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Making the move to mobile learning
Is videoconferencing worth a look?
Principals’ Pages
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Lead, care, inspire … and don’t forget to smile
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Exciting times ahead for 2012
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New resources to help develop e-learning
Special feature: ICT is Schools Report 2011
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Are you ready for ultra-fast broadband?
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2011 ultra-fast broadband: Report card for schools
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Are you a digital citizen?
MADE Awards 2011
Cellphones are coming
Going a different way – Bluetooth tablet
Finding a firewall that fits your needs: Palo Alto Networks
Ask the teacher @ Tauranga Primary School
Engaging and motivating is easier with an iPad
File Share
AloofDoof, Clay Yourself, Clockwords, iNudge, Phrays, Blurts, GTasks, JPEGmini, Smush It
One-minute guide: Viewbix
10 for teachers – Tools recommended by you
Lesson Plans
76: Plagiarism
77: Create a comic strip
From the back of the class: Teaching in the class of 2022
Meet our Finalists - INTERFACE Awards 2011
Shaking up education to meet the future
A message from the Shaking Up Christchurch Education (SUCE) Network
Server Special
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Is there any point in having a server?
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Expect a changing service from your servers
The death of the desktop? Don't you believe it!
A clause for concern
What are you signing up to when you click 'agree' on an End User Licensing Agreement (EULA)
How switched on are you to switches?
Switching solution is smart and seamless
Giving students netbooks enhances learning
New school, new vision, new challenges - Amesbury School
Ask the teacher @ Bluestone School, Timaru
The view from ULearn 11
Giving a makeover to www.ghs.school.nz
File Share
Storyblocks, Book Flavor, Twileshare, Shoutomatic, Ookaboo, Nook, Jokosher, Just Ping, Knovio, Draw A Stickman, Twijector
10 for teachers - Websites for learning about Christmas
Lesson Plans
74: TwHistory
75: Create a magazine cover
From the back of the class: Seeing the benefits to learning of BYOD
UFB versus SNUP - what's the difference?
Putting a stop to illegal P2P file sharing
Assessing the impact on schools of the Copyright (Infringing File Sharing) Amendment Act 2011
A message from HP
How open will you go?
Open source software has its advocates - could you become one of them?
MyPortfolio: Me-Learning in your own online space
Principals' Pages
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Surviving the day Google Docs went down
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Keeping an eye on screen time
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Twitter: Is your head in the cloud or in the sand?
Deus ex machina
Exploring the role of ICT in teaching religious studies
What happens when ICT meets special needs?
Bringing affordable 3D printing into classrooms
Making the news: Street Talk
Taking simple steps to help the planet
When it comes to being 'green', how does your school stack up?
Ask the teacher @ Baradene College in Auckland
Where there's a wiki there's an e-way
Meet the Registered Teacher Criteria Wiki
File Share
The Joy of Pi, Slimber, Book Lamp, Story Jumper, Bhoogolvidya, Lino, Show My Street, Google Gravity, Stanza, MapMaster, IconsPedia, LargeDocument, Ge.TT, Vocabology, Doodle Buddy ... and more.
One-minute guide: CoSketch
10 for Teachers - Road safety education
Lesson Plans
72. QR Codes
73. Iconscrabble
From the back of the class: Pursuing an e-learning philosophy
Should you sign on to Single Sign-On?
Know your options before going to print
Do you know your variable size droplet technology from resin-coated pigment ink? There's a lot to think about when choosing a printer.
A tough choice for giving away our $1000
New resources for schools keen on fibre
North Shore loop NEAL is opening up its services to schools across Auckland.
Special relationship solves ICT needs
Learning design in 3D
Extending wireless to students' homes
Exploring a bold approach to giving students access to ICT when school finishes for the day.
Making the most of IWBs with mobility
Ask the teacher @ Ross Intermediate in Palmerston North
Creativity by the book
The Feet First Picture Book Competition
File Share
Xento-Canto, Snappy Words, Virtual DJ, BrainBashers, Patchlife, Jux, Break in the Road, Wapedia, Feedage, Googawho, AccountKiller, Visually, Google Earth ... and more.
One-minute guide: PlanBookEdu
10 for teachers - Resources on Rugby World Cup 2011
Lesson Plans
70. Psykopaint
71. Rugby World Cup 2011
From the back of the class: Should you adopt Mac OS X Lion straight away?
The challenges of connecting to the cloud
How the cloud is proving its worth in Christchurch
Slow but steady progress for digital signage
Make sure your mashup goes into the mix
Principals' Pages
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How technology can help in an emergency
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Should your school have a Facebook page?
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INTERFACE Xpo: Something to think about for 2012
Special Feature - Microsoft in schools
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Xbox: Results improve with more game time
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Students at centre of expanded learning
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Collaborative learning has global reach
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Distinguished Teacher: Logging in to a higher level of teaching
A dynamic music class is just the beginning
Wanganui College is embracing the latest in projector technology.
Seeing plenty of value in using a digital sign
EduCampNZ: An un-conference unlike anything else
At Red Beach School all teachers are able to ...
Roads research and radio
The Big Event - a New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) teacher resource.
Ask the teacher @ Birchwood School in Nelson
File Share
Scrub Club, Kohlage, Phrase Up, Historvius, Instablogg, Swayable, Vidque, Testmoz, Wattpad, Seashore, Change Detection, Raspberry Pi, Doppelme, Picasion, EightBit ... and more.
One-minute guide: Webdoc
10 for teachers - Tools for collaborating online
Lesson Plans
68. Fakebook
69. Laptop v Tablet
From the back of the class: Taking a quick peek at things to come
Work how and where you want with wireless
Special Feature - Cybersafety
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Meeting the challenges of cybersafety
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Running a school on trust
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Digital Citizenship modules for ICT PD clusters
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The best thing is just the block it all ... right?
