Dan's Technology Blog

My interest in machinery started like most small lads because of my dad and a handful of second hand books. Lego embellished my enthusiasm. My pa was a final trim grader operator for 25 years finishing on a Cat 120G grader. My dad managed three macadamia nut farms, and often required trees pushed out and plantations developed. I rode a few times on Cat D6D and Komatsu D160 dozers. In the early 90s my dad and I visited Stahmann farms at Morree in NW NSW in Australia to buy a pecan harvester. Dad had the harvester shipped to a Macadamia nut farm where he converted it from a front drive rear wheel steer, removing the rear axle and replacing it with a single hydraulic powered single rear wheel. The advantage was to increase the turning circle at the ends of the tight steep rows. My interest picked up speed when Dad gave me a copy of a Deutz engine brochure which was full of specialized machines pictures using Deutz power. When the internet sprang up, this propelled my interest ever furth...

Hi There, What is exciting about 21st Century learning? GAMES!! I have included just a small writing on just a couple of excellent games that are helping students learn all over the world. Scenario (ECE/Primary/Secondary): You have a class of children with mixed abilities and learning styles. You have been working with them for a number of terms and feel you need a fresh approach to engage them in meaningful outcomes. A teacher at the school suggests games as they have had some success with them and the principal is very supportive. Find a game that you think will be appropriate for your class and describe how you will implement it and what you expect the response to be from the students including the possible learning outcomes. Teaching games take on several different forms, but nearly all of them require skills and learning of a system to complete. Prensky writes: “Practice is project based, requiring students to solve new problems and address new challenges using the n...

Hi There, I would like to share this little gem with you. it is called PLANE. PLANE is an acronym for Pathways for Learning, Anywhere, anytime – a Network for Educators. It is a great tool for networking between student teachers and experienced teachers and principals in Australia. There are many attractive features that hone skills in many ICT areas such as Games Based Learning, mind mapping, how to makes, etc. Have a look for yourself and join up! http://my.plane.edu.au/about_plane