Presentations on the Web

I was thinking about all of the options we have today to put up slide presentations on the web that were just not possible a couple of months ago and thought it would be helpful to do post on them. One of the really exciting areas with Web 2.0 is being able to share and post our ideas on the web. There are lots of options and I wanted to highlight some of them. One of the sites which I have used is Slideshare. Slideshare lets you upload PowerPoint (.ppt) and PDF (.pdf) and OpenOffice (.opd) files which you then share with others. Slideshare makes it easy to post or embed your slideshow to a blog. Slideshare is very easy to use and registration is free. Another option is using Google Presentation, you can register for a free account and be up an running in no time. With Google Presentation you can choose to upload your PowerPoint presentation or you can start from scratch and create one right from within Google Presentation. You do not have all the bells and whistles of PowerPoint like transitions or animation but you do have the benefit of being able to share it with anyone connected to the web. I have begun to upload some of my PowerPoint presentations on Google and use it when I ma presenting. One of the advantages of Google Presentations is the ability to invite others to be collaborators. It is a great tool for group work in an out of the classroom. If you want you can also share your PowerPoint so that the recipient is just invited to be a viewer and can't make any edits or changes in your slide presentation.

Lastly, you can also use sPresent which lets you create presentations from scratch. sPresent is a Flash based application and has some very stunning features. It is easy to add images, buttons, charts, hyperlinks, and sound to your sPresentations. Once you have created your presentation it is easy to embed your presentation or email it to whomever you would like. Give each of them a try and let me know what you think.

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Posted in: Google,Google Docs,presentations,Slideshare,sPresent,Web 2.0

Universal Design for Learning

I just completed the 3rd day of a conference on Universal Design for Learning and am really excited to be able to part of the State's initiative on helping New Jersey's Public Schools apply and put into practice Universal Design for Learning. Universal Design for Learning makes you look at the curriculum through another lens so that we can remove barriers to learning. Using the techniques and strategies consistent with Universal Design for Learning will benefit all learners in the classroom. Look for some exciting programs being offered through the Educational Training Technology Centers on Universal Design for Learning.

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Posted in: CAST,ETTC,Universal Design for Learning

[TIPS] edubloggercon at PETE&C

There are many Education bloggers in Pennsylvania. For me to name a few would be to risk insulting those who I don’t name, but if you read blogs then you probably already know many of them. I’ve learned MUCH from these folks, as have you, I’m certain. They tackle some of the toughest issues facing Education today, and they share SO MUCH of what they have learned with the rest of us. Some blog for themselves. Others blog with students. Some do both. Some write excellent blogs that are not visible in their own school districts because their filtering policy blocks them, and they fight the same battle that many of us fight. But, the bottom line is that Pennsylvania is blessed to have MANY talented and generous teacher/bloggers in our ranks.

If you’re planning to attend the state technology conference (PETE&C) in February, and you’re a blogger, or a blog reader, or someone who just wants to know more about them, then why not come early to meet with fellow educators and bloggers and participate in some brainstorming sessions, and other workshops designed for the education bloggers. The date is Saturday, Feb 9^th from noon until 5:00pm. Then, since you’ll be here for Saturday, why not sign up for a pre-conference session or two on Sunday? There are some excellent options. More information here when they are announced: http://peteandc.org/preconf.asp

There is no additional conference cost to attend the blogger pre-conference session on Saturday, although you’ll have to get the motel room for Saturday night.

Here’s how to let us know you’re coming. Join this wiki: http://edubloggerconpa.wikispaces.com/ and add your name and blog address to the Attending page: http://edubloggerconpa.wikispaces.com/Attending. This blog is just getting started, so if you’ve got an idea for a session or would like to facilitate a session, add that information in the appropriate page, as well.

Ken Pruitt (http://dasdtips.blogspot.com and http://kpruitt.edublogs.org) will be in charge of this event. If you have trouble joining the wiki or if you want more information about the event, contact Ken at: krpuitt at dasd.k12.pa.us

We hope to make this the first in a LONG line of “edublogger” events at the conference. There is SO much we can learn and share. I hope to see you there!

P.S.

Yes, I KNOW that there is another EdubloggerCon scheduled for the Eastern Region of the country in January. It’s to be held in Philly. But, it’s a three day conference. If you can’t make that one then this is the one for you. We’re hoping that the two can join forces next year at the conference.

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Tips Channel #1

Gabcast! Tips Channel #1

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[TIPS] This I Believe - a new group of students

http://smithenglish90708.blogspot.com/2007/10/adam.html

Yes, it's Anne Smith's kids again with their "This I Believe" essays. I wasn't able (yet) to listen to them but I did read a couple of them and I'm very anxious to listen to them. Once again she used Odeo's player to group the audio files into one neat little player.

From her post:
"These students had to not only write their essay for our class publication, but were required to publish it for the world by submitting their essays to NPR as well with parent permission. Like last year, I found their essays to be pretty good, but to hear them read their essay aloud makes an incredible difference. They truly express their voice and passion for a variety of subjects such as t-shirts, friends, community service, and even family vacations. Please take some time to listen and give some constructive criticism to my ninth graders."

I DO hope that you'll give these a listen and take a moment to comment. Without comments this is a nice assignment. WITH comments this becomes a meaningful and motivational assignment. I'm anxious to get home to listen to them - and comment.

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I can see clearly now...

Eye strain is a hazard to anyone who uses their computers for any extended period. So anything that eases the pressure on the eyes is a bonus. To this end, Microsoft have developed a tool for making text more legible called ClearType Tuner.

