By William Van Zyl Published on 24 Sept 2024 This article includes stunning AI-generated architectural structures that reflect the shape and pattern of a stingray. This resource will provide valuable information to design and architecture students. The focus is on contemporary Māori-inspired design. A 3D print component is evident in the shape and form of… Continue reading Modern Sustainable House Design: ‘Whaitere the Enchanted Stingray.’ A Māori Story.
Category: Digital Technology.
Electronics, computer programing, generic Technology. Lessons for teachers and students. Sustainable practice, global citizenship, integrated learning, and Sustainable Development Goals (United Nations – SDG’s).
Literature Review (Short Summary) – ‘Developing High School Students’ Data and Graph Interpreting Skills in the Context of IoT and Greenhouse Management.’
By William Van Zyl Published on July 20, 2024 Objective: This literature review explores research on developing high school students’ data and graph interpreting skills, focusing on integrating IoT and greenhouse management. The study uses Microbit and Arduino microprocessors to monitor variables, specifically focusing on understanding the mini-greenhouse system’s temperature (and moisture) fluctuations. Keywords: Mini-greenhouse,… Continue reading Literature Review (Short Summary) – ‘Developing High School Students’ Data and Graph Interpreting Skills in the Context of IoT and Greenhouse Management.’
Enhancing Secondary School Students’ Data Analysis and Chart Interpretation Abilities (Vertical Skyfarm Design – Minecraft Education).
By William N. Van Zyl Published 20 July 2024 Are you looking for innovative ways to improve high school students’ data analysis and chart interpretation abilities? Look no further. As an experienced secondary school Technology teacher, I’d like to share my research project with you. At the end of this article, I include how you… Continue reading Enhancing Secondary School Students’ Data Analysis and Chart Interpretation Abilities (Vertical Skyfarm Design – Minecraft Education).
Play the Cello in One Minute: The Power of Machine Learning.
By William Van Zyl (Published in April 2024). As Viola’s fingertips delicately touch the strings of her instrument, a wave of emotion overcomes the audience. The first few notes of Amazing Grace carry a heavenly melody that resonates in the hearts of the concertgoers. Tears of joy stream down their cheeks as they are transported… Continue reading Play the Cello in One Minute: The Power of Machine Learning.
Modernist Art & Architecture: Museum Design (Contemporary Māori Patterns). New Zealand – ‘The City Rail Link Building.’
By William Van Zyl Published in March 2024 Are you interested in incorporating contemporary Māori shapes, forms, patterns, and colours into your art, architecture, or product design? This article explores a modern approach to integrating these elements and showcases AI-generated images, including a design for a modern museum with an artistic façade. For instance, it… Continue reading Modernist Art & Architecture: Museum Design (Contemporary Māori Patterns). New Zealand – ‘The City Rail Link Building.’
The Art of Zines: A Creative Exploration.
By William Van Zyl Published on 5 October 2023. Short intro video: Creating a small blank zine booklet in under 30 seconds – from one size A4 page (magaZINE). Link the video: https://youtu.be/ab4O9SWNl9g?feature=shared Introduction In the vibrant world of artistic expression, zines emerge as unique and personal avenues for self-publishing. Originating from the punk subculture… Continue reading The Art of Zines: A Creative Exploration.
Influential Theorists for Action Research in Education.
By William Van Zyl (Published in September 2023). In this article I list, and summarise, the most influential theorists for Action Research in Education. I focus on researching in a High School context to provide a backdrop. I also include a research title as a specific focus to explain Action Research in simple terms. Title (STEM… Continue reading Influential Theorists for Action Research in Education.
Antonio Gaudi – ‘God’s Architect’ – transforms paradigms.
By William Van Zyl (Published on 4 September 2023). Nonetheless, it wasn’t until architect Fred Van Brandenburg’s return to Spain to New Zealand in 2004, and his exploration of Park Güell in Barcelona—a masterpiece created by Gaudí during his naturalist phase, drawing inspiration from organic forms in nature—that Fred experienced a revelation profoundly shaped by… Continue reading Antonio Gaudi – ‘God’s Architect’ – transforms paradigms.
Actual AI tools for teachers, parents, homeschoolers and Educators.
By William Van Zyl. Published 4 June 2023. I have been investigating AI’s potential for teachers, parents and homeschooling parents. I have summarised my finding for you in a convenient list form. I have also included a visual summary of 30 tools. Yes, I have said 30 different tools which could make the life of… Continue reading Actual AI tools for teachers, parents, homeschoolers and Educators.
When stories lose their lustre, and children’s creativity and innovation plummet.
By William Van Zyl Published in March 2023 Listen to the podcast: https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8eq4i-13eb655-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=7 “I am tired of all these Bible stories. Reading the devotionals and doing these prayers all the time is too much for me!?” said the young Alexander. “You will sit down and read the Bible Story; you will listen and pray before… Continue reading When stories lose their lustre, and children’s creativity and innovation plummet.
Essay: Artificial Intelligence (AI).
