BBC NEWS | Technology | Games to be tested in classrooms
I picked up this link from Anya and as she says, whilst it is great that schools are now interested in seeing what computer games have to offer in education, this is not the first investigation of its sort. Anya has been looking at this for some time and of course we all know about Gee's work.
However the new ESRC series on PLAY, CREATIVITY AND DIGITAL CULTURES is sure to be keeping a keen eye on this as most research on gaming seems to be about what is going on in out of school locations rather than on how it can (or is) being used in school. Reasons for this are pretty clear however - schools don't tend to let this stuff in.
So overall, this is good news.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Thursday, August 11, 2005
GGggrrrrrr!!!!!
I went to Vienna zoo and lots of the wild animals were very frightening.
So just to get you used to the idea first , here are some tigers...
So just to get you used to the idea first , here are some tigers...
Hundertwasser Haus
Yes I KNOW I have already posted about this but here is a better site for you.
When I saw postcards abut this house some years ago I thought it was a fairy story house, not real. But it is a FULL SIZED real house. And there is also a motorway cafe in the same style and also a village and EVEN a waste-burning works .... which also provides heating.
Hundertwasser is a Viennese painter, ecologist and architect who believed that buildings should be 'organic' - able to adapt and change to peole's lives. He is a philosopher as well I guess. One of the principles he worked by, was that buldings tend to be too regimented, too straight and restrictive. So he had wavy floors - which he said suit the human body movements bestter than flat floors and were more in tune with the natural world. He believed that peole should express themselves in the buildings they occupy and that they should write and draw on them if they wish ...
I completely fell in love with the place as well as with the woman who ran the Hundertwasser cafe. Here are some pictures, including one of a fellow photographer who I would like to name Hundertwasser woman as she REALLY matched the building ...
so this is the main entrance to one of the houses, next to the cafe.
I love all the colours and the tiling.
People were taking photos everywhere.
And this is Hundertwasser woman.
Even the toilets were 'designer'.
The Austrians love sausage as much as the Germans do, I guess.
And finally, Hundertwasser loved New Zealand and made it clear how to get there from any given point.
When I saw postcards abut this house some years ago I thought it was a fairy story house, not real. But it is a FULL SIZED real house. And there is also a motorway cafe in the same style and also a village and EVEN a waste-burning works .... which also provides heating.
Hundertwasser is a Viennese painter, ecologist and architect who believed that buildings should be 'organic' - able to adapt and change to peole's lives. He is a philosopher as well I guess. One of the principles he worked by, was that buldings tend to be too regimented, too straight and restrictive. So he had wavy floors - which he said suit the human body movements bestter than flat floors and were more in tune with the natural world. He believed that peole should express themselves in the buildings they occupy and that they should write and draw on them if they wish ...
I completely fell in love with the place as well as with the woman who ran the Hundertwasser cafe. Here are some pictures, including one of a fellow photographer who I would like to name Hundertwasser woman as she REALLY matched the building ...
so this is the main entrance to one of the houses, next to the cafe.
I love all the colours and the tiling.
People were taking photos everywhere.
And this is Hundertwasser woman.
Even the toilets were 'designer'.
The Austrians love sausage as much as the Germans do, I guess.
And finally, Hundertwasser loved New Zealand and made it clear how to get there from any given point.
COOLHUNTERS
I did mention this exhibition before but could not find the website with it. It is here.
It is in German which is a bit of a pain if you did French or Spanish or Latin at school. Luckily I did German - albeit that I have forgotten most of it.
Aaaaanyway this exhibtion had some v good bits ... the building was made to appear like a halfpipe - i.e. the floors were like a skateboarding arena - so that was very hip.
There were some bits of the exhibition that I did not like - such as where digitised images showed young people with NIKE swooshes branded on their faces.The implication of course, was that young people are the non thinking fodder of the multinatinals.
I have more respect for young people than that - on the whole. Just cos kids buy this stuff does not mean that they CANNOT think and cannot appropriate goods in a range of ways....
