21. June 2006 by MrBall.

I’m always thinking about the little things that make life more enjoyable. The one I was thinking about today was the mini icons. You know those small icons that appear in the address window of your browser. Like the orange B that Blogger has. I have to say I really like when I find sites that have their original and fresh icon. It’s just one of those small (literally and figuratively) things that can perk me up.

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20. June 2006 by MrBall.

I’m not sure why it is happening to me more often now than when I started using Firefox a year ago but I seem to be hitting sites that are not compatible with Firefox. Lately the two biggest culprits have been Shaw.ca bill payment site, U of A’s WebCT, and Edmonton Catholic School District’s report card webpage. Sure I can see my students’ report card but I can’t edit them. I can understand ECSD not being up to par. It’s not like they have a huge budget to throw at such things but seriously Bell Canada. I might start asking for a paper bill if they can’t shape up. I eventually paid my bill using Internet Explorer. For those not familiar with Explorer it is an alternative to web browsing. I wouldn’t recommend it.

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14. June 2006 by MrBall.

Recently I’ve bought some video games from Scholastic Canada. I want to use them in my classroom instruction but I need to examine them first. Here is the list of games I’m going to be covering. I’ll try to relate them to the Alberta Program of Studies as well as give them a ranking out of 4 for the ability to infuse stealth learning. I will also provide more information on each game’s publisher andgame play.

I’m more excited about some games than others. The games in this list are ranged from grades 4-6.

SimCity 4

Civilization 3

Majestic Chess

Lift Off

Mathematics Deluxe

Lemonade Tycoon

Oregon Trail 5th Edition

Star Trek StarShip Creator

Astro Algebra

Learn about Physical Science

Great Canadian Adventure

Typing Tutor Jr.

Vet Emergency

Roller Coaster Tycoon

Math for the Real World

Chemical Reaction

Games for Grades K-3 include…

I Love Spelling

I can Spell

Bob the Builder

The Cat in the Hat

Zoboomafoo, Animal Alphabet

Backyard Hockey

I Spy Junior

Clifford Thinking Adventures

Care Bears- Let’s have a ball.

Jump Start Explorers

Freddi Fish

Numbers Undercover

Some games are more Edutainment games than others. I’ve made my position pretty clear on Edutainment style games. They aren’t bad if they work but I prefer the sneak attack/ stealth learning.

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