Category Archives: Reading skills
“The papers of AJ Wentworth” by HF Ellis
I found this book in the Union library. I’d never read a book about a maths teacher, and English schools were doing my head in (the whole PGCE was doing my head in!). So in my end of term exhaustion and misery the … Continue reading
Extending the “Slow” movement to education? Blending digital and nondigital
Nice to read an attempt at a balanced view of the way schools could try to blend digital and nondigital, preserve some “old fashioned” thinking skills and help kids learn in a variety of ways. Reading and writing aren’t disappearing even though the tools and … Continue reading
Great research libraries of the world?
This interesting article by Robert Darnton in the NY Review of Books includes a quick skim through the history of the book (or written knowledge). But I lost respect when I read: “In 2006 Google signed agreements with five great … Continue reading
Frontline documentary about youth internet use
Similar themes to Digital Revolution series on BBC (2010). First in PBS series was ”Growing up online” focusing on identity. Too one-sided and hysterical for me. When I watch programs like this I’m very grateful my parents let us run wild in Outback … Continue reading
iPad as change agent for reading? Doubt it.
Both this Wired Article and related blog post from if:book arguing gamers are showing the future of “reading” seem to have high expectations of the iPad facilitating change. After reading “How Much Information?” it seems that the interactive aspects of the internet are key, else we’re loyal to legacy … Continue reading
Horizon 2010 Report: Visual Data Analysis
Horizon 2010 report puts visual data analysis and gesture based computing as technologies on the far term horizon (4-5 years). Yet the basics are already here. Check out the fabulous winners of International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge 2009. I haven’t … Continue reading
How Much Information? by Bohn & Short (2009) Uni of California
Eye-opening analysis of information consumption in USA. I found the analysis of efficiency of information forms fascinating. Analysis of conversation a most interesting way to conclude. Reminded me of the TED talk about research with babies learning language – 10 … Continue reading
Liar’s Poker author reduces financial crisis to 7th grade readability level
Doesn’t mean he’s wrong. Here’s an extract from his book. I remember reading recently that the financial sector accounted for over 40% of the profits of listed US companies listed (pre-crisis). What economy can afford that? Is this another case of an … Continue reading
Digital literacy – modern reading skills
Does The Onion reveal truth about multi-media reading skills? Is it a natural development from our Cliff’s Notes schooldays? Or self-fulfilling prophecy by influential institutions, as recommended in this paper by MacArthur Foundation? Is it an improvement on “old style” reading, different skill or a … Continue reading
