Equal Access to information and services

Equal access to information and online services enables the full and independent participation by people with a disability in our digital economy. It not only makes good business and marketing sense, but is also consistent with our society’s obligations to remove discrimination and promote human rights. So how well are we going? To answer that… Continue Reading Equal Access to information and servicesContinue Reading Equal Access to information and services

Alternative text basics

What is alternative text? It is a short text alternative that explains the content and / or function of non-text content (photos, buttons, graphs)  in most digital documents such as Adobe Acrobat, Apple Pages and iBooks Author, Google Docs, Microsoft Office and OneNote and of course web pages such as this. Alternative text can be… Continue Reading Alternative text basicsContinue Reading Alternative text basics

Inclusive 21C learning spaces

Introduction Educational institutions have responsibility for maximising the learning outcomes and wellbeing of all learners through providing access to a high-quality education that is free from discrimination. All learners are entitled to quality education experiences, where they: feel included in an environment of high expectation are are both able and enabled to learn. To ensure this occurs, educators… Continue Reading Inclusive 21C learning spacesContinue Reading Inclusive 21C learning spaces

Martin Pistorius: How my mind came back to life and no one knew

This a repost from TED. Imagine being unable to say, “I am hungry,” “I am in pain,” “thank you,” or “I love you,” — losing your ability to communicate, being trapped inside your body, surrounded by people yet utterly alone. For 13 long years, that was Martin Pistorius’s reality. After contracting a brain infection at… Continue Reading Martin Pistorius: How my mind came back to life and no one knewContinue Reading Martin Pistorius: How my mind came back to life and no one knew

Web Accessibility

Download an audio version of this video at: http://resources.fahcsia.gov.au/videos/web_accessibility_video.mp3 Web accessibility – What does it all mean? Mis… Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.youtube.com A short, sharp explanation of what is meant by Web accessibility.   See on Scoop.it – inclusive solutions…Continue Reading Web Accessibility

Simplicity, complexity, DNA and dark matter

Simplicity, complexity, DNA and dark matter It’s easier to complicate than to simplify. Simple ideas enter the brain quicker and stay there longer. (Saatchi) Simple can be harder than complex. You … Sourced through Scoop.it from: bristolbrunelleadership.wordpress.com “Just understand that Simplicity is more than a goal – it’s a skill. To successfully leverage its power, you need… Continue Reading Simplicity, complexity, DNA and dark matterContinue Reading Simplicity, complexity, DNA and dark matter

The power of captions

Videos can be a powerful medium by which to explain ideas and demonstrate concepts. Adding closed captions to the video ensures any user can perecive meaning from it. It also makes the video a more usable experience for all users as well as achieving compliance with both the Department of Premier and Cabinet circular C2012-08 and the Disability Standards for Education (2005). What are… Continue Reading The power of captionsContinue Reading The power of captions

Recommended iBooks

Supporting diverse learners The following books are available for free on the iBooks Store. Alchin, Greg: Inclusive Design for iBooks Author Davies, Jeanette: Dyslexia Davies, Jeanette: iPad Tips and Tricks  with a focus on accessibility Harrison, Michael: iHear Hills, Christopher and Perez, Luis: Handsfree Hills, Alchin, Harrison, Davies and Woodbridge  Accessibility at Home Perez, Luis: Apple… Continue Reading Recommended iBooksContinue Reading Recommended iBooks

iPad Model Classroom

iPad Model Classroom Book Cover

In this book Craig Smith, Aspect Practice Specialist with Autism Spectrum Australia (and Apple Distinguished Educator), takes readers on a journey through a week in an iPad Model Classroom. Each day of the week is abound with a showcase of innovative best practice ideas and learning activities to help educators creatively implement iPad in their classrooms.… Continue Reading iPad Model ClassroomContinue Reading iPad Model Classroom

What can teachers learn from great marketing campaigns?

No matter what profession you are in, we can all benefit from fresh perspectives. Sometimes the best ideas comes from outside the profession or organisation as it creates a shift in our thinking about the situation or task.  So what can teachers  learn from great marketing campaigns? Not the dodgy cheap and nasty advertisements but… Continue Reading What can teachers learn from great marketing campaigns?Continue Reading What can teachers learn from great marketing campaigns?

