Building Schools for the Future ICT blog

Arduino

2011-09-27T16:34:00.005+01:00

Arduinos and 'the internet of things'.

To find out about more about this open-source electronics platform intended for artists, designers, hobbyists or anyone else interested in creating interactive objects or environments - click here

Amazon’s tablet

2011-09-07T11:32:00.001+01:00

Why Amazon’s tablet can do well without being an iPad killer

IBM produces first 'brain chips'

2011-08-19T13:18:00.007+01:00

"O, wonder!

How many goodly creatures are there here!
How beauteous mankind is!
O brave new world,
That has such people in it!"

-The Tempest - Act 5, Scene 1

This should be taught in schools soon?

2011-07-29T14:35:00.003+01:00

Swarm robots form landing pad for quadrotor | Crave - CNET

One can see how this could be developed as a curriculum activity at some point soon!

Some interesting developments in tablet device design

2011-07-15T12:48:00.004+01:00

A folding tablet device!

Photos: Sony's S1 and S2 Android tablets - a first look | Page 7 | Hardware | silicon.com

A neglected aspect of ICT in schools?

2011-07-11T17:09:00.002+01:00

BBC News - UK robot World Cup hopes dashed

BBC News - Robots develop language to 'talk' to each other

2011-05-26T11:57:00.001+01:00

BBC News - Robots develop language to 'talk' to each other

More on the Motorola Attrix

2011-04-01T13:04:00.002+01:00

Motorola ATRIX™ - dual-core phone - Android smartphone - Experience - Motorola Mobility, Inc. United Kingdom

Each photograph on the backdrop is a short video demonstrating the capabilities of this remarkable device.

Patricia Kuhl: The linguistic genius of babies

2011-02-18T11:12:00.003Z

This is a fascinating TED talk, part of which reminded me that Google Translate uses (apparently) statistical analysis to make translations. It also contains some interesting observations on the impact of video interactions vs real human interactions upon young babies' learning.

To find out more click here.

Leap-frogging the I-Phone - a phone to replace your PC and laptop and provide home entertainment.

2011-01-13T10:55:00.007Z

This is an astonishing breakthrough! A dual core processor smartphone, which can be your PC, your laptop and your home entertainment centre, in addition to the usual smartphone functions!

Breakthrough device of CES 2011: Motorola Atrix = Phone + PC ZDNet

To see a video... click here

Will schools continue to ban mobile phones in future, or will they slash their ICT costs by inviting students to 'bring their own'?

Interesting new developments in Smartphones and tablets

2011-01-13T10:44:00.003Z

Google Previews Android 3.0 Honeycomb OS, Teases Some Interesting Features (Video)!

To find out more... click here

Also, Dual core smartphones!

To find out more.... click here

Over 75% of UK households own a PC and over 71% have an Internet connection

2010-12-01T16:25:00.006Z

The Office for National Statistics reports in 2009 75% of UK households own a PC and 71% of households have an Internet connection.

The report also states 'In the highest income decile group, 98 per cent of households owned a home computer and 97 per cent had an Internet connection in 2009. This compares with 38 per cent of households who owned a home computer and 30 per cent who had an internet connection in the lowest income decile group.

Households with children were more likely to have Internet access at home than those without: 93 per cent of households with two adults and two or more children had Internet access at home, compared with 91 per cent of households with two adults and one child, and 87 per cent of households with two non-retired adults and no children.

Among retired households, 32 per cent had Internet access at home in two-adult households and 9 per cent in one-adult households. '

To see the report click here...

Teaching kids real maths with computers

2010-11-17T11:52:00.003Z

Conrad Wolfram: Teaching kids real math with computers Video on TED.com

A fascinating talk from Conrad Wolfram on real world mathematics and maths taught in schools.

Mobile phones and radiation

2010-11-17T10:41:00.003Z

Mobile phones with low SAR ratings!

Find out what a SAR rating is and why it may be important. Although this video is predominently a USA point of view, and some of the phones discussed are US only models, there is still plenty of useful information contained within it.

To find out more click here.....

Consider this?

2010-10-04T16:46:00.001+01:00

BBC News - Why companies watch your every Facebook, YouTube, Twitter move

New things to do with a Smartphone

2010-09-07T16:25:00.004+01:00

Clever ideas for smartphone cameras.

One of the many free apps for smartphones. This utilises the camera and the built in GPS of an I-Phone to superimpose photographs of historical events on contempory photographs. It could be very interesting for students on trips to historical locations.

Click here to find out more.