The bit I really liked was where loads of young women and girls were filmed in their bedrooms talking about the object that meant the most to them in their lves and why. It was a great piece of work, showing the girls in situ, amongst a whole range of stuff in their rooms. It showed how ecclectic the girls' tastes are and how they embed iconic objects (etc.) in their lives in lots of ways. They talked about mobile phones; soft toys; clothes they had made; objects they had been given by parents,grandparents or friends; they talked about books and photos. It was REALLY fascinating and a piece of research I would like to see written up - or replicated - by me!!
(It is written up in German though; but I guess if yu can read German you will have already spotted that on the site.)
It is in German which is a bit of a pain if you did French or Spanish or Latin at school. Luckily I did German - albeit that I have forgotten most of it.
Aaaaanyway this exhibtion had some v good bits ... the building was made to appear like a halfpipe - i.e. the floors were like a skateboarding arena - so that was very hip.
There were some bits of the exhibition that I did not like - such as where digitised images showed young people with NIKE swooshes branded on their faces.The implication of course, was that young people are the non thinking fodder of the multinatinals.
I have more respect for young people than that - on the whole. Just cos kids buy this stuff does not mean that they CANNOT think and cannot appropriate goods in a range of ways....
The bit I really liked was where loads of young women and girls were filmed in their bedrooms talking about the object that meant the most to them in their lves and why. It was a great piece of work, showing the girls in situ, amongst a whole range of stuff in their rooms. It showed how ecclectic the girls' tastes are and how they embed iconic objects (etc.) in their lives in lots of ways. They talked about mobile phones; soft toys; clothes they had made; objects they had been given by parents,grandparents or friends; they talked about books and photos. It was REALLY fascinating and a piece of research I would like to see written up - or replicated - by me!!
(It is written up in German though; but I guess if yu can read German you will have already spotted that on the site.)
Monday, August 08, 2005
Wunderbar!!
We are in Vienna and despite torrential rain on Day One and clouds on Day Two, we have had it bright and Sunny on Monday, Day Three.
So a quick summary is that on Saturday we popped in here out of the rain. We saw Klimt's Beethoven Frieze, which featured some naughty bits.
On Sunday we saw an exhibition called Cool Hunters which was REALLY good - and so exclusive it does not have a website.
Today we went to the HundrtWasser Village which was very exciting and has an excellent site here.
We went to the zoo in the afternoon and took LOADS of photos which I will upload on Wednesday.
So till then ... tootlepip.
So a quick summary is that on Saturday we popped in here out of the rain. We saw Klimt's Beethoven Frieze, which featured some naughty bits.
On Sunday we saw an exhibition called Cool Hunters which was REALLY good - and so exclusive it does not have a website.
Today we went to the HundrtWasser Village which was very exciting and has an excellent site here.
We went to the zoo in the afternoon and took LOADS of photos which I will upload on Wednesday.
So till then ... tootlepip.
Friday, August 05, 2005
New Banksy stuff
Channel 4 had a report on the five new pieces of work which Banksy has done for us, making very political statements in his traditional manner.
This time he has worked on the Israeli 'security wall', dividing Palestine from Israel.
The report is here and includes video of Banksy at work. I recommend you take five minutes to check this out.
Why not open a new window while the site downloads and look at some of the pix here while you wait?
Multi-modal fun.
This time he has worked on the Israeli 'security wall', dividing Palestine from Israel.
The report is here and includes video of Banksy at work. I recommend you take five minutes to check this out.
Why not open a new window while the site downloads and look at some of the pix here while you wait?
Multi-modal fun.
Big Brother
has of course been a grand disappointment this year.
