Running on free software
Well i tried Windows 7, and it was a horrible experience. (more accurately.. it was a mixed experience).
Category: technology
windos7 ..? ick !
This old work laptop was due to have windos re-installed, so Fraser suggested i try the new “windos7” instead of xp. Things i do like about windos7 Windos “Explorer” (file manager) has a new keyboard shortcut for navigating up the file structure (about time); overall the “my computer” experience is greatly improved with breadcrumbs in the title bar (you can search deep inside folders you’ve just visited); the whole thing is more aesthetic.. some of the themes are almost attractive (i don’t believe it!); windos volume control finally gets some Read More …
Coming to grips with “Latest Headlines” (aka RSS)
There’s so much to read on the web.. you might want to keep in touch with several sites at once. for example i like to follow the news headlines from The Age, and my favourite radio shows on the ABC. You could visit each site individually.. or you could use an “RSS reader” to keep in touch with the latest updates. Rss readers are becoming increasingly popular. google has a good reader.. which you have access to if you’ve signed up for blogger dot com or any other google service. Read More …
tr.im goes belly up?
i’ve really appreciated the use of tr.im as a “URL-shortening” service. Great when you want to email a very long web address (eg those elluminate sessions)..
Green is for listening? The trauma of windows volume control..
So Tina, one of our amazing English teachers at PRACE, comes in with our box of headsets, “Same question i ask you every Monday.. green is for listening?” This is one of the things that used to drive me crazy when we were running our Can You Hear Us? projects.. (No, not Tina.. the computers!!) (Beware: Rant Approaching.) Most of the windows/pc boxes have a colour coding for the audio sockets (green for listening, pink for speaking), but many headsets use a different colour code for their plugs (orange or Read More …
Running out of room? Try multiple desktops
Here’s an interesting idea.. if you’re running a dozen apps, from web to word, audio, visual and social networking.. and you need some thinking space.. you could: a) close some apps, walk away from the computer and take a break, or b) try a virtual multiple desktop program. Linux has always had this built in.. (along with their far superior “Start menu”) but i’ve never been busy enough in Linux to use it. i was browsing through this list of “40 awesome apps” which are all tiny downloads (2mb or Read More …
"Workrave" – a welcome interruption
i’ve just been interrupted at work again!! .. by a terrific little app called “Workrave”, which lets me know when i’ve been sitting Staring at the Screen for Too Long. After installing the program, you decide how often you want to take breaks, whether you want micro-breaks or just regular ones .. and what’s your time limit for the whole day. You can skip or postpone if you’re really busy, or you can sit back and do the recommended exercises for good office health. Honestly i prefer to be interrupted Read More …
Interference from a gadget.. replaced!!
Well, all the enthusiasm around new gadgets for recording, documenting and sharing experiences at the recent ACE e-mentor day (plus a recent stimulus package from KRudd).. made me let down my guard and purchase the Medion graphics tablet from Aldi supermarket on my day off. (Apparently it’s a
facebook as multiple literacies
Colin Lankshear and Michele Knobel’s (L&K) own chapter in their book “digital literacies” investigates the social networking site Facebook in the light of multiple literacies. Within that environment, literacies have a strong tendency to be “relational” rather than informational. Hence the “super-poke” is all about connecting with a friend or colleague rather than transmitting any particular information. Membership in “groups” signals identity, but may not involve any actual communication or participation within the group. Previous studies into social networking include: network theory, signaling theory, human geography theory, social contract theory, Read More …
Help: can we "flexibilise" certificate ii in IT?
Our adult education co-ordinator at PRACE is looking to develop a flexible learning unit for the certificate ii in information technology – ie self-paced with support. i’ve had a thought to do some kind of blended digital imaging course using web applications and social software. However Robyn Jay says the Cert’s in IT are far too desktop-bound for that, and that we’re better off looking at communications skills or a media unit. i think we’re going to try and run it past the curriculum managers anyway (because we don’t have Read More …