Interesting article on the BBC website about internet safety for children. It's a difficult issue for parents, teachers and libraries to address and it's one that causes a fair number of complaints from library users.
What is acceptable filtering for one individual is crippling censorship for another, while one person's idea of acceptable material for a child to view is inappropriate to another.
Still - while I by and large think that CEOP is "a good thing", there is no substitute for vigilant and engaged adults helping children thought the internet maze.
More here and here
Showing posts with label ICT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ICT. Show all posts
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Monday, 11 January 2010
The thing about blogs...
is that they don't write themselves, even when you're really busy. What you need is someone to come along and invent something that extracts thoughts from your head and turns them into erudite and thought provoking blog posts, making you look simultaneously intelligent, witty, hard working, irreplaceable, beloved of the masses and furthermore - stops your boss asking you why you haven't updated the blog for a while.
Kind of like that bit in minority report.
Now that, dear reader, would be a technological advance that would impress even me. Maybe even more than if Blogger came with a spell checker.
Instead we get this , which lets face it, no-one needs.
Kind of like that bit in minority report.
Now that, dear reader, would be a technological advance that would impress even me. Maybe even more than if Blogger came with a spell checker.
Instead we get this , which lets face it, no-one needs.
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
The old ones are the best
Did I ever blog this? Probably.
Still, no harm in blogging it again...
Breakthrough in Educational Technology
New Bio-Optic Organized Knowledge Device (BOOK) is a revolutionary breakthrough in technology; no wires, no electric circuits, no batteries, nothing to be connected or switched on. It's so easy to use, even a child can operate it. Compact and portable, it can be used anywhere - even sitting in an armchair by the fire - yet it is powerful enough to hold as much information as a CD-ROM disc.
Here's how it works: BOOK is constructed of sequentially numbered sheets of paper (recyclable), each capable of holding thousands of bits of information. The pages are locked together with a custom-fit device called a binder which keeps the sheets in their correct sequence. Opaque Paper Technology (OPT) allows manufacturers to use both sides of the sheet, doubling the information density and cutting costs. Experts are divided on the prospects for further increases in information density; for now, BOOKS with more information simply use more pages.
Each sheet is scanned optically, registering information directly into your brain. A flick of the finger takes you to the next sheet. BOOK never crashes or requires rebooting, though, like other devices, it can become damaged if coffee is spilled on it and it becomes unusable if dropped too many times on a hard surface, but it is far more durable than all personal computers on the market.
The "browse" feature allows you to move instantly to any sheet, and move forward or backward as you wish. Many come with an "index" feature, which pin-points the exact location of any selected information for instant retrieval.
An optional "Bookmark" accessory allows you to open BOOK to the exact place you left it in a previous session - even if the BOOK has been closed. Bookmarks fit universal design standards; thus, a single Bookmark can be used in BOOKs by various manufacturers. Conversely, numerous BOOK markers can be used in a single BOOK if the user wants to store numerous views at once. The number is limited only by the number of pages in the BOOK.
You can also make personal notes next to BOOK text entries with optional programming tools, Portable Erasable Nib Cryptic Intercommunication Language Stylii (PENCILS). Portable, durable, and affordable, BOOK is being hailed as a precursor of a new entertainment wave. BOOK's appeal seems so certain that thousands of content creators have committed to the platform and investors are reportedly flocking to invest. Look for a flood of new titles soon.
Still, no harm in blogging it again...
Breakthrough in Educational Technology
New Bio-Optic Organized Knowledge Device (BOOK) is a revolutionary breakthrough in technology; no wires, no electric circuits, no batteries, nothing to be connected or switched on. It's so easy to use, even a child can operate it. Compact and portable, it can be used anywhere - even sitting in an armchair by the fire - yet it is powerful enough to hold as much information as a CD-ROM disc.
Here's how it works: BOOK is constructed of sequentially numbered sheets of paper (recyclable), each capable of holding thousands of bits of information. The pages are locked together with a custom-fit device called a binder which keeps the sheets in their correct sequence. Opaque Paper Technology (OPT) allows manufacturers to use both sides of the sheet, doubling the information density and cutting costs. Experts are divided on the prospects for further increases in information density; for now, BOOKS with more information simply use more pages.