The ClearType Tuner only works on Windows Vista and XP, and is available as a web-based tool here. You will be required to choose which is the clearer text from a variety of options a couple of times, and then - hopefully - text should be clearer on your screen. Windows XP users can also download a Control Panel version from the Microsoft XP Power Toys page.

If you are a Vista user and wish to switch off ClearType check out Diana Huggin's instructions on the excellent Lockergnome site.

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Posted in: Windows GUI,Word Processing

[TIPS] anti-bullying video

I was catching up on my professional development this evening (yes, my blogroll) and I skimmed over a lengthy blog post by Wes Fryer (http://www.speedofcreativity.org/2007/10/29/how-to-create-bully-free-classrooms-and-schools/) who was live-blogging a presentation at a conference somewhere. He must type 200 wpm and be able to parallel process the art of listening and typing. The blog post was HUGE!

But, he repeated some statistics about the effects of bullying in our schools and then mentioned that htey were watching a video that was done to the tune of  "Don't Laugh At Me." I looked on YouTube and there it was. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3oO3lbBGJQ Show this to your students and then have them write in their journal about a time when someone said something that hurt their feelings, or a time when they hurt the feelings of anohter person and now regret it.

Can't see the movie? Paste that url into this page: http://www.zamzar.com/url/ and click add. Then choose an output file type and supply your email address. Watch it upload (scroll down a bit) and in a few minutes you'll get an email from zamzar saying that it's done. Click the link and it'll download to your desktop. Can't get to zarzar either? Start looking for a job in another district. :-)

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Mimio Interactive Lessons

For those of you that are using the Mimio Interactive you should visit the Mimio website and check out the Mimio Interactive lesson plans. These are free lesson plans that you can download on-line an use with your Mimio Interactive. Here you will find a core of easy-to-use, instructionally sound activities to support your classroom curriculum. You can customize each of these to meet your individual students needs. There are science, math, and English lessons on-line.

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Posted in: mimio,mimioStudio

Availability of ConceptDraw Business Suite for Mac OS X 10.5

Odessa, Ukraine, October 29, 2007 – CS Odessa today announces availability of ConceptDraw Business Suite for Mac OS X 10.5 operating system. An integrated business software package that consists of diagramming application ConceptDraw 7, project management tool ConceptDraw Project 4, mind mapping and personal productivity software ConceptDraw MINDMAP 5 will support the recently released operating system for the Macintosh.

Oleg Bocharnikov, Head of Product Management Department for CS Odessa notes, “Mac OS X 10.5 has highest upgrade rate than any other operating system ever and many our customers will be interested to buy Leopard by the end of the year. Making ConceptDraw Business Suite, the software many people rely on, running smoothly on Leopard CS Odessa helps them to easily switch to the new OS”

Among complete Mac OS X 10.5 support for all ConceptDraw Business Suite applications an update adds Quick Look capability for ConceptDraw 7. Quick Look is a powerful technology introduced in Leopard that provides users a way to preview content of files without opening them as a result, necessary charts and diagrams could be easily found on a computer.

Read more information about the ConceptDraw Business Suite


ConceptDraw Business Suite is available for $499.

ABOUT CONCEPTDRAW PRODUCTIVITY LINE
The ConceptDraw product line for Macintosh and Windows is comprised of ConceptDraw 7 diagramming and drawing software; ConceptDraw MINDMAP, a brainstorming tool that uses standard mind mapping techniques to help organize ideas and tasks; ConceptDraw Project, professional project management software; ConceptDraw WebWave, software for creating professional diagrams and drawings on the stage of website or application prototyping and design, page mocking-up and site-mapping; ConceptDraw NetDiagrammer for network and system design.

ABOUT CS ODESSA
Founded in 1993, Computer Systems Odessa supplies cross-platform productivity tools and graphics technologies to professional and corporate users. With headquarters in Odessa, Ukraine and an office in California, USA; CS Odessa sells products internationally through resellers in over 25 countries. The ConceptDraw Productivity Line of products has won numerous awards (www.conceptdraw.com) and is used by hundreds of thousands of people all over the world.

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Posted in: 10.5,ConceptDraw Business Suite,Leopard,OS X

Reflecting on Universal Design for Learning

I just got back from attending day 1 of a three day training presented by the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) on the theory and practice of Universal Design for Learning in today's classrooms. I have always been a big fan of CAST, and in fact I spent a week there about 15 years ago when they were running an assistive technology institute. While CAST initially was servicing the needs of individual students with disabilities through their Assistive Technology Clinic, it became more apparent to them that they could have more of an impact if they focused on making the curriculum more accessible instead of working with one student at a time.

Looking at the basic tenets of Universal Design for Learning it is clear to me that if they are applied- we would reach many more students and facilitate the learning that takes place in all classrooms. Taken as a whole the basic tenets are: Multiple Means of Representation. Multiple Means of Expression, and Multiple Means of Engagement. Utilizing these principles it is possible with supports and scaffolding to reach more students and to bridge the gap thereby making the curriculum more accessible to all students. Today we had a chance to learn the theory and tomorrow we will be discussing ways that technology can assist students in reaching their learning goals in the classroom. It is truly a wonderful learning experience and gives me a chance to reflect on what we know about brain and put into practice research based strategies that will make a difference for a wide range of students with all abilities in our classrooms.

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Posted in: CAST,UDL,Universal Design for Learning

IT Audits: Taking Care of Licensing Tasks

When you are conducting IT audits, you will come across software licensing issues about which you have to talk to customers and prospects. You can approach this situation tactfully by telling them you found software that was questionably licensed and wonder if they have documentation to prove ownership. Any responsible small business owner will understand why they need to have the license agreements, invoices, end-user license agreements and original CDs to prove they own their products.

