Recently thanks to a colleague I’ve been playing around with iPython. iPython is an interactive version of Python that many people are beginning to use to teach Python, to create and run simulations and visualizations, and to just generally have a richer environment within which to work while coding. This investigation led me to Xiki, […]
Tablets in Schools—What’s Ahead in 2014
By on January 6, 2014
“Twenty thirteen was the ‘year of the tablet’ and good riddance,” says Christopher Harris. Time to focus on the real reason to invest in any tool for learning: content and pedagogy.
Germany’s Unperfekthaus: Is this the Library of the Future?
By on December 16, 2013
Let’s be honest. Physical resources are in decline, and the transition to digital holdings will only accelerate.Now: What can we do with all that library space opened up by the decline of print? Consider the Unperfekthaus, a German model that encompasses maker spaces and much more.
Love Whispersync, Hate the Terms: How can schools legally work with Kindle technology?
By on November 18, 2013
It’s the “holy grail of ebook features for education,” writes Chris Harris, of Whispersync for voice. But we need clarity on Amazon’s terms of service before schools can reasonably commit to the Kindle ereader.
Board Games to Support the Common Core
By on October 15, 2013
Christopher Harris believes that board gaming is a strong contender to become the “Next Big Thing” in schools. Yet no sector of education has laid claim to it. Could libraries be the place where gaming flourishes?
ConnectED Will Bring Faster Connections to Schools and Libraries | The Next Big Thing
By on August 28, 2013
What could your library do with gigabit broadband? If you don’t have a list of innovative ways to use an Internet connection 10 or 100 times faster than the current norm, start making it now.
‘Here Be Fiction’ Launches: New site features ebook fiction available to schools on library-friendly terms
By on June 28, 2013
Discovery of ebooks in K-12, particularly worthwhile fiction, has been tough going. A new site, Here Be Fiction, will attempt to remedy that, enabling users to identify quality ebooks accessible to schools on library-friendly licensing terms. Featuring ebook previews and reviews, HereBeFiction.org will enable librarians and others to discover fiction from a wide variety of publishers made available for both individual and multi-user access.
Give Students a Break: Four Strategies to Combat Information Overload
By on June 12, 2013
When it comes to presenting resources to students and teachers, librarians have been as guilty as any regarding information overload. But in this digital age of abundance, our real value is being able to discern quality over quantity.
Self-Published Ebooks not a Solution for K-12 Schools
By on May 6, 2013
While self-published titles may be an option for public libraries when it comes to acquiring ebooks, not so for schools, according to SLJ columnist Christopher Harris, who lays out the ongoing challenges for ebook adoption in K-12.
The Post-MARC Era, Part 1: If It’s Televised, It Can’t Be the Revolution
By on April 17, 2013
Please note: This series of posts outlines my opinions and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of my OCLC colleagues or of OCLC as an organization. Also, these opinions are held regardless of any impact the paths I suggest may have on my employer. You will not be able to stay home, brother. You will […]
