SLAVConnects

This article talks about the software program, Turnitin as an effective way of detecting plagiarism in student work.

"Florida's Polytechnic University is entirely digital and has no print books at all. This enormous facility promises to make 'many more books available for the students' in digital form."

The photos and drawings are sourced from more than 600 million library book pages scanned in by the Internet Archive organisation. These images have been difficult to access until now. Internet Archive Book Images Visitors to the site are free to copy and make use of the pictures without charge. Most of the images that are in the books are not in any of the art galleries of the world - the original copies have long ago been lost. The pictures range from 1500 to 1922, when copyright restrictions kick in. "

"Give kids the experience of a learning community, as well as the skills to create one, sets them up well for the future demands of college and career, and helps them develop the academic mindsets they need to succeed."

Interesting arguments in favour of the paper book being retained as well as the digital.

"When the best new media tools are expertly selected and appropriately used with children, such tools can support and enhance adults' role in supporting development of the whole child, especially three-to-eight year-olds, the focus of this article. Used to complement rather than replace print, the finest ebooks, enhanced ebooks, and book apps (collectively referred to here as "ebooks") on the market put traditional picture book content in new containers that-like traditional print books-educate and entertain."

Some good ideas about how to start your maker space

"Makerspaces are collaborative workshops where young people gain practical hands-on experience with new technologies and innovative processes to design and build projects. They provide a flexible environment where learning is made physical by applying science, technology, math, and creativity to solve problems and build things." Ideas, costings and discussion about makerspaces.

Maker Space -

"Craigieburn Library in Hume City, Victoria has been internationally recognised as the recipient of the 2014 Public Library of the Year Award."

"The school library has changed the main focus from providing books providing a place for students to practice skills like creative thinking and collaboration."

A useful guide to hosting or joining a Twitter chat, as well as some description of some of the different Twitter tools available

"What really works in schools and classrooms? How much difference can homework and class size make to a child's ability? Sarah Montague interviews John Hattie, Professor of Education at the University of Melbourne and Chair of the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership. Over 20 years, he carried out one of the biggest pieces of education research, compiling studies from previous decades and comparing the effect they have on attainment and ability. His work is ongoing, but the results show a league table of effectiveness. It reinforces things you might expect, such as the importance of teachers, but also offers some surprises that might have parents and teachers questioning their priorities."

"Interesting post looking at what "student-centered learning" means in a modern classroom"

"EasyBib announced the initial findings of a survey that they conducted with over 10,000 users and more than 1,200 librarians and educators. In the meantime, you can check out this interactive presentation, featuring videos, polls, infographics and more, summarizing some of the major points from our initial report."