Spotlight on Dr Luis Perez

Luis Perez

Dr Luis Perez is an educator, author, presenter and inclusive learning consultant with a passion for accessibility and universal design. Dr Perez is losing his sight due to retinitis pigmentosa. He is also a keen photographer. Dr Perez believes that ‘today is the best time in history to be blind.’ You can follow Luis on Twitter @_luisfperez…Continue Reading Spotlight on Dr Luis Perez

Consistent teacher judgement of learning materials

C0-authors: Greg Alchin & Lisa Tonkin Introduction The core quality benchmarks for any learning material is that all learners are able to use and engage with the material on the same basis from the start.  This involves curating or creating resources that all learners can perceive, understand, and utilise to accomplish their educational goals. This process is underpinned by… Continue Reading Consistent teacher judgement of learning materialsContinue Reading Consistent teacher judgement of learning materials

Digital style guide

All digital education content (created / curated) must comply with the Disability Standards for Education. To achieve this, it must be discoverable and usable from the start by any learner to enable them actively participate on the same basis on the device of their choice.  Creation / curation All content and systems must meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines v2 (WCAG 2)… Continue Reading Digital style guideContinue Reading Digital style guide

Conditions of collaboration

4 people holding a quarter of a circular puzzle

An essential skill of modern work and learning environments is the need to collaborate. There are many conversation tools that enable collaboration, but what are the mindsets and behaviour that builds collaboration? Listed below are the essential qualities to build a collaborative culture. Share a common goal or purpose Communicate easily with common vocabulary Have ownership Have… Continue Reading Conditions of collaborationContinue Reading Conditions of collaboration

Spotlight on Christopher Hills

Christopher Hills is an up and coming video editor who is not defined by his disability. Chris is an Apple Certified Pro Final Cut Pro X specialist and an Accessibility Ambassador. Chris calls himself a geek with cerebral palsy. He uses the inbuilt single switch access in his Mac Book Pro and iPad to run… Continue Reading Spotlight on Christopher HillsContinue Reading Spotlight on Christopher Hills

How to start collaborating among schools

The talk about modern literacies… about becoming a globally connected educator… and having your students collaborate with peers from around the world is great…. BUT how do you actually DO it? Let’s take a specific look at steps you can take to make it happen and look at plenty of examples of learning in and… Continue Reading How to start collaborating among schoolsContinue Reading How to start collaborating among schools

Understanding collaboration

More than ever, how we play, learn and work involves working with others to engage in meaningful productive activity. Collaboration enables us to share resources, ideas and perspectives, build consensus and achieve shared goals. As such it can increase the success of teams as they engage in collaborative problem solving. Collaboration also allows us to… Continue Reading Understanding collaborationContinue Reading Understanding collaboration

Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools

 to see the expanded list of Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools available. This certainly makes it easier for content creators and administrators to ensure that their These Web accessibility evaluation tools are software programs or online services that help determine if web content meets accessibility guidelines. Information about features of evaluation tools that help with evaluation is in… Continue Reading Web Accessibility Evaluation ToolsContinue Reading Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools

The 6-step guide to flipping your classroom – Daily Genius

It’s one of the most talked-about trends in education right now. Right behind the iPad and Common Core. Flipping your classroom is a trend that doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon. That’s great, because it offers a lot of advantages for your classroom regardless of your students’ age or what subject matter… Continue Reading The 6-step guide to flipping your classroom – Daily GeniusContinue Reading The 6-step guide to flipping your classroom – Daily Genius

Nobody is ‘too anything’ at Carlson

Source: www.edgazette.govt.nz A powerful article. The quote for me is "Jane Farrall and our very own Sally Clendon uphold the premise that all students can learn to read and write. Nobody is ‘too anything’ to benefit from meaningful opportunities to communicate, play, read and write!" See on Scoop.it – personalised learning…Continue Reading Nobody is ‘too anything’ at Carlson

Assistive technology puts creativity within reach

Teenager Christopher Hills has found IT solutions to some profound physical barriers. Source: www.smh.com.au This is why I am so passionate about assistive technology and in particular the work Apple has done for so many years to build inclusive features within their products. It is about empowering people to participate on the same basis. I… Continue Reading Assistive technology puts creativity within reachContinue Reading Assistive technology puts creativity within reach

Learning to Teach Online

Learning to Teach Online is a free online class taught by Simon McIntyre and Negin Mirriahi of UNSW Australia (The University of New South Wales). Based upon the successful educational resources of the same name, the Learning to Teach Online (LTTO) MOOC is designed to help existing educators establish or improve their own online or blended teaching practices. The target audience is primarily teachers in higher education, K-12, community college, and vocational or private education.

Source: www.coursera.org

If you are looking to invest in your skills to teach online, this free course could be the one for you. It lasts 8 weeks and will take about 3 hours per week to complete each module.

Continue Reading Learning to Teach Online Continue Reading Learning to Teach Online

The Twitteraholic’s Ultimate Guide to tweets, hashtags, and all things Twitter

Most educators who learn to use Twitter effectively say they learn more from their personal learning network (PLN) on Twitter than they’ve achieved from any other forms of professional development …

Source: theedublogger.com

Another great guide from the team at Edublogger! Well worth a read if you really want to make the most out of the twitter for PLNs!.

