Despite the absence of Digital Leaders this week I feel obliged to write a blog post to sustain popularity and do what was meant to written today. So without further delays here is multiple scientific websites. For Periodic Table obsessives: I recommend webelements.com which shows the entire Periodic Table (including Actinoids and Lanthanoids) in which you discover extensive and key information about any element. For those of you want to learn and master the lyrics to Tom Lehrer's magnificent 'Elements' song to impress your friends here's a YouTube video (and it's accompanying lyrics). For space fanatics here's NASA's official site: http://www.nasa.gov, which includes a educational and children's section for learning more about space and The Solar System.
For those who want science featuring famous intellectual masterminds I recommend, the previously recommended TED, which includes talks by Professor Stephen Hawking and Professor Brian Cox. For those who enjoy unconventional and oddly interesting science I recommend the also previously recommended awesome Vsauce (more details in my review here).
Hope you enjoyed this review! Look out for more science website recommendations by my fellow Digital Leaders.
Thursday, 27 February 2014
Saturday, 22 February 2014
Spice Bites - Digital Leaders Site Presented to Staff at Riddlesdown
It is the first day of term and very, very early but I am hoping that the some of the Riddlesdown Digital Leaders will be there at 8.25 in the hall to help me show off their super work.
I am one proud teacher!
Ms F
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
Scribblenauts Unlimited 3DS Review
Scriblenauts Unlimited is the third title in the Scribblenauts series. The objective of the Scribblenauts games is to complete levels and puzzles by summoning objects/persons/fantasy monster/weapons with the primary character Maxwell's magical notebook e.g. Quest 'make a potion for the witch, so she can have a romantic date with the troll" Object 1: snail, 2: flower 3:candy. The ability to add adjectives allows you to convert the attributes/personality of the objects,e.g. making people happy=evil or evil=friendly, creating great humour. The series' slogan is 'Endless Possibilities, Imagine Anything, Explore Everything",it believes the only limitation is your imagination, which is partially true, although the lack of the Object Editor in the 3DS version, causes a prevented imagination to the user. Another disappointment was the level of difficultly and I found far less challenging than the previous titles suggesting it may be aimed at children with his cartoony style although it's still rated a PEGI 12 for violence.
This version of Scribblenauts includes popular Nintendo characters/items such as Mario or Link or a Invincibility Star or Master Sword unlike its predecessors. Since it was released in the USA nearly 1 year 1/2 ago, they are many edits to the European versions since it doesn't include internet memes such as Nyan Cat or Rickroll anymore after the creator of Nyan Cat sued Warner Bros, which could have created a more enjoyable experience.
Pros:
+Funny
+Creativity is almost unlimited
+Intriguing puzzles
+Nintendo Characters
Cons:
-Less challenging than previous titles
-No internet memes
-Less unlimited than believed
83%-SILVER AWARD
This version of Scribblenauts includes popular Nintendo characters/items such as Mario or Link or a Invincibility Star or Master Sword unlike its predecessors. Since it was released in the USA nearly 1 year 1/2 ago, they are many edits to the European versions since it doesn't include internet memes such as Nyan Cat or Rickroll anymore after the creator of Nyan Cat sued Warner Bros, which could have created a more enjoyable experience.
Buy the game: http://goo.gl/lByGvd
+Funny
+Creativity is almost unlimited
+Intriguing puzzles
+Nintendo Characters
Cons:
-Less challenging than previous titles
-No internet memes
-Less unlimited than believed
83%-SILVER AWARD
Tuesday, 18 February 2014
Recommended for education: TED Talks
TED is a variety of educational talks about 'Ideas Worth Spreading" as it's slogan says, from Can Video Games Make Kids Smarter? to a North Korean refugee, now living in the USA who lost his family during the country's famine. The topics range from entertainment to global issues. TED Talks have been hosted by ordinary people to YouTubers. From Microsoft co-founder and billionaire Bill Gates to world-renowned Professor Stephen Hawking to Michael Stevens (Vsauce). The channel is great since it features a range of interesting topics, allowing you to gain detailed insights into today's world society's interests and issues, in a manner which is attractive to adults and knowledgable students.
Site-http://new.ted.com
YouTube channel: http://ow.ly/tKTfH
Other good TED talks:
Thursday, 13 February 2014
Recommend for Maths lessons: Mathletics
The website called "http://www.mathletics.co.uk/" is a fun and entertaining website which helps children with their math skills.
You also get to have a character to start off with and then as more matches you win against opponents you earn fake money and then you can buy accessories, clothes, backgrounds and many other things for your character. Also you can enter a competition and earn a certificate. I will strongly advise you to use this website for maths even though it will cost £39.99 for a child.
