Nik’s Learning Technology Tools

A. Software
Makeuseof.com
- Web based apps or free software.

- Enables pupils to focus mostly on free stuff which is handy and they have a great
Web2.0 Directory which is worth browsing through, especially if you are looking for a
particular tool.

- Type: Onigiri (Internet: Online Organizer)

- Online Organizer is a type of directory where people do not have to carry their book
around but also they can access it anywhere, anytime and can even share it with
other people if they want to.

- Type: Ponte Salvatico ( Web 2.0)

- Web 2.0 is an interactive web application that is different from the common website
applications. It is in contrast with the non-interactive common websites where users
are limited to the passive viewing information that is provided to them. Web 2.0
application is a tool for collaboration, whereby it allows the users to have a real
platform for true collaborative activities. It focuses on the users and the content,
instead of just surfing on the internet.

- provide an RSS feed, so if you don't have time to look through the archives, just sign
up to the feed and keep up to date with what's new on them.

- Digital Journalism: The teachers can use the tool to enhance the students’ writing skill
and it serves as a platform for them to express their thoughts and opinions about
certain issues. Besides that, the Makeuseof.com enables pupils to read their peers’
blogs. This works look up for the vocabularies regarding the topic. Teacher can also
encourage pupils to give their own opinion on how they would like the lesson to be.
This 2.0 Web application involves information sharing, interoperability, user-centered
design and collaboration on the worldwide web. People have a new way to define
their own perspectives, opinions, thoughts and experiences as well as to have other
people comments and read others’ piece of mind.
B. Creating Online Journals

• Why: It enables the teachers and learners to keep reflections and writing
entries.

• Learners can read the entries plenty time according to their own preferences.

• Learners can take their own time and pace, analyse and draw conclusions,
share and reflect on again.

How to create learning journal?

1. Go to http://penzu.com/ and sign up (free)

2. You can then start creating your journal entries by adding a text and title. Each
entry is dated automatically.

3. Can insert your pictures by clicking on “Insert Photo”.

4. To share journal entries you click on the share icon and this enables you to
email your entry to someone else.

5. You can either include your name and email along with a message or this can
be done anonymously. The journals are private but you can share with as much
people as you prefer.

How to use this tool to teach digital journalism

1. Teacher sets a topic every week or twice a week and requires every student
to write their entries every week.

2. Add to it, they should read other peers journals and comment and share ideas
too.

3. In the class, students should present their products and teacher have
discussions on the topic in a thourough manner.
 4. This idea enables the learners to acquire a deep insight on the topic and
remember them well because they are exposed to the topic throughoout the
week.

C. Games

Why use this tool?

 The 3D environment stimulates the pupils’ imaginative streak, thus, enhancing

their creative and aesthetic dimension.
 Children of these generation practically grow up with online games. Therefore, by
using these gamnes we are introducing something that they are familiar with and is
very much part of their element.
 These games also are based around strong narratives. Thus, they provide a
context and flow while the children are playing. This would help them to make
concrete sense of the game.
 These games are interesting and engaging.
 They present a challenge for the students in which the students’ need to utilise
their analytical and critical thinking skills.

How to play the games

The two games proposed by Nik Peachy are Samorost 1 and Samorost 2.

In Samorost 1, an asteroid is heading towards a planet. The player has to click on

various elements of the screen and find out how to help Samorost change the
direction of the asteroid and save his planet.

In Samorost 2, Somorost's dog is stolen by aliens and the player has to help
Samorost rescue the dog.
How to use this tool to teach digital journalism

• Story telling – After playing the games, the pupils narrate their adventure in
their blogs.

• Creating a manual – Pupils have to prepare a manual to play the game in

which they have to include the instructions about playing the game based on their
instructions. They can be required to create a brochure or a flyer in the Microsoft
Publisher.

• Following instructions – This activity is the exact opposite from the above. In
this activity, teacher prepares the instructions before pupils play the game. They
follow the instructions in order to win the game.

• Write the story – Pupils are to create short e-book or slides where they have
to write the summary of their journey in the game.