IT Audits: Never Negotiate Licenses

If your customers and prospects can’t provide you with software licenses during IT audits, you have to tell them they need to decide on a remediation plan immediately to avoid future problems. You can advise them on how to approach this.

Give small businesses a couple months after the IT audits to work on the problem, but don’t give them more. Licensing compliance is non-negotiable for your firm and should be in your service contracts.

It’s About Protecting Yourself

You need a paragraph in your support contract documents that discusses a client’s responsibility for software licensing. And you need to make sure these documents also state that if you find deficiencies during IT audits, they have to either remove the software or purchase it to fix the problem. You can’t work for anyone that is opposed to buying software legally.

Remediation Plans after IT Audits

Some businesses don’t use certain software programs on their PCs, and part of your plan can be to remove software using Add/Remove functions that is not being used anymore.

If the PCs are close to being replaced, you might want to consider telling them to upgrade their PCs and helping them install new, legal software after IT audits. You can also recommend they keep current equipment and buy the two-year site license with the maintenance, which gives them unlimited upgrades.

Submitted By: Computer Consulting Kit

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Posted in: IT audits

The Windows Taskbar explained

The Windows Taskbar is usually to be found at the bottom of the screen, although it can be moved to any edge. It includes the 'Start menu' button, toolbars, a button for each application you are running, icons for other programs that are running at the time.

I will gloss over the 'Start menu' button - because all it does is open the start menu - and move straight on to the toolbars. Most versions of Windows will display the 'Quick Launch' toolbar by default. This toolbar will look something like this.
To add a new button to this toolbar for a different application, simply drag and drop the application's shortcut to the toolbar. You can drag and drop from the Desktop or from the Start Menu. To delete a button, right-click on it and select 'Delete'.

There are a number of other toolbars available, including one that will offer shortcuts to the 'Links' directory in your Internet Explorer favourites. The Windows Media Player taskbar is quite stylish, if you switch it on and minimise Windows Media Player, it will show a toolbar that includes the media player's controls rather than the usual plain button. To enable (and disable) the other toolbars, right-click on an area of empty space on the Taskbar, then click on the various entries in the 'Toolbars' sub-menu to switch them on and off.

To move the toolbars around in the Taskbar, make sure that the taskbar is not locked. To unlock the taskbar, right-click on an area of empty space on the taskbar and click on 'Lock the Taskbar' to remove the tick. You can switch it back on when you are happy with your arrangement in the same way. Once the Taskbar isn't locked you can drag the toolbars around on the Taskbar. You will also need to unlock the Taskbar if you wish to move it to another edge of the screen by dragging and dropping it.

Note: this feature may not be enabled if you are using Windows 2000 or an earlier version.

Application Buttons
As you no doubt know, you can switch between applications by clicking on the buttons on the Taskbar. If you right-click on the buttons you are presented with a variety of options for displaying the application, such as maximise and minimise, and also an option to close the application - a handy way of closing an application without bringing it up on screen.

Systray
The last section of the Taskbar is called the Systray, which looks something like this:
The icons in the Systray represent programs that Windows automatically runs at start-up, usually programs like anti-virus software, the audio controller, and video card control software. You can access the menu for each of these by right clicking on them. If you have many icons in your Systray you may want to consider stopping some of them from running, as they take up system resources and are usually far from critical. For advice on changing the programs that run automatically check out my post on the subject.

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Posted in: Windows Explained,Windows GUI

[TIPS] extreme closeup of Last Supper

Many thanks to Laurie Vitale for sharing this one.

http://www.haltadefinizione.com/en/cenacolo/index.asp

I don’t think I’ll ever get the opportunity to see da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” IRL (in real life), so this is the next best thing. This 16 million pixel image is zoomable to show the finest details. There are three ‘tabs’ above the image. “The Subject”, “Look”, and “Understand.” Make sure that after you “Look” around and zoom in that you view the “Understand” area. It offers some excellent tips for viewing and ‘discovering’ the photo.

If you’ve read, “The da Vinci Code” it will be interesting to see if your viewing of this painting is different somehow. Maybe in the same way that “The William Tell Overture” is forever different for those of us over …40. J

Now, send this to your favorite art teacher.

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"Bloody Computer!" Author Wins Award

Last week, Colin at Free PC Security gave me the Community Blogger Award. This prize was recently created by Cellobella at Red Sultana, to celebrate those that reach out to the wider community.

I am honoured to receive this award, because it comes from fellow bloggers, and because the ethos of the award is for winners to pass on the award to worthy recipients. As such, I am also honoured to present the award to the following three bloggers:

Etienne Teo - for good advice for bloggers wishing to monetise and develop their sites.

Mark R. Stoneman - for efforts in promoting the historian blogger community.

Shirley Gibson - for the variety of blogs she writes, and for blogging community work.

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Posted in: Blogging

[TIPS] mind mapping tools

In response to my last post, the owner of this site: http://www.mind-mapping.org/, posted a comment to alert me to this site. It's page after page of mind-mapping tools. If you can't find one here then you're not looking for a mind-mapping tool.

 

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[TIPS] web based mind-mapping tool

http://www.mindomo.com/

I heard of this one from a forum post at moodle.org. This looks very nice. Looks like Inspiration but on the web. You can collapse the levels, too. I THING there's even a sound feature, although with this slow connection (at the cabin :-)  ) I can't tell for sure.