By Lagosan
Recommend for Maths lessons: Watch Simpsons and Futurama episodes-it's that simple!
If you watched any episodes of the Simpsons or Futurama, it has very clever and nerdy mathematical references from Pi to 1729 embedded in it. This is because the writers have Masters and Bachelors even doctorates in mathematics.
They have even created a proper mathematical theorem hidden in 'The Prisoner of Benda" Futurama episode. From more in-depth details of these awesome secrets I recommend reading The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets by British mathematician Simon Singh (buy it here, SPOILER-it's brilliant).
So in your maths class, have a story time of this book or ask your teacher to turn on Simpsons/Futurama episodes on projector from WatchCartoonOnline.com or YouTube then locate these deliciously excellent easter-eggs, then the teacher can explain the mathematics behind it.
They have even created a proper mathematical theorem hidden in 'The Prisoner of Benda" Futurama episode. From more in-depth details of these awesome secrets I recommend reading The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets by British mathematician Simon Singh (buy it here, SPOILER-it's brilliant).
So in your maths class, have a story time of this book or ask your teacher to turn on Simpsons/Futurama episodes on projector from WatchCartoonOnline.com or YouTube then locate these deliciously excellent easter-eggs, then the teacher can explain the mathematics behind it.
Recommend for Maths lessons: BBC Bitesize, Calculator and My Maths
For KS3 I recommend http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/maths/ . You can use this to revise or learn.
Here is a calculator http://www.online-calculator.com/
Good websites for students and teachers are: http://www.mymaths.co.uk/ or http://www.mangahigh.com/en-gb/
Have fun learning maths!
Here is a calculator http://www.online-calculator.com/
Good websites for students and teachers are: http://www.mymaths.co.uk/ or http://www.mangahigh.com/en-gb/
Have fun learning maths!
Recommend for Maths lessons: IXL Learning
I have found a good website for revision called IXL it has revision for reception to year 12.
http://uk.ixl.com
By Sam Shackleton
Saturday, 8 February 2014
Recommended for English lessons: No Fear Shakespeare
No Fear Shakespeare (nfs.sparknotes.com/) is part of the excellent Spark Notes website (www.sparknotes.com/sparknotes/), it is designed to make shakespeare easier to learn for anyone!
It is a huge resource for both students and teachers and the best bit is that it's free!
No Fear Shakespeare puts Shakespeare's language side-by-side
with a facing-page translation into modern English—the kind of English people
actually speak today. This makes it much easier to understand and infer from
the text; as both versions are avalible side by side it makes comparison and
understanding of not so common words so much simpler.
It also provides summaries and in depth analysis of each
act/scene and character. This is useful during revision to quickly remind
yourself of the story or for some extra perceptive points for your essay.
It is a huge resource for both students and teachers and the best bit is that it's free!
Thursday, 6 February 2014
Recommended for English lessons: freerice.com
Freerice.com is a website in which you answer multiple-choice question on the definition of easy and difficult English words, for every correct answer, 10 grains is donated to United Nations World Food Programme, aiding those in necessity and poverty, just through your English vocabulary knowledge. Fortunately nothing negative occurs via incorrect answers. So not only does it improve a student's vocabulary knowledge, but helps improve the quality of someone's life in poorer countries. Overall I think it is a fantastically amazing website for both leisure and for teachers/students in English lessons. It also many other subjects including maths, science, modern-foreign languages, humanities even test preparation/revision, although the main and original subject is English.
Site-http://freerice.com/
Site-http://freerice.com/
One Piece: Romance Dawn 3DS Review
Konnichiwa, O genki desu ka? Japanese viewers and readers of our blog, today I'll review ワンピース ロマンスドーン 冒険の夜明け (One Piece Romance Dawn). Tanoshimu! :) Enjoy! :)
One Piece: Romance Dawn is a video game based on the fantastic Japanese manga and anime One Piece by Eiichiro Oda, it is about a young adventurous boy called Monkey D. Luffy who wants to become the King of The Pirates, he acquired rubber powers after eating the Gum-Gum Devil Fruit, who assembles a great crew. The game follows the storyline from Luffy's beginnings to the Romance Dawn timeskip. The game is a RPG (Role-playing game) in which you level up via battling the enemy pirates and Marines in this case, gaining experience for each character. The anime cutscenes are in Japanese, due to copyright problems over the English dubbed anime, although have English subtitles for those un-fluent in Japanese. The gameplay is fun, being able to punch, kick, slice and dice enemies with each individual character's insanely awesome attacks and powers. Although is annoying, if defeated and have to revert home screen, since you cannot locate a save point, losing data and re-doing gameplay. The manga-like scene are cool, since they combine elements of the manga and anime together. Overall I think this is a great video game for both One Piece and RPG fans.