Many ex-watchers of that surreality tv programme have observed to me that it seems the producers were only intent on recruiting weirdoes for the show; people who would boost ratings by taking off their clothes all the time; people who would be willing to perform sexual acts on tv. (I say 'sexual acts' because what I have seen has not been people simply having sex. Oh no; nothing so unexotic. They have been sexual acts and I will not describe them as otherwise I would have to re-live the experiences.) I have been reticent to agree with whole sale slating of the 'housemates' as this does seem like a rather gross way to treat a bunch of people; but now after 71 long days, I feel I have to agree.
Luckily I have seen redeeming features in all the UK housemates from time to time; in some there have been more than one. However they all seem in general to be so unbearably slobby, rude and maniplative(apart from dear Eugene who therefore cannot be a real contestant this year).
Yet I have watched it nearly every night it has been on. Why?
I think it is dramatic tension; it is the sheer 'whatever next?' factor.
But next year
I have wasted my time, been lured in and not enjoyed it at all. It is the only tv programme I watch most nights and what a silly one to have chosen!!
In future I will remain where I am most evenings, having digital fun in the Internet.
I will not be voting for a Big Brother winner but urge you now, to get over to the final stage of The Big Blogger House and vote for Vitriola to win!!
Read her latest post here.
Come on come on. Today is your last chance!!
Many ex-watchers of that surreality tv programme have observed to me that it seems the producers were only intent on recruiting weirdoes for the show; people who would boost ratings by taking off their clothes all the time; people who would be willing to perform sexual acts on tv. (I say 'sexual acts' because what I have seen has not been people simply having sex. Oh no; nothing so unexotic. They have been sexual acts and I will not describe them as otherwise I would have to re-live the experiences.) I have been reticent to agree with whole sale slating of the 'housemates' as this does seem like a rather gross way to treat a bunch of people; but now after 71 long days, I feel I have to agree.
Luckily I have seen redeeming features in all the UK housemates from time to time; in some there have been more than one. However they all seem in general to be so unbearably slobby, rude and maniplative(apart from dear Eugene who therefore cannot be a real contestant this year).
Yet I have watched it nearly every night it has been on. Why?
I think it is dramatic tension; it is the sheer 'whatever next?' factor.
But next year
I WILL NOT BE WATCHING.
I have wasted my time, been lured in and not enjoyed it at all. It is the only tv programme I watch most nights and what a silly one to have chosen!!
In future I will remain where I am most evenings, having digital fun in the Internet.
I will not be voting for a Big Brother winner but urge you now, to get over to the final stage of The Big Blogger House and vote for Vitriola to win!!
Read her latest post here.
Come on come on. Today is your last chance!!
Vimeo
Ths site is a video sharing space, and it's 'About' page declares that:
It is not blogging on video, (you are only alowed 8mgs of space per week)rather it allows you to put short videos on the web which you can then link to from your blog. I don't think you can download into the blog though, but reckon that must be coming...
Anyway no time to experiment with this today, but will do when I get back from my holiday.
In the meantime, why don't you check out the site and see what clips there are? I found some of them VERY puerile, while others just illustrate how hard it is to make a film that will capture and hold attention. Just because a film is shorter does not mean it is easier to make; it has to be well shot and well PLANNED. Most of the examples I saw on this site are not, but it is early days yet.
For what it's worth, I quickly learned from using my video camera, you are best off avoiding swooping about with the camera; you should take a series of shots; don't try to 'show everything' but instead should keep a tight, still frame round the subject.
But what the Hell do I know?
Nowt, probably.
The inspiration for this site, most prominently, comes from Ludicorp's Flickr, Josh Schacter's del.icio.us, Lev Manovich, Albert-Laszlo Barabasi, and Dr. Maria Montessori.
It is not blogging on video, (you are only alowed 8mgs of space per week)rather it allows you to put short videos on the web which you can then link to from your blog. I don't think you can download into the blog though, but reckon that must be coming...
Anyway no time to experiment with this today, but will do when I get back from my holiday.
In the meantime, why don't you check out the site and see what clips there are? I found some of them VERY puerile, while others just illustrate how hard it is to make a film that will capture and hold attention. Just because a film is shorter does not mean it is easier to make; it has to be well shot and well PLANNED. Most of the examples I saw on this site are not, but it is early days yet.