 

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Selling Virtual IT to Small Businesses with Joshua Feinberg

For years, the concept of “virtual IT” has been growing into an important part of the small business world. As technology vendors focus more on relationships with small businesses and not just selling products, they have started to create programs that offer the opportunity to handle total business solutions that integrate IT resources completely into the growth and development of companies.

At the Computer Consulting Kit, we have been presenting the concept of virtual IT as crucial for years. An article appeared in a recent edition of Tech News World about the unmistakable trend to provide total solutions for small businesses quoting Joshua Feinberg on the growing importance of consulting firms – small business computer consulting firms and consulting firms for larger businesses – that stress relationships before products and commodities.

In the article Joshua stressed that, even though there are more resources being put into the virtual IT field, the diversity of the small business market makes designing technology and business solutions that work across the board is difficult. The discrepancy between how different professionals define “small business” also makes service challenging. Many vendors, in fact define small businesses as those with fewer than 10 employees, whereas others define them as any company with between 50 – 100 employees. However, Joshua stated that there is a need to really look at the differences between the businesses and what services they are providing as well as their industry in order to really get an idea of how to define them in terms of IT needs.

As Joshua has been stressing for years when advising small business computer consultants on ways to grow their businesses, “There is no one-size-fits-all solution because small businesses are extremely fragmented in their needs for small business technology support.”

He adds that in order for a small business owner to get the most from a virtual IT provider or any type of technology support vendor, the vendor must know the true business problems the client faces and not just the issues revolving around isolated hardware, software and peripherals.

The move towards a virtual IT universe for businesses of all sizes is obvious, and even large companies such as Dell, IBM and Best Buy are changing their business models to accommodate for companies and individuals in need of professional technology services that go beyond just products.

Feinberg believes that virtual IT is set to turn into the dominant model in the small business world and the business world in general and that outsourced computer consultants will be in charge of determining how to fit technology in with unique business needs.

For this full article about virtual IT and small businesses – which includes Joshua Feinberg’s quotes in their entirety and more information about virtual IT – visit the attached link.

Added By: Computer Consulting Kit

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Posted in: virtual IT

Mac users with Disabilities Speak out

As many of you know I am a big Macintosh fan and it is really heart warming to watch individuals with disabilities use the Macintosh with the software application that were created and developed by David Niemeijer of AssistiveWare. If you have a chance take a look at the videos and listen to the podcasts to see what is possible.

Press release: Mac users with disabilities speak out

Amsterdam - 24 October 2007 - AssistiveWare today announced "Users in
Control: A Fresh Perspective on Accessibility". This new audio and
PDF podcast series offers an insightful look at how people with
disabilities are empowered through Mac OS X, while shattering
preconceptions on disability and assistive technology (AT). Here the
users of AT are in the driver's seat! Created by Mac users with
physical, speech, or vision impairments, it seeks to inform, inspire,
and provide a platform for new ideas.

More information on this podcast can be found at:
http://atpodcasts.com

You can listen to the podcast in iTunes:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=266093431

The audio version of the podcast was created using GhostReader
(http://www.convenienceware.com/ghostreader.php) with the Infovox
iVox voices (http://www.assistiveware.com/infovox_ivox.php).

Thie new audio and PDF podcast compliments the "Exploring the
Frontiers of Assistive Technology" video podcast found at
http://www.frontiersofassistivetechnology.com

This press release is also available at:
http://www.assistiveware.com/pr.php#PR241007

AssistiveWare (http://www.assistiveware.com/) is the worldwide leader
in innovative assistive technology software for Mac OS X that gives
people back their lives. This includes award-winning KeyStrokes(R)
and TouchStrokes(R) virtual keyboards, SwitchXS(R) scanning on-screen
keyboard, LayoutKitchen(R) panel editor, Proloquo(R) multi-purpose
speech solution, and VisioVoice(R), the award-winning solution for
vision impaired Mac users. The ConvenienceWare product line
(http://www.convenienceware.com) makes the advanced technologies
developed by AssistiveWare available in cool and convenient
applications that can make the life of Mac users easier.

AssistiveWare and ConvenienceWare are trade names and trademarks or
registered trademarks of Niemeijer Consult. VisioVoice, SwitchXS,
KeyStrokes, TouchStrokes, LayoutKitchen, GhostReader and Proloquo are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Niemeijer Consult. Infovox
iVox is a trademark of Acapela Group. All other trademarks are
properties of their respective owners.
--
--------------------------------------------------------------
David Niemeijer, CTO & co-CEO
AssistiveWare(R)
D.Niemeijer@assistiveware.com
http://www.assistiveware.com/
--------------------------------------------------------------

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Posted in: assistive technology,AssistiveWare,David Niemeijer,Macintosh

[TIPS] Peak Oil revisited

Anyone remember this post: http://tipline.blogspot.com/2007/05/tips-writing-prompt-for-your-economics.html In it I suggested that a good writing prompt for your economics students might be to tell them that they opened the paper today and read two words in the large headlines: Peak Oil! I asked them to predict what would happen if that should ever be announced. What would happen to the price of a barrel of oil?

Well, today in the Ted Blog I read about THIS article in News.com: http://blog.ted.com/2007/10/peak_oil_chevro.php. Peak Oil!

Point your students to this article and have them speculate. Then see if this manages to make the news. And what does it say if it DOESN"T make more news? Check out this quote: "Chevron's Paul estimated that we will have consumed half of all the oil that ever existed -- 1.5 trillion gallons, out of 3 trillion -- by 2012." He goes on to say, "However, Paul said, 'I don't think it has to be the catastrophe that other people have predicted, because there are other ways to make fuel.'" Yes, but we're going to spend a trillion dollars in Iraq, NOT on alternative energy research.