70%-BRONZE AWARD
Links:
More info on One Piece:
http://onepiece.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page
http://www.onepieceofficial.com
Buy the game:
UK version:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Piece-Romance-Dawn-Nintendo/dp/B00F9SQIEK/ref=sr_1_4?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1391706771&sr=1-4&keywords=one+piece
Japanese version: http://www.amazon.co.jp/バンダイナムコゲームス-ワンピース-ROMANCE-DAWN-冒険の夜明け/dp/B00D11GCJI/ref=sr_1_2?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1391708111&sr=1-2&keywords=one+piece+romance+dawn
One Piece: Romance Dawn is a video game based on the fantastic Japanese manga and anime One Piece by Eiichiro Oda, it is about a young adventurous boy called Monkey D. Luffy who wants to become the King of The Pirates, he acquired rubber powers after eating the Gum-Gum Devil Fruit, who assembles a great crew. The game follows the storyline from Luffy's beginnings to the Romance Dawn timeskip. The game is a RPG (Role-playing game) in which you level up via battling the enemy pirates and Marines in this case, gaining experience for each character. The anime cutscenes are in Japanese, due to copyright problems over the English dubbed anime, although have English subtitles for those un-fluent in Japanese. The gameplay is fun, being able to punch, kick, slice and dice enemies with each individual character's insanely awesome attacks and powers. Although is annoying, if defeated and have to revert home screen, since you cannot locate a save point, losing data and re-doing gameplay. The manga-like scene are cool, since they combine elements of the manga and anime together. Overall I think this is a great video game for both One Piece and RPG fans.
70%-BRONZE AWARD
Links:
More info on One Piece:
http://onepiece.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page
http://www.onepieceofficial.com
Buy the game:
UK version:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Piece-Romance-Dawn-Nintendo/dp/B00F9SQIEK/ref=sr_1_4?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1391706771&sr=1-4&keywords=one+piece
Japanese version: http://www.amazon.co.jp/バンダイナムコゲームス-ワンピース-ROMANCE-DAWN-冒険の夜明け/dp/B00D11GCJI/ref=sr_1_2?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1391708111&sr=1-2&keywords=one+piece+romance+dawn
Recommended for English lessons: Google Books
Students who are reluctant readers will begin reading, once they grow awareness of this book recommendation service by Google Inc. People can search and browse, even purchase from Shakespeare to Marvel comics, it is for any age, from primary to adults. The purchasing is from the most common booksellers e.g. Barnes & Noble, Amazon or Waterstones. For e-book and technology obsessives, there is an Android app and e-books to download for your Kindles, Kobos and Nooks. It even allows you to read books for free, so no online freenium.
Overall I think this will be a great resource to encourage reading among adults and children.
Site-http://books.google.com
Overall I think this will be a great resource to encourage reading among adults and children.
Site-http://books.google.com
Reccomended for English lessons: Wordement
Wordement is available of window 8 stores.
The Game gives you a grid as shown below and you have to try and find as many words in it as possible.
So say for this you would be able to get:
Man
Me
The Game gives you a grid as shown below and you have to try and find as many words in it as possible.
So say for this you would be able to get:
Man
Me
![]() |
Game Background |
Say if the Word started with M you can only have the 8 letters around.
This game if Fun as well as educational
Recommended Sites for English: EnglishBiz
I recommend http://www.englishbiz.co.uk/ for anything to do with English.
It combines many sites about English, like BBC Bitesize (which is useful as well for English, and other subjects as well) so you can find everything you need about English. But not necessarily how to spell pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanokoniosis! Yes, it is a real word!
It combines many sites about English, like BBC Bitesize (which is useful as well for English, and other subjects as well) so you can find everything you need about English. But not necessarily how to spell pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanokoniosis! Yes, it is a real word!
Saturday, 1 February 2014
Riddlesdown Digital Leaders - Subject Blog Challenge
Over the course of the next couple of months our blossoming bloggers here at Riddlesdown will be completing blogging challenges. They will be researching and recommending digital tools, apps and sites for various subjects. Each of our wonderful student Digital Leaders will be producing short snappy blog posts about their top recommendation/s for your subject.
So teachers and students alike - stay tuned!
The schedule of topics is below for your perusal.
