Fujitsu to Synetrix

Well, I've just gone to the old Community Gateway site (https://login.embc.org.uk/) and followed the instructions to migrate my account to the new site. I've successfully accessed my email, and sent and received one too. I gather many schools are having issues though. Feel free to share them here! If the FAQs on the new site don't help, give x7777 a ring, and keep them busy! Always make sure you get a job number off them, so that they are committed to resolving your issue.

USB mic

Lots of requests about spec and cost of the mic I was using at the latest briefing, so here is one I found, so I've bookmarked it:

http://del.icio.us/DerbyshireICT/peripherals

I've found schools quite like using the combo headsets and mics as they do the job, and are very cheap. However the quality isn't great, so a couple of decent ones like this might be better for podcasting, voiceovers on your DV films for the Derbyshire DVcompetition, or making teacher resources etc.
Obviously you would need to use an approved supplier, or get three quotes, so I've used Amazon purely for indication of looks and cost.
*Edit* I've just added another combo headset that I tried last week, from Softease, although it was a Labtec one. I just used it for podcasting and was crystal clear sound!

Blogging with pupils

Blogging (and other web2.0 ideas) are having a mixed response so far at our brieifings. Most consider them an exciting new tool to explore, hoping to tap into children's eagerness to use ICT, and sometimes to tap into our own passion for learning too! However others have considered it 'another thing to fit in' or 'ICT for the sake of it' - I don't see it like that, but feel the need to collect your ideas on how best to start blogging with a class. Perhaps if I start with some initial thoughts, and you could help throw in suggestions:

1. Rules. Get all the relevant permissions from senior management, parents, and alter ICT policies if required. Discuss/agree rules with the pupils involved.

2. Plan ahead. Have an idea of what you might post, say weekly over a two month period, so that the pupils have fresh things to read or do each time they visit.

3. Integrate. Fit these activities, questions, quizzes into the context of learning in your class.

4. Involve. Encourage parents to visit and give feedback to pupils comments/work/answers - make this another home/school/community link.

What do you think? It would probably help if I (or should I say, the County Council) created some sample policy statements, suggestions for class blogging rules, and activity ideas...?

A big list of activity ideas would be useful, so get replying!
I'll start with two:
1. Homework specific research question - give the children a website you've vetted, and pose a quick couple of questions for them - the first three correct answers posted back get some kind of class reward/team point.
2. Post a photo of their pet (pet topic), evening meal (healthy eating), something magnetic/something that uses electricity (science topic) - be sure to have reinforced guidance on a 'safe' photo to post!
...

Audacity

Having attended the ICT Breifing on Thursday and being reminded about Audacity I decided to give it a go with my class. I already had it planned in but was going to do it in Textease so just made a slight alteration. My year 4 class picked it up really easily and it was a good tool for getting them to speak clearly and use the wave patterns to help control their voices.

I am going to try and post the results on our blog so they can show their parents.