Anyone else a little nervous about this announcement? Let's watch the price of oil for a while.

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Skype, Yuuguu and InspireData

What better way is there to get my graduate students excited about technology than by modeling for them what is possible with today's Web 2.0 tools. Using programs like Skype and Yuuguu has enabled me to make my graduate classes so much more dynamic and has allowed me to bring in guests into my classroom which was just not possible years ago. Just yesterday, I had Laura from Inspiration give a demonstration of InspireData to my students who had never seen it. Using Skype, and the video conferencing capabilities Laura was able to introduce herself and my students were able to see her which really personalizes the experience. Once she had introduced herself , I turned off the video component and I just used Skype for the audio so that we could listen to Laura as she described the product. Using Yuuguu, a free screen sharing application Laura was able to share her computer with my class and move through InspireData as if we were looking over her shoulder. Yuuguu worked extremely well and kept up with the pace of Laura's presentation to us. Using tools like this gives me access to other experts and makes it easy to bring them into my classroom. One of the really nice parts of this technology is the ease of use; with just couple of clicks of the mouse I was up an running on Skype and Yuuguu. What great tools to use to make classrooms more dynamic and exciting!

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Posted in: InspireDate_1.5,Skype,Yuuguu

Mindjet Productivity Pack for MS Office

Mindjet, Inc. just recently released the Mindjet Productivity Pack for MS Office which is a straightforward set of handy MindManager 7 mind maps demonstrating step by step how to get the most out of MindManager 7 and Microsoft Office. The Mindjet Productivity Pack for MS Office takes you step by step through each of the Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Project, Visio) and provides you with tips and ideas and how to integrate the two applications into your work flow. Mindjet, Inc. is running a promotion and if you purchase or upgrade to MindManager Pro 7 by October 31 you can get the Microsoft Office Productivity Pack for free (a $34.99 value). For more information click on this link.

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Posted in: mind mapping,MindManager Pro 7,oriductivity

Innovate using MindManager Pro 7 both in and out of the Classroom

I had a chance today to do a run through of my webinar, Innovate using MindManager Pro 7 both in and out of the Classroom-which will be hosted by Mindjet, Inc., on Thursday, Novemeber 8, 2007, Time: 10:00 am PST / 1:00 PM EST. I hope you can join me as I share how I am using MindManager Pro 7 to create lectures, proposals, and organize the information that helps me be more productive in the work that I do. It was very exciting doing the run through and I am really looking forward to doing the webinar. So please join me. To register just click on this link. Hope to see you there- it should be fun and informative. Thank you- Gaelen and Kymberly from Mindjet, Inc. for helping me put this webinar together!

-----------------------

Innovate using MindManager Pro 7 both in and out of the Classroom

Guest Speaker: Dr. Brian S. Friedlander

Date: Thursday, November 8, 2007 Time: 10:00 am PST / 1:00 PM EST

Join us for an engaging webinar with Dr. Friedlander, an author, professor and assistive technology specialist who will share the benefits of using mind mapping software in and out of the classroom. You'll see firsthand how Dr. Friedlander uses MindManager Pro 7 to develop, organize and deliver his classroom lectures, as a presentation tool and to develop, organize and format proposals.

In the webinar, find out how using MindManager Pro 7 will make you more effective and provide your students with a more visual way to access and comprehend the information you're presenting to them. At the end of this webinar you'll walk away with the knowledge and power of how to use MindManager Pro 7 to engage the entire classroom.

About Brian S. Friedlander:
Dr. Brian S. Friedlander is a certified (licensed) school psychologist with expertise in assistive and educational technology. He maintains an assistive technology practice that provides assessments, workshops and individual trainings. Dr. Friedlander is also an Assistant Professor of Education at the College of St. Elizabeth in New Jersey, where he teaches graduate courses in special education and educational technology. Mind mapping is used frequently in Dr. Friedlander's classes with his students and he also uses it to develop and deliver graduate level course material.

Dr. Friedlander is the Publisher of Inclusion Times, a special education newsletter from AssistiveTek, LLC. He was recently featured in the video "Assistive Technology: A Way to Differentiate Instruction for Students with Disabilities", available here. You can read Dr.Friedlander's blog at assistivetek.blogspot.com or contact him at brian@assistivetek.com to learn more about his work and his state to national level conference appearances. Register Now

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Posted in: brian friedlander,mind mapping,MindManager Pro 7

[TIPS] Another "In Plain English" video

http://www.commoncraft.com/zombies

Many thanks to Sue Sheffer for sharing this one. You’re familiar with the “RSS in Plain English”, and “Wikis in Plain English” videos, right? Well, now comes this very timely video from those same folks. “Zombies in Plain English.” It shows how to identify and “eliminate” zombies. J

Some may find it…er… in need of refinement or editing. But, remember, it’s just for fun.

Whatever happened to Halloween-clipart.com? That used to be THE best!

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[TIPS] How's this for parent-teacher conferences - 21st Century Style

http://learningandlaptops.blogspot.com/2007/10/parent-teacher-conferences-reflection.html

OK, the 21st Century Style bit was a bit...hokey. But, read this post from Anne Smith about how she restructured her parent-teacher conference night and see if you don't agree that it truly was a fresh way of approaching them. Here's a teaser:

"I asked my students to reflect on their learning based on the following questions:

• Assess your learning in class so far this semester. Look at your participation, growth in writing, comprehension, etc..
• Where, in terms of your learning, do you want to be at the end of the semester?
• How are you going to get there?
• What can I do to help?
• Write a message to your parents."

