Capturing information from websites

To capture information from websites including images and videos you can use a screencast. All you have to do is download Jing and then capture what you need and it will save as .swf (a type of file). When you launch the program you will see a yellow sphere at the centre top of your screen.)

You can then share information, explain information and ideas using images as well as text, give feedback and collaborate on projects in blogs, on facebook, twitter etc.

To view this file you need a program called flash viewer which is downloaded from swftools.com

All applications are free to download. Here is an example from the BBC

Exciting times

The summer holidays are drawing to a close and it is time to think about the new academic year.

Emotions can often be mixed at this time of year; the holidays are coming to an end and new students will soon be arriving. It should be a time of renewed energy and excitement, particularly as two courses I teach on will now have a blended element to them which will enable a two year course to be completed in one year - hopefully!!

I am sure new resources will be found making teaching more interesting and current. Any that myself or my team find will be posted on here as soon as possible.

Happy teaching!

The future of blogging and web2.0 - for me

I have spent many hours considering which direction this blog should go. I am still keen that resources are found that can be incorporated into the blended delivery of courses. However, there is so much more that can be discussed and reflected upon on this site. Reflection is key when writing a blog, as Tom Preskett a tutor on the course I have just completed discusses on his blog site http://tpreskett.blogspot.com/.

Originally I wanted to just find resources that I considered useful to teachers of business, management and teacher training courses. I can't stop here though I need to tell you about anything that I discover that I think will be useful to you as educators.; particularly in relation to web2.0 tools. Whilst studying the online course I chose blogging as my option to research and implement - this site is the result. However, I am interested in other web2.0 tools and how they can be used to enrich and inform us and our learners whether they are FE or HE students.

So please keep watching this space.

Teacher Training Resources

Starting a career teaching in post compulsory education can be daunting. There is so much information to take on board. Not only are you learning how to teach but you have to prepare lessons and search for interesting and fun resources to motivate and interest your learners. there are some really useful websites that can help develop your skills as a teacher. I have listed some here and will be adding more as I find them.

James Atherton's site http://www.doceo.co.uk/index.html is full of stuff on research,teaching,reading and writing.Dave Watts site tutor training has resources for tutors and learners on City & Guilds tutor training courses and links to some excellent websites. The University of California has hints and tips on developing effective teaching skills.The University of Nottingham also has useful resources on teaching and learning. TeacherXpress has everything for the busy teacher, resources on all topics and links to professional agencies and Government bodies.

Search Engines

Google is the most popular search engine used by students and teachers. In fact it is easy to forget that there are other search engines available.

bing can help you find what you want quickly and easily particulary if you want UK results.

Web content is more complex and interactive now and that requires different search tools. Visual search engines make web searches more interesting mindmeister maps the best visual search engines currently available.

eyePlorer is a very different search engine.You search a topic and save the keyfacts that eyePlorer finds.You can search the Internest quickly and save facts that are relevant to you and your learners.

Business and Management Resources

If you struggle like me to find quality business and management resources , well I have found some great sites.

Value based management is a free site and covers every topic you can think of. It has resources on management methods, management models and management theories.
Business Teacher has free resources for all business, economics, marketing and finance students. It is an essay writing site, but there are also plenty of free resources including case studies , tips on writing reports and a free plagiarism scanner.
The Times 100 Business Studies resource for teachers and students.There is information in the teachers zone to help with planning and preparation to include lesson plans and answer sheets. The lesson plans are designed to be used in class, homework or even cover lessons.
Silicon.com has current videos and articles making the news in business.
dineshbakshi.com website is dedicated to Business studies, Economics, Accounting and ICT. You will find hundreds of interactive quizzes, crosswords, gap fillers, match up quiz, multiple choice quizzes, flash games, revision notes, worksheets, mind maps, Business news and videos, which will make learning more fun.
Bized is an old favourite but it never fails to deliver excellent resources.