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Web filtering options
Review: INTERFACE Xpo 2011
You are not alone when you have a netbook
Where's next for interactive technology in schools?
Starting a blog is easy, it's keeping it going that's hard
How to achieve some flash results with language
It's only a matter of time before flashcards went digital.
Creating a classroom full of animated kids
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Movie Competition.
Ask the teacher @ St Mary's Catholic School in Rotorua
File Share
Tunefort, Placefy, Fungooms, Miamiopia, Wordmaster, The Noun Project, MisterThread, Books Ngram Viewer, Google Cow, Readergirlz, Wordlings, Wordle, Dropbox, ZumoDrive ... and more.
One-minute guide: Broadcastr
10 for teachers - Your favourite online tools
Lesson Plans
66. Making a strong password
67. I Can Animate
From the back of the class: Opening young eyes to open software
The view from Learning@School 2011
Achieving more sophisticated interaction with students
The best things you've done with an IWB
Offering technical support
After the Christchurch earthquake, find out how Mt Aspiring College used ICT to help displaced students keep learning.
Principals' Pages
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Who's going to be leading education in 10 years' time
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Nice view from the classroom ... but does it have broadband?
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Don't 'make do', make the best of what you've got
World Maths Day 2011
Even the most reluctant learners want a go with an iPad
Respondus: Taking exams online
Keeping in contact after the quake
A wiki, a blog, email, and Twitter have helped Tamara Yuill Proctor give some normality to her students' lives.
Successful shooting starts with a storyboard
New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Create a Storyboard Competition
Ask the teacher @ Katikati Primary School
File Share
Sequencer, Food Web, Opsound, Isle of Tune, Virtual Skeleton, Message Hop, Twitalyzer, Imgur, Joliprint, Thsrs, SortFix, Sputtik, Ujam, Soluto, NASA Curiosity Cam ... and more.
One-minute guide: Symbaloo
10 for teachers - Free audio books
Lesson Plans
64. Artwork with words
65. FutureMe
From the back of the class: What's it take to be an ICT network administrator?
Are you putting bums on seats around computers?
The latest on laptops
Is the iPad getting any better for schools?
10 things you'll wish you'd have done should the worst happen
Safe travel to school - 4-page NZTA pull-out
Secrets of the best class blog in the country
Some of the amazing ways you'd use QR Codes
And that's a wrap for road safety
Hear from wines of the NZTA Storyboard Competition
Starting a school's ICT from scratch - Stonefields School, Auckland
Ask the teacher @ Oranga School
File Share
History Pin, Digital Is, Sixty Symbols, Snip.ly, Wylio, Fuzzwich, AndreaMosaic, Wetoku, Dragontape, AnyClip, BeFunky, PicPlz
10 for teachers - Creating music online
Lesson Plans
62: Fab phone photography
63: Great ways to use Myfav.es
From the back of the class: Making the most out of your magazine
What’s there to worry about with wireless in 2011?
Knowing when it’s time to let go (of your old computers)
Principals’ Pages
Have you heard the one about students writing their own textbooks
Go mining at the chalk face for e-learning gold
Engage with ICT or face becoming redundant
Don’t mess with your network ninja
Helping every kid get access to a computer: OLPC
Bridging the gap to using ICT in the real world
Ask the teacher @ Albany Senior High School
File Share
Who pooped?, StoryBee, World Mapper, Headline Clues, Twilk, Swingometer, FutureStates, Dipity, Bingle, Goofram, Duck Duck Go, Inkmesh, Tizmos, Celtx, E.gg Timer, Steep It
One-minute guide: Quiznator
10 for teachers – Tools tried and tested by you
Lesson Plans
60: Create a virtual tour of your school
61: Tales of things
INTERFACE Awards 2010 – Meet this year’s winners
From the back of the class: Taking a responsible approach to disposing of ‘old tech stuff’
Coping with the quake
Stories from teachers and students in Christchurch
Safer school travel is now just a click away
Finding easy ways to make greener choices
Some online resources to help teach green issues
Information literacy or transliteracy – what’s the difference?
Students love their laptops
Encouraging fun and games in the classroom
Baradene sets three targets for embracing ICT
Ask the teacher @ Te Awamutu College
Are you getting the message about QR Codes
Finding the energy to switch devices off
Opening up the operating system on your mac
Using ICT to enhance learning in the library
File Share
Blipsnips, Writtn.In, Gabble, Creaza, Vizu, SnapYap, Repper, VoxLite, Livebinders, Chogger, Obsurvey, Fo.reca.st
One-minute guide: Repper
10 for teachers – Tools for creating your own websites
Lesson Plans
58: Ways to work with webcams
59: Create a handwriting font
From the back of the class: INTERFACE Xpo - Make sure you register for this exciting new event
New things to look out for in the world of IWBs
10 simple steps to take before pressing print
Principals’ Pages
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What happens when your tech whiz leaves
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My advice to a principle would be ….
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Good things come to those who are cheeky!
Teachers ‘MADE’ a difference with digital media
Telling students to get lost has its rewards: Geocaching
Ask the teacher @ Northcote School
Choosing to go Google
Preview: ULearn 2010
File Share
Webklipper, CleVR, Tagxedo, Wallwisher, Tokatok, YouTube, Expressivo, iSpeech, Txtbear, Tikatok, Tar Heel Reader, Popsci, Unwords, Allvoices
Two-minute guide: Weebly
10 for teachers – Essential iPhone Apps
Lesson Plans
56: Take a virtual tour
57: Book trailers
From the back of the class: Is the iPad good enough for classrooms?
Finding laptops to meet the needs of students
INTERFACE explores the developing world of student laptop programmes.
How do you pay fro student laptops?
Should you put your head in the cloud?
