Sunday Post - Tech on the Side

from the Flipboard magazine, Tech on the Side, an editorial exploration of curated content.

It's Sunday, and as I continue this fun journey of (attempting) to blog each and everyday I thought I would try doing this week's Sunday Post a little bit different than I have done in the past.

So, please let me know what you think of this format vs the format from last week or weeks past.

Back Flipping Robots - Need I say anything more?

Well, Boston Dynamics is at it again, they've brought us all kids of amazing advancements in robots technology, but this one...well it may just be a show stopper. Atlas is now able to balance himself better than ever, and while the wow factor is impressive enough, you can only begin to imagine how these advancements will help our exploration of difficult or altering terrains. Check out the full article below.

Boston Dynamics' Atlas robot is a parkour master

Parkour! That's what we should all be devoting our combined robotics expertise towards. There's no nobler human pursuit, so of course we should create a robot that can master the so-called 'sport of kings.' And yes, that is the true sport of kings.

 Raspberry Pi, from computer to console
If you are not yet aware of the amazing potential that Raspberry Pi has given a new generation of kids(and adults) then you should start by checking them out. For the already initiated it's time to check out what this UK based company is doing with Raspberry Pi. The gist: Pip is designed for kids to create their own Gameboy like device. Code a game, build a device to play it on everywhere you go! Check out the full story at the article below

Pip is a retro games console for kids to learn coding

Another UK startup is using Pi electronics as the foundation for an edtech business idea, and Kickstarter to try to crowdfund their product: A learn-to-code retro games console.

How do we support the natural curiosity?
This great article came across my feeds this week and got me wondering about the idea behind academic success and learning. In this ever changing educational landscape we talk about wanting to foster more and more learner based inquiry, and problem based learning, and democratic learning environments...and then there is standardized test. In our world it is not two camps, the reality is the expectation for success in both of these worlds is what is wanted, so how can we support more of the learners natural curiosity and meet the demands of being funded based on test scores? Take a look at the article below to get a great perspective from a teacher wondering how to balance this task 

Why Teachers, Parents, and Society at Large Have Destroyed Kids' Love of Learning

I look at this mother with concern on her face, her eager pencil poised to write down my words of wisdom. I struggle to find a gentle way to explain that the daily nagging about points and grades both perpetuates Marianna's dependence on her mother's tendency to problem-solve and intervene on her behalf, and teaches her that external rewards are far more important than the effort Marianna invests in her education.

Tech Tip of the Week
Continuing my series on using our tools to help reduce paper consumption, I would like to share with you my post all about Adobe Fill and Sign, one of the best free apps out there for getting those pesky forms filled quickly, and from the comfort of your own phone. Check out the details in the post below.

#TechTipTuesday - Adobe Fill and Sign

Continuing the series on how to use our digital tools to help reduce paper consumption, this week I am highlighting and app you need to download. What this FREE app allows the user to do is amazing.

It's time for

Mushroom Joke

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As always, Stay tuned and stay connected