Mobile phone dress?

2010-08-31T11:20:00.004+01:00

A dress that is a mobile phone?

Is it washable?

What happens if someone needs to borrow the owners phone?

To find out more click here!

A sign of the times...

2010-08-20T15:53:00.007+01:00

This TV ad campaign from Dell is rather interesting!

It begins to plant seeds of expectation for every school student to have access to their school's resources from an ICT device whether they are at home or at school. Most importantly, the message is coming directly from every family's own TV straight into their living rooms. Furthermore, this message is from a well known brand and as such will be received differently to any from a government agency. However, it does beg a question for society and governments, regarding equity. Perhaps this , together with new products following the lead given by the I-Pad and I-Phone, marks the beginning of a sea change.

Microsoft creates Office addins that take 1:1 to the next level | ZDNet

2010-08-19T13:32:00.001+01:00

Microsoft creates Office addins that take 1:1 to the next level ZDNet

This article is worth exploring, in particular the statement -
"In fact, it wouldn’t be a stretch to suggest that Office/Windows could almost pay for themselves in an academic setting by eliminatating the need for interactive response systems (clickers) and even displacing the interactive whiteboard as the classroom tool of choice for connected educators."

The internet of things

2010-06-28T15:19:00.004+01:00

The Internet of things.

One day, soon(ish) much of the physical world will be part of the internet. Why? - click here to find out.

Rollup display screens

2010-05-27T11:26:00.010+01:00

Oh Yeay! Oh Yeay!

Sony has unveiled an ultrathin roll-up OLED display screen. This can roll around a pen and has enormous potential for providing larger display screens on small portable devices such as mobile phones. It seems it may also have potential for providing displays in flexible spaces which have to be capable of being re-configured or re-arranged.

To find out more click here.

MIT researchers print solar cell on paper

2010-05-06T11:14:00.004+01:00

More on innovative uses for an inkjet printer

This time to print a solar cell onto paper which can then generate electricity!

To find out more click here.

Printing New Skin: Saving Lives with Ink Jet Printers

2010-04-19T12:23:00.005+01:00

First they printed text and pictures, then photographs and now....skin?

Battlefield medicine, the principle is innovative, but would it work in practice with real tissue?

Microsoft's Kin

2010-04-14T10:42:00.006+01:00

Microsoft's Kin: a collective experience?

This is one of Microsoft's two new phones. They are described by some commentators as 'social mobiles', designed for social networking by those who want to share almost every aspect of their lives with others - 'lifecasters'. The target demographic group is people aged between 15 and 30 years old.

for more - click here.

The future for school uniforms?

2010-02-17T10:59:00.003Z

A fabric is under development for use in army combat fatigues which can conduct and store electricity. It is intended that the conductive material would be able to power weapons, radios or charge batteries for electronic equipment. The number of batteries that soldiers carry can be reduced. The fabric could also be used as a computer keyboard.

To find out more..... click here.

An immersive experience!

2010-02-11T17:00:00.002Z

A stunning new approach to using Google Earth is shown at the TED Conference. To find out more click here.

How the Internet enables intimacy

2010-01-04T11:23:00.002Z

Something to reflect upon! How should schools reflect and model the modern workplace?

Stefana Broadbent: How the Internet enables intimacy Video on TED.com

Ford cars to become Wi-Fi hot spots

2010-01-04T10:44:00.006Z

Together with Microsoft, Ford has developed a system to provide WPA2 secured WiFi in its cars (in North America currently). The system allows a USB broadband modem to be plugged in to provide Internet and broadband access. Its another step towards ubiquitous broadband and Internet access.

To find out more - click here.

The next generation of Netbook computers!

2010-01-04T10:15:00.003Z

A new Intel Atom chip has been announced which will power the next generation of Netbook computers. It offers a 20% reduction in power consumption and integrated graphics.

In addition to powering Netbooks it should also spawn new 'all in one' PCs and entry level desktop systems. There will also be a dual core version. I expect it will encourage the development of more 'set top' multimedia devices for use with home flat screen TVs and home entertainment systems.

To find out more - click here.

Wireless 'clouds' - do we need them?

2009-12-15T14:44:00.005Z

Do local authorities need to develop wireless 'clouds' to provide free community access to address the digital divide? It is looking less likely following the announcement of the first 4G mobile networks in Oslo and Stockholm and a 4G trial in Slough, England.

4G wireless provides download speeds of up to 100mbs which is more than ten times faster than 3G connections. Such connectivity with its high capacity bandwidth, will revolutionise the use of Smartbooks, Netbooks, Smartphones and other portable devices.

