Self-Control on the Web?

Need an application to help you overcome the temptation to surf whilst working? Try this.

"SelfControl is an OS X application which blocks access to incoming and/or outgoing mail servers and websites for a predetermined period of time. For example, you could block access to your email, facebook, and twitter for 90 minutes, but still have access to the rest of the web. Once started, it can not be undone by the application, by deleting the application, or by restarting the computer – you must wait for the timer to run out."

"Learning" from the SLATT Team (Jan '10)

Any questions?

Prezi for Lectures and Presentations

Have you heard the buzz or seen the new zooming alternative to boring old PowerPoint? Check out this presentation to MassComm students at KDU. Just click the arrowhead at bottom to start, then at bottom right ("More"), click "fullscreen" and "autoplay" for easier navigation.

With a little practice, you can create similar presentations yourself, for your own classes with your own material. You can learn and browse the showcase of presentations at Prezi.com. Students and teachers are loving it! At the site, you can create a free account, design, and download your presentation for use offline. Educators and students qualify for the middle level of usage for free.

TLC will offer training in the near future. Stay tuned!

Warning: after I introduced Alwyn to Prezi, he says the learning, playing, and designing can be a bit addictive.

Teachers' TV

New website recommended by Cambridge International Examinations - check it out!

Did You Know? 4.0

How is this relevant to KDU? To you as teachers and students?

21st Century Learning Tools for the Classroom

The Career Manifesto

Michael Wade shares :

1. Unless you’re working in a coal mine, an emergency ward, or their equivalent, spare us the sad stories about your tough job. The biggest risk most of us face in the course of a day is a paper cut.

2. Yes, your boss is an idiot at times. So what? (Do you think your associates sit around and marvel at your deep thoughts?) If you cannot give your boss basic loyalty, either report the weasel to the proper authorities or be gone.

3. You are paid to take meaningful actions, not superficial ones. Don’t brag about that memo you sent out or how hard you work. Tell us what you achieved.

4. Although your title may be the same, the job that you were hired to do three years ago is probably not the job you have now. When you are just coasting and not thinking several steps ahead of your responsibilities, you are in dinosaur territory and a meteor is coming.

5. If you suspect that you’re working in a madhouse, you probably are. Even sociopaths have jobs. Don’t delude yourself by thinking you’ll change what the organization regards as a “turkey farm.” Flee.

6. Your technical skills may impress the other geeks, but if you can’t get along with your co-workers, you’re a litigation breeder. Don’t be surprised if management regards you as an expensive risk.

7. If you have a problem with co-workers, have the guts to tell them, preferably in words of one syllable.

8. Don’t believe what the organization says it does. Its practices are its real policies. Study what is rewarded and what is punished and you’ll have a better clue as to what’s going on.

9. Don’t expect to be perfect. Focus on doing right instead of being right. It will simplify the world enormously.

10.If you plan on showing them what you’re capable of only after you get promoted, you need to reverse your thinking.

Di Malaysia, Guru Boleh?

Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube at School: Bane or Benefit?

A recent article at Slate by Nicholas Bramble discusses the value of social networking for learning activities in American classrooms. He argues that schools should not ban Facebook and YouTube but incorporate these sites in class assignments.

Teachers, have a look at the article and the comments below it. Then comment here, or there. What are some of your experiences in your classrooms with student internet access on their mobile phones or laptops? Harmful or helpful?

The Holland-Code Party

Use the Holland code to enrich your understanding of your personality in relation to possible career choices. Check out this interesting article entitled The Party.