Friday, November 18, 2011

Monday, November 14, 2011

Efficiency

I am amazed at how technology and the World Wide Web have changed our lives. We are now celebrating 20 years of Internet in South Africa.

I needed some particular files. I looked online, unsuccessfully. I asked for help on my Facebook page. A friend in New Zealand responded. I searched further. I contacted a firm in the US via email who recommended a software application. I went to that URL, ordered the application, paid via VISA, all on Friday 11 November. FedEx phoned me yesterday (Sunday) re paying VAT. I paid for it with Internet banking. The box was delivered this morning. Whole process took 3 days.

I am becoming used to this speed and efficiency!

Gr 11 Practical Paper 1 Errrata

Errata - Use the same password you used for the practical paper

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Word form fields and Fields

A question was posed on the Comp-Studies mailing list about - a Word query where a person wants sections of text that are duplicated in a document, say in an appendix to be automatically updated if the same 'original' text is changed elsewhere.
Here is my solution in a school scenario, one is a MOV file and the other a SWF. The SWF file has a quiz attached. Comments are welcome about the videos.

Friday, November 11, 2011

ICT and teachers

I have just seen the UNESCO ICT Competency Framework for Teachers. Take a look - http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0021/002134/213475E.pdf Amongst the contributors are Sarietjie Musgrave (ex CAT teacher from Bloemfontein), Trudi van Wyk (ex Department of National Education), Fiona Beal (primary school teacher in Fish Hoek), Neil Butcher (consultant), Gerald Roos (consultant) and Kevin Sherman (Schools Unit at University of Cape Town) – all from South Africa. There may be more but I did not recognise their names.

My wish is that CAT teachers help the teachers at their schools upgrade their ICT skills. Give courses at your schools for teachers. My experience is that my colleagues did not come to my courses but the neighbouring school's teachers came.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Exam time

Exam time in the CAT laboratory is a good time for checking the system – replace or refresh the image, check that the required features of the programs are functioning, empty the recycle bin, check that all programs are still installed, check LAN connections, etc., etc.

Exam invigilation in the CAT laboratory is a good time to look at the room and plan improvements, e.g. the layout and wall notices. Being in the room for the long invigilation sessions is a wonderful opportunity for contemplation and planning. Also walking around with a duster collecting dust (without disturbing those doing the exam) is a useful task if one needs something to do (use Wet Ones if there is not too much dirt ).

The change of tempo is actually refreshing!

Hope preparation and exams go well.