet plays a largely emancipatory role in global politics.

"Handheld computers are everywhere. From mobile phones to handheld games, it's a very familiar sight to see people of all ages gazing into screens that they can hold. Schools are discovering that handhelds like iPod touch and iPad make great learning tools. In fact, handhelds can play a big part in project based learning. Not only do projects motivate students because they use exciting handheld technology, but they also lend themselves to student voice and choice. Watch or read below to be inspired to bring project based learning into your classroom, learn strategies for creating effective driving questions, and see how an iOS handheld can play a role in the the planning, research/investigation, and presentation of projects."

"Women continued to debate the question of whether formal quotas are needed for their rise to technology leadership roles at last week's Cisco Empowered Women's Network lunch in Melbourne. However, some believe it's the work teachers are doing in schools and universities that will have the greatest effect in growing the next generation of female leaders. "