Need to add to your Gamification resources? Then check out Jisc Digital Media’s new Gamification infokit. Really a break down of the concept of Gamification and it’s elements as well as examples, the toolkit provides up-to-the-minute information on how it can be used – and misused – in education. Here is the table of contents so you can jump to a topic:
The interesting part is that they give the “why” as well as the “how.” From Psychology to the issues and problems they cover it all. Check out the announcement or visit the infokit site.
Image credit: http://tinyurl.com/mxg47n6, licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
Digital rights management (DRM), protection of copyrighted works by various means to control or prevent digital copies from being shared over computer networks or telecommunications networks, has made downloading and using your favorite content a little harder. The Harvard Business Review (HBR) recently highlighted some examples: Kindle books can’t be read on another device, Apple songs can’t be played on another device, and DRM makes it hard to fast forward through previews while watching a DVD.
So, why does DRM exist in the first place?
Kyle Wiens of HBR tells us “we are told that digital locks and DRM protect creative content and the creative-types who make it.” Quoting Cory Doctorow, he raises some good points about how locks on something you own without the key, isn’t for your benefit.
They whole article is quick and light and worth the read. Check it out now!
Looking to create the next action epic? Or maybe you just want to engage your students in some fun creating? Look no further than Shakopee 1st grade teacher, Sara Connell’s post on how to use an iPad, the app Do Ink Green Screen, and a green colored sheet to make a great book trailer!
Her post has screen prints and simple instructions and after trying it a few times, only your imagination will be your limit! You can view a little clip of what Sara made here: Little Red Hen Book Preview. Also, here is a typical screen shot from the process. Her walk-through has lots of these to help you along the way!
Everyone is excited about digital badges and their use with students in learning. But what about using digital badges with teachers?! That’s the premise at Houston Independent School District (HISD) where they partnered with VIF International Education (VIF) “to provide our teachers with globally themed online professional development and a customized digital badging system.”
Teachers would participate in some online question-based professional development modules and then were awarded a digital badge for the successful completion. HISD and VIF touted the benefit of this digital badging system with these five features:
Badging requires demonstrating understanding and implementation of a target content or skill.
Badging provides recognition and motivation.
Badging allows for knowledge circulation among teachers.
Recently, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) came out with their 25 Best Apps for Teaching & Learning for 2015. The apps were chosen because they foster innovation, creativity, active participation, and collaboration.
Your students have ideas right? Help them capture them with this weeks app: Spider Scribe Jr.! A mind mapping and brainstorming tool, Spider Scribe Jr. lets you organize your ideas by connecting notes, images and geographic locations in free-form maps. The best part, the app can be used offline and doesn’t require internet connection.
The app is FREE for iOS devices and recommended for Upper elementary (3-5) students and Up.
Partnering with libraries for visioning, advocating, and educating
Need to add to your Gamification resources? Then check out Jisc Digital Media’s new Gamification infokit. Really a break down of the concept of Gamification and it’s elements as well as examples, the toolkit provides up-to-the-minute information on how it can be used – and misused – in education. Here is the table of contents so you can jump to a topic:
Digital rights management
