Now that my XE-2 is finally back from having the dreaded ‘dust embedded in sensor assembly’ problem fixed, I’ve finally been able to update the firmware to the latest version. I’m hugely impressed.

I keep telling people, parents and teachers, that the important thing is to make sure that kids get some experience of technology beyond mere consumption, and that preferably, they learn to create with it. I’m worried, though. Are we falling into another kind of consumption?

Here’s a game which allows you to just muck around with rockets and things. It’s wonderful, and I’ve sunk more time into this game than Skyrim. Here’s why.

Watching ABC TV’s Good Game cover the recent E3 convention, I have to admit I was struck by just how dull the line-up was from the major games studios. Do we really need more sequels? Do any of them have anything new to offer? How many first person shooters can we create before the genre grows so stale it can sustain its own mould cultures?

In which I rant about the impending demise of the Australian Government’s school computers program, and try to see some positives in the never-ending game of bait-and-switch that is education funding.

Sometimes, in our clamour to embrace or to rage against new technology, we forget that certain problems aren’t always as new as they might seem. Those worried about the devolution of language in our digital era would do well to reflect on some history.

What I love about this laptop is its utility. It’s not minimalist per se, but understated, which is just as well, because this laptop has plenty to boast about.

How do we train students to use the interface we can’t imagine yet?

Do we still need folder hierarchies? Apple, and Oliver Reichenstein don’t seem to think so. I discuss.

I’ve recently made the switch to using a CSS pre-processor and I can definitely say it’s for the better. Here are my top reasons why LESS rocks.

It’s nice to know the limitations of your equipment.

I’ve been using Open Source software in my web design for years. There’s very little in my kit today that isn’t open.

A blown hard drive forced me to reinstall my main work machine today, and in the process, I realised how much I’ve learnt about Linux since switching to Arch.