This is BATA’s newsletter and makes interesting reading. If you are a supplier or a person with disability who buys equipment in the UK this is useful information:-

http://us8.campaign-archive1.com/?u=31c96959b6d86b26eea0172d1&id=cf2b0dc978&e=d02cbdbabc

That is always a relative question to the state of the technology at any given time. So it is always changing and in a state of flux. My favourite has been Chrome – which with the Bing Tab and iChrome tab works for me. But I have been impressed with Windows 10 The Edge which is intuitive and useful for students to do their research with as it has direct links to OneNote which means whatever you study can be captured and stored. Not only that The Edge would be useful for teachers as it really works like an interactive board software – with its link to OneNote and the potential with Office 365 ClassNotes webapp will be all the tools teachers at secondary level might need. All run from a tablet or laptop.

But I have recently re-looked at Mozilla’s Firebird and found that this browser is fast and clean . Perhaps doesn’t have the bells and whistles associated with other browsers but if you want a basic browser that is one of the fastest to use Firebird’s present version is good

I have further tested this app and it is good to report that it transfers my photos and PDF’s to all my devices which are all on different platforms. This will explain simply what it does :-

 Have you noticed this icon on the task bar and wondered what it did? No? Well I discovered its usefulness having briefly clicked over it previously. A video from Microsoft put me onto this and I can now see its usefulness. Here are some notes about it

Move apps around

To see several apps at the same time, grab the top of the window of one app and drag it to the side or corner of the screen. You’ll see where the app will snap, along with other apps that can automatically snap next to it. Select Task view  on the taskbar to quickly switch between open apps.

Having multiple virtual desktops as Microsoft call it. But to me it means different tasks can be switched automatically making it easier to keep tabs on different aspects of me work rather than switching tabs on my browser. From a workflow point of view it makes sense. If you are a tablet user and someone with fine-motor issues maybe the task view offers an easier way to navigate . When I tried to use Cortana to “Open Task View” the result came back as a web search! It’s a pity Cortana doesn’t do voice commands!

Pushbullet is a great little app that connects your devices to enable you to communicate . Its quicker and easier than email and you are able to transfer files like the photos above. I think that this would enable transfer of data between plaforms . Learnt of this through my chromebook and iChrome widgit. There is a pushbutllet widgit that allows your information to be displayed as below:-

I am impressed with the new feeds you get on iChrome. This now integrates so well with social media and tools that make working more efficient and clearer. Information flow is becoming more interactive and focused than ever before. Creating live feeds are becoming easier and easier to use as well. I use Virgin Media for my tv, broadband and internet. I also have a Tivo box and downloaded the TVAnywhere app . I first needed to set up a direct link to my wifi using one of those circuit plugs and an ethernet cable. This was straightforward enough but means I can watch channels from anywhere in the house not just on the tv in the living room. This is good when you or your spouse want to watch different things. I have also discovered that I can send video from within youtube to display on my tv directly, that is going directly from my iphone via the TV box. The world of streaming is also becoming easier.

Joe White has tweeted me his blog which i would commend to you to have a look at as it contains great content on interaction. I am a fan and will keep an eye on this blog. Go to  https://teachsen.wordpress.com/

Sally I have known of for more years I care to mention. Although not close buddies I respect her as a fellow colleague and someone who has been around long enough to have real insight and vision. Therefore, when she chose to follow me on Twitter I took a look at her website: http://sallymckeown.co.uk/index.htm and was pleasantly surprised. It’s not showy or busy (unlike mine!) well structured and well written it says what she needs to be known and clearly points the way to help from her. Great job, Sal! Love it’s simplicity!

Just made this short video explaining my concept for engaging learners with additional  needs in making their own animations, etc.

QuadMedia