Is your understanding of the technology a little hazy? Lee Suckling forecasts a bright future for
cloud computing.
Google Apps: A new way of running school software
Tapping into students’ natural energy
How to measure the voltage students produce … and even tell if they’re lying!
You don’t have to be a big school to think big
Kaimai School is spending $50,000 to provide senior students with MacBooks.
Review: Toshiba Satellite Pros T130 and T110
Blog Profile: Andrew Sloan and Room 13
Ask the Teacher @ Oamaru Intermediate
Should computers be allowed in schools?
Find out if INTERFACE readers are ‘for’ or ‘against’ … and what they have to say on the subject.
Apple iPad: is this the computer that education has been waiting for?
Two-minute guide: Live@Edu
Keeping your blog in good ‘health’
Starting Up: Converting to PDF
The latest on Lookah.TV
File Share
Voki, Gmail Notifier, Sqworl, Orbiter, Any Canvas, TwistedBrush, Pageflakes, Wikiquote
Lessons Plans
48. Fun ways to use Facebook in your class
49. Create a stop-motion animation
Recognising the impact of technology on conflict
Refurbished computers from CANZ are powering a pilot scheme to give low income students
access to The Correspondence School’s online learning resources.
What’s opening the sauce got to do with software?
Is open source software (OSS) something your schools should be considering?
Take the worry out of your wireless network
Setting up a wireless network isn’t simple and you need to think long term if you want to get it
right.
What are you planning to do with ICT this year?
INTERFACE readers outline a few of the things they’re hoping to do with technology in the
classroom in 2010.
School TV is making the news
What did it take to win the INTERFACE Award for ‘Best News Project’ 2009? Katharine Mitchell
talks us through the making of Hukanui Air.
Invest in people not in software licences
Albany Senior High School’s Mark Osborne explains why.
Review: Windows 7
Blog Profile: Shaun Wood – Bailey Road Team 17
Ask the Teacher 2 Hokowhitu School
Who’s your friend?
Rules for teachers to safely use online social networking sites.
Bringing students and teachers together
Two-minute guide: PlotBot
Beef up your Web browser (Part 2)
Starting Up: Ways to use wikis
The latest on Lookah.TV
Lesson Plans
46. Webcams on the world
47. Skype an author
How do you prove the actual value of ICT?
Organising an activity that uses ICT is easy, the challenge lies in proving it actually improves
learning outcomes for students, writes Deidre Senior.
Highlights from the ICT in Schools Report 2009
How not to stuff up selecting a server
Choosing the right server for your school takes planning and know-how.
Switching servers? Buy the best you can afford!
Horowhenua College’s Bryan Green talks us through their recent server upgrade.
A few things to look out for in 2010
We canvass opinion from vendors on what you can expect to see happening with ICT in schools
in the next 12 months.
Will you be joining the ebook club?
The electronic book market in schools is still in its infancy – we take a look at the use and value
of eBooks.
Quick Q&A: Stephen Jury, Promethean
Review: What do you make of minis?
We check out the HP5101, Toshiba NB200 and Tablet Classmate PC
Blog Profile: Clemency Wright – Room 9 You Shine
Albany Primary: Students learn by organising their own Expo
Catlins Area School: Virtual School will become reality in 2011
Ask the Teacher @ Southern Regional Health School
Lesson Plans
44. 10 way to use Twitter in your class
45. First day DVD
Two-minute guide: My Happy Planet
Beef up your Web browser (Part 1)
Choosing the right video camera
Starting up: Five steps to bringing ICT into your classroom
File Share
Midomi, Wordnik, BookRix, Thagoo, Voicethread, Backboard, I’vread, Picnik, Doink, Fleck,
Wallwisher
INTERFACE Awards 2009 – All the results
NetSafe’s new approach is to teach kids how to deal with online dangers.
Ministry ‘reverts’ to saved’ for software licensing
Is staying with the status quo the right way to go for schools?
What do you think about the deal?
INTERFACE readers have their say about the software licensing agreement
OERNZ aims to share teachers’ knowledge
An introduction to New Zealand’s OER initiative.
Looking for value in going green
Adopting environmentally-friendly technology is good for the world around us but can it also be
good for your bank balance.
Saving money with refurbished computers
Papakowhai School gets the best of both worlds.
Helping the environment
Two schools talk about their experiences of adopting a greener approach.
Interview: If you can’t use technology get out of teaching!
Education specialist David Warlick believes teachers should be able to teach themselves about
ICT.
Add value to learning with MyPortfolio
Blog Profile: Mrs Raman’s Coolkids
Wordle helps students to raise their standards
Review – R1: Now bigger and better
Ask the Teacher @ Tawa Intermediate School
Lesson Plans
42. Five Card Flickr Story
43. Make a maze with Word
Two-minute guide: Lookah.tv
Making the most of PowerPoint
Editing video on the Web
Starting Up: Eight ways to start using ICT
File Share
Mindmeister, Blern, Strutta, PinDax, Poisson Rouge, Study Search
INTERFACE Awards 2009 – Who will win? You decide!
Results from the INTERFACE Readers’ Survey 2009
12 ways to get the best out of your board
Things to think about when choosing an IWB
Interactive whiteboards come in all different shapes and sizes, and with an array of functions and price tags. What should you be looking for? INTERFACE investigates.
Some really cool stuff to do with your board
Case studies
Matamata College: Parlez-vous avec la technologie?
Working with interactive whiteboards
Blog Profile: Fab4@Work
Ask the teacher @ Orewa College
Lesson Plans
40. Presenting student work on a Google Map
41. Create a picture dictionary
Two-minute guide: Pencake
Five reasons to start your own blog
Setting the video standard
MP4, Ogg Theora, FLV and WMV are the video formats to master.
