Newsletter No.50
BETT 2010
BETT is the world’s largest educational technology event.It takes place at Olympia and runs from January 13th to 16th. Entry is free but pre-registration is required.
There are hundreds of exhibitors ranging from giants such as Microsoft and HP to 'one man (or woman) bands' producing specialist software.
We would recommend a visit to Kudlian on stand R10 particularly if you are interested in animation software.
As usual Martin will be on the Just 2 Easy (j2e) stand which is Q26. If you are attending BETT don't forget to pop by and say hello.
There is also a full programme of seminars with something to interest everybody. In particular 'ICT in the primary curriculum – an essential for learning and life' looks to be of interest.
It is essential to pre-book seminars on the BETT website.
Special Needs Fringe
If you are attending the BETT exhibition then it is also worthwhile popping in to the Special Needs Fringe at the Olympia Hilton (not Sat 16th). As well as specialist SEN exhibitors and seminars there are free refreshments and a place to sit down.
Open Catalogue
The Department for Children Schools and Families is introducing a new process for schools in England to purchase their goods and services. In brief, it's an online marketplace called OPEN where schools and suppliers will transact.
This system is currently being introduced into schools in Bournemouth and Poole.
We have registered and uploaded our first catalogue. Please note that prices are for non-Lifeline schools. As subscribers you will be able to purchase items at a discount so please continue to get in touch for the most competitive quotations.
Youtube
Many thanks to Anthony Pinnock for reminding us that copyright issues could result from downloading videos from Youtube. Also that the resulting flv files can be played in Smart Notebook - just drag a file onto a page to play it.
BETT is the world’s largest educational technology event.It takes place at Olympia and runs from January 13th to 16th. Entry is free but pre-registration is required.
There are hundreds of exhibitors ranging from giants such as Microsoft and HP to 'one man (or woman) bands' producing specialist software.
We would recommend a visit to Kudlian on stand R10 particularly if you are interested in animation software.
As usual Martin will be on the Just 2 Easy (j2e) stand which is Q26. If you are attending BETT don't forget to pop by and say hello.
There is also a full programme of seminars with something to interest everybody. In particular 'ICT in the primary curriculum – an essential for learning and life' looks to be of interest.
It is essential to pre-book seminars on the BETT website.
Special Needs Fringe
If you are attending the BETT exhibition then it is also worthwhile popping in to the Special Needs Fringe at the Olympia Hilton (not Sat 16th). As well as specialist SEN exhibitors and seminars there are free refreshments and a place to sit down.
Open Catalogue
The Department for Children Schools and Families is introducing a new process for schools in England to purchase their goods and services. In brief, it's an online marketplace called OPEN where schools and suppliers will transact.
This system is currently being introduced into schools in Bournemouth and Poole.
We have registered and uploaded our first catalogue. Please note that prices are for non-Lifeline schools. As subscribers you will be able to purchase items at a discount so please continue to get in touch for the most competitive quotations.
Youtube
Many thanks to Anthony Pinnock for reminding us that copyright issues could result from downloading videos from Youtube. Also that the resulting flv files can be played in Smart Notebook - just drag a file onto a page to play it.
Ictopus
Ictopus (ICT online primary user support) is a free support service for primary education. Anyone can sign up for the service (free of charge) and will then receive every fortnight a six page printable magazine and a set of activity suggestions. There is also a regularly updated newsblog, a set of classroom activities and a copyright free picture gallery.
Users are encouraged to supply their own resources. For instance, in the 'Castles' section of the picture resources there are no examples of Corfe Castle. What are you waiting for? Sign up now and submit your photos.
The latest magazine focuses on strategy games. Those of you who remember Acorn Computers will almost certainly remember Lemmings. Enjoy!
Music Software for home use
Many schools use ESP's Compose World and The Dums. Now it is easy for parents to purchase the same software and donate money to the school at the same time. ESP's new online shop is now open.
The login to ESPMusic online mentioned in the last newsletter will expire at the end of the year so have a look now and see what you are missing!
Just 2 Easy news
We are delighted to report that j2e has
been shortlisted for an award at the
BETT exhibition in the Tools for Learning and Teaching section. We wish them every success.
And if you think that j2e is too complicated for your pupils (because they are too young) then you will be stunned by jit - the version of j2e for foundation/reception and KS1.
Mapcaster
Storm Software are a local company based in Shaftesbury. You may know them from the Smudge series.
Their latest product is 'Mapcaster'. We have only just received our preview copy so cannot give a full review but you can see more here - or on stand R80 at BETT (just round the corner from Martin at j2e).
Ictopus (ICT online primary user support) is a free support service for primary education. Anyone can sign up for the service (free of charge) and will then receive every fortnight a six page printable magazine and a set of activity suggestions. There is also a regularly updated newsblog, a set of classroom activities and a copyright free picture gallery.
Users are encouraged to supply their own resources. For instance, in the 'Castles' section of the picture resources there are no examples of Corfe Castle. What are you waiting for? Sign up now and submit your photos.
The latest magazine focuses on strategy games. Those of you who remember Acorn Computers will almost certainly remember Lemmings. Enjoy!
Music Software for home use
Many schools use ESP's Compose World and The Dums. Now it is easy for parents to purchase the same software and donate money to the school at the same time. ESP's new online shop is now open.
The login to ESPMusic online mentioned in the last newsletter will expire at the end of the year so have a look now and see what you are missing!
Just 2 Easy news
We are delighted to report that j2e has
been shortlisted for an award at the
BETT exhibition in the Tools for Learning and Teaching section. We wish them every success.
And if you think that j2e is too complicated for your pupils (because they are too young) then you will be stunned by jit - the version of j2e for foundation/reception and KS1.
Mapcaster
Storm Software are a local company based in Shaftesbury. You may know them from the Smudge series.
Their latest product is 'Mapcaster'. We have only just received our preview copy so cannot give a full review but you can see more here - or on stand R80 at BETT (just round the corner from Martin at j2e).