Thursday 6th of February - English
Thursday 13th of February - Maths
Thursday 27th of February - Science
Thursday 6th of March - Modern Foreign Languages
Thursday 13th March - Geography
Thursday 20th March - History
Thursday 27th March - PE
Thursday 3rd April - Art
So teachers and students alike - stay tuned!
The schedule of topics is below for your perusal.
Thursday 6th of February - English
Thursday 13th of February - Maths
Thursday 27th of February - Science
Thursday 6th of March - Modern Foreign Languages
Thursday 13th March - Geography
Thursday 20th March - History
Thursday 27th March - PE
Thursday 3rd April - Art
Friday, 31 January 2014
Pokémon: X and Y 3DS review
Even before you begin reading this review, you'll have probably defeated the Champion and captured Zygarde, or the the trio of legendary birds, Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres (highlighted one, two and three in Spanish!) but I still hope you enjoy my review! (Bet, you haven't caught all 718 Pokémon?!)
Pokémon X and Y is a game, featuring mainly the brand-new 6th generation of Pokémon creatures although features many other popular Pokémon from Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh and Unova. It is set in the brilliantly new Kalos region, which is based on France, and even features a parody of the Eiffel Tower, Prism Tower, the main attraction in the Parisian city of Lumiose and home to the 5th gym leader. The gameplay is the regular Pokémon catch and battle, although the battles have been transformed into the third dimension, creating a much more realistic fight between Pokémon and their trainers. The storyline has similarities to the previous games, a evil organisation wanting to capture and utilise the Legendary Pokémon of the chosen version of the game. In X and Y there two versions of legendaries, Xerneas and Yveltal. I chose Y, so I have Yveltal, whose move is exceptionally stronger and even has the abilities to heal him, making him much more tactical than Xerneas for battling purposes. It is traditional storyline of Pokemon,you start at home with your mother with no Pokémon, set a journey to become a grand Pokémon master and champion, starting at the professor's lab to acquire your starter Pokémon.The XY starters are Froakie, a turquoise Water-type frog. Fennekin, a flaming red Fire-type fox and Chespin, a grassy-green fighting Grass-type hedgehog. I completed the main storyline in 1 week, defining its simplicity, it's less challenging than the previous games for experienced gamers. The post-game content is duller, lesser and easier than the previous games, just capturing Kanto legendary and anime fan-favourite Mewtwo in a peaceful lonesome cave to hunting and capturing the bird trio in another lonesome cave. Overall I wish the massively postponed accompanying Pokémon Bank app will come with a update for the main game, extending the post-game storyline.
Pros:
Pokémon X and Y is a game, featuring mainly the brand-new 6th generation of Pokémon creatures although features many other popular Pokémon from Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh and Unova. It is set in the brilliantly new Kalos region, which is based on France, and even features a parody of the Eiffel Tower, Prism Tower, the main attraction in the Parisian city of Lumiose and home to the 5th gym leader. The gameplay is the regular Pokémon catch and battle, although the battles have been transformed into the third dimension, creating a much more realistic fight between Pokémon and their trainers. The storyline has similarities to the previous games, a evil organisation wanting to capture and utilise the Legendary Pokémon of the chosen version of the game. In X and Y there two versions of legendaries, Xerneas and Yveltal. I chose Y, so I have Yveltal, whose move is exceptionally stronger and even has the abilities to heal him, making him much more tactical than Xerneas for battling purposes. It is traditional storyline of Pokemon,you start at home with your mother with no Pokémon, set a journey to become a grand Pokémon master and champion, starting at the professor's lab to acquire your starter Pokémon.The XY starters are Froakie, a turquoise Water-type frog. Fennekin, a flaming red Fire-type fox and Chespin, a grassy-green fighting Grass-type hedgehog. I completed the main storyline in 1 week, defining its simplicity, it's less challenging than the previous games for experienced gamers. The post-game content is duller, lesser and easier than the previous games, just capturing Kanto legendary and anime fan-favourite Mewtwo in a peaceful lonesome cave to hunting and capturing the bird trio in another lonesome cave. Overall I wish the massively postponed accompanying Pokémon Bank app will come with a update for the main game, extending the post-game storyline.
![]() |
My character having a photograph taken behind the Kalos Pokémon League |
+Fun, traditional Pokémon storyline
+3D battling brings a new perspective
+New batch of brilliant Pokémon
+Pokémon Bank (in hope for update!)
Cons:
-Weaker, duller post-game content
-More simple than the previous games.