Starting Up: Getting the most out of ICT
File Share – Web 2.0 Tools:
Fur.ly, Embedit.in, Open Data Definition, Wikispaces, Supalogo, Odosketch.
10 for Teachers – Presentation Tools
From the back of the class: Could Twitter spell twouble for teachers?
Twitter’s great isn’t it! It’s a fun, quick and easy way to communicate with friends. Twouble is, what happens when others are watching, too?
Recently Diocesan School for Girls suspended a number of Year 10 students for making derogatory comments on social networking site Facebook. How would you deal with this situation? Here’s what some INTERFACE readers had to say on the matter.
Securing your software future
Deal or no deal? Whatever ends up happening with the Microsoft Licensing Agreement, is now the time to take control of your software?
Opting for open source
Warrington School’s Nathan Parker explains why he decided to install open source software Ubuntu and Edubuntu.
Soft Options
Would you like to know more about your software options? Here are some of the key operating systems and applications you may want to explore.
Picking the perfect printer
Know what you’re getting before you press ‘print’. Check out our guide to choosing the office printer that’s right for your school.
Review: Meet the HP9500
Grants give go-ahead for innovation
Find out what three primary teachers did with their $1,000 grants from the Unisys Kidz Connect initiative.
Ask the teacher @ Bayview Kindergarten,
Thames Early Childhood Education Centre, and Takapuna Kindergarten
Lesson Plans
38. Personal News
39. Four ways to use Wordle
Two-minute guide: G.ho.st
The Creative Commons Code
An outline of the licences available under the system and how they work.
Converting video file formats
Starting Up: 10 Things About Deleting Files
File Share – Web 2.0 Tools:
Revizr, File2.ws, Yarp, Vocaroo, AudioBoo, Classtool.net, and Timetric.
10 for Teachers – Search Engines
From the back of the class: Making the most out of mobile.
What are the potential uses and pitfalls for mobile phones in the classroom? E-fellow Toni Twiss used her research time to find out.
Technology doesn’t come cheap. Thankfully, there are ways to make your tech dollar go further. Greg Adams finds some practical ways to ensure your ICT spending is worth every cent … and more.
Free tools that could save you money
Scribus, Audacity, Blender, CamStudio, Canorus, Kino, Gimp, Inkscape, Tux paint, Scratch, Alice, Google SketchUp, and more.
Do you need provoking to use technology?
Interview with Bruce Dixon who believes the successful use of ICT in teaching is as much about engagement and curiosity as it is about technology.
Case study
Southwell School: Engaging students with Xbox games
Review: Meet the Classmate PC
Ask the teacher @ Winton School, Southland
Lesson Plans
36. Who’s your hero?
37. Teaching with TED Talks
Two-minute guide: Screentoaster
Sharing with Creative Commons
If you’re looking for resources – or have some of your own you want to promote – Creative Commons offers a new way to share.
Choosing a video file format
Starting Up: 10 things about search engines
File Share – Web 2.0 Tools:
280 Slides, Caption Bubble, Expressivo, Elgg, Game maker, and Cramberry.
10 for Teachers – Sites on Space
From the back of the class: Finding ways to make technology work.
After reading a report on how companies make best use of Web 2.0 technologies, Derek Wenmoth comes up with his own advice for schools.
Before buying this must-have for the classroom, there are certain things you must know about there the technology’s heading. Find out what’s new with data projectors.
There’s more to it than just buying a projector
Data projectors have become a ‘must have’ technology in modern classrooms but installing them can come with some unexpected challenges.
20 ways to use data projectors in class
Putting together a robotics class
Do you like the idea of robotics but don’t know where to start? Or are you searching for ways to take the next step with your robot? Here are some of the things you need to consider.
Do you have the right to copy?
Most educational resources are copyright works. What can and can’t you copy? We investigate a reader’s query about downloading music to an MP3 player.
How do you decide on the right LMS for your school?
Like many others, Bethlehem College is looking for a Learning Management System (LMS). Jamin Lietze explains how he’s approached making the choice.
Making the most of Moodle
Free software Moodle is a component in the partnership between Catalyst and Dataview, one of the ‘preferred’ LMS suppliers. Here Mike O’Connor explains more.
Case studies
Strathallan College: Plagiarism – Catching classroom cheats
St James’ Catholic School: Moving students’ learning beyond the teacher
Ask the teacher @ Mount Aspiring College
Lesson Plans
34: Working with WebQuests
35: Five things to do with Google Earth
Two-minute guide: PodOmatic
Disposable email addresses
Avoid spam and protect your privacy with a temporary email account.
Posting a video blog
Starting Up: Perfect Passwords
File Share – Web 2.0 Tools:
YouTube annotations, free music, Viewista, Anyvite, Scratch, and Animoto.
From the back of the class: My enthusiasm for ICT isn’t what it used to be...
Schools, students and the Ministry are all dancing to different tunes, and no one’s asking where we’re going to end up, write Robin Hicks.
It’s one of the Ministry’s most successful ever ICT initiatives. Colin McGregor talks about how it’s happened and what the future holds for TE LA.
New Minister has big plans and money to spend
Improving ICT infrastructure in schools is a high priority for new Minister of Education Anne Tolley. Here she speaks to INTERFACE about standards and investment, as well as her plans for existing projects.
Ways to work with interactive whiteboards
Interactive whiteboards are top of many teachers’ wish-lists. And it’s easy to see why.
Here are just some of the great things you're already doing with IWBs.
Meet the ‘preferred’ suppliers of Learning Management Systems
The Ministry of Education has announced its ‘preferred’ suppliers for Learning Management Systems (LMS) who will receive funding to develop standards-based solutions that work with each other. Here we talk to three of the companies involved in the project.
Computers in Homes gives huge boost to school
School Principal describes a scheme providing computers to Gisborne-East Coast families as “an awesome catalyst for building community relationships and trust”, writes John MacGibbon.