It will mean 'always on', 'anytime anywhere' access to high quality multimedia content will be a reality in urban areas within a few years. It will also probably provide a significant boost to the uptake of video based communications. In terms of the digital divide, the focus for government and local authorities should shift from the availability of good internet access, to the revenue costs of access for all citizens.

To find out more click here....

and also here - BBC News - 4G mobile phone network comes to Scandinavia

Wireless Power - yet again!

2009-11-23T14:10:00.004Z

Recharge you battery powered devices by placing them on a special surface. These surfaces can be embedded in tables or even a laptop lid! Microsoft has demonstrated examples of such surfaces being used to display the contents of a digital camera and for the contents to be moved between devices.

Click here to find out more.

Smartbooks, Tablet PCs and I-Phones

2009-11-23T14:01:00.005Z

Q) What is the difference between a Tablet PC based on a Smartbook and an I-Phone?

A) This Smartbook looks a little like an I-Phone only with a much bigger screen

Click here to find out more.

Smartbooks and Netbooks

2009-11-23T13:52:00.009Z

Q) What is the difference between a Smartbook and a Netbook?

A) The Smartbook is a cross between a laptop and a smartphone. Is uses the kind of processor used in smartphones but has the screen, keyboard and size of a Netbook.

Q) Why is this significant?

A) Because a Smartbook has a battery life of more than 8 hours and always on connectivity via 3G or WiFi - like a smartphone.

Click here to find out more.

Taking on-line examinations using student laptops

2009-11-17T15:07:00.005Z

Students in Norway are using their own laptops to take on-line examinations. The software that manages and monitors this acts as a deterrent against cheating.

Click here to find out more about the software.

Click here for a BBC report.

Click here to see a Norwegian news report which gives a glimpse into the widespread use of student laptops in a Norwegian school.

Bing teams up with Wolfram Alpha

2009-11-12T13:52:00.008Z

The BBC reports that Microsoft's 'Bing' search engine has teamed up with Wolfram Alpha.

They go on to say that Bing will use Wolfram's algorithms and data sets. Microsoft has teamed up with a web tool once hailed as a rival to Google to provide results for its search engine Bing.

Wolfram Alpha aims to answer questions directly, rather than display a list of links like a search engine. The "computational knowledge engine" is the brainchild of British-born physicist Stephen Wolfram. It will be used to bolster Bing's results in areas such as nutrition, health and mathematics.

Find out more...

Yet more on wireless power!

2009-11-09T14:59:00.003Z

A different approach to powering equipment remotely is shown here - BBC NEWS Technology Laser-powered robot aiming for space

Babelfish spectacles!

2009-11-09T10:30:00.007Z

Spectacles have been developed which provide subtitles that are projected onto the retina . The subtitles could for example, be current customer caller information for call centre staff. Intriguingly, they could also provide real-time language translation. To find out more click here.

Digital Pens - their use in the NHS

2009-11-06T15:11:00.004Z

Paper IQ - an example of the innovative use of digital pens in the NHS.

Click here to find out more.

Uruguay becomes the first country to provide every primary school child with a laptop computer

2009-10-19T10:55:00.007+01:00

Uruguay has issued every primary school child with an 'XO' laptop computer, developed by the One Laptop Per Child Foundation. The foundation is led by Nicholas Negroponte of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab.

Over 350,000 pupils and 18,000 teachers are involved in this scheme at a cost of £159 per pupil including mantainance and training.

To find out more click here.

More on wireless power

2009-10-15T14:11:00.002+01:00

Eric Giler of WiTricity demonstrates a wirelessly powered TV and mobile phone at the TED conference in Oxford in July 2009. Click here to see it!

From little Acorns....

2009-10-08T12:43:00.008+01:00

Remember this? Not only did it help lead the way for careers in IT for many students in the 1980's but it led to the Archimedes computer and the ARM processor. The Archimedes had an operating systems called RiscOS which it is said had its fans in Seattle! There are many features of today's versions of Windows that were first seen on the Archimedes.

Production of the Archimedes ceased in 1998 but the ARM technology has gone from strength to strength, nowadays it is found in the chips of most mobile phones. It is said that ARM technology will soon start to appear in Netbooks where the key benefit will be lower power consumption giving longer battery life. To read an interview on Silicon.com with one of Acorn's co-founders - click here

'Rediscover reading' - Amazon's Kindle e-book reader to be launched in the UK

2009-10-08T10:41:00.011+01:00

Two years after its launch in the USA, Amazon's 'Kindle' e-book reader is to be launched in the UK. Not only does this very lightweight, slim device store up to 1500 books which can be read on its high quality display, but it also allows newspapers and magazines to be downloaded automatically through a built in 3G mobile link.