-short similar storyline
97% GOLD AWARD
Gameplay: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5tkeMtZM9uU
Thursday, 30 January 2014
Mario Party: Island Tour 3DS Review
What a brilliant way to start up 2014's 3DS games line-up with a brand-new banging partytastic Mario Party Island Tour! The game revolves round Mario and co. playing colourful and fun mini-games on a magical, jolly tropical island. There is a hugely-giant variety of mini-games ranging from matching monsters to a picture to a imitation TV show copying catchphrases of the characters. The party boards, are of all different styles from a Mario-Galaxy themed board to a Bowser's Bizarre Volcano!. There's a wealth of playable characters from Mario to Bowser Jr. although I wish could be more playable characters such as in previous Mario Party games or the Mario Kart series of games. Bowser's Tower was surprisingly easy, although increases in challenge progressively, the boss battles range from a Tower Of Goombas to Bowser himself?! Overall I wish the gameplay could have been more challenging, but with the settings to change settings of CPU characters' level of difficulty meaning you can create the simplicity of fun or a great challenge for hardcore gamers. The multiplayer is brilliant, allowing 3DS users, even who don't own the game, the fun experience of it, as may seem solitude and lone playing it solo.
Pros:
![]() |
Gameplay of Rocket Road (Mario Galaxy themed stage) |
+Colourful Fun
+Grand variety of mini-games
+Wealth of characters
+Change gameplay settings
+Simplicity to challenging
Cons:
-Want more playable characters
Gameplay: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hXyF71T83Po
Buy The Game: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mario-Party-Island-To
ur-Nintendo/dp/B00CETU3EI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391111378&sr=8-1&keywords=mario+party+island+tour
ur-Nintendo/dp/B00CETU3EI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391111378&sr=8-1&keywords=mario+party+island+tour
73%-BRONZE AWARD
My Favourite Website
My Favorite web site is PicMonkey.com it is awesome
It is a picture editor which you ca use to change pictures to make them look awesome and professional.
Here is 2 of my creations using this website
By Sam Shackleton
It is a picture editor which you ca use to change pictures to make them look awesome and professional.
Here is 2 of my creations using this website
By Sam Shackleton
Tuesday, 28 January 2014
Website Review: Museum of Mario
The Museum of Mario is a interactive journey from 8-bit Mario to Modern Era 3D Mario, it allows to explore the history of Super Mario with clickable features such entering the insides of a Donkey Kong arcade to info about Mario's and co. latest Wii U adventure Super Mario 3D World
It is developed by gaming website IGN in corporation with Intel. The interactions are although limited on unsupported devices such as the iOS machines. It also includes famous and familiar audio sounds and tracks, with many hidden interactions to discover!
It is developed by gaming website IGN in corporation with Intel. The interactions are although limited on unsupported devices such as the iOS machines. It also includes famous and familiar audio sounds and tracks, with many hidden interactions to discover!
![]() |
Screenshot of the website's front page |
Site:http://mario.ign.com
95%-GOLD AWARD
FutureLearn
FutureLearn is a online website that was founded in December 2012 (so about 1 year and 2 months now) It is majority owned by UK's Open University's, it contains vast online courses which are very interesting.
Some of these courses include:
- The Secret Power Of Brands
- Inside Cancer
- Good Brain Bad Brain
- Shakespeare
- Begin programming: build your first mobile game
- Causes of War
These are only a few of the courses that I can remember of the top of my head.
I have high hopes for Programming a mobile app, as I am doing that course myself. many of the courses have already been tested, and more are to come.
Monday, 27 January 2014
Window Surfaces, Good or Bad?
First of all what are the Window Surfaces.
At First impressions the tablet is quite think, which could be annoying in the tablet aspect, although it is relatively thin if you are using it for the computer aspect, it took what seemed like forever (5 -10 minutes) just to turn on and if you need them in lessons it not a very nice time wait.
The Good Points
although personally I have found myself that the bad out weighs the good on this tablet.
For other review check out:
http://searchconsumerization.techtarget.com/tip/Surface-RT-review-The-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly
this is a great website which shows, The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
At First impressions the tablet is quite think, which could be annoying in the tablet aspect, although it is relatively thin if you are using it for the computer aspect, it took what seemed like forever (5 -10 minutes) just to turn on and if you need them in lessons it not a very nice time wait.
The Good Points
- Looks nice
- Decent battery life (8-10 hours)
- Already comes with Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
- Has a USB plug in.
although personally I have found myself that the bad out weighs the good on this tablet.
- It seem to take forever to launch for me. I was left there waiting for the tablet to load up.
- Apps take 10-15 seconds to load up.