The view from Learning@School 2009
Case studies
Tauranga Intermediate: Blending technology into teaching
Waiheke Primary: We made our own TV studio
Ask the Teacher @ Ilam School
Review: R1 19-inch
Review: Toshiba Tablet PC
Lesson plans
32. Identify and discuss factors that affect age, and calculate how long you will live
33. Create a slideshow of book reading lists
Two-minute guide: Nota
An introduction to vlogging
Read and watch Leigh Blackall’s explanation of video blogging.
Add bling to your blog
In her last instalment on blogging, Allanah King finds six ways to add some bling to a blog.
Starting up: troubleshooting
File Share – Web 2.0 tools:
Poll Junkie, Popacular, PC Pitstop, iTalc, Moodle, Paper Critters
From the back of the class: Teachers are only as good as their online resources
Malcolm Hay wanted to learn how to develop online resources that would encourage independent learning among his carpentry students. His research led him to test how students actually use the Web and how they react to simple interactive learning environments. Here’s what he found.
INTERFACE talks to Paul Seiler about the Ministry of Education’s review of managed learning environments and its plans to develop standards for LMS solutions in New Zealand schools.
Global award for teaching with a cellphone
Congratulations to Onehunga School’s Nathan Kerr, who has won a global award for creative use of technology in his classroom. He picked up top spot in the ‘Innovation and Collaboration’ section at the 2008 Microsoft Worldwide Innovative Teachers Forum (ITF).
Get ready to love your laptop even more
From hybrids to convertibles, look out for plenty of new ideas and innovation in laptop technology this year, writes Greg Adams.
Interview: Are teachers responsible for cyberbullying in classrooms?
We talk to Internet safety expert Marian Merritt, who talks about the “enormously important” role teachers have to play in keeping students safe.
Your top tips for great digital photos
Two-minute guide: LinkedIn
Seven ways to bond with your laptop
Looking to get to know your laptop a little better? Try these simple ways to help build your relationship.
Things I learned while blogging
In the second of a three part series on blogging, Allanah King explains what she’s learned along the way.
File Share – Free Web 2.0 Tools:
Wectar, Simply Box, Photofiltre, Wordpress, Gimp, Google Docs and Xtranormal
Starting up: Video editing
From the back of the class: Teaching and the f-word
What do 3D games, robotics, science and maths have in common? Students love them all when they’re having ‘fun’, writes Michael Fenton.
Case Studies
Otago Girls’ High School – A perfect way to learn vocabulary
St Joseph’s School – Recycling old, bringing in new
Te Puke High School – Working with a Wiimote
Ask the Teacher @ Hillcrest Normal School
Lesson plans
29. Discussing online safety with your students
30. Most innovative use of an interactive whiteboard
Tracy Bowker talks to INTERFACE about the Digital Technologies Guidelines (DTG) and delivering coherent teaching and learning programmes.
Some things you must try this summer
Looking to extend your use of Web 2.0 tools? Here are a few suggestions to try... and by next term you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them!
Interview: Ignore copyright and you’ll end up in court
Are you using copyright material? NZFACT’s Tony Eaton talks to us about the perils of piracy and how teachers can help.
Would you look good with a mini?
They might be small but they’re looming large in the thinking of many schools. Are they for you? INTERFACE investigates the rise of the ‘mini’ laptop.
Review: ULearn 08
Two-minute guide: Skype
10 simple steps to your first blog
In the first of a three part series on blogging, Allanah King explains how to begin.
Getting Started
Everything you ever wanted to know about YouTube
Safer archiving for your digital photos
Struggling to keep those endless picture files under control? The good news is there are several options available for storing digital images – but there are some issues to consider, too.
Meet the HP TouchSmart PC
Is touching the next big thing? Will touch screen technology really mean the end of the mouse? We asked Belinda Johnston to check out the new HP TouchSmart PC.
From the back of the class: Enjoying a spirit of friendship
After 10 years with the Ministry’s e-learning team, Murray Brown is leaving for pastures new. From clusters to TKI, he’s done more than most to help shape ICT in our schools, writes Greg Adams.
Case studies
Meadowbank School: Blogging turns student’s home into a classroom
Flight simulation – 3D modelling
Lesson plans
27. Creating an animated aquarium
28. Joining the social networking revolution
Ask the Teacher @ Kaeo Primary School
We’re offering you the chance to decide. Your vote counts – so make sure you check out the finalists and have your say.
Nothing artificial about Robocup’s success
Results and images from Robocup Junior New Zealand 2008.
Young M?ori rock with robotic dance
Michael Peterson describes the rewards of teaching robotics programming in a low decile country school for young M?ori woman.
The answer to the ultimate Kiwi question is...
Need to know something about New Zealand? Jock Phillips has an answer.
Six ways to make sure you don’t suck at technology
Do your computer skills put you at the bottom of the class? Looking to learn more about technology, so you can improve your understanding of ICT? Greg Adams investigates some of your options.
ICT PD clusters inspire 25,000 teachers
After a decade of support through the ICTPD cluster programme, Neil Melhuish sees improvements not only in teachers’ skills but also in the understanding of ICT’s role in effective teaching and learning.
Beyond Upskilling: Learning through ICT
Are you confident about learning with the students you teach – or do you feel you’re fighting a losing battle to stay one step ahead? Studying online can change the way you think about ICT, according to Dianne Forbes.
Two-minute guide: Glogster
Obama or McCain?
The 56th quadrennial US Presidential Election is in full swing. If you’re planning to follow it with your class, these sites may be useful.
Getting Started
Easy (and free!) ways to learn how to use a computer
Will you take a shine to Chrome?
Google has entered the Web browser market with Chrome. A Beta version is available for everyone to freely download and use. Should you? Will you? Two of our readers put it to the test.