Now read the article to see what some of the students said and how the evening went.

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Keyboard shortcut of the week: screen capture

If you wish to capture what you have on your screen as an image you can do so by pressing the Print Screen key (sometimes abbreviated to Prt Scr or similar) - on most keyboards this key will be found next to the F12 key, above the Insert key.

This will put an image of the screen into the 'Clipboard', which is the name for the "holding area" where windows keeps things that you have copied. You can then paste this image into any program that accepts pasted images, such as image editors or word processors.

Windows includes an image editor, called Paint, which is found in the 'Accessories' folder on the Start Menu program list. This application enables you to edit the screen image, should you wish to copy a section of it, or change its size, and save it as an image file.

Most word processors also include a few limited image manipulation features. In MS Word there is a toolbar that includes image manipulation tools, such as brightness and contrast adjustment, and a tool to crop the image. To show it, right-click on the image you wish to edit and click on 'Show Picture Toolbar'.

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Posted in: Keyboard shortcut,Word Processing

IT Marketing and Testimonials

Testimonials are a critical part of your IT marketing campaign and can help you sell your business when used to their fullest.

Credibility is Essential to IT Marketing

If you want to have strong testimonials that lend to your credibility, they have to be real. This means they need to have a first name, last name, job title, company name and a city and state (at minimum).

Having real testimonials help you be more believable. People are going to believe third parties with no vested interest in your company more than they will believe your self-created IT marketing materials.

What Should Be Included in Testimonials?

Testimonials need to stress benefits to clients and be on clients’ letterhead. They should talk about how your company has helped them and give specific examples that include commentary on the following items: information on ROI; your company’s dependability and reliability; your response to emergencies; your understanding of specific business needs; your ability to work within time and budgetary constraints.

How Do You Get Testimonials?

1. Interview clients and guide them with specific questions.

2. Draft suggested testimonials and e-mail them to clients, then get them to put them on their company letterhead and sign off on them.

3. Put together five or six suggested bullet points for them to address in their testimonials (set it up like a survey).

4. Take clients out to lunch or breakfast and conduct an interview. Take notes, go back to your office, type it up, email it and then ask clients to review it and make sure it accurately reflects the conversation. Then get clients to put it on their letterhead.

The Bottom Line about IT Marketing and Testimonials

If you make the process of creating testimonials easy for prospects, you can get all the IT marketing materials you need.

Added By: Computer Consulting 101 Professional Kit

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Posted in: IT marketing,testimonials

[TIPS] gabcast - just too cool!

As you MAY be aware, I was a co-presenter on the k12onlineconference again this year. (http://k12onlineconference.org/?p=171) While the video on my particular part (part 2) had some issues (all my own fault) it's now up and running. But that's not what this is about. This is about the way that Wes Fryer  (http://www.speedofcreativity.org/) provided his personal feedback on the presentations. He used a blog and the site called gabcast ((http://www.gabcast.com/index.php))

He PHONED his feedback in to gabcast which then went to his blog that he set up for this. Check it out here: http://wesleypd.blogspot.com/

How does this sound to you? The kids have just turned in their splashcast or slideshare projects on your class wiki. You want to provide feedback. You grab the phone and call in your feedback just like Wes did here. Hmmm... I guess we'd have to see if you could just send the feedback to a student and not have it be public in case you wanted to say something that wasn't entirely complimentary. But, how about a teacher blog that talks about the day and the assignments - created by phoning in your posts.

This stuff is just SO COOL!!!

Many thanks to Wes for taking the time to provide the feedback.

Oh, and if you want to SEE my presentation instead of just listening to it, you may want to wait a bit as Wes struggles to convert it.

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Five tips for buying a new PC

1) Buy a good monitor
The monitor is the peripheral that you will interact with the most. For the sake of your eyesight and to prevent headaches from extended use, make sure that you purchase a quality monitor. Make sure that the monitor is the right size for you, don't be pressured into buying a larger monitor than you need. For most purposes a 17" screen will serve well. Also, read users reviews for the monitors even if you don't read reviews for anything else.

2) Hard-drive capacity
The more the merrier. Hard drive space is like cupboard space: you can never have enough of it, especially in these days of multimedia computing. The capacity of the hard-drive is more important than its speed. 100 gigabytes should be enough for most purposes, but if you know you are going to install many games, or store lots of movies or music files you may decide to buy a PC with a larger drive. Better to buy enough to begin with rather than buy a second drive later.

3) Build Quality
This is particularly important when selecting a laptop to buy. If you can, try and see the laptop models "in the flesh", check out the manner in which the monitor is attached to the rest of the laptop, and make sure the keys don't wobble around. The build quality is often the best indicator of how good a PC is overall.

4) Added extras
Make sure that you need all the added extras that come with the PC packages you are looking at. When it comes to additional software, decide whether you will be better off downloading and installing freeware virus checkers etc. Sometimes the additional virus checker only includes one years worth of updates.

Decide whether you really need the packaged hardware. Would you prefer to buy a printer separatelty? When it comes to printers check how much new ink cartridges cost, as you may end up with a printer bundled with your PC that will cost more in ink than buying a separate printer which uses cheaper ink cartridges

5) Power Supply
Find out what wattage the PC's power supply is. Again, this is a case of the more the merrier. I have known some PC manufacturers to install power supplies that are barely adequate to power the PC, let alone any additional cards you put in it later. Avoid anything less than 240 watts output. It may be difficult to find out the power output if you are purchasing online as it is rarely included in specifications, however, you could email the manufacturers who should be more than happy to respond (if they think there is a likely sale).