- It is very hard to learn how to control it, so it becomes very hard and frustrating.
- Has some charging issues.
- The key Board is not very sensitive, those that are used to hearing the typing on their keyboard will find it frustrating when they have to go without.
- The keyboard is uncomfortable.
- frequent Wi-Fi reliability issues, requiring restarts and/or enabling and disabling Wi-Fi until you get the Surface to reconnect successfully.
For other review check out:
http://searchconsumerization.techtarget.com/tip/Surface-RT-review-The-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly
this is a great website which shows, The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
Sunday, 26 January 2014
App Review: Asterix Megaslap
Asterix Megaslap is a game for iPad/iPhone and Android based on the French comic Asterix The Gaul. It includes comical illustrations and is a fun concept, although hurts your finger to continuously rotate your finger to fill the power gauge to the maximum, a iPad stylus is recommended to assist your gameplay. Disappointedly the areas, are ridiculously tedious and repetitive, as your flying character keeps departing and returning to the same areas. Secondly there is only one playable character as Asterix, as there is no appearance by Obelix, accept as a collectible character token, and think he should be added as a playable character. Basically the objective of the game, is for Asterix to send a Roman soldier flying through the air, with your strong muscles, as progressively level up, you earn upgrades and power-ups to send him flying further, overall I think a application update should be added, which adds new playable characters from the series and new areas to fly to.
Pros:
+Comedic illustrations
+Fun gameplay
Cons:
-Tedious and repetitive
-Hurts your finger to utilise full power of Asterix (recommended-buy a iPad stylus here)
-No Obelix!
51%-MODERATELY FLAWED
Links:
More info on Asterix The Gaul comic:
http://www.asterix.com
Download The Game:
iOS:https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/asterix-megaslap/id657761961?mt=8&uo=4
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bulkypix.asterix
Pros:
+Comedic illustrations
+Fun gameplay
Cons:
-Tedious and repetitive
-Hurts your finger to utilise full power of Asterix (recommended-buy a iPad stylus here)
-No Obelix!
51%-MODERATELY FLAWED
Links:
More info on Asterix The Gaul comic:
http://www.asterix.com
Download The Game:
iOS:https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/asterix-megaslap/id657761961?mt=8&uo=4
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bulkypix.asterix
Friday, 24 January 2014
Gaming Review: Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DON'T KNOW!
Today I'll be reviewing Adventure Time: Explore The Dungeon Because I DON'T KNOW!. I am reviewing the Nintendo 3DS version of the game, it may slightly differ from its home-console counterparts. My review may seem bias since I am great fan of Adventure Time :)
Adventure Time: Explore The Dungeon Because I DON'T KNOW! is a video game based on the Cartoon Network smash-hit TV series (For those of you who don't what Adventure Time is, it is a TV series, about Jake, a dog and Finn, a human boy, who go on insane adventures!, its won an Emmy for Best Animation). well, in this game, Princess Bubblegum sends Finn, Jake and co. to a dungeon to defeat the lurking villains down there. The voice-over work done by the TV cast is fantastic, voicing every speech made by each character, which lightens the game and brings the characters to life, also creating the comedy of the television series, in the game. Creator Pendleton Ward wrote the storyline, so it's basically like a hugely-long Adventure Time episode on a games console!!
Now to gameplay... the dungeon are fairy bland with not much imagination or detail with a harshly-low number of items, monsters to fight or allies to interact with. Greater comedy is added to my version of the game (and on the Wii U gamepad) by BMO, the Korean GameBoy owned by Finn and Jake, with humorous silly-talk voiced over all by Niki Wang.
Pros:
+Hilarious Voice-acting
+BMO!! (Wii U and 3DS only)
+Good Gameplay
+Comedic storyline written by creator Pendleton Ward
Cons
-Bland and boring dungeons
84% SILVER AWARD
Links:
More info on Adventure Time:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventure_Time
Gameplay:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=d-49Lu0798I&list=PLBgBDirvTL9ATgUXOU18OUrAFOv0sVYO9&feature=plpp
Buy the game: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Adventure-Time-Explore-Dungeon-Because/dp/B00EPZ8VAW/ref=sr_1_1?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1390594691&sr=1-1&keywords=Adventure+Time
Adventure Time: Explore The Dungeon Because I DON'T KNOW! is a video game based on the Cartoon Network smash-hit TV series (For those of you who don't what Adventure Time is, it is a TV series, about Jake, a dog and Finn, a human boy, who go on insane adventures!, its won an Emmy for Best Animation). well, in this game, Princess Bubblegum sends Finn, Jake and co. to a dungeon to defeat the lurking villains down there. The voice-over work done by the TV cast is fantastic, voicing every speech made by each character, which lightens the game and brings the characters to life, also creating the comedy of the television series, in the game. Creator Pendleton Ward wrote the storyline, so it's basically like a hugely-long Adventure Time episode on a games console!!