By William Van Zyl. Published in March 2023 (several paragraphs in this APA referenced essay have been tweaked and include some AI generated text. I have included the AI text to illustrate the power of AI). Artificial Intelligence: The Rise of Intelligent Machines Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing field that involves developing intelligent… Continue reading Essay: Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Quartz Crystal Clocks Vibrates at 32,768 per Second. Are Humans also Vibrating?
By William Van Zyl Published on April 20, 2021. Edited and republished in January 2023. Tick, tock, tick, tock, … you are reading a time-clock. Isn’t that just stunning? I mean in one second you have to count from 1 to 32,768 – it is humanly impossible. It is this vibration that has me in… Continue reading Quartz Crystal Clocks Vibrates at 32,768 per Second. Are Humans also Vibrating?
How can a quartz crystal ‘pace’ a clock? On the other hand, how can a belief ‘pace’ a human being?
By William Van Zyl First published on April 20, 2021 (republished on January 5, 2023). Tick, tock, tick, tock, … you are reading a time-clock. Isn’t that just stunning? I mean in one second you have to count from 1 to 32,768 – it is humanly impossible. It is this vibration that has me in… Continue reading How can a quartz crystal ‘pace’ a clock? On the other hand, how can a belief ‘pace’ a human being?
The Code that took Humans to the Moon.
By William Van Zyl Published December, 23 2022 You may also want to listen to the podcast: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ip6bf-134ce5d ————————-0—————————- “Five minutes before landing.” “Three minutes before landing,” said the leader of the mission. All eyes were fixated on the large black-and-white screen. “Houston, we have a problem!” “What! What is the problem?” “Listen to the… Continue reading The Code that took Humans to the Moon.
Do these things – right now – to elevate creativity and innovation.
By William Van Zyl Published in November 2022. “I am not going to suffocate my children with literacy and numeracy. I don’t care what people – and even teachers – say. I want my children to be creative and innovative,” said the agitated mother. “My kids come home from school, and they express their boredom.… Continue reading Do these things – right now – to elevate creativity and innovation.
Crystal Radio shortens Gravedigger’s night.
By William Van Zyl – Published June 2022. *Listen to the podcast while reading: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-e78d4-124aaff “At the sound of the gong, it will be exactly 1 am on 2ZC radio.” “B-O-I-I-I-N-G” “You are listening to the music selected by Dave – Dave Marney,” announced the broadcaster. “Our next song is a song that goes with… Continue reading Crystal Radio shortens Gravedigger’s night.
Introducing the Arduino Uno – a pioneering digital framework – to prepare students for 21-st century problem-solving. Five Journal Entries – A critical reflection.
By William Van Zyl (2022) Download the PDF for free: https://fivehousepublishing.com/product/introducing-the-arduino-uno-a-pioneering-digital-framework-to-prepare-students-for-21-st-century-problem-solving-five-journal-entries-a-critical-reflection-2/ Product details: 24 pages, 5551 words. APA referenced. 5 x journal entries – Implementation of the Arduino Uno – In a secondary school classroom. Abstract: After reflecting on my own practice as a secondary school teacher in NZ, I have implemented the Arduino Uno.… Continue reading Introducing the Arduino Uno – a pioneering digital framework – to prepare students for 21-st century problem-solving. Five Journal Entries – A critical reflection.
LESSON: Use the work of an influential designer to inform design ideas. Design a Moon-base on Minecraft Education – focus on Aesthetics and Function.
By William Van Zyl (Published in April 2022). Design Brief: Design a Moon-dwelling or a Moon-base (in your groups or individually) on Minecraft Education. Use the work of an architect considering aesthetics (beauty). But, more importantly, functionality. Choose an Architectural Design Era or Style (for example, Modernism, Minimalism, Hi-Tech. and more). Also, embed sustainability and… Continue reading LESSON: Use the work of an influential designer to inform design ideas. Design a Moon-base on Minecraft Education – focus on Aesthetics and Function.
Introducing the Arduino Uno – a pioneering digital framework – to prepare students for 21-st century problem-solving. Five Journal Entries – A critical reflection. 
By William Van Zyl (March 5, 2022) Referencing this article: Van Zyl, W. N. (2022). Introducing the Arduino Uno – a pioneering digital framework – to prepare students for 21st-century problem-solving. Five Journal Entries – A critical reflection. Five House Publishing. https://fivehousepublishing.com/2022/03/25/introducing-the-arduino-uno-a-pioneering-digital-framework-to-prepare-students-for-21-st-century-problem-solving-five-journal-entries-a-critical-reflection-%ef%bf%bc/ Abstract: After reflecting on my own practice as a secondary school teacher in… Continue reading Introducing the Arduino Uno – a pioneering digital framework – to prepare students for 21-st century problem-solving. Five Journal Entries – A critical reflection. 
21-st Century Skills: Are students being prepared to solve real-life problems?
By William Van Zyl (Published March 2022). Abstract: One of the most important questions you can ask educators is ‘Are you preparing students for the 21-st century?’ From research, we know what those critical aspects are: Students should be able to be critical thinkers, able to find creative solutions, able to do extensive collaboration, and… Continue reading 21-st Century Skills: Are students being prepared to solve real-life problems?