You can gain University degree-equivalent knowledge in any of thirteen different areas of study. You won’t pay any money. You can study at your own pace and when and wherever you choose. Best of all, the textbooks that go with the courses are free and authored by university professors from around the world. The only thing [...]
Archive for the ‘technology’ Category
Saylor Offers Free Online University-Level Courses For 13 Areas of Study
Posted by ginac on February 4th, 2012
Posted in Books, College, Homeschool, Learning Methods, Online Tools, technology, Unschooling 
Tags: Bachelor of Science, E-learning, free online learning, Free University, Homeschooling, Online Learning, Open Courseware, Saylor, Unschooling 
Comments OffWhat Higher Education Can Learn From Video Games
Posted by ginac on February 2nd, 2012
Game-based learning motivates students both in and out of the classroom Game-based learning is so effective because the actual progress built into any game is the actual lessonóbe it the skill and dexterity needed to shot a precise arrow to the knee of your opponent in Skyrim, or the strategy and technique needed to maneuver [...]
Posted in Learning Methods, Teaching methods, technology, Video Games Tags: classroom, Computer Games, Education, Learning, Video Games, World of Warcraft Comments OffInfographic: The State of OpenCourseWare
Posted by ginac on February 1st, 2012
OpenCourseWare has grown steadily since 2001 thanks in large part to MIT. Discover how OpenCourseWare has and is continuing to change the way people learn. Via: Online College Courses Blog
Posted in Learning Methods, Online Tools, technology Tags: cloud learning, MIT, Online Learning, OpenCourseWare Comments OffLearning to Love Learning
Posted by ginac on January 31st, 2012
One of the greatest challenges for anyone in the business of inspiring, mentoring, or otherwise working with young people is to impart the love of learning. Education is often seen as a tool or a requirement, not as a freedom; a chore, as opposed to a luxury–rarely as a source of enjoyment. Homeschoolers and independent [...]
Posted in Homeschool, Learning Methods, Literacy, Online Tools, technology Tags: homeschool, Learning, literacy, love of learning, technology Comments OffDoes Your Child Need a Cell Phone?
Posted by ginac on January 7th, 2012
Cell phones were not available when I was growing up. The single rotary phone we did own hung inconspicuously on the wall near the kitchen. I never gave much thought to the phone other than to find out what the weather forecast was for the following day. Anyone else remember doing that as a child? We [...]
Posted in Back to School, technology Tags: cell phone, data plan, internet, safety, texting Comments OffHappy Holidays
Posted by ginac on December 25th, 2011
Happy Holidays to all of our loyal readers. We’re looking forward to another great year of sharing learning resources with you. Enjoy these past posts for ideas on extending the fun from holiday gifts, especially if those gifts include LEGO or Apple devices. LEGO Creator – Creative Building Ideas Using Existing Bricks Musical Instruments on [...]
Public Libraries Experimenting with Hackerspaces
Posted by ginac on December 13th, 2011
Hosting hackerspaces in libraries might seem odd, but libraries are and have always been central to all sorts of learning. Hackerspaces are becoming increasing popular, so it makes sense that a respected institution such as public libraries bring maker tools to everyone. Everything from mold injection machines to 3D printers are taking up residence in [...]
Posted in Library, Make, technology Tags: Fabulous Laboratory, Fayetteville Free Library, Hackerspaces, Public Libraries Comments OffDIY Makers Bring Neuroscience Research to Everyone
Posted by ginac on December 2nd, 2011
Enterprising engineers and graduate students are creating low-cost devices and methods for conducting basic neuroscience research. Using iPads, apps, blue LEDs, and other off-the-shelf items from Radio Shack, products like Backyard Brains are cropping up to support the DIY biology hacking movement. Building affordable scientific instruments is perhaps the biggest hurdle to accessible research in [...]
Posted in Biology, Chemistry, Electronics, Make, Science, technology Tags: backyard brains, Biology, DANA Foundation, DIY, hacking, Makers, Neuroscience Comments OffHandy iPod touch Hack for the Electronics Geek
Posted by ginac on December 1st, 2011
This over-the-top hack for the iPod touch is both fun and useful. The iPod touch is a handy device for checking email, listening to music, and managing your calendar, but it is a handy reference device. In fact, by attaching a mini microscope and downloading the free Resistor Color-Code app, the iPod touch becomes a really geeky [...]
Posted in Electronics, technology Tags: Electronics, Hack, hacks, IPod Touch, mini microscope, resistor color-code app, resistors Comments OffCool Projects and Resources for Budding Electronics Hackers
Posted by ginac on November 29th, 2011
Hacking with electronics is an important part of the maker culture. With the open source Arduino prototyping platform, young people are creating increasingly sophisticated and interesting “hacks” that deal with cameras, computers, and more. What better way to learn about design, engineering, and technology than through electronics! As fans of both the maker culture and electronics, [...]
Posted in Design, Electronics, technology Tags: Adafruit, Altoids tins, Arduino, binary, Breadboarding, Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories, make, resistor color codes Comments Off