Meet the ASUS Eee PC 900
Looking for a multi-purpose mini? We gave David Kinane the Linux version of the ASUS Eee PC900 to evaluate. He used the machine “solidly for two weeks” and here’s what he found.
Things to do with Flickr (other than manage photos online)
Flickr is a photographic phenomenon. But it’s about more than just storing and sharing photos. There’s a whole community of ideas and applications growing up around it. Here are just a few.
From the back of the class: Tech success demands creative skills
When it comes to successful technology solutions, creativity and imagination are as important as technical skills, writes Greg Adams
Case studies
Going back to study – we talk to two teachers about why they decided to study course in ICT – and what they got out of it.
Peachgrove Intermediate: Showcasing Hamilton to the world
Lesson plans
25. Creating a vision of the future
26. Communicating with coded messages
Ask the Teacher @ Samuel Marsden Collegiate School
Thanks to everyone who took part in our reader survey – your feedback has given us plenty to think about. Here’s what we found.
CSI in the classroom
The use of electronic evidence has resulted in a new breed of investigator, the forensic computing examiner. Chris Budge and Campbell McKenzie look at some of the issues involved for schools.
Interview: Engaging and exciting
Teachers are losing control and Travis Smith, Assistant Principal at Frankston High in Melbourne couldn’t be happier. Here he talks to INTERFACE about his school’s pioneering use of Tablet PCs.
Projecting the right image
We investigate what makes a data projector a perfect fit for your classroom.
Finding the perfect projector
Minimise the risks and enjoy the benefits of projectors becoming a natural extension of the teacher’s toolset, say Sean O’Sullivan.
Two-minute guide: Google Docs
Touching technology
Braille’s gone hi-tech as mark Tweedale explains.
Creating comic strips
Want to communicate with a difference? Try one of these easy-to-use comic strip creators.
Getting Started
What are ‘left click’ and ‘right click’?
Storing and sharing photos online
Online hosting is an easy way to store, organise and distribute your digital images. If you want to give it a try, here are some things you should know.
From the back of the class
INTERFACE Awards 2008: Call for entries – We want to hear from you!
Case studies
Data projectors Rosehill College, Papakura
Prince Alfred College, Adelaide
SketchUp: User-friendly design – Strathallan College, Auckland
Lesson plans
22. Using skrbl
23. World’s largest online vote
24. Colour-coded grammar
Ask the Teacher @ Arrowtown Primary School
They’re a select and talented group that’s making a real difference. Chris Allott McPhee looks at the role of the ePrincipal.
Eight habits of highly effective 21st century teachers
What makes a good teacher? Andrew Churches investigates what it takes to be a hit in today’s hi-tech classroom.
Interview: See the power of what technology can do
Videoconferencing changed Marci Powell’s life. Here she talks to INTERFACE about her experiences and how you can make the most of this technology, too.
Eight ways to go green (and save money in the process)
Adopting a ‘greener’, more sustainable approach to choosing and using your technology isn’t just benefiting the environment, there can be some serious financial advantages as well.
Two-minute guide: Gimp
Pssst, have you heard the news?
We’re adding RSS feeds to our website – here’s how they work.
Passing the test
Looking to create an online test? Here are some Web applications that may be up to the challenge.
Choosing the right digital camera
Looking to buy a new digital camera? Here are some of the things you should consider.
Meet the HP 2133 Mini-Note
HP’s new Mini-Note certainly looks the part... but what’s it like? We asked two teachers to test it out.
From the back of the class: Final report is just the beginning
“Adjustments to the current level of ICT resourcing are necessary” warns a recent Government report, Greg Adams takes a closer look.
Case studies
Onslow College – My gift is my song and this one’s for you
Cashmere High School – Taking control of learning
Lesson plans
19. Texting literacy strategy
20. Create a ClustrMap
21. Online OE with Google Earth
Ask the Teacher @ Peachgrove Intermediate School, Hamilton
Going ‘online’ can give others access to your computer and personal information. Here’s our guide to some of the nasties you’re likely to encounter on the Net – and how to stay cybersmart.
Interview: See it to believe it
From inspired to dreadful, Peter Kent talks to INTERFACE editor Greg Adams about the ways teachers can use interactive whiteboards.
Halt, who goes there...?
Still using your birthday or pet’s name as a password for sensitive information? Maybe it’s time you looked at protecting yourself a little better, writes Troy Dares.
Two-minute guide: TinyURL
A means to magnification
Specialist magnification software can help students with low vision to access every day computer applications, writes Mark Tweedale.
A mindmap of information
Ditch PowerPoint in favour of mindmapping tool Mindmeister, suggests Helen Baxter.
Making car wheels turn
In Part 2 of our Deep Exploration tutorial, find out how to animate car wheels.
Harnessing help from histograms
Check out histograms and how they can help improve your images.
From the back of the class: Feeling a bit underwhelmed
What should we make of the Budget? Ask again in six months … or should that be in four years, or 10, or maybe never, writes Greg Adams.
Case studies
Nayland College – Using the Nelson Loop
Rongotai College – Things I learned from video tutorials
All Hallows’ School – Improving the mobility of learning
Lesson plans
16. Find and record geometric shapes
17. Musical computers
18. Creating a customised search engine
Ask the Teacher @ Tots Corner, Auckland
Preventing theft and damage around your school is a tough job. INTERFACE investigates what schools need to know about insuring their ICT equipment.
Interview: Excite the learning
LEGO legend Chris Rogers talks to INTERFACE editor Greg Adams about developing ROBOLAB and building a new way of teaching.
The New Zealand Curriculum Online
Schools have until 2010 to implement the New Zealand Curriculum. Where can you for assistance? Jane Nicholls knows a place.