Continue Reading The Twitteraholic’s Ultimate Guide to tweets, hashtags, and all things Twitter Continue Reading The Twitteraholic’s Ultimate Guide to tweets, hashtags, and all things Twitter

A Handy Interactive Visual on The Digital Storytelling Process ~ Educational Technology and Mobile Learning

Here is a great interactive Thinglink image on the process of digital storytelling I want to share with you today. This graphic is created by Tonia and features a wide variety of iPad apps that go with each of the stages of the digital storytelling process….Continue Reading A Handy Interactive Visual on The Digital Storytelling Process ~ Educational Technology and Mobile Learning Continue Reading A Handy Interactive Visual on The Digital Storytelling Process ~ Educational Technology and Mobile Learning

Monday at ACC TechnoCamp | Anne Carlsen TechnoCamp 2014

Dwayne Szot from Zot Artz – Artz for all doing a huge adapted art project. In this pic Dwayne is pushing student with a “Give it a whirl” mounted on the front of her chair. Also at the camp are ADE’s Adam Goldberg and Dr Luis Pèrez. Adam is doing some fantastic music activities using iPads. Luis……Continue Reading Monday at ACC TechnoCamp | Anne Carlsen TechnoCamp 2014 Continue Reading Monday at ACC TechnoCamp | Anne Carlsen TechnoCamp 2014

Pixel Press Floors – Pixel Press | Draw your own video game.

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes Greg Alchin‘s insight: Users hand draw their levels using a pencil, grid paper, and specific markings called “glyphs,” and then Pixel Press transforms that schematic into a modifiable, playable, and sharable digital version. very powerful game based learning tool. #plearnchat See on projectpixelpress.com…Continue Reading Pixel Press Floors – Pixel Press | Draw your own video game.

Making Games: The Ultimate Project-Based Learning

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning Game making is one way to create a space where students are empowered to freely experiment with their own way of framing ideas and choosing perspectives. In this way, game making is tantamount to project-based learning. Greg Alchin‘s insight: Game design is a powerful means by which learners can… Continue Reading Making Games: The Ultimate Project-Based LearningContinue Reading Making Games: The Ultimate Project-Based Learning

See the You in You | Rethinking Learning – Barbara Bray

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning Sarah sings Let it Go her way sharing what it is like to live with autism. All of us need to tell our own stories. We need to be able to see the person first not the disability or challenge.We need to change our education system so each of… Continue Reading See the You in You | Rethinking Learning – Barbara BrayContinue Reading See the You in You | Rethinking Learning – Barbara Bray

TouchCast

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning Greg Alchin‘s insight: @TouchCastApp. really is a game changer for how learners can communicate and collaborate on shared learning. #ADE #UDLchat #plearnchat See on www.touchcast.com…Continue Reading TouchCast

A Touch of Light

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning “You don’t have to see to have vision.” That is the author’s motto as a person with a significant visual impairment who uses photography to educate others on the importance of inclusive design. This book focuses on the what, why and how of adaptive photography with iOS devices. A… Continue Reading A Touch of LightContinue Reading A Touch of Light

The Voice of the Active Learner – Education From a Digital Native’s Perspective

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning What does the future of education look like? One where the student play an active role in their education through an interactive, personalized, and continuou… Greg Alchin‘s insight: Personalised learning is dynamic as every learner is different. See on www.youtube.com…Continue Reading The Voice of the Active Learner – Education From a Digital Native’s Perspective

▶ Rita Pierson: Every kid needs a champion – YouTube

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning Rita Pierson, a teacher for 40 years, once heard a colleague say, “They don’t pay me to like the kids.” Her response: “Kids don’t learn from people they don’… Greg Alchin‘s insight: The power and importance of building and sustaining relationships with all learners. Seeking first to understand the… Continue Reading ▶ Rita Pierson: Every kid needs a champion – YouTubeContinue Reading ▶ Rita Pierson: Every kid needs a champion – YouTube

Questioning – Top Ten Strategies – HuntingEnglish

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is to not stop questioning.” – Albert Einstein Questioning is the very… Greg Alchin‘s insight: The art of posing thought provoking questions is a cornerstone to creating a ‘culture of inquiry’  that opens minds and stimulates truly independent… Continue Reading Questioning – Top Ten Strategies – HuntingEnglishContinue Reading Questioning – Top Ten Strategies – HuntingEnglish

Making ebooks in Pages 5.2: Here’s what works now (and what still doesn’t) | Macworld