To find out more - click here.. and for a guided tour - click here.

It is to be launched on October 19th and is expected to cost about £175, which is cheaper than the rival Sony 'Digital Book Reader'.

Mindstorms 'Aurora' multi touch interactive table

2009-09-29T11:05:00.005+01:00

See this video from ITV's 'X Factor', showing the Mindstorms 'Aurora' multi touch interactive display table being used by the judges to select contestants. Click on the picture to find out more about 'Mindstorms'. It's another example of how ICT may pervade our living and working spaces.

Bootcamp 2: Deliberations - The X Factor - Video

Immersive ICT? - access to content from almost anywhere?

2009-09-28T11:12:00.006+01:00

'By 2015 more than 12 billion devices will be capable of connecting to 500 billion hours of TV and video content', says chip giant Intel.

It seems likely that in the near future it won't just be individuals who are equipped with ICT devices, but through various display technologies, so will the built environment; our workplaces and living spaces!

More....

RFID tags - an example from the NHS

2009-09-21T15:02:00.009+01:00

The potential for this technology in schools should be considered; perhaps for tracking equipment? or resources? or maybe even students?

Have a look at this video to see how Walsall's Manor Hospital has successfully made use of RFID tags to track paper based medical files.

Click here to see the video

Embedded ICT - Video player screens on magazine pages

2009-09-18T14:05:00.005+01:00

We are seeing a growing number of cheap laptops and netbooks become available. The next wave of processors and chipsets from Intel, AMD and ARM, is expected to drive netbook costs down further still, also extend battery life through lower power consuption.

However, looking further ahead, one can anticipate that processors, display screens and memory will be embedded into everyday objects and environments. An expectation that we should be able to access on-line resources, whenever and wherever we are, is growing stronger. In future, our ability to do so may not be constrained by having to carry a suitable device about our person. The application of the technology shown in this BBC News report and also perhaps the use of roll-up display screens, is likely to grow quite rapidly.
More info.......

Incidentally, the precursor of the processor chip designer - ARM Plc was once known to many of us in working in education, as Acorn!

Bored with Powerpoint presentations? - try this!

2009-09-03T11:33:00.003+01:00

Prezi - The zooming presentation editor

The average age of computer game players is 35.

2009-08-19T11:55:00.011+01:00

New research indicates that the typical player of computer games is older than previously thought, their average age being 35. The research was undertaken in the USA by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

Amongst its other findings were that game players had greater health risk factors such as higher Body Mass Index and poorer mental health than non-gamers.

More....

Linux Penguins coming home to roost?

2009-08-12T10:19:00.010+01:00

The open-source operating system Linux has been a popular alternative to Microsoft for a number of years. Unlike the traditional commercial operating systems used for desktop and server systems, such as Microsoft, Unix, Apple etc; Linux is distributed free of charge. However critics have often argued that being free doesn't necessarily make it cheaper because the hidden cost of any system is support.

Click here to find out more-

Satellite Broadband?

2009-07-23T13:54:00.004+01:00

The first of a number of new satellites will be launched next year which will provide Broadband Internet access from anywhere in Europe. The first one is planned to offer 2mbs connections but subsequent ones will offer 10mbs or more. If successful these will help to overcome the so called 'the digital divide', especially in rural areas (but also some urban areas) where broadband is hard to obtain - typically because of distance, social or economic reasons. Perhaps in time, these may prompt a rethink of existing broadband infrastructures? Similar satellite services are also planned for mobile phones.

Mobile phone used as a microscope!

2009-07-22T15:19:00.002+01:00

Researchers have developed an add-on to a mobile phone that can take detailed images and analyse them to diagnose diseases such as tuberculosis. A standard Nokia handset with a 3.2 megapixel camera is used, with a "snap-on" addition that includes the microscope optics and a holder for blood samples on glass slides.

Moon Landing Photos - a Microsoft 'Silverlight' demo from Shoothill

2009-07-21T13:52:00.012+01:00

Click on the picture or the link below to see a collection of NASA Apollo mission photos presented in an unusual way by using Microsoft's 'Silverlight' technology.