Mastering macrons in te reo M?ori
Keke or k?k?? Cake or armpit? The difference might be just a matter of macrons but it means so much more, as Sarah-Jane McCosh discovers.
Using YouTube
YouTube can be a phenomenal learning resource – if you know how to make the most of it. Suzie Vesper explains how to download and play video clips.
Two-minute guide: Del.icio.us
Using CCTV to see and learn
Advances in CCTV technology are helping visually-impaired students, writes Mark Tweedale.
Teaching tweets
Twitter is becoming an increasingly useful and popular tool for teachers, explains Helen Baxter.
Review: Eeek, it’s an Eee PC
How small can a functional computer get? Anthony Hill explains how Queenstown Primary has got to grips with the ASUS Eee PC.
From the back of the class: Don’t dump, recycle
Nearly half of all schools dump old computers as landfill – surely we can do better than that, asks Greg Adams.
Case studies
Campbells Bay Primary – So much learning going on
Morrinsville College – A touch choice
Meadowbank Primary – Using blogs to boost literacy
Kaikoura Primary – Added peace of mind
Johnsonville Primary – The wheel of death
Roslyn School – Appreciating Google Apps
Lesson plans
14. A ‘Web Quest’ to identify good food safety practices
15. Tutorial for 3D modelling program Deep Exploration
Ask the Teacher @ Raumati South School
Preventing theft and damage to computers and other ICT around your school is a tough job. INTERFACE investigates whether CCTV could be part of the answer.
New curriculum, new responsibilities for ICT
Sarah Jones considers in the new curriculum from an e-learning perspective and how it will affect teachers and their use of technology.
Interview: Is your classroom cramping your style?
Design innovation specialist Sean McDougall talks to INTERFACE editor Greg Adams about the perils of “totally archaic” classrooms and technology becoming an “object or worship”.
Harmless fun or something more sinister?
What every teacher needs to know about RateMyTeachers.com
Two-minute guide: Digital literacy
Using technology with low vision
When it comes to using computers, having a child with vision impairment in your classroom may seem a daunting task but with the right approach and a few adaptations it needn’t be so, writes Mark Tweedale.
Eight steps to producing a podcast
What is podcasting? What do you need to do it? Jane Nicholls explains.
Redefining what can be done in a lesson
Nearly two years ago, ACG Strathhallan installed ClickView to manage its digital video needs – and it’s not looked back, believes the school’s ICT specialist Matt Humber.
Creating a new life in Second Life
An increasing number of educators are making use of virtual worlds as a teaching tool.
Podcasting and oral language
E-Fellow Jane Nicholls investigates the world of podcasting and learns how and why this technology really makes a difference.
From the back of the class: A postcard from Rotorua
Energising, informative, inspiring, enlightening – last month’s Learning@School conference in Rotorua was all of these… and more, writes Greg Adams.
Case studies
Avondale Primary (CCTV)
Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate (CCTV)
Takapuna Intermediate (CCTV)
Meadowbank Primary – Remote, real-time teaching
E-Mentoring Music Tuition Project – Violin via videoconference
Our Lady Star of the Sea – Students using technology to teach
Lesson plans
12. Learning with iPods
13. Getting the best out of Google
Ask the Teacher @ Mercury Bay Area School
Proving the power of podcasting
ICT PD: Coming together to spread the word
Leaving IT to the pros
Should you be trusting your technology to the pros? David Maida discovers a ‘can do’ attitude can get you only so far …
Bored with your board?
If an interactive whiteboard is high on your wish-lists there’s quite a range of shapes, sizes and forms to choose from.
Adventures in Antarctica
LEARNZ teacher Darren Atkin hosts a virtual field trip to the white continent.
A path to responsible citizenship
NetSafe launches a ‘pathway’ to safety and security education in the classroom, writes Richard Beach.
Coming together to spread the word
Tessa Gray reviews the Information and Communication Technologies Professional Development (ICT PD) cluster programme.
Building on success
Suzie Vesper introduces the Petone Foreshore ICT PD Cluster.
Quick Q&A – Jan-Marie Kellow
Interview: Being as effective as possible
INTERFACE editor Greg Adams discusses the challenges of technology with new Education Minister Chris Cater.
Advance Australia’s schools
There’s an education “revolution” taking place across the ditch.
Two-minute guide: Twitter
Shape up with SketchUp
Modelling design ideas using software packages has become an important part of education practice – and Google SketchUp is an effective way to create and explore 3D design, as Moira Patterson explains.
Securing your USB drive
Data on portable drives can be at risk when connected to an unknown computer. Troy Dares looks at how to keep it safe.
Quick Q&A – Jan-Marie Kellow
Proving the power of podcasting
Can podcasting contribute to improved reading habits and literacy? E-Fellow Dorothy Burt searches for the answer.
From the back of the class: Improving the use of technology
Four out of five UK schools are being accused of failing to use technology to the full – thankfully someone had a plan, reports Greg Adams.
Case studies
Reporoa Valley ICT PD Cluster – Imagining new ways to tell a story
Smart-Net based/SUSE Linux Enterprise Server – Open to broadband
Blomfield Special School – Developing digital support for students
Lesson plans
10. Create word and number puzzles
11. Compiling a digital record of society and events
Ask the Teacher @ Scots College
Wireless networks are becoming increasingly popular – but how are you when it comes to working without wires. INTERFACE examines some of the issues.
Interview: Sharing the same challenges
INTERFACE talks to the Hon. Steve Maharey about Blackberrys and budgets – and finds out ICT is high on the list of priorities for our Minister of Education.
A new lease on tech life
Need to buy some ICT kit but don’t have the cash? Here are 10 things you should know about leasing.
A solution for storage
Data storage is increasingly becoming a headache for many schools. Art teacher Graeme Bridge finds a place for everything with Network Attached Storage, or NAS for short.
