Posts and Resources by Greg O'Connor
ReadWrite for iPad Keyboard
This video is one in a series of videos, available via Spectronics Online Premium, on iOS Keyboards for the iPad. The Read&Write for iPad is an alternative iOS keyboard, providing the following features: Text to speech Word prediction Spell checker Dictionary, with text to speech, and picture dictionary support The keyboard is very customisable allowing for modifications in …

Digital Directions #2 – My Top Picks
What the literature (both printed and online) is telling us Research in Learning Technology Research in Learning Technology is an international journal of the Association for Learning Technology, and is available free and online. All articles to Research in Learning Technology are posted online immediately as they are ready for publication. The journal aims to raise the profile …

Digital Directions #1 – My Top Picks
This is the first of a new, regular blog post, highlighting current directions and understandings in the use of technology in the classroom supporting the learning of all students. Each blog post I will seek to highlight key or emerging articles and research, technology tools and practices, and innovative and emerging technologies.¹ What the literature is telling us …

Using the cloud …… but is it secure?
When exploring and demonstrating the use of cloud based technologies such as Google Drive, Dropbox and Evernote in my workshops, a question is generally asked in relation to security. This recent infographic provides a good overview of the security of cloud services. NJIT New Jersey Institute of Technology – Online MSCS For more information on the background to this infographic see http://computerscience.online.njit.edu/resources/infographics/security-of-cloud-services/

Google reading level filter
The Reading Level feature in Google is a great tool to filter results based on three broad reading level categories: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. For more details please view the blog How do I search in Google using the reading level filter?.

Wearing possibilities on your sleeve
QR (quick response) codes and augmented reality (AR) applications are technologies being embraced by teachers, and others, as they provide new possibilities for supporting learners in the classroom and beyond. These technologies were not initially developed as a classroom or instructional tool, but teachers have come to realise their value in supporting teaching and learning programs. For example, just google ‘QR …

How do I search in Google using the reading level filter?
The Reading Level feature in Google is a great tool to filter results based on three broad reading level categories: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. To access and use the Reading Level filter follow these steps. First, in Google find the settings icon. This can be in different locations on your screen depending on the device you are using. …

LSA iPad Workshop Handout
IPAD BASICS If you want to know more about iPad Basics then watching the 101 webinar is highly recommended: iPad Basics 101 (iOS6) and iPads Basics 101 (iOS7). Top iPad Tips Accessibility information via the Spectronics Blog: Accessibility Features Assistive Touch Guided access Restrictions Multi-tasking gestures Accessories Additional accessories such as durable cases, speakers, mounts, switch interfaces, keyguards …

ILT2014 Keynote Resources: Try Another Way. Like it is a Bad Thing?
Introduction Marc Gold http://mn.gov/mnddc/extra/marc-gold1.html http://www.marcgold.com/ Marc Prensky (2012) Literacy in the Digital AgeBrain Gain: Technology and the Quest for Digital Wisdom http://marcprensky.com/brain-gain-technology-and-the-quest-for-digital-wisdom/ Learning Without Frontiers YouTube Channel: Mitch Resnick – Learning from Scratch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDPssJedOJ4 Keri Facer – Learning Futures https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_EcMTRKt8k Ray Kurzweil – Exponential Learning & Entrepreneurship https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUBw5e-zPXw Gartner Hype Cycle http://www.gartner.com/technology/core/products/research/topics/emergingTrendsTechnologies.jsp 2014 NMC Horizon Report – Higher Education Edition 2013 NMC Horizon Report – K-12 Edition …

Connecting with others via video conferencing: Google Hangouts and the alternatives
Jason Carroll’s recent blog post Upgrade Your Next Meeting With Google Hangouts gave an overview of this increasingly popular video conferencing tool. He tells you how to get started and how to start using the instant messaging/video conferencing/screen sharing features. To quote Jason, Google Hangouts “has the potential to replace many of the face-to-face meetings individuals are accustomed to”! Towards the …
