Thursday, March 29, 2007

ICDL approvment - How does it work?

Depending on your prior computer skills, the ICDL course requires different amount of training. For an average user it probably takes about 30 hours.

Read more on icdl.org

Monday, March 26, 2007

Laptops and ICDL to developing countries

Our school’s mission is that as many as possible should develop their computer skills. Therefore we are running the ICDL course. We are also very glad that both Intel and One Laptop per Child are making efforts on IT skills in developing countries. They are doing so by providing small cheap functional laptops to these countries.

“A classmate PC is a small, mobile learning-assistant educational solution that Intel specially developed for students in emerging markets” “Intel”.

“Our goal: To provide children around the world with new opportunities to explore, experiment and express themselves” One Laptop per Child.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Google Docs & Spreadsheet

There are more and more web services for office software. My personal favourite is Google Docs & Spreadsheets.

You are able to create, edit, share, store and publish documents without using your computers software. This is quite simple but I recommend you to have at least basic skills in some Word and Excel software.

>> Read more

Monday, March 19, 2007

CeBIT 2007

CeBIT is the world's largest trade fair showcasing digital IT and telecommunications solutions for home and work environments.

Watch what you are able to do with your ICDL knowledge and visit their homepage, and at the same time keep an eye on new technology.

http://www.cebit.de

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Overcoming Test Anxiety

After hours and hours of preparation you’re finally ready for your ICDL examination. But test anxiety might ruin your day. Here are some nice tips.

“Almost everyone has experienced some form of test anxiety. But some find that anxiety interferes with their learning and test taking to such an extent that their outcome can be seriously affected. ICDL-US wants your ICDL test taking experience prove to be successful”.

>> Read more

Is the Net a safe place?

A list from some school leaders in Techlearning about making the net a safer place.

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Free anti-spyware software




Ad-Aware Personal remains the most popular anti-spyware product for computer users around the world, with nearly one million downloads every week.

Key Features

* User-controlled spyware removal

* Customizable Scans

* Code Sequence Identification (CSI) technology

* Extensive Lavasoft Detection Database

* ADS scan

* Blocks browser hijackers

* Quarantine manager

I personally use this and have been for many years. It’s booth very effective and free. This is a great compliment to your firewall and anti-virus software.

Internet security is one of the things handled in the ICDL course

Sunday, March 4, 2007

Star Wars in the school

George Lucas is mostly known for his Star Wars movies that engaged millions of people. But science fiction movies haven’t just worked as entertainment, it also results in many got an interest in science and the space.

George Lucas himself thought that public school was quite frustrating. He was often bored even if he had a teacher who engaged his curiosity and motivated him to learn. And as s a father, he felt it vital to transform schooling.

Therefore he started the George Lucas Educational Foundation. Their web page consists of articles, in-depth case studies, research summaries, instructional modules, short documentary segments, expert interviews, and links to other resources.

“Traditional education can be extremely isolating -- the curriculum is often abstract and not relevant to real life, teachers and students don't connect with resources and experts outside of the classroom, and schools operate as if they are separate from their communities.

Project-based learning, student teams working cooperatively, students connecting with passionate experts, and broader forms of assessment can dramatically improve student learning. New digital multimedia and telecommunications can support these practices and engage our students. And well-prepared educators are critical”

George Lucas, Edutopia.

Thursday, March 1, 2007

Free online Photoshop in three to six months

The hosted Photoshop service is set to be free and marketed as an entry-level version of Adobe's more sophisticated image-editing tools, including Photoshop and Photoshop Elements.

>> Read more