On this page I collect all the technological tools that I started exploring. For my thoughts on learning these technologies and using them for learning purposes, click here.
To see content related to learning, education and technology that I curate, click here.
Tools
Short quiz about programming structures
ThingLink
A visual introduction of my personal learning environment, made with
I was postponing doing this task for some time, as I was unable to find an application that would have given me the freedom to arrange things the way I wanted, visually.
I like to work with mind maps and concept maps and let my brain flow and get messy, but none of the available solutions support such inputting. So, I just chose this to complete the task, but would not recommend it, as the features are way too limited.
What are personal learning environments (PLEs)?
PLEs are systems that help learners take control of and manage their own learning. A PLE may be composed of one or more sub-systems. As such it may be a desktop application, or composed of one or more web-based services, as well as identifying physical spaces that promote learning.
Quiz with Multichoice questions created using
A great way to add interactive content to any site, based on HTML5 technology. Big variety of content type, that can be easily embedded on any website.
I have only one thing to complain about and that is the lack of possibility to customise the visual appearance of the elements. Tho, it is not something that most teachers or educators would worry about.
Short presentation about Hungary, using Microsoft
Sway is an alternative to powerpoint presentations. It is fairly easy to use, the graphics and design solutions are in-built, but because of this if one needs more personalisation, this might not be the right product to use.
I also created the quick presentation about micro:bit using Sway, but the user interface has been modified slightly, which makes it a bit more difficult to find how to proceed in building the presentation.
All in all, quick to learn, quick to use, but I prefer more control over the visuals, so not my favourite tool.
We prepared a very short presentation about OpenBadges, using AdobeConnect. It was, after all, fairly easy to use, even tho I was slightly intimidated by the software. I watched a few youtube videos about how to use it, and it does have nice features, with breakout rooms, for example.
I feel more confident approaching it now, so I think I am likely to use it in the future, unless there is something better I find.
OSMO is an educational toy, using augmented reality technology. Unfortunately, it is only compatible with the iPhone and iPad series.
It has various options, including tangrams, word and number related games, drawings.
I tried a specific game called 'coding Awbie'. The aim is to help the character collect resources by moving around a playing field. Its movements are determined by the physical blocks on the table. The more complex the command structure, the more points the player gets. It was a lot of fun and kept me engaged for some time, but it can be rather addictive without improving one's programming or computational thinking skills, as it only contains iterations, but no other structural options.
Read my thoughts on micro:bit here.
Using VR technologies was one of the highlights of the course. Here I used the Theta V 360 camera by Ricoh to capture a 360 image of the main lab area of Fablab Oulu.
I used Thinglink to add photos and videos to introduce the machines and added tutorials explaining what to use them for and how, as well as a couple examples of things I created.
I spent a lot of time here during the semester, both for study reasons as well as in my free time. I wrote a little bit about maker culture here.
For me, personally, creating brings joy and the ability to create is powerful and fulfilling. Making has always been part of my life, but with the exposure to digital fabrication, it feels there is no limit to my creative capacity.
I cannot be more than a model for my children and others, but I believe that is exactly what one needs to be to ignite the joy of discovery and learning.
Read my thoughts on using SonicPi and learning to use screen recording here.