Now to gameplay... the dungeon are fairy bland with not much imagination or detail with a harshly-low number of items, monsters to fight or allies to interact with. Greater comedy is added to my version of the game (and on the Wii U gamepad) by BMO, the Korean GameBoy owned by Finn and Jake, with humorous silly-talk voiced over all by Niki Wang.
+Hilarious Voice-acting
+BMO!! (Wii U and 3DS only)
+Good Gameplay
+Comedic storyline written by creator Pendleton Ward
Cons
-Bland and boring dungeons
84% SILVER AWARD
Links:
More info on Adventure Time:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventure_Time
Gameplay:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=d-49Lu0798I&list=PLBgBDirvTL9ATgUXOU18OUrAFOv0sVYO9&feature=plpp
Buy the game: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Adventure-Time-Explore-Dungeon-Because/dp/B00EPZ8VAW/ref=sr_1_1?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1390594691&sr=1-1&keywords=Adventure+Time
Thursday, 23 January 2014
Surface - Interesting or Interrupting?
Surface - Interesting or Interrupting?
This is a review of the Microsoft Surface RT (1st gen)., mainly pointing out its negative features :/ if you would like to read the good bits go to Jacob's post or the Surface website and make up your own mind. These are entirely my own opinions and no others.
After many schools have started to think about purchasing tablets for use in lessons, some choosing iPad's others Microsoft's Surface, the benefits are all there but what is there if you see beneath that, what is the actual reality of their use? What are the issues schools will face, why choose one over another and my first impressions.
First Impressions
Then came to using the fabric attachable keyboard, it felt counter intuitive even though I was used to typing on touch screens this felt totally different. When it came to using the trackpad it felt unresponsive and I felt some feedback on the buttons would have been useful.
Overall I feel the Surface is a great tablet for work/personal use and is a great portable, although heavy tablet that could be used by anyone. I certainly found it a useful and interesting device to use. A huge reason for picking one up is that it has the full compatibility and full use of Windows 8, this means any program installed on your desktop can also be on your tablet, it also has a full desktop version of Microsoft Office.
Issues for schools
If this is going to be used in education certain features or bypasses need to be prevented, otherwise the devices will not be used for learning but instead students will find ways to waste lesson time, when this affects learning teachers may choose not to use them and replace them with the dreaded textbook!From my experience students have chosen to waste time taking 'selfies' of themselves, photos of others, and with unrestricted downloads from the app store playing games with their friends. This leaves learning in the sideroad and hopefully with time the novelty will wear off but i fear it may not and students learning will be impacted.
Sadly there are few ways to block these features on the Surface and there is little in the way of third-party apps to provide this type of future, until then this will become an issue for the developers or Microsoft.
Why choose a Surface?
Firstly, the cost, when Microsoft brought out the Surface 2 they offered heavily discounted tablets (60% off the RRP) this swayed a lot of schools away from the the more expensive iPad. Along with the promise of pre-installed Office 2013 Home and Student the deal became even more tempting. Especially as most schools have IT systems which are Microsoft server based, this allows easy access to the servers from the tablet over the existing network.
Specs
Ben
YouTube Review: Vsauce
Hey Bloggers, Calum here!
Today I'll be reviewing the YouTube channel Vsauce, which asks and answers ludicrously ridiculous questions such as Is Anything Real? or What Does Human Taste Like? in great detail considering the science behind the questions. It was created by Michael Stevens, A American guy who now lives in London, who has a degree in Psychology from University of Chicago. I think the channel is scientifically and humorously awesome, and would be great to use more often in science lessons. He always begins the video with 'Hey Vsauce, Michael here", just like I begin this blog. There is also a Vsauce2 and Vsauce3, Which shows internet memes and Vsauce3 answers gaming-related questions such as How Much Are Mario's Coins Worth? or The Science Behind Sonic The Hedgehog?
