PebblePad Update Version 2.3.3

PebblePad has just released an update available for self hosting institutions to download and install.

There's quite a long list of fixes and enhancements, but I've listed a very brief summary here:

• Bug: Entering more detail about an activity in the experience asset without entering an
  activity title results in the details being lost
  Fix: It is now not possible to add more detail without entering an activity title
  
  
• Bug: Entering HTML into a comment produces an error
  Fix: HTML is now accepted and is displayed as plain text in a comment
  
  
• New: Added last viewed to rollover on recipient list
  Displays the last time a recipient has viewed an asset in the asset synopsis pad
  
  
• New: Support files other than index/default.htm(l) for websites
  This allows exports from Sakai to be imported as websites
  
  
• Bug: PebblePad stores the local path of uploaded files as the file name when uploading from
  some browsers, this causes error when exporting
  Fix: Local path information is removed during upload
  

The full 13 page PDF is available here: PebblePad Release Notes V2.3.3

PebblePad >> To Go >>

PebblePad have several new ways to get onto PebblePad on the move:

• Use PebblePDA the program designed to operate on Windows Mobile PDA’s and Smartphones
• Use Pebble SendR the java-based file upload tool compatible with most mobile devices
• Use Pebble Mobile to access a very simple version of PebblePad via the browser on any mobile device

I've had a go at the last option, which brings up a clean interface with simple HTML links that work. It doesn't look great, but the fact is when you're on the move you just want it to simple and quick.

I'm not able to test out the other options on my current phone, but when I get my hands on one I'll report back.

More details here: PebblePad Mobile

In response to Bill's question, I have an iPhone which isn't too accepting of files uploaded outside of Apple's iTunes. This would be possible with another 'smarth phone' or PDA.

Foundation Year Portfolios

I looked into the NHS Foundation year portfolios last year and at some of materials and guidance used for the portfolio. It may be worthwhile to consider showing first year students this guidance and material, or at least an overview of what's expected of them after they graduate from their five year medical degree.

I've uploaded my summary of the NHS Foundation Learning Portfolio (2008) here.

Reflective Writing

Reflective Writing - Guidance Notes for Students
Pete Watton; Jane Collings; Jenny Moon
April 2001

This pack looks mainly at reflective writing for work-based/experience modules but can be applied across the board. Essentially it is an informative paper with some background theory on reflection and a few exercises with case studies. Overall the pack seems quite useful and manages to provide a good overview of reflection in a way that most students are able to understand. It makes use of material that students may relate to, such as a reference to reflection in Harry Potter:

‘Harry stared at the stone basin. The contents had returned to their original, silvery white state, swirling and rippling beneath his gaze.

“ What is it?” Harry asked shakily.

“This? It is called a Pensieve,” said Dumbledore. “ I sometimes find, and I am sure you know the feeling, that I simply have too many thoughts and memories crammed into my mind.”

“Err,” said Harry who couldn’t truthfully say that he had ever felt anything of the sort.

“At these times” said Dumbledore, indicating the stone basin, “ I use the Penseive. One simply siphons the excess thoughts from one’s mind, pours them into a basin, and examines them at one’s leisure. It becomes easier to spot patterns and links, you understand, when they are in this form.’ ( Rowling 2000)