For what it's worth, I quickly learned from using my video camera, you are best off avoiding swooping about with the camera; you should take a series of shots; don't try to 'show everything' but instead should keep a tight, still frame round the subject.
But what the Hell do I know?
Nowt, probably.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
No pix here
OK, so did you see Riverbend on 15th July?
She wrote of a fellow Iraqui blogger being abducted, and asked for prayers.
That abducted blogger, Khalid, is back now and blogging again. Read his thanks here. Read his story here.
So blogging can be very dangerous.
It can also be politically positive.
She wrote of a fellow Iraqui blogger being abducted, and asked for prayers.
That abducted blogger, Khalid, is back now and blogging again. Read his thanks here. Read his story here.
So blogging can be very dangerous.
It can also be politically positive.
bikes
TT bought these for us last summer. They are extremely whizzy and shiny.
It is however, rather naughty to keep them in the house like we do.
But we have not got a shed.
Does anyone know any good shed bulilders in Sheffield?
It is however, rather naughty to keep them in the house like we do.
But we have not got a shed.
Does anyone know any good shed bulilders in Sheffield?
My new camera
lets me take lovely close up shots.
I have made these REALLY BIG just to show off.
I can't help it.
I have made these REALLY BIG just to show off.
I can't help it.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
If walls could talk
When I was in Sheffield city centre today, I discovered a street with derelict buildings.
Really strange, as I had not noticed it before, I go past it often, and it is literally in the centre. Anyway, I looked through a broken, and very dirty window and saw four men, dressed in satin boxing shorts, boxing gloves etc etc, having a boxing match in a proper boxing ring. I have only ever seen that on the tv before and it was surreal seeing that funny little scene through the window.
I wonder what the story is there. (Did they break in? Is it their secret den? Are they renting it? Were they making a film? Was I in a time warp? Are they murderers? - ooops sorry got carried away.)
It was very weird but they looked as if they would hit me if I photographed them. So that's it; no pic.
I took this picture of a nearby cry for help instead:
Interesting that there is a web address; I like the way someone has neatly rammed the beer can in the air vent.
Who do you think wrote it and why? ( I DEFINITELY think it is a girl's writing)
Really strange, as I had not noticed it before, I go past it often, and it is literally in the centre. Anyway, I looked through a broken, and very dirty window and saw four men, dressed in satin boxing shorts, boxing gloves etc etc, having a boxing match in a proper boxing ring. I have only ever seen that on the tv before and it was surreal seeing that funny little scene through the window.
I wonder what the story is there. (Did they break in? Is it their secret den? Are they renting it? Were they making a film? Was I in a time warp? Are they murderers? - ooops sorry got carried away.)
It was very weird but they looked as if they would hit me if I photographed them. So that's it; no pic.
I took this picture of a nearby cry for help instead:
Interesting that there is a web address; I like the way someone has neatly rammed the beer can in the air vent.
Who do you think wrote it and why? ( I DEFINITELY think it is a girl's writing)
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Just to add
Let's play .'It's Essential!!'
In an exciting multimodal expose of my lifestyle, I am going to reveal to you all my kitchen gadgets!!! (Hooray!!)
However I will tell you at the outset, I also have the following:
Frankly, I got tired after heaving all the other stuff out of my cupboard.
OK so here goes:
1. Popular with the kids, as it is so easy to use, I give you the ...
Teenagers can endlessly make (and consume) toast and toasted sandwiches - (but canNOT wash-up.)
2. Next up is the item which was supposed to end the heartbreak of returning from holiday. Having learned that Margaritas are essential, we had to have the proper glasses, cocktail jug and stirrer, as well as the ICE CRUSHER:
After several months of getting totally pisst every night, we knocked that habit on the head and only use this little darling occasionally now. (But it was fun at the time!)