Each sheet is scanned optically, registering information directly into your brain. A flick of the finger takes you to the next sheet. BOOK never crashes or requires rebooting, though, like other devices, it can become damaged if coffee is spilled on it and it becomes unusable if dropped too many times on a hard surface, but it is far more durable than all personal computers on the market.
The "browse" feature allows you to move instantly to any sheet, and move forward or backward as you wish. Many come with an "index" feature, which pin-points the exact location of any selected information for instant retrieval.
An optional "Bookmark" accessory allows you to open BOOK to the exact place you left it in a previous session - even if the BOOK has been closed. Bookmarks fit universal design standards; thus, a single Bookmark can be used in BOOKs by various manufacturers. Conversely, numerous BOOK markers can be used in a single BOOK if the user wants to store numerous views at once. The number is limited only by the number of pages in the BOOK.
You can also make personal notes next to BOOK text entries with optional programming tools, Portable Erasable Nib Cryptic Intercommunication Language Stylii (PENCILS). Portable, durable, and affordable, BOOK is being hailed as a precursor of a new entertainment wave. BOOK's appeal seems so certain that thousands of content creators have committed to the platform and investors are reportedly flocking to invest. Look for a flood of new titles soon.
Thursday, 25 September 2008
News update
In the news this week, Gordon Brown's plan to ensure all family homes have a broadband connected computer. Whatever the ins and outs of the plan may be (and there is much debate about ongoing support and sustainability costs - sound familiar?) I do wonder where it would leave the people's network of public PCs in libraries.
With most authorities currently puzzling out how to fund replacements for their public computers and some authorities in England already charging for access, this development is going to be an interesting one.
Incidentally Welsh public libraries have made free access to computers a core entitlement for all users as part of the new "entitlements".
With most authorities currently puzzling out how to fund replacements for their public computers and some authorities in England already charging for access, this development is going to be an interesting one.
Incidentally Welsh public libraries have made free access to computers a core entitlement for all users as part of the new "entitlements".
Wednesday, 4 July 2007
Another first!
The pilot RFID self issue system has gone live this week in Morriston library - making it the first RFID library in Wales. We're hoping that the new Central Library will offer 100% self service when it opens in March next year, beating even Sutton who currently claim the highest rates.
My particular favourite thing about RFID is the "animal noises" functionality described in this article in the local paper - and, yes - they did manage to get the word "bookworms" in again!
My particular favourite thing about RFID is the "animal noises" functionality described in this article in the local paper - and, yes - they did manage to get the word "bookworms" in again!
Tuesday, 19 June 2007
Links to the library catalogue
Saturday, 9 June 2007
ICT, Schm-ICT
Anonymous said...
Why not link this to your catalogue entry rather than to Amazon?
08 June 2007 19:06
Good question "anonymous". Like all the best questions, this one has a really simple answer - it doesn't work. I'm not sure why - may have to ask an esteemed colleague, but it doesn't.
However, rest assured that you can check availability of any titles I mention at any time by clicking the link on the right hand menu (scroll down a bit).
Not perfect but thems the breaks.
Why not link this to your catalogue entry rather than to Amazon?
08 June 2007 19:06
Good question "anonymous". Like all the best questions, this one has a really simple answer - it doesn't work. I'm not sure why - may have to ask an esteemed colleague, but it doesn't.
However, rest assured that you can check availability of any titles I mention at any time by clicking the link on the right hand menu (scroll down a bit).
Not perfect but thems the breaks.
Tuesday, 20 March 2007
Website of the week!
Has got to be our new library catalogue. It's not quite finished yet, but I couldn't resist putting the link up so you can have a look and play "spot the familiar location". My favourite picture is the one with the bug in - what's yours?
Tuesday, 13 March 2007
and the loveliest of all was the Unicorn...
Our new computer system, Unicorn, went "LIVE" today, amid much excitment, nerves and cake.
So far, so good, not too much chaos and only a few small teething problems. The system is great, loads more functionality than our previous one, great customer interface on the online catalogue and best of all, you can change the screen colour to suit your mood.
Today I am mostly using "winter".
So far, so good, not too much chaos and only a few small teething problems. The system is great, loads more functionality than our previous one, great customer interface on the online catalogue and best of all, you can change the screen colour to suit your mood.
Today I am mostly using "winter".
Wednesday, 17 January 2007
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Swansea Libraries website is the only Welsh library website to get a gold star rating on this webpage reviewing all UK library websites. How exciting!
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