Project Loon - Balloon Powered Internet

I came across this one today and thought I would share it with you.  Check out the weblink below and see what you think.

http://www.google.com/loon/

I thought this was interesting considering my last post could be called anti-technology, if people wanted to read it that way.

If I was going to categorise this as a genre - I would think that it would have to be Steam Punk.

Is Technology all it is promoted to be?

There have been a number of articles on the Teacher Librarians list-serv just recently about technology and it's effects on students learning abilities.  Some of the research that is coming in regarding on-line distraction is quite interesting.  Not just in regards to students but for adults as well. 

Below are some of the one I have read just recently.  Speaking for myself, I am aware of how easy it is to be distracted on-line from what you should be doing or to slip into 'multi-tasking', which on-line really means 'surfing the web'. If as adults, we have this problem, how much harder would it be for the students?

Have a look at the articles below.

From a passionate teacher of technology and media, a look from the other side:

http://www2.curriculum.edu.au/scis/connections/issue_91/articles/a_world_of_online_distraction.html

 

It is also interesting to read Clay Shirky's article on why he banned technology from his lectures:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2014/09/25/why-a-leading-professor-of-new-media-just-banned-technology-use-in-class/

 and finally:

Intriguing read on The Waldorf schools in the USA who mindfully do not use technology in their education. Waldorf schools are 'different' but the people who make all these gadgets and technology for us, carefully choose NOT to have their children learning with technology. Their theory is that given just how easy it is to pick up the technology skills, like using toothpaste, that literacy and numeracy should come first - and maybe they should know, given that they make the stuff:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/23/technology/at-waldorf-school-in-silicon-valley-technology-can-wait.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&

Interesting reading, given that many schools in Australia have, or are beginning a 'Bring your own Technology' policy.

New Books in the Library

We have some new books available for loan in the Library.  There is a range of different titles that, hopefully, will appeal to a variety of people. Most of them are fiction books with a few non-fiction in the mix. Below is a brief review of a few of the books on display.

Computer Coding for kids:  Computer coding is firmly back on the agenda as a key skill for children to start learning. Computer Coding for Kids is a unique step-by-step guide, perfect for kids interested in computer programming and how computers work. 

Lone Pine:  A story not well known about the Lone Pine Battle at Gallipoli during World War One, is told through the tale of the pine tree which stands in the gardens at the War Memorial in Canberra. This is a Picture book and is based on a true story.

Animal heroes:    Animal Heroes is a collection of 21 short stories in which Anthony Hill remembers just a few of the many gallant dogs, horses, pigeons, donkeys, pets and mascots who have served with Australia's armed services from the First World War to the present day.

There are also a couple of 'Choose your Own' stories in both adventure and horror genres along with science fiction and sports titles as well. 

All worth a look, so come on in and see what we have to offer.