School Tech News Archive

Land Yacht Challenge

(Monday 28th May 2007)
This challenge is open for students in Years 4-7. In teams of three or four, students are to design and construct a wind-powered Land Yacht. Each team's yacht will be "raced" against other yachts. The goal is to design and construct a yacht that will travel the longest distance on Race Day. Registration is open from 18th June to 13th July - Race Day is on 7th September. (See some examples).

More Privilege for the Privileged (Ross Gittins - SMH)

(Tuesday 22nd May 2007)
"Today, the budget shows public schools getting 31 per cent of the money while the private schools get 69 per cent. But public schools still have two-thirds of the enrolment."

Digi-Kids and a New Way of Learning (Dale Spender - SMH)

(Tuesday 22nd May 2007)
"The adventurous, independent learners of the digital age are a very different breed from the children who 60 years ago sat quietly in their ordered rows, worked from their books and relied upon their teachers for information. Today's students need an entirely different form of education from the scenario that Howard finds desirable."

Term 2 ICT Co-ordinator Meetings

(Friday 18th May 2007)
This Term's ICT Co-ordinator meetings for Wollongong and Shellharbour schools will be presented in the first week of June at Corrimal East PS, Bundanoon PS and North Nowra PS. Our guest speaker is Geoff Byers from GP Tech, who will be demonstrating the new Sentral modules. Please send a confirmation email if you will be attending.

Sally Wins World Surfing Crown

(Monday 14th May 2007)
All local eyes were glued to the live video from Portugal last night, to watch Gerroa grommet (and ex-Kiama HS student) Sally Fitzgibbon take out the World Under 18 surfing title.

Sunrise Browser (Mac)

(Monday 14th May 2007)
Small and fast web browser. Uses the same backend as Safari - but displays your bookmarks as thumbnail icons.

TechPlan Toolkit

(Thursday 10th May 2007)
Offers practical help to teachers and administrators in the development and implementation of ICT plans that promote more powerful student learning.

Microsoft Office 11.3.5 Update (Mac)

(Thursday 10th May 2007)
Includes a number of security updates and other bug fixes. Also combines all previous updates into this one installer.

PodKids

(Monday 7th May 2007)
Check out the latest Podkids News (Episode 12) from Orange Grove PS (WA). Includes news about their blogging teddy, and using their iPods to Race Around Australia.

Bali Holiday Tours

(Monday 7th May 2007)
Next time you are in Bali, and need some transport anywhere on the island, give Rocky (aka as Made Sumerta) a call - great prices, excellent local knowledge, wonderful service, and a lovely fellow!

DET Web Awards 2007

(Wednesday 2nd May 2007)
The theme for the NSW DET's Annual Schools Web Design Awards is Journeys. Students are encouraged to utilise their web design skills, their ability to collaborate and work within a team to take visitors on a Journey of their own design. It could be historical, geographical or a journey of personal growth in any area. See also the 2006 winning entries.