The past few months

On reflecting on the past few months in uni, already I feel I've learnt in all areas of the modules BUT in particular Visual Communications!! The only things I was confident in where using using my laptop was concerned was having a nose on Facebook and online shopping! I had the cheek to assume that I was ok on computers! Its been mental torture (sorry Mandy!) to me on times but in very small baby steps I feel some things are sticking!!! The biggest trick to me that I just LOVE doing now is copying and pasting!!! Shocking, I know and so simple but that gives you the level I'm on, or rather was with I.T. and still got a way to go but enjoying!

I also really like reading my new friends blogs(after discovering I could do this  about two weeks ago!!) We only have one day where we have a dinner hour together and to be honest, we are yet to really know each other properly BUT after reading their blogs I have learnt a vast amount of new things about them! There are a lot of 'dark horses' in group 1b and I'm really looking forward to the next two and a half years with them!

Wikipedia

 

One of our early sessions of visual we were asked if anyone has NEVER used wikipedia, observing the reaction of my fellow students I gathered that it was a bit shocking if you had'nt! Needless to say I did not admit or speak out loud to being a wikipedia virgin!!! Having been intrigued by such a popular site when I got home that day I had a look!! Since then whenever I have queried anything or my daughter has to look something up for homework, Wikipedia is our first stop! What a break through! I've always been led to believe it's a rubbish site and all lies!!
As I mentioned, Wikipedia is my 'first stop', this is an important rule to always remember!
On the whole I have found it very informative and have generally discovered that it is really helpful providing links to further sites to research.As long as the user applies 'common sense'(some shared information glares out as NONSENSE!) and further back up of other sources when digesting the information I find it a useful and up to date site BUT not to be relied on solely.
I feel the pros of using this site out weigh the cons.Overall, an excellent tool for learning!

Multiple Intelligences

While currently reflecting on multiple intelligences lately(that sounds clever!!) I was intrigued to read about Howard Gardner and of how he proposed in his works of 1993 that people possess at least seven different forms of intelligence in a range of capacities.He believes that a persons ability to maintain knowledge depends on opportunities in society.Humans learn in a multitude of ways and is ever changing, an individual/pupil recieve information, reinforces and begins to understand using methods/ways suited to them.However it is also good practice in the classroom to move a pupil from a preferred learning style, providing them with the possibility of developing new learning strategies.

Seven different forms of multi intelligences
1. Linguistic
2. Mathematical
3. Spatial
4. Kinesthetic
5.Rhythmic
6. Interpersonal
7. Intrapersonal

Glogster

Glogster


 

 

Glogster was founded by Roman Smola, Martin Santorci and Patrick Prepsl in December 2007.It is a very up to the minute, modern site.This social network was created to express individual interests, emotions, ideas of music, videos and more all sharing in a community of like minded people.

You are able to publish your  'glogs' on the infamous Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Tumblr.It ables you to create almost any effect with the many glog tools available.
 

AND IT'S FREE!!!

 

While on the network it also lets the individual connect to YouTube, Vimeo, Flickr and Picasa without leaving the site!

 A vast amount of celebrities and musicians are  involved holding regular competitions to get involved in.
 In a classroom situation it is reassuringly safe and private, giving the teacher peace of mind in regards to the pupils.It can be very interesting to a pupil, keeping their attention whilst learning new skills, sometimes encouraging the more quiet pupil to interact and converse more than in a formal environment.

Glogster has a live feed of the latest news/updates of friends.
It's popularity is growing rapidly amongst people from all walks of life, therefore atrracting a colossal audience.

Interesting information:
7214741 glogs
2505731 users
10 new glogs every minute!!

WOW!!!







 

 



 



Reading week

Snow day today and reading week is here!

 

Well, in my head reading week starts Monday as I'm concentrating on my maths, blog , cleaning(clean house, clear mind to revise!!), ironing(living life on the wild side! NOT!) and spending time with my hub, girls and my parents, as they are coming down to stay tomorrow night- they are braving it through the drifts of snow they've had in Brynmawr!
We've had a little bit of snow but most of it gone tonight.Still, enough for girls to enjoy though judging by the amount of wet/dry clothes they got through today!

schblogs

schblogs
 

 

Schblogs is a safe secure blog site available to students and teachers and is FREE!  It has full control over EVERYONES blog,more importantly students and no adult content are allowed.

It provides a dedicated blog of networks to schools, colleges, universities and local authorities.

With blogging getting more and more popular it is an excellent wat to support, motivate and encourage both teachers and students learning/teaching.

 

Benefits of schblog:

 

* education purposes only

*strict 'no adult content' policy

*engages students

*supports writing/literacy

*shares thoughts/ideas

*promotes self reflection/confidence

*collabrates with other schools

*encourages achievements

*furthering ICT skills

*encourages independant learning

*engages with a wider,safe society
 
Teachers have found that pupils not willing to speak up in class responds well to blogging.There are a number of examples given as to how the use of blogs benefit students that are quite encouraging.Schblog is colourful and clear, very user friendly.See for yourself!

 

 

 

 



Back to it!

Week one back in uni!

So hard to get out of, 'Christmas mode!'

Husband back in work, daughter back to school.
 This weekend is major revision time! Two exams coming up and my maths GCSE lurking in the midst!.....

On a lighter note though, student funds were in bank on Monday! Yay! With my husband back in work in the afternoon and my eldest daughter having an inset day what else are three girls to do? Frankie and Benny's!!!!