Scribblar

As I am getting ready for the seminar in Bauska, I keep looking for attractive ways to present Web 2.0.
This is what I found a few days ago - another tool with a funny name SCRIBBLAR implying writing, drawing, scribbling etc.
This is what you can do with it (for something more exciting I have to practice a little longer...)

New presentation tool - Prezi

I discovered this PREZI tool for creating presentations recently and spent some time trying to make my first presentation. In my not-so-humble opinion, the result is quite viewable! Start by clicking on the arrow below, just wait till it loads.
Once it loads, you can click on Fullscreen to experience the true magic of Prezi. You can also set it to Autoplay.

WEB 2.0 on Prezi

Singing with The Wiggles

Had I taught little kids, I may have discovered these fantastic singers - The Wiggles, children's musical group from Sydney, Australia - a couple of years ago. But I did it only now, and like a kid myself, I kept listening to their songs and crooning along until I thought I had heard enough.

It is a must for those who work with little children! Check The Wiggles on YouTube or search Google or Yahoo videos. Even adults might love listening to these cheerful, catchy and relaxing songs!

Learning Technologies course - the sunny side

Not all things are black, only cats at night...
To be fair, after my previous post I have to bring out the best points of the course which are numerous.
First, I have re-discovered people who were familiar to me but unknown at the same time. Doing the course tasks has revealed their skills and talents which are really surprising. They are displaying perfect command of the subject, excellent writing skill, logical and coherent comments and postings. I am really happy to have learned this...
Second, I am gratified that many course participants feel satisfied with all the new things they learn every week. After all, I was the one who invited them to this course, and although I did not build it, I sort of feel responsible for the outcome.
I think the course is challenging but rewarding...
Third, I have understood that the ladies who are on the course are really trying to do their best to complete all the tasks, do the quizzes and questionnaires which is not easy for some of them, having little children or sick parents. And the gardening season is open! What a dilemma - do the tasks or work in the garden?

Learning Technologies online course - stumbling along....

The third week of the course is coming to an end, and I have already drawn some harsh conclusions.

First, people should not apply to this course if they are not sure of their ability and willingness to spend hours and hours online, being persistent and diligent.
Second, people should not apply to this course if they do not favour technologies and hate the time they "waste" at the computer. Finding "very objective" excuses seems childish to me...
Third, people should not apply to this course if they just hope to complete the course by lurking (see what is a lurker) quietly somewhere "behind the scenes" and never showing up in public. Being taciturn, does not rank high on such a course.

Sir Ken Robinson on creativity

In this fascinating speech creativity expert Sir Ken Robinson challenges the way we're educating our children. He believes that schools kill creativity. He is an amazing speaker, never tiring or boring, with the typical British sense of humour. It's worth watching!

Starting a Learning Technologies course

Finally the time is ripe for the first online course with me as a moderator. See the previous post about this course http://baibasvenca.blogspot.com/2010/01/moderating-my-first-online-course.html

After completing the final leg of the preparation (3 more weeks), I am now ready for this adventure.(?) I only hope my "students" will be as excited about it as I am now. We are meeting on 30 March for a face-to-face meeting. I will report about the event...

Dinner for one

I have come across the most hilarious video ever! I fell about laughing while I was watching this old film made in 1963. It may be a little naive but you still have to see it. Just be patient and wait until the plot develops....
Part 1



If you wish to see the 2nd part - the staggering ending - then go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPVCtpNjMtY&feature=player_embedded.

Music is the universal language

Watch this amazing short episode showing the 10-time Grammy Award winner Bobby McFerrin (Don't worry, be happy) getting the audience to perform music which they have never heard before. It reveals a surprising result of the way our brains are wired.

Tag cloud with TAGUL

TAGUL is a web service that enables you to create gorgeous tag clouds. Similar to WORDLE. Point with your mouse over the words and see how they come alive! If you click on the tag, Google finds related pages.
You need to register and then you can start playing with words.