The Top 100 Tools for Learning 2014  – the results of the 8th Annual Learning Tools Survey –  has been compiled by Jane Hart from the votes of 1,038 learning professionals from 61 countries worldwide and published on 22 September 2014. 

The slideset appears below. You can view some of the individual contributions here.

A learning tool is defined as any software or online tool or service that you use either for your own personal or professional learning, for teaching or training, or for creating e-learning

The annual lists have also become a useful longitudinal study into how the way we learn is changing. Take a look at this year’s analysis or if you are still surprised at the results, read The Web is 25 years old – so how has it changed the way we learn?  

[Source: http://c4lpt.co.uk/top100tools/, 20/11/2014.]
 
*** Check out BlendSpace, new in at 99! But given how CHS teachers have taken to it, it may appear higher in your personal list soon. :) ***

"Turn any book or document into a digital classroom.Subtext is a free iPad app that allows classroom groups to exchange ideas in the pages of digital texts. You can also layer in enrichment materials, assignments and quizzes—opening up almost limitless opportunities to engage students and foster analysis and writing skills."

For more information on this iPad tool, click here,

It's easy ... when you know how!

Simply type "is:unread" in the Search box and the unread messages will appear, as if by magic.. Good for, if you're anything like me, when you leave a message marked unread to go back to later when you have more time - and then you don't want to spend hours searching for it.

See? Not even 3 minutes, that one! :) :)

I may well be 'preaching to the choir' here but have you discovered the snipping tool in Windows? 

Ever wanted just a part of a page/image and have gone through the long process of taking a screen shot, putting it into a paint or drawing program and cropping from there? Want to not ever have to do that again?

To use:

1. Press the WINDOWS key on your keyboard (bottom left, next to the Ctrl key) and type in 'snip'. In both Windows 8 and previous versions (although it may display differently), the snipping tool will appear in the menu. 
2. Hit ENTER. The box (pictured on the right of this post) will then appear. 
3. Click NEW to select the rectangle shape as a default or choose your shape from the drop-down menu. 
4. CLICK and drag the cross-hair cursor that appears around the object you want to snip. 
5. RELEASE the mouse button. 
6. SAVE the image that appears in its own screen. 
   

DONE! :) :)

SmackFiction is here!

SmackFiction is a brand-new mobile app, aimed at teens, that allows readers to discover upcoming novels, read free sample chapters, earn rewards and share what they're reading with friends.  You can add reviews or comments about the books on the app and tell others about what you're reading on Facebook.  It's an awesome app for readers of all ages. These can be downloaded from iTunes™ and Google Play™.

For more information about SmackFiction read the media release below: 

A new mobile app aimed at getting younger adults reading has been launched by Wellington-based SmackFiction. The app features sample chapters for readers to browse when they are commuting or waiting for class, as well as entertaining articles about authors and their creations. People can see what their friends have been reading, and status points are awarded to readers who explore new books and share comments with friends.

Early interest in SmackFiction has come from The New Zealand Book Council and Hutt City Libraries who see the app as a way to divert a mobile focussed generation away from games and onto reading. Authors are interested because they can participate on the app community, allowing them to have direct contact with their fans.

Public Libraries of New Zealand Chair Paula Murdoch says "SmackFiction is to be congratulated in offering readers a new choice in the way they read and the added appeal of connecting with others in an online community to share their love of a good book."

SmackFiction is supported by HarperCollins New Zealand and many other leading New Zealand publishers who have provided content such as Gecko Press, Steampress Books, Huia and Victoria University Press. SmackFiction particularly celebrates Kiwi fiction, but has attracted interest (and content) from quality publishers in Canada, Australia and the US, who are watching the New Zealand pilot with interest.

The SmackFiction app can be downloaded from the Apple™ App Store by anyone with an iPhone or iPod Touch and a Facebook™ account. An Android™ version will be released shortly.

Libraries and schools will be able to get aggregated reporting on their reader activity by signing up at http://www.smackfiction.com.

Tips from our IT team:

A few of you have iPads now so here is a useful link with applications for education - worth a look.

http://appsineducation.blogspot.co.nz/

... and if you are looking for free apps then I suggest "appsgonefree" where you can get high quality paid apps for free each day. You can download this app from the App store or using iTunes.

https://itunes.apple.com/nz/app/apps-gone-free-best-daily/id470693788?mt=8