See on Scoop.it – eBookED After nearly four years of stagnation, Pages’s ebook export tools have recently received several promising updates. Macworld’s resident ebook expert Serenity Caldwell takes a look at what’s changed (and what’s still broken). Greg Alchin‘s insight: In a BYOD world as much as I love iBooks Author and the awesomeness of… Continue Reading Making ebooks in Pages 5.2: Here’s what works now (and what still doesn’t) | MacworldContinue Reading Making ebooks in Pages 5.2: Here’s what works now (and what still doesn’t) | Macworld

How to Select iPad Apps for Students with Visual Impairments | Paths to Literacy

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning Considerations for choosing iPad apps for students with visual impairments, including book apps, and other suggested apps. Greg Alchin‘s insight: It is always worthwhile having a consistent framework for making selections about apps. This is a  useful list of considerations. One I would add to it is "Does the… Continue Reading How to Select iPad Apps for Students with Visual Impairments | Paths to LiteracyContinue Reading How to Select iPad Apps for Students with Visual Impairments | Paths to Literacy

Google Docs | AccessAbility

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes Google Docs are a commonly used web-based word processing tool. Because of the collaborative nature of the application, it is especially important that your shared files are as accessible as possible, so that all users who need to access the document can comprehend the content.  Greg Alchin‘s insight: Google… Continue Reading Google Docs | AccessAbilityContinue Reading Google Docs | AccessAbility

Simplicity, complexity, DNA and dark matter

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes Simplicity, complexity, DNA and dark matter It’s easier to complicate than to simplify. Simple ideas enter the brain quicker and stay there longer. (Saatchi) Simple can be harder than complex. You … Greg Alchin‘s insight: “Just understand that Simplicity is more than a goal – it’s a skill. To successfully leverage… Continue Reading Simplicity, complexity, DNA and dark matterContinue Reading Simplicity, complexity, DNA and dark matter

Jimmy Fallon and Billy Joel take an iPad app for an incredible ride

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes Last night’s Tonight Show was one for the ages. Jimmy Fallon introduced Billy Joel to a beatboxing iPad app called Loopy HD. Watch the video. Magic. Greg Alchin‘s insight: Music is a universal language. The beauty of iPad apps like Loopy HD is how ease by which you can create powerful and… Continue Reading Jimmy Fallon and Billy Joel take an iPad app for an incredible rideContinue Reading Jimmy Fallon and Billy Joel take an iPad app for an incredible ride

Photo Education – Accessible Photography through Switch Access in iOS 7 – TheAppWhisperer

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes We are delighted to publish the second tutorial to our brand new section within theappwhisperer – Photo Education & Accessibility. There are many photographers and artists with special needs, whether… Greg Alchin‘s insight: Switch accessible photography is another example of what is possible using the inbuilt power of Apple… Continue Reading Photo Education – Accessible Photography through Switch Access in iOS 7 – TheAppWhispererContinue Reading Photo Education – Accessible Photography through Switch Access in iOS 7 – TheAppWhisperer

Creative Educator – The Power of Play

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes The pendulum swings back and forth in education. Waiting at one end of the arc is a myopic focus on academics and accountability, often in the form of high-stakes testing. Fueled by a fear of “falling behind,” learning environments that encourage exploration and experimentation are pushed aside in favor… Continue Reading Creative Educator – The Power of PlayContinue Reading Creative Educator – The Power of Play

iHouse | Vision2014

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning Split into four zones the iHouse will replicate a vision impaired persons’ experience in the home with the assistance of the latest accessible technology. Greg Alchin‘s insight: Every Apple device not only has accessible features — but accessible principles — built in. This is inclusion by universal design that… Continue Reading iHouse | Vision2014Continue Reading iHouse | Vision2014

What’s New and Changed for Blind and Low Vision Users in iOS 7.1 | AppleVis

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning iOS 7.1 is now available for download via Over-the-Air Update and iTunes.   Since November of last year, members of the AppleVis Editorial Team have been busy testing iOS 7.1 in all stages of the beta process. Greg Alchin‘s insight: The new and changed accessibility features in iOS 7.1… Continue Reading What’s New and Changed for Blind and Low Vision Users in iOS 7.1 | AppleVisContinue Reading What’s New and Changed for Blind and Low Vision Users in iOS 7.1 | AppleVis

Hattie’s Index Of Teaching & Learning Strategies: 39 Effect Sizes In Ascending Order

