Category: Primary School

Transparent background with My Avatar Editor Object

Posted on by John McLear


If you are using the javascript swfobject method for the hosted My Avatar Editor object you can use this code to give your avatar a transparent background:

<script type="text/javascript">
        //<![CDATA[
        var avatarvalue = "<?= $avatarid ?>";
        var avatarURL = "myavatarcharacter.swf?avatar=" + avatarvalue;
        swfobject.embedSWF(avatarURL, "avatarSWFContainer", "160", "200", "10.0.0", null, {hosted:"true"},{wmode:"transparent"});
        function setFacialFeature(){
                var avatarSWF = document.getElementById('avatarSWFContainer');
                avatarSWF.draw();
        }
        //]]>
</script>

The only bit you need to change from the default code is the parameter which is the {wmode:”transparent”} bit

Creating your own Safe Search – A call to teachers!

Posted on by John McLear

Searchy Pants is a new exciting way for schools and parents to create their own safe search home page.

We focused on three main benefits:

  1. Include your family/schools branding/logo
  2. Include a message to your kids/pupils/teachers
  3. Include useful links

We kept the admin interface as simple as possible (Just 3 pages and a wizard style setup)

Please do sign up and test it, we are happy with it so far but we know that feedback over the next few months will get us to a point where we can do a formal launch to all schools.

We kept Searchy Pants as safe as possible with various bits I will talk about in the future, most of you will be aware of the Safe Search engine we have maintained for the last 4 years with great success.

SearchyPants is pronounced – Ser Chee Pants  – Like SmartyPants but that domain was gone 😛

Thanks to Matt Lovegrove for the testing so far.  If you think Searchy Pants is a good idea then please share it!

Nintendo 3DS and working in small groups

Posted on by John McLear

Jeff did a great video explaining how the 3DS works. Useful info for any of the folks using Nintendo DS’ in the classroom at current.

Word on the street is that the 3DS is absolutely amazing. One thing to take into account is that with 3D you naturally get a lesser viewing angle so group work on one device won’t be possible!

I’m not a fan of nintendo technology but I’m getting one of these to see what I can hack onto it!

Tea for Primary Schools

Posted on by John McLear

The Yorkshire Tea and the Primary Technology Sims support mugs have arrived and I thought it would be cool to show you the scale of the operation 😮 All of these mugs & tea bags going out to Bradford schools in 1st week of term to celebrate the launch of Primary Technology’s sims support service and 6 years doing tech support!