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Posted in: Purchases

[TIPS] Want your class to be involved in the Flat World Project?

http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2007/10/does-your-class-want-to-be-sounding.html

Don't get TOO excited, but do check into this post from Vicki Davis. She's looking for classes who might be interested in being Sounding boards (http://flatclassroomproject.wikispaces.com/Sounding+Board ) for the teams in the projects. What a great way to get your feet wet with something like this.

Interested? Go to that first post and reply to her to let her know.

 

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[TIPS] chinesepod - wow!

http://chinesepod.com/

OK, so I'll admit that this isn't high on my radar so you may laready know about it. but, if you're looking to learn Chinese then this is a great place to start. Free podcasts to learn Chinese.

Another cool thing is how I learned about it. I am just trying to close down my computer for the night when someone who I met in one of my grad classes at Bloomsburg skyped me (text chat version) to ask about something else. He's sitting in a session at a conference - yes, at 10:30 PM Easter time! - and someone was talking about that site.

In looking around on other sites he told me (https://masielearning.pbwiki.com/ about I found this question, "What do YOU believe about learning?" I can tell you that what I believe about it - with my blogs and learning network - is SIGNIFICANTLY different from what someone else would belive who does NOT have such a network.

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[TIPS] Flat Classroom Project

http://123elearning.blogspot.com/2007/10/flat-classroom-project-2007.html

Over 100 students from seven classrooms around the world are using sites like ning, and wikispaces, and others to begin work on a large wiki. I want you to stop what you're doing and check this out. Make sure you watch the videos on this page: http://flatclassroomproject.wikispaces.com/Idea+Gallery

Then make sure you take a look at the calendar page and the topics page: http://flatclassroomproject.wikispaces.com/Topics

Now, compare this to the fact that in some schools that I KNOW of in Pennsylvania, there exists a policy to block all blogs (where I learned of this project) and all wikis (where this project is being built) and all collaborative sites (like Skype and ning where the students are communicating with each other.) Then, if you can, write a board policy that is designed to convince the parents in those districts that it's in the best educational interests of those students that they NOT be able to see them.

Go ahead. Take your time. I'll be here. If you come up with a convincing argument I'd LOVE to hear it. 

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[TIPS] MY BLOG as professional development?

I can't let this go. Within my IU the overwhelming majority of districts block my blog from both students and teachers. They block ALL blogs, so I don't take it personally. This, as I've reported, is in SPITE of the fact that the technology exists to give the teachers a different policy. But regardless....

So how's THIS for .... irony?... no, that's not the word... well.. how's this for contrast?

I just heard from a teacher in the western part of the state who gets credit for Professional Development time (they have to get so many hours of PD time per their contract) for reading my blog and reporting on the things she is learning from it. I guess it's because I'm from more than 50 miles away from there, thus making me an expert. :-) !!! What am I smiling about? This is very sad, not funny.

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[TIPS] Tips for teachers wanting to use web 2.0 tools

I LOVE my blogroll. I learn SO much from them. Just now, in this post: http://www.infinitethinking.org/2007/10/more-tips-for-new-classroom-20-teachers.html I was taken to several other sites that are chuck full of great tips and tutorials. I'm telling you, there are SO MANY very creative people in this world who are eager to share what they know with others. Make sure you read the last paragraph and follow the  link to that tutorial about student email accounts through gmail. Very interesting.

Oh, and make sure you also read his previous post: http://www.infinitethinking.org/2007/10/tips-for-new-classroom-20-teachers.html

This guy is another one that I wish I had talked to at the edubloggercon. But, he had a camera in hand and was looking for people willing to be taped. Stick a camera in my face and my mind turns to mush. :-(

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[TIPS] Nominate a Leader in Learning

Vicki Davis pointed to this a while ago (http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2007/10/nominate-leaders.html) and I had forgotten about it until I started looking back through posts that I had saved in bloglines. (LOVE that feature!)

http://www.leadersinlearningawards.org/

"Cable’s Leaders in Learning Awards recognizes outstanding educators, administrators, policymakers and other community leaders at the forefront of innovation in education. This prestigious awards program, in its 4th year of operation, is administered by the cable industry and its national education foundation, Cable in the Classroom. The application window for the 2008 Cable's Leaders in Learning Awards opened on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 and will close on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 12pm (noon) Pacific Standard Time (PST)."

If you've got someone in mind for this award, go here to begin the process: ary http://app.leadersinlearningawards.org/recommend.asp Note: "By completing this form, you are NOT submitting an application for review - only suggesting to an education leader that you think they should apply.  It is the responsibility of the person you are recommending to apply (the applicant) to complete and submit an application."

Check out the list from 2007. An impressive list, yes? http://www.leadersinlearningawards.org/theevent.html

 

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Bookshare.org News

Here is some important news from Bookshare for students with a print disability. Effective October 1, 2007 Bookshare will be offering their service free of charge now making it possible for students to have access to their books in an accessible format. Here is the news from Bookshare. Bookshare expects to add over 100,000 new educational titles in high quality DAISY and Braille formats over the next five years, getting students the terrific quality textbooks they need for academic success!

Major Great News about Bookshare.org

We're happy to share incredible news, which will transform Bookshare.org. On Friday, the Office of Special Education Programs of the U.S. federal Department of Education made a major five-year award of $32 million to Bookshare.org. This will further the objectives of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), by supplying high quality textbooks and educational materials to students with special needs.