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning Hattie’s Index Of Teaching & Learning Strategies: 39 Effect Sizes In Ascending Order Greg Alchin‘s insight: "Every study has a story, and every strategy and impacting agent has a background." It is worth teasing out and reflecting upon the comments listed on the right hand side of notes. See… Continue Reading Hattie’s Index Of Teaching & Learning Strategies: 39 Effect Sizes In Ascending OrderContinue Reading Hattie’s Index Of Teaching & Learning Strategies: 39 Effect Sizes In Ascending Order

Minimize Cognitive Load to Maximize Usability | Nielsen Norman Group

See on Scoop.it – eBookED The total cognitive load, or amount of mental processing power needed to use your site, affects how easily users find content and complete tasks. Greg Alchin‘s insight: Greg Alchin’s insight: To improve learner comprehension and engagement, educators should:1. Implement strategies to support intrinsic cognitive load such as adding glossaries.2. Minimise… Continue Reading Minimize Cognitive Load to Maximize Usability | Nielsen Norman GroupContinue Reading Minimize Cognitive Load to Maximize Usability | Nielsen Norman Group

nABLE Framework by Luis Perez

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning TOUCH this image to discover its story. Image tagging powered by ThingLink Greg Alchin‘s insight:  The incomparable Luis Perez’s nABLE Framework in a fully interactive format. It takes SAMR to a more inclusive perspective. Gotta love the man’s work! @_luisfperez  #plearnchat See on www.thinglink.com…Continue Reading nABLE Framework by Luis Perez

Minimize Cognitive Load to Maximize Usability | Nielsen Norman Group

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning The total cognitive load, or amount of mental processing power needed to use your site, affects how easily users find content and complete tasks. Greg Alchin‘s insight: To improve learner comprehension and engagement, educators should:1. Implement strategies to support intrinsic cognitive load such as adding glossaries.2. Minimise extraneous cognitive… Continue Reading Minimize Cognitive Load to Maximize Usability | Nielsen Norman GroupContinue Reading Minimize Cognitive Load to Maximize Usability | Nielsen Norman Group

How to create an accessible infographic | Access iQ

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning As social media continues to grow as a powerful medium for sharing information and ideas, the need for accessible infographics has become more critical.   An infographic is a visual representation of data that turns complex information into bite-sized pieces that can be read at a glance. Because it… Continue Reading How to create an accessible infographic | Access iQContinue Reading How to create an accessible infographic | Access iQ

A Wonderful Visual on How to Use SAMR Model On Different Classroom Tasks ~ Educational Technology and Mobile Learning

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning Greg Alchin‘s insight: Putting SAMR into practice. This is one for my apptastic backpack. As always we just need to make sure that there are flexible and accessible options for all learners.  See on www.educatorstechnology.com…Continue Reading A Wonderful Visual on How to Use SAMR Model On Different Classroom Tasks ~ Educational Technology and Mobile Learning

Exclusive Special Report on Blended Learning

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning This Education Week special report is the latest installment in an ongoing series about online education. These stories examine the opportunities and persistent questions that surround schools’ and districts’ implementation of blended learning, the widely used instructional approach that combines technology-based instruction with traditional, face-to-face lessons. Greg Alchin‘s insight:… Continue Reading Exclusive Special Report on Blended LearningContinue Reading Exclusive Special Report on Blended Learning

IBM standardizing on EPUB to reduce digital barriers and increase mobile support

See on Scoop.it – eBookED SEATTLE, WA: International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF) and IBM  today announced a collaboration to develop a white paper highlighting lessons learned from IBM’s recent decision to support EPUB as the company’s primary packaged portable document format.   EPUB is the widely adopted open standard format, for digital publications, developed by… Continue Reading IBM standardizing on EPUB to reduce digital barriers and increase mobile supportContinue Reading IBM standardizing on EPUB to reduce digital barriers and increase mobile support

6 Of My All-Time Favorite Conversion Rate Optimization Case Studies

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes Want to start conversion testing your website, but don’t know where to start? Here 6 conversion rate optimization case studies + actionable advice to help. Greg Alchin‘s insight: How do you motivate online learners to actively engage and participate in activities? Conversion rate optimization offers some interesting research that… Continue Reading 6 Of My All-Time Favorite Conversion Rate Optimization Case StudiesContinue Reading 6 Of My All-Time Favorite Conversion Rate Optimization Case Studies

Stages of Personalized Learning Environments (v3)

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning The Stages of Personalized Learning Environments (version 2) was updated from feedback and input from educators around the world. Greg Alchin‘s insight: The brilliant work of McClaskey and Bray continues to evolve. A must read and implement for all educators committed to empowering novice learners  to become expert learners.… Continue Reading Stages of Personalized Learning Environments (v3)Continue Reading Stages of Personalized Learning Environments (v3)