3. This next item is totally essential. It is a combination cooker - convention and microwave - and gets used every mealtime.
4. Now, my sister bought me these as a wedding present on my FIRST marriage of the series, about twenty years ago. They began just with Imperial weights but I have recently bought grammes and kilogrammes for use with those irksome new recipes:
I use it all the time as I am useless at guessing portions.
5. Okay, now for a real faddy purchase: I stuck with it for about nine months, daily making fresh bread. But I put on about ten pounds in weight and the kids thought the bread was foul (hence I ate it all.) I give you, the
6. This little item is especially important around birthdays. It is the whisk - mainly used to make cakes but sometimes is involved in pancakes and ommelettes:
7. These things RARELY get put in cupboards. This is the real play area of my kitchen. Rosa makes her millions of fruit juice smoothies, vegetable concoctions and other wild experiments. Also here, is the blender, which may be called in to help with banana whizzing but is more often part of a whole soup-making rigmarole. (I love soups.)
The garlic/herb crushing thing (curved knife and board) is used a lot too as I find it therapeutic to mince fresh herbs (from the garden) with it; the electric onion and garlic chopper also gets used a LOT. I keep a lot of dried herbs and spices here as I forget to use them otherwise.
8. This is the gadget I claim not to know how to use so that TT has something to do after he has eaten the wholesome evening meals I lovingly (and slavishly) cook for him:
So there you have it. These are (most of) my kitchen gadgets.
What do you find essential in YOUR kitchen and WHY?
However I will tell you at the outset, I also have the following:
Candy floss maker
Yoghourt maker
An electric steamer
A Pressure cooker.
Frankly, I got tired after heaving all the other stuff out of my cupboard.
OK so here goes:
1. Popular with the kids, as it is so easy to use, I give you the ...
Toaster and Toasted Sandwich-Maker:
Teenagers can endlessly make (and consume) toast and toasted sandwiches - (but canNOT wash-up.)
2. Next up is the item which was supposed to end the heartbreak of returning from holiday. Having learned that Margaritas are essential, we had to have the proper glasses, cocktail jug and stirrer, as well as the ICE CRUSHER:
After several months of getting totally pisst every night, we knocked that habit on the head and only use this little darling occasionally now. (But it was fun at the time!)
3. This next item is totally essential. It is a combination cooker - convention and microwave - and gets used every mealtime.
4. Now, my sister bought me these as a wedding present on my FIRST marriage of the series, about twenty years ago. They began just with Imperial weights but I have recently bought grammes and kilogrammes for use with those irksome new recipes:
I use it all the time as I am useless at guessing portions.
5. Okay, now for a real faddy purchase: I stuck with it for about nine months, daily making fresh bread. But I put on about ten pounds in weight and the kids thought the bread was foul (hence I ate it all.) I give you, the
Great White elephant: (Breadmaker)
6. This little item is especially important around birthdays. It is the whisk - mainly used to make cakes but sometimes is involved in pancakes and ommelettes:
7. These things RARELY get put in cupboards. This is the real play area of my kitchen. Rosa makes her millions of fruit juice smoothies, vegetable concoctions and other wild experiments. Also here, is the blender, which may be called in to help with banana whizzing but is more often part of a whole soup-making rigmarole. (I love soups.)
The garlic/herb crushing thing (curved knife and board) is used a lot too as I find it therapeutic to mince fresh herbs (from the garden) with it; the electric onion and garlic chopper also gets used a LOT. I keep a lot of dried herbs and spices here as I forget to use them otherwise.
8. This is the gadget I claim not to know how to use so that TT has something to do after he has eaten the wholesome evening meals I lovingly (and slavishly) cook for him:
So there you have it. These are (most of) my kitchen gadgets.
What do you find essential in YOUR kitchen and WHY?
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About Me
- Joolz
- Sheffield, South Yorks, United Kingdom
- I am an academic interested in New Literacies, Digital Lifestyles, Informal Online Learning.