Five steps to telling a digital story
Diane Nolan finds a way to successfully promote the importance of creative word play in a technology-filled world.
Two-minute guide: Flickr
Rotoscoping in Adobe Flash CS3
Add some fun to live action images by using rotoscope animation (tracing over live-action film) in Adobe Flash CS3.
Locking out the keyloggers
Spyware is a serious threat to your security and privacy. Troy Dares looks at ways to reduce the risk.
From the back of the class: Leaving our comfort zone
It’s easy to sit back and do nothing... but getting off your butt can be easy, too – and much, much more fun, writes Greg Adams
Case studies
Southern Regional Health School – Looking the picture of health
Botany Downs Secondary College – An environment for maximising learning
Otumoetai Intermediate – A luxury that quickly becomes a necessity
Inglewood High – Don’t need the power
Lesson plans
8. Making animations in Kid Pix
9. Create a computer-controlled robot using Lego Mindstorms
Ask the Teacher @ Glenholme School
If the predictions are to be believed, your school’s going to be doing it – or at least thinking about doing it – within the next couple of years. Greg Adams explores the world of server virtualisation.
The accidental ICT manager
Not everyone looking after computers has a professional ICT background. David Maida meets the teachers who have ‘fallen into’ the role of keeping their school’s technology up and running.
Interview: Recognising and making the difference
INTERFACE talks to Ewan McIntosh about having the knack to spot when technology might add something to the classroom.
Is it a sport? Is it a computer game? (No, actually it’s both)
Meet GeoCaching, the perfect way to bridge the digital divide between computer games and good old-fashioned, outdoors fun, believes Diane Nolan.
Filters – only a part of the cyber safety solution
How effective are the Web filters you use at school? What should you do to ensure the online safety of students? Four leading Internet security providers offer their thoughts.
The seven wonders of Wikis
They might not sound particularly technological but wikis are becoming an increasingly common and highly popular activity in schools. INTERFACE finds out more.
Where there is no vision, there is no money
When it comes to implementing ICT strategy, schools generally take one of two approaches. Jonathan Beveridge shows why one is more successful than the other.
More than just making school work look pretty
What lies ahead for ICT in schools? Mark Treadwell explores the new role for technology in improving teaching and learning practices.
From the back of the class: Lights, camera... teach
They may seem an unlikely teaching aid but load-your-own-video websites like YouTube have an educational value, believes Greg Adams.
Case studies
Diocesan Waikato – maximising the benefits of technology
Cashmere High School – Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training
Meadowbank Primary – a blogging frenzy
Lesson plans
6. Analysing addiction to computer games
7. Adding signatures to emails
Ask the Teacher @ James Hargest College
Marlborough Girls’ School becomes the first in New Zealand to participate in the Planet Partners Hardware Return and recycling Programme.
Stop your students accessing porn
Learn how one school is preventing students from bypassing online security.
Creating a ‘can do’ culture for using technology
INTERFACE finds ways to get staff interested and excited about using ICT.
Discovering the value of VoIP
Is voice-over-IP telephony for you? Two schools talk about their experiences of installing and using such a solution.
Interview: Using technology where there’s an academic value
From art teacher to tech trainer, UK educationalist Diane Nolan shares her thoughts about using technology to make teachers’ lives easier.
Six steps to surviving the ‘blogsplosion’
NetSafe’s Richard Beach has some safety advice for all would-be bloggers
Learn to lip sync, Part 2
Step-by-step guide to using Adobe Flash CS3 Professional to animate and add sound to images.
Quick Q&A – Douglas Harré
Get personal with your computer
Don’t take your PC for granted. Getting to know it better will improve the relationship you have with technology, says tn Chan.
From the back of the class: Something for everyone
There’s something for everyone at technology-related education events, writes Greg Adams
Case Studies
Tokoroa North – new infrastructure lays the groundwork for success
Glenavon – getting more from one computer
Baradene College of the Sacred Heart – better engagement from blogs
Lesson Plans
4. Google Earth – explore the world and create a ‘tour’ using satellite images
5. learning musical notes from phone numbers
Ask the Teacher @ Pakuranga College
Last PROBE school gets connected
Telecom’s DSL link brings broadband to Wakanui School.
Paying for your technology
It’s a question facing many schools looking to upgrade their ICT. Should you buy or lease your technology?
Interview: Involving students in everything we do
Educational commentator and gaming advocate Marc Prensky talks candidly to INTERFACE.
Quick Q&A – Sir Ken Robinson
Enjoying the best of both worlds
Find out why it’s worth the effort to combine Macs and PCs on the same network.
Helping teachers to tackle cyberbullying
NetSafe examines cyberbullying, its harmful effects, and what teachers can do to combat it.
10 simple steps to blogging success
So, you want to start a blog? What do you need to do?
Learn to lip sync, Part 1
Step-by-step guide to using Adobe Flash CS3 Professional to animate and add sound to images.
Confessions of an edublogger
Derek Wenmoth explores the motivations and meanings behind his online musings.
Digital technologies develop leadership skills
Multimedia courses shouldn’t simple be taken for fun or for extra credits, says Brenda Frisk.
Seeing is believing
The best way to respond to technological change is by seeing what’s already being done, believes Murray Brown.
From the back of the class: Give Wikipedia a fair go
How can you trust something that can’t be trusted. Greg Adams defends Wikipedia.
Case Studies
Warkworth Primary – Upgrade means students can teach themselves
Baverstock Oaks – New SMS is a dream to work with
Waimea College – Singing the praises of blogs
Mount Albert Grammar – OLE passes its teacher test
Lesson Plans
1. Parlez-vous text chat? – the language of learning languages
2. Ownership and use of material posted online
3. Making a computer from stones
Ask the Teacher @ Hukarere College