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Play is a vital tool for learning. It should be vital part of every child's learning; the norm rather than the exception and we leave it behind as we become adults to our own peril. 

As thousands take to the streets as part of a global 'March for Science' it is worth considering the significant role that education has to play. What are the messages we need to send our students about science and what role have schools played in creating the current climate? Now seems like the time to pause and reflect on the place of science in our community and our schools.

What place does documentation play in our learning environments? What roles might it play?

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."

This paper presents an investigation into how students studying at university engage actively with learning technology in their self-directed study time. The case study surveyed 250 students studying at undergraduate and postgraduate level from a purposive sample of departments within one institution. The study has also conducted focus groups and a number of in-depth follow-up interviews with respondents to the survey. In this article we explore three emerging aspects of the learning experience, namely student expectations of the technology, their lecturers' engagement with technology and how the technology might support processes of transition in higher education. One key implication is that more academic guidance is needed on what and how to use the technology effectively for independent learning, even where ICT skills levels are high. The study also identifies the significant role that the lecturer plays in facilitating students' use of technology. The findings of this study will be of interest to those working to incorporate learning technologies more effectively in higher education, in particular for those who are looking to improve the engagement of students in self-directed learning.

* 1 Definition of Pedagogy * 2 Moodle in three short paragraphs * 3 Social Constructionism as a Referent * 4 How Moodle tries to support a Social Constructionist view * 5 Finding a balance * 6 Progression * 7 Where Moodle can do better and what we're doing about it o 7.1 Repositories and Portfolios o 7.2 Community Hubs o 7.3 Better interaction between tools o 7.4 Metadata and outcome statements o 7.5 Role-playing and scenario simulations * 8 What else would you like to see? * 9 Interesting links

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This week I am in Florence having spent two days at "The Future of Education" conference. Visiting this city, which has played such a significant role in western history, is inspiring. It encourages one to not only look back at what was, but also to look ahead at what might be, especially when the t

Of all the subjects that our students engage in, mathematics is the one most requiring an injection of learner agency. What is it about mathematics that engenders it to modes of teaching that are so heavily teacher-directed? How might this change if we seek to understand the place that learner agency plays in producing learners who will emerge from our classrooms with a love of mathematics and a deep understanding of its beauty?

Our beliefs about mathematics play a significant role in how we approach learning within the discipline. These beliefs are established by the nature of our early engagement with mathematics and are difficult to change once established. For many people mathematics is viewed as a subject that is not for them. Indeed the situation is so bad that many people will say that they are not a maths person and approach mathematics with fear and anxiety. 

we offer seven principles based on research on good teaching and learning in colleges and universities. Good practice in undergraduate education: encourages contact between students and faculty, develops reciprocity and cooperation among students, encourages active learning, gives prompt feedback, emphasizes time on task, communicates high expectations, and respects diverse talents and ways of learning.