Anseo.net - Latest Comments

Re: Interactive Whiteboard Irish Review March 2010

simonmlewis — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 14:42:37 -0000

Hi there. Thanks for the question. Once you hook up an iPad or Android tablet to an IWB, you can't interact on the board itself and can only do so on the tablet itself. As far as I know, Microsoft's Surface Profressional doesn't have this problem.

Re: Interactive Whiteboard Irish Review March 2010

Greenroom — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 12:24:10 -0000

Hi, Great reviews, Just what I was looking for!

We have been given money for IT for a new Autistic unit and I wish to purchase an IWB with the money, and also some tablets for the children to use. They are infants and so finger touch is important to me. Do you know if any of the boards can be used in conjunction with tablets or if any of the IWB's have the same software which can be used on tablets so the children can utilise the same skills with each? Sorry if that is a stupid question! Thanks for all

Re: Everything I know about Féilte

Maxipete — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 19:10:33 -0000

Get me a webcam and I'll send you a feed on Sat

Re: Free eBook on Interactive Whiteboards

Rozz — Sat, 28 Sep 2013 11:58:50 -0000

You rock! your book is fab but I may be biased. I think teachers will get great use out of this! Well done!

Re: Anseo.net Shortlisted

simonmlewis — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 18:51:36 -0000

Thank you!

Re: Anseo.net Shortlisted

Yepi — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 06:40:15 -0000

so great!

Re: Raspberry Pi Arrived

Nilesh — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 06:55:39 -0000

From were you got this display ..!!

Re: Review: Microsoft Surface RT

simonmlewis — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 17:06:03 -0000

I'd go for a class set of these if I had to choose. However, if I didn't have to choose, I'd wait for the next incarnation of Surface. I don't think I'd buy an iPad yet.

Re: Review: Microsoft Surface RT

Clare Marie — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 12:41:17 -0000

If you had the option of buying a class set of these or half a class set of Ipads what would you recommend?

Re: Review: Microsoft Surface RT

simonmlewis — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 04:28:46 -0000

Thanks, Luke. It's just a bit frustrating to see something that looks like "full Windows" but doesn't act like "full Windows". If they even hid the desktop, expectations wouldn't be as high!

Re: Review: Microsoft Surface RT

Luke — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 16:24:56 -0000

The application issue with Windows RT is down to the hardware. It uses an ARM processor (same as iPad & Androids) instead of an Intel X86 CPU, so Windows applications all have to be completely rewritten for the ARM CPU. Another downside I found was the lack of space due to Windows OS taking up half the disk space, so a 32GB Surface RT really only has about 15GB free (the same as a 16GB iPad).

Re: Hiring Professionals for School Web Sites

simonmlewis — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 11:10:57 -0000

We use Blacknight but there are loads of companies who support Wordpress. Wordpress is as easy or as difficult as you want it to be but I love it!

Re: Hiring Professionals for School Web Sites

Nikki — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 09:12:12 -0000

If you would like to use Wordpress as an ICT co-ordinator in a school is it too difficult to use? What host site would you recommend when using it? Thanks

Re: Blog Awards Ireland – Longlist Announced

Para Friv — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 23:02:46 -0000

I found it interesting to read the news, post me a lot of information I need. Really thank you.

Re: Anseo Apps: Aimsir (Weather)

simonmlewis — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 02:59:06 -0000

Hi Deirdre

Yes, the problem was fixed but not to my satisfaction. Dropbox wouldn't let me store the file on their server so if you send me an email through the contact form, I'll email the program on to you.

Re: Anseo Apps: Aimsir (Weather)

deirdre — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 18:22:51 -0000

any chance this is fixed yet ?

Re: How will the new enrollment laws affect primary schools?

simonmlewis — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 03:49:27 -0000

The sad fact is that schools don't receive specific grants for specific things like heating or electricity, etc. Schools receive a capitation grant, which is based on the number of pupils in the school. This usually covers 60-70% of the schools actual costs as it has to cover every expense. The rest has to be fundraised in some way. I think it's amazing that the Department of Education has been able to get away with not funding primary schools properly for so long.

Re: How will the new enrollment laws affect primary schools?

Patrick — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 03:44:30 -0000

My son's school sent a bill which they described as a "parental charge / heating charge", although I understood that the Dept. of Education provides for the heating. Could they run into trouble for that?

Re: Scrapping the Scrúdú?

simonmlewis — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 02:42:58 -0000

It's a tough one, fred. I don't think there enough appetite to change this as it's so emotive (as you can see from some of the other comments)

Re: Scrapping the Scrúdú?

fred — Tue, 03 Sep 2013 17:27:00 -0000

For me the issue is not whether Irish should or should not be taught in Primary schools. It's one of the National languages, so there should be no question about it.
My issue is the need for Special Needs teachers to take the SCG when the children they teach are exempt from Irish and are being taught a different curriculum altogether which means those teachers actually have no need for the language. We do however have and need a whole different set of skills, none of which are recognised. A downgrade of an honours degree to Montessouri along with a pay cut is the thanks we get for such a challenging job.
I am about to be in the same position as Cecy1. I have been learning Irish for the last 3 years and am signing up for the SCG this year. For me the cost of the course is the biggest hurdle. €1400 to sign up and then €400pw for the 3 weeks in the Gaelteacht. That's without the cost of a babysitter so I can attend the classes. All the while there are no jobs, so no income to pay for all this.

Re: 3 Behaviour Management Systems

Tom Percy — Sun, 01 Sep 2013 16:29:35 -0000

Have used class dojo and I think it's very good. One thing I do find though is that creating and particularly maintaining records for each individual child can be quite tedious in the everyday running of the class. Generally divide the class into different groups, assign a name/avatar etc and take it from there. Children find it very good fun, since it's visual/auditory and helps motivate. Gotcha Ninjas looks good...keen to try it out.

Re: Student Management Systems: Staff Communication

simonmlewis — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 18:00:05 -0000

Sorry for the delay getting back to you, Ruth. It's really important that teachers use Aladdin everyday in order for it to be effective. I like your ideas about letting teachers know about children being sick but it does rely on them being on more than once a day.

Re: Where can I get the Jolly Phonics font?

simonmlewis — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 17:05:43 -0000

Thanks for the update. Good to know one can get it free

Re: Where can I get the Jolly Phonics font?

Sean — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 16:57:10 -0000

Sassoon Primary is free here. http://best-font.com/font/S...

Re: Student Management Systems: Staff Communication

Ruth — Sun, 25 Aug 2013 08:33:52 -0000

Thanks Simon. I understand that. I thought that your Virtual noticeboard was on screen at all times in e.g. the staffroom, not that people logged in with usual account, and wondered how that was achieved given different levels of access etc. On another use of Aladdin, if I get calls that children are out sick or going to be late I message teachers with the information. It does rely on teachers interacting regularly with Aladdin during the day which in our school didn't happen last year but is planned for this year. Saves a lot of running around!!