Hope you enjoyed my review! :)
Pros:
+Educational
+Scientific
+Fun
+Detailed
98%-GOLD AWARD
YouTube:
Vsauce
Google+
+Vsauce
Twitter:
@tweetsauce
Today I'll be reviewing the YouTube channel Vsauce, which asks and answers ludicrously ridiculous questions such as Is Anything Real? or What Does Human Taste Like? in great detail considering the science behind the questions. It was created by Michael Stevens, A American guy who now lives in London, who has a degree in Psychology from University of Chicago. I think the channel is scientifically and humorously awesome, and would be great to use more often in science lessons. He always begins the video with 'Hey Vsauce, Michael here", just like I begin this blog. There is also a Vsauce2 and Vsauce3, Which shows internet memes and Vsauce3 answers gaming-related questions such as How Much Are Mario's Coins Worth? or The Science Behind Sonic The Hedgehog?
Hope you enjoyed my review! :)
![]() |
Michael Stevens from Vsauce |
+Educational
+Scientific
+Fun
+Detailed
98%-GOLD AWARD
YouTube:
Vsauce
Google+
+Vsauce
Twitter:
@tweetsauce
My first time using a Windows Surface!
I think that Windows Surfaces are so awesome!
Pro's:
# They come with Microsoft word, powerpoint e.t.c. already installed! :)
# They have a stand
• The keyboard has bullet points!
😃 And faces!
• You can use the touchscreen and/or the keyboard
• You can put a USB/mouse in it
• You can use it like a computer
• It would be a great birthday present (*hint hint*)
• You can move the onscreen keyboard
• They are awesome
• The interface is cool
• There are apps
Con's:
Yes, unfortunately there are cons...
•The keyboard doesn't recognise you typing very well
•The keyboard is uncomfortable
Jacob 😃
Pro's:
# They come with Microsoft word, powerpoint e.t.c. already installed! :)
# They have a stand
• The keyboard has bullet points!
😃 And faces!
• You can use the touchscreen and/or the keyboard
• You can put a USB/mouse in it
• You can use it like a computer
• It would be a great birthday present (*hint hint*)
• You can move the onscreen keyboard
• They are awesome
• The interface is cool
• There are apps
Con's:
Yes, unfortunately there are cons...
•The keyboard doesn't recognise you typing very well
•The keyboard is uncomfortable
Jacob 😃
Thursday, 9 January 2014
Website Review - Geoguessr
My favourite website is Geoguessr because I like geography. Geoguessr puts you in a random place in the world and you have to try to guess where you are. It would be great to use in geography if we had finished all of the work because it can teach people what other places look like or where those places are in the world.
Site - http://geoguessr.com/
By Jacob
Website Review - World Wide Maze
Chromes World Wide Maze lets you take any website into a online maze , Although you do have to be on the Chrome internet for it to work.So it would work at school as it doesn't have the correct software, but is still great fun to try at home. Complete Challenges on the internet to see who is the best at that website in the world.
Use Your tablet or phone to control your in game character.
The website can have some problems with picking up your tablet or phone, as the internet connection might be slow so it won't properly work.
By Heidi
Gameplay - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vmhkSVVowo
By Heidi
My review of Watch Cartoon Online
This
website allows the user simply to watch 100s of popular cartoons such as The
Simpsons and Adventure Time, the day after they’re aired in the country of
origin, so you watch brand-new episodes on your sofa. It can used with any
device (I preferably use my iPad) it is thankfully legal but is sometimes
categorized as Copyright Infringement, so may have worrying illegalities and
has irritating advertisements, although the broadcasting corporations such as
FOX and Cartoon Network have not shut it down.
Site - http://www.watchcartoononline.com
Site - http://www.watchcartoononline.com
Monday, 1 July 2013
Wanted - Digital Leaders at Riddlesdown Collegiate
Do you have what it takes to become a Digital Leader? We are looking for students to become digital leaders in our school community. Are you good at ICT and what to develop your skills? Then look no further!
What is in it for you?
- Learn new digital tech skills
- Be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team with similar interests
- Develop your leadership skills
- Be the first across the Collegiate to trial new digital tech
- Help train teachers and students in new digital tech
- A great addition to your CV
- Receive Open Badges to acknowledge your achievements
- Be involved in exciting cross-Collegiate projects
- Help share the digital tech future of Riddlesdown Collegiate
You will have a chance to shape the focus of our projects. The focus of our time together will be dependent on the skills and interests of the successful Student Digital Leaders. It might include...
- App creation
- Tablet trials
- Mobile devices projects
- Infographics
- Augmented reality projects
- Podcasts
- You tube channels
- Blogging
- Wiki spaces
- Websites
- Gaming projects
- VLE
- Educational technologies
- Google projects
- Microsoft projects
- Pezi projects
The future is yours to shape. Click here to apply NOW!
Contact email - digital.leaders@riddlesdown.org
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