What Is User Experience (UX) | Why Is User Experience Important

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes Defines User Experience (UX), the disciplines included in User Experience and how your business can benefit from providing a good user experience Greg Alchin‘s insight: Good User Experience (UX) is crucial if educators wish to engage  and sustain learners. Many educators only focus on one of the six UX disciplines… Continue Reading What Is User Experience (UX) | Why Is User Experience ImportantContinue Reading What Is User Experience (UX) | Why Is User Experience Important

Eye Tracking 101: How Your Eyes Move on a Website

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes Engage website visitors better by designing your site to match how people’s eyes move on the page. Here are some surprising eye tracking stats to help. Greg Alchin‘s insight: Understanding eye tracking research helps educators create and curate digital resources that will engage  and sustain learners.  See on blog.crazyegg.com…Continue Reading Eye Tracking 101: How Your Eyes Move on a Website

PBL Teachers Need Time to Reflect, Too

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes Student reflection is a key ingredient in project-based learning, and for good reason. As John Dewey reminded us nearly a century ago, “We do not learn from experience . . . we learn from reflecting Greg Alchin‘s insight: Just because it is old doesn’t mean it isn’t valuable! John Dewey’s… Continue Reading PBL Teachers Need Time to Reflect, TooContinue Reading PBL Teachers Need Time to Reflect, Too

Why access matters

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes Watch our YouTube videos featuring some of Australia’s best-known disability advocates talking about the technologies and apps that have changed their lives as well as their daily frustrations of dealing with websites and apps that haven’t been made accessible to people with disability.   Greg Alchin‘s insight: Powerful stories… Continue Reading Why access mattersContinue Reading Why access matters

Designing inclusive digital learning environments

Every school in Australia has legal obligations and responsibilities under Federal legislation such as the Disability standards for education (2005) to ensure that all learners with or without a disability are able to participate in learning on the same basis. To ensure that all learners are able to participate in learning on the same basis… Continue Reading Designing inclusive digital learning environmentsContinue Reading Designing inclusive digital learning environments

The secret structure of great talks

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes From the “I have a dream” speech to Steve Jobs’ iPhone launch, all great presentations have a common architecture. In this talk, Nancy Duarte draws lessons on how to make a powerful call-to-action. (Filmed at TEDxEast.) Greg Alchin‘s insight: An extremely powerful presentation. Great learning has a powerful narrative… Continue Reading The secret structure of great talksContinue Reading The secret structure of great talks

Digital Book World: Kids and eReading Study Data Released

See on Scoop.it – eBookED Photo courtesy of cbc.ca As things got underway at the annual Digital Book World conference in New York, one of the first news items to come was the results Greg Alchin‘s insight: Further data on the paragigm shift to eBooks. This new US study reinforces previous studies from across the… Continue Reading Digital Book World: Kids and eReading Study Data ReleasedContinue Reading Digital Book World: Kids and eReading Study Data Released

Report: Kids Tend to Read Digital More Than Print

See on Scoop.it – eBookED The process of reading is undergoing a paradigm shift where kids are starting to read on smartphones and tablets more than physical print. The quintessential Greg Alchin‘s insight: The data confirms our annecdotal experience. The data also only gives a snapshot of what was rather than what is. The paradigm… Continue Reading Report: Kids Tend to Read Digital More Than PrintContinue Reading Report: Kids Tend to Read Digital More Than Print

What Is Web 3.0 And How Will It Change Education? – Edudemic

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes We’ll reach a new state of web skills when we reinvent technology tools to better enhance our personal learning. We’ll be at 3.0 when schools are everywhere and not viewed as daycare. Greg Alchin‘s insight: Don’t sweat the number (3.0). Focus on the fact that it is a cultural… Continue Reading What Is Web 3.0 And How Will It Change Education? – EdudemicContinue Reading What Is Web 3.0 And How Will It Change Education? – Edudemic

Flipping the Library: Tips from Three Pros | The Digital Shift 2013 – The Digital Shift

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes Three experts shared tech tips and tools during “Flipped School Libraries,” a rapid-fire, dynamic session during The Digital Shift: Reinventing Libraries (#TDS13) webcast.     Through the use of innovative technologies and online resources, school libraries can now be available tostudents wherever—and whenever—they need them. “Flipped” or blended learning offers students thepower of personalized… Continue Reading Flipping the Library: Tips from Three Pros | The Digital Shift 2013 – The Digital ShiftContinue Reading Flipping the Library: Tips from Three Pros | The Digital Shift 2013 – The Digital Shift

