http://www.theaustralian.com.au/executive-living/nbn-not-automatic-training-windfall-csiro/story-e6frg9zo-1226779249288?utm_source=The%20Australian&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=editorial&net_sub_uid=55624788

Today I finished my two end of semester assignments as part of my Master of Education by Research. I am studying part-time and I have found this semester to be one of my hardest as I am working full-time, have a 11 month old son, and we moved into our first house in September.

So I am a little relieved to complete a 4000 word literature review/proposal and a 5000 project report today! Both assignments have been difficult to get on top of due to the stress of buying our first house. I was a naive to think that buying a house was not stressful, I had under appreciated the wrecking ball effect of finding a house, getting finance, chasing paperwork, getting signatures and so on.

For now, I will enjoy not having to concern myself with finding the time to write. I will admit to using and loving the Pomodoro Technique. It is a must for those who like structured study.

Cheers

Can Do Andrew

Inspiring to see what researchers are currently working on.

http://www.uws.edu.au/three_minute_thesis/3mt

Today I had a study day. Normally I have trouble remaining on task and I am easily distracted.

Yesterday I read an amazing article on how to stay on point and “get it done”. This lead me to the Pomodoro technique. The Pomodoro breaks down your work into manageable chunks with short breaks in between.

The outline is:

• 25 mins focussed work
• 5 min break
• Repeat 4 times and have a 30 min break

For sport lovers it is like a quarter time break. Which is a great time to stretch, drink, check other duties and get focussed for the next 25 minutes of work.

I found that I was getting excited to get back into it.

Try it and see what you think.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique

http://tomato-timer.com/

Great report from Mt Druitt on the success of MOOCs for widening participation in low SES communities.

Raises the question of accreditation of MOOC certificates in Australia…I doubt that TEQSA will adjust their current stance.

http://www.voced.edu.au/content/ngv58407

Daylight savings time starts on the 6th of October in the eastern states of Australia. For those of you trying to organise meetings between those states that follow daylight savings and those that don not; Outlook has a feature that allows you to see both time zones in your calendar.

Below are two articles from different parts of the world that have given students iPads as part of their study. The reaction to the free iPads have not always been positive.

LA schools iPad roll out

University of Western Sydney – Free iPads for undergraduates

Creating new neural pathways help Stephen Jepson to add life to his years!

Great video. Begs the question: does technology lead us or do we lead technology?