Shoothill - The largest deep zoom in the world

NB: Click on the picture of Astronaut Buzz Aldrin to zoom in and hold shift and click to zoom out. Alternatively use the mouse wheel to zoom in & out.

Rethinking Printing in a BSF School (Video)

2009-07-21T10:52:00.005+01:00

LocalGovTV - The Online TV Channel for Public Service Modernisation GBTV

Modern 'enterprise' & 'managed' services for the provision of printers and printing can help to transform schools and reduce environmental impacts. This video demonstrates through the use of a managed enterprise printing service, including utilising large format printing; how a school has transformed the work its students produce and is recieved by them and by others. See also the potential offered for the enhancement of the physical school environment.

Micro projector phones by the end of this year?

2009-07-08T15:24:00.009+01:00

Pico projector phones by the end of this year?

Cheap micro-projectors and projectors integrated into mobile phones have been promised for sometime. Now it seems they are here. Pico projectors capable of projecting a 60cm display are available from some UK retailers.

Schools should consider what the impact of this technology might be upon learning & teaching spaces and the opportunities presented for the creation of extensive and immersive learning environments.

Schools should also anticipate the impact these may have on student behaviour and consider strategies to address this, including perhaps how 'acceptable use policies' should be used.

The picture above is of a Samsung mobile phone with a built in projector. Click on the link above to read more.

The top 10 alternatives to Google search

2009-07-08T13:55:00.005+01:00

Have you 'Binged' yet?

The top 10 alternatives to Google search

Click on the link above to find out more about the best alternatives to Google. Many of the search engines work in very different ways to Google, and some are tailored to meet very specific needs.

Wolfram Alpha 'search engine' goes live

2009-05-21T11:32:00.012+01:00

See earlier posting about Wolfram:Alpha and the 'semantic web'.

Click here to find out more -Wolfram 'search engine' goes live

Click on the picture to see the demo.

Find out about 'PhotoSynth' and 'SeaDragon'

2009-05-15T14:46:00.004+01:00

This is software which creates 3D views of real places and things using photographs from diverse sources, including those posted on 'social networking' photography sites such as Flickr. It is possible to 'move around' inside the 3D view and zoom in and out to observe detail.

The potential to link with 'Google Earth' or 'Live Earth', to create a view of the world encompassing maps, satellite images and thousands of people's own photographs of real places in the world is very exciting. As is the potential to present information on screen in new ways through the use of powerful zooming techniques.

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/blaise_aguera_y_arcas_demos_photosynth.html

Intel World Mural Project

2009-05-15T14:27:00.005+01:00

See what children around the world think about what technology will be like in 40 years time. Click on the slide show to see more from the Intel Worldmural Project.

Home - Intel World Mural Project

Intel Wireless Power Transmission: Science Fiction in the News

2009-05-15T14:24:00.002+01:00

This is strange but true! Wireless power!

Intel Wireless Power Transmission: Science Fiction in the News

More on datacentres

2009-05-15T14:06:00.009+01:00

Microsoft's Generation 4.0 Datacentres
Amazon, e-bay, Google, Microsoft and many others are investing in establishing massive datacentres around the globe to support 'Cloud Computing'. This video shows how the datacentre is built into truck containers, driven to where it is needed and then simply plugged in!

Microsoft's virtual storage centre

2009-05-15T13:57:00.004+01:00

The Sandwell BSF ICT Managed Service will have a 'Learning Platform' at its heart. A learning platform is a web site that provides a range of services to support learning and teaching, this includes communication tools (email, chat etc), collaboration tools (video conferencing, bulletin boards, document sharing), resources, coursework materials & assignments and an e-portfolio to store share and submit work for marking.

The learning platform will 'live' in a datacentre so that students, teachers, parents can access their parts of it when they are at school, home or anywhere there is Internet access.

BBC NEWS Technology Microsoft's virtual storage centre

Wolfram|Alpha - the next big thing?

2009-05-15T13:44:00.008+01:00

Is this the next 'BIG THING'? Will it take over from Google? Its a new type of search engine, sometimes referred to as the 'semantic web'. It searches but presents results in a contextual form. The video gives some very clear examples of this exciting new approach to researching information on the web. (hint: click on the screencast logo that appears).

Click here for an Introduction to WolframAlpha by Stephen Wolfram

The home of the future?

2009-05-15T13:41:00.003+01:00

I visited the Microsoft 'Home of the Future' a couple of years ago. It has many fascinating examples of technology applied to living spaces.

Click here to find out more - BBC NEWS Technology Inside Microsoft's 'Future Home'