Merrylands High SchoolBring Your Own Device

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes On this site you will find information on our school’s implementation of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiative for students, parents and teachers on BYOD at Merrylands High School. Greg Alchin‘s insight: Congratulations to the staff at Merrylands High School.who are implenting BYOD in a such a well thought out… Continue Reading Merrylands High SchoolBring Your Own DeviceContinue Reading Merrylands High SchoolBring Your Own Device

Group Form Elements Effectively Using White Space

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes Improve the layout of your online forms by placing form labels near the associated text field and by grouping similar fields. Greg Alchin‘s insight: User experience (UX) gains inspiration from nay fields including psychology.  Teachers as digital learning designers can we learn alot from the Law of Proximity. See on… Continue Reading Group Form Elements Effectively Using White SpaceContinue Reading Group Form Elements Effectively Using White Space

Personalize Learning: 10 Trends for Personalized Learning in 2014

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning Bray and McClaskey provide the Top 10 Trends for Personalized Learning in 2014 Greg Alchin‘s insight: Another well written piece Barbara! The cornerstone is the definitely changing the language TO Learner AWAY from Student. This simple but powerful change is the first step in reframing the whole paradigm. I… Continue Reading Personalize Learning: 10 Trends for Personalized Learning in 2014Continue Reading Personalize Learning: 10 Trends for Personalized Learning in 2014

11 EdTech Bloggers To Follow in 2014

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes Looking for new ideas for how to use technology in your classroom in 2014? Looking for colleagues to inspire your practice? Ideas to help integrate technology into your lesson plans? Look no further. Greg Alchin‘s insight: A great collection of EdTech thinkers from around the globe inc @Darcy1968 See on… Continue Reading 11 EdTech Bloggers To Follow in 2014Continue Reading 11 EdTech Bloggers To Follow in 2014

How Tech Enables Non-Verbal Learners to Become Singers

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning Adam Goldberg, music teacher in a Special Needs environment, shares useful experiences from the classroom where he uses tech to enable learners to become vocali… – Click here to learn more Greg Alchin‘s insight: Empowering possibilities that flips perceptions and tranforms lives! See on www.askaudiomag.com…Continue Reading How Tech Enables Non-Verbal Learners to Become Singers

Podcasting Guide | PoducateMe

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes Provides instruction for and discussion of how to podcast in education and beyond. Features a comprehensive guide to podcasting that’s free to read in its entirety online. Also includes podcast news, kits, and hardware and software recommendations. Greg Alchin‘s insight: Podcasting and screencasting are a key component of rebooting… Continue Reading Podcasting Guide | PoducateMeContinue Reading Podcasting Guide | PoducateMe

Establishing A Growth Mindset As A Teacher: 9 Affirming Statements – TeachThought

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes “The ability to change is among the least-appreciated professional characteristics of a teacher.   This is especially true as education systems react to both external pressure, and internal instinct to change into something closer to truly progressive learning environments.”   Greg Alchin‘s insight:  To support other learners to develop… Continue Reading Establishing A Growth Mindset As A Teacher: 9 Affirming Statements – TeachThoughtContinue Reading Establishing A Growth Mindset As A Teacher: 9 Affirming Statements – TeachThought

Disabililty

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning I had to come up with a 30 sec video on anything I wanted for my university course. This is what I came up with. Follow me on twitter @ https://twitter.com/i… Greg Alchin‘s insight: Christopher Hills’ video has a very powerful message. What makes it more so is when… Continue Reading DisabililtyContinue Reading Disabililty

Transcribe – online transcription and dictation software

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning Transcribe saves thousands of hours every month in transcription time for journalists, lawyers and students all over the world. Greg Alchin‘s insight: A powerful and productive service which levels the palying field. See on transcribe.wreally.com…Continue Reading Transcribe – online transcription and dictation software

7 Fantastic Apps for Teaching Typography

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes What better way to help kids explore the world of fonts than with mobile apps? Our choice of apps include educational type apps, font resource apps, and apps that allow students to design with fonts. Greg Alchin‘s insight: Font choice and layout  evokes an emotional response from the reader… Continue Reading 7 Fantastic Apps for Teaching TypographyContinue Reading 7 Fantastic Apps for Teaching Typography

The Global Education Conference Network

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes The Global Education Conference is a collaborative, world-wide community initiative involving students, educators, and organizations at all levels. It is des… Greg Alchin‘s insight: A great collection of presentation form educators from around the world. Grab yourself a cuppa and enjoy! See on www.youtube.com…Continue Reading The Global Education Conference Network

iPads Enable Parents to Converse with Autistic Children for the First Time | PadGadget

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning Autism research is close to my heart because I have twin boys that are on the autism spectrum. Greg Alchin‘s insight: Good design enables and empowers. Good design is inclusive. Good design makes your heart and eyes swell when barriers are boken down and people can connect.  See on www.padgadget.com…Continue Reading iPads Enable Parents to Converse with Autistic Children for the First Time | PadGadget

Why self-publishing is becoming a popular alternative • Liquid State

See on Scoop.it – eBookED Self-publishing has emerged from the peripheries of the publishing industry to become one of the primary contenders in mainstream publishing. Greg Alchin‘s insight: Thr flipped publishing model. Just need to ensure that it is accessible! See on liquid-state.com…Continue Reading Why self-publishing is becoming a popular alternative • Liquid State

Learning Trends, Technologies, and Opportunities – New White Paper by Sharon Boller

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes Sharon Boller, President of Bottom-Line Performance, has authored a new white paper: Learning Trends, Technologies and Opportunities. Greg Alchin‘s insight: These  key trends  mirror much of what is identified in NMC’s Horizon Report. The question is ‘How to EDU institutions reflect and  respond to these trends.   1. Less… Continue Reading Learning Trends, Technologies, and Opportunities – New White Paper by Sharon BollerContinue Reading Learning Trends, Technologies, and Opportunities – New White Paper by Sharon Boller

Movie-making for everyone | Plotagon

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes Greg Alchin‘s insight: Web based tools continue to evolve. THis really is a SAMR redefinition example. This app enables students to write dialogues and interactions. and turn it into an animated movie. The text to speech needs work  and I think they should chat to  someone like Nuance for… Continue Reading Movie-making for everyone | PlotagonContinue Reading Movie-making for everyone | Plotagon

10 Awesome Apps and Sites that Spark Creativity

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes It’s Top-Picks Friday! This week we are featuring apps and websites that empower your students to express their ideas through art, music, theater, and much more. Greg Alchin‘s insight: An interesting collection of apps. Some that are worth a download. That said the choices lead me to believe that… Continue Reading 10 Awesome Apps and Sites that Spark CreativityContinue Reading 10 Awesome Apps and Sites that Spark Creativity

Brain a ‘creativity machine,’ if you use it right

See on Scoop.it – eBookED There’s no scientific evidence that drugs or alcohol can promote creativity, say brain scientists meeting in San Diego this weekend. Greg Alchin‘s insight: The more we understand about the neuroscience of creativity, the better we will be able to establish learning environments that foster creativity. See on www.usatoday.com…Continue Reading Brain a ‘creativity machine,’ if you use it right

5 Apps for Social Reading

See on Scoop.it – eBookED Social reading is revolutionizing the way anyone reads. While most participate in social media, such as Facebook or Twitter in their personal lives, social medi Greg Alchin‘s insight: Through the use of apps and devices social reading goes beyond the actual words on the page and opens up a myriad… Continue Reading 5 Apps for Social ReadingContinue Reading 5 Apps for Social Reading

8 Brain Research Discoveries Every Instructional Designer Should Know About

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning Educators, eLearning professionals and trainers should be interested in the brain because after all, they teach brains! Greg Alchin‘s insight: As the team at CAST has shown advances in neuroscience force us to rethink what learning is and how we cater for learner variability. See on info.shiftelearning.com…Continue Reading 8 Brain Research Discoveries Every Instructional Designer Should Know About

Free Personalizing Learning Webinar Series starts Nov 12th

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning Personalize Learning is launching a free webinar series. Join in the coversation and ask questions from educators and learners in personalized learning environments. Greg Alchin‘s insight: This series of webinars are well worth attending. They really are an investment in your professional learning journey. See on us2.campaign-archive1.com…Continue Reading Free Personalizing Learning Webinar Series starts Nov 12th

icpmobile

See on Scoop.it – personalised learning Greg Alchin‘s insight: A great app from Kudlian that enables learners to release their mojo…mobile jounalism that is!    See on www.kudlian.net…Continue Reading icpmobile

The Difference Between Projects And Project-Based Learning

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes The Difference Between Projects And Project-Based Learning Greg Alchin‘s insight: "They have clarified the difference between projects and project-based learning before. Projects are about the product, while project-based learning is about the process. See on www.teachthought.com…Continue Reading The Difference Between Projects And Project-Based Learning

Instructional Strategy Ideas – For the Teachers

See on Scoop.it – Brain Bytes Ideas for Instructional Strategies for classroom use Greg Alchin‘s insight: This is a great framework of instructional strategy ideas. Whilst the poster is handy the extra detail on the website shows the depth of thinking behind it. As they say you can never have enough strategy ideas in your teaching… Continue Reading Instructional Strategy Ideas – For the TeachersContinue Reading Instructional Strategy Ideas – For the Teachers