This funding is to fully support all schools and students 26 years old and under with qualifying print disabilities in the United States, K-12 and post-secondary. We will provide these students with access to the entire Bookshare.org collection of accessible electronic books and to software for reading those books. As of October 1, 2007, we will cease charging these schools and students anything to join Bookshare.org. We also expect to add over 100,000 new educational titles in high quality DAISY and Braille formats over the next five years, getting students the terrific quality textbooks they need for academic success!

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Posted in: Bookshare,Bookshare.org,etext,print disability

Locating Computer Consulting Sweet Spot Clients for Your Business

If you want to get computer consulting clients that will spend $1,000 or $2,000 monthly on services, you need to evaluate each prospect and client.

Ask yourself the following computer consulting qualifying questions:

1. Is the prospect/client big enough for a real server, firewall, backup solution and offsite or online backup?

2. Does the computer consulting prospect/client need a focus on security, power protection and virus protection?

3. Does the prospect/client need an on-going, real professional for IT needs and network support?

Your best computer consulting clients will not be able to have simply volunteers or even a moonlighter. Small businesses that are sweet spot computer consulting clients will get larger, have more PCs and have a lot more revenue to worry about if systems crash.

Who is Able to Pay for Your Services?

Sweet spot computer consulting clients will be able to pay you consistently for on-going support. You will be on-site twice a month, get emergency support phone calls and conduct remote support. You will be an outsourced IT department.

What Does a Sweet Spot Computer Consulting Client Look Like?

Your ideal clients will have more than just a P2P network. They will need to be big enough computer consulting clients that downtime will be expensive and a major blog to their company.

Added By: Computer Consulting Kit

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Posted in: computer consulting

Reflecting on the Web 2.0 Workshop

By all accounts the Web 2.0 workshop was a real success! I had a small group of teachers for whom this was an eye opening experience. Having a chance to work with some of the major Web 2.0 technologies helped them to grasp the power of the technology and gave them a lot of food for thought on how they could use the technology in their classrooms. During the workshop I had the opportunity to connect with Philip from OoVoo which demonstrated the power of video conferencing and its implications for instruction in the classroom. Reflecting on the workshop I can say wow there really is a lot going on with regards to educational technology that has the potential for changing the educational landscape. I hope the teachers that did participate in the workshop can go back to their classroom's and begin to utilize some of the Web 2.0 technologies that we discussed in the workshop. Time will tell!

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Posted in: Middlesex ETTC,OoVoo,Web 2.0,workshop

[TIPS] check out THIS class

Once again, Darren Draper shows us a GREAT class he taught with folks from around the world. It was an OPEN professional development class with a bunch of folks who were able to contribute and participate using some of the outstanding tools on the web.

Watch this video: http://ustream.tv/channel/social-software-in-the-classroom (You may have to click the first icon in the list below the live viewer to see the recorded session)

Read his 'take' on the event here: http://drapestakes.blogspot.com/2007/10/social-software-07-rocked-house.html

Now... THINK about this! What do we need to do to make this happen for us in the regular classrooms? Who do we need to convince of the power of this technology? What sort of professional development can we create to get our teachers going on it? (Hint: USE THE TOOLS!)

I'm about to start teaching a college course (I think) on tech integration. I CAN"T WAIT!! I want to see their heads spinning and see them jumping up and down with renewed excitement about the classroom dynamics. I want to invite others in to our classes on occassion and I want to help them develop a learning network and begin to LOVE learning all over again. This will be FUN!

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[TIPS] help wanted for k12online conference

The k12online conference is in need of some help for the "When Night Falls" concluding event next week. They need some folks who would be willing to help moderate the live discussions. Don't stop reading! It doesn't matter if you don't have any experience with that sort of thing They will have two training events to help you with your duties. "For those interested, we have set up two training sessions, one Saturday, October 20 at 14:00 GMT (10:00 am EDT) and Sunday, October 21 at 19:00 GMT (3:00 p.m. EDT)."

It's a live session in Elluminate and your job would be to watch the conversations and help manage the discussion. If you feel brave enough to want to help out, plan to tune in to one of those sessions.  You may also want to send an email to vvrotny at gmail.com to let him know your intentions.

Have you been tuning in to the sessions? Thanks to Kristin Hokanson who alerted me to the fact that my video wasn't playing. They're working on fixing it now. But, of course you KNEW it wasn't playing, didn't you? You had already tuned in to see it - DIDN'T YOU? :-)

 

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Something is SERIOUSLY wrong with this picture

I work for an Intermediate Unit in Central PA. The CAIU #15, to be exact. I'm a very lucky man.

I just received an email from a person in another IU (of which there are 29) in the state and this person asked me if I had any contact information for Will Richardson since he spoke at last year's PETE&C conference and I'm this year's Conference Committee President.

No, I didn't have any special address, but I did go to his blog and copy the url of his "Contact Me" page and sent it off to her saying that it was the only way I had to reach him. She wrote back saying that his site was BLOCKED at her IU so she'd have to check it from home later on. AAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

There is SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG with a filter system - or POLICY - that will block the sites of the very people you are trying to reach for their expertise in this area. Am I right here? We've got ADULTS who are put in charge of bringing in quality speakers to address their teachers and staff about what wonderful things this technology brings to education - and they are prevented from seeing those very sites!! WHO IS MAKING THAT OUTRAGEOUS DECISION?? Get that person OUT of there! What's behind it? FEAR? It's obvious that the person making that decision is NOT an educator, nor does this person read blogs or even KNOW what a learning network is. Put ME in charge there and that person would be looking for a new job faster than he could say, "Blog!" Yes, I know that I may be called upon face-to-face to defend that position, and I'm READY!

I write this in complete confidence that he will never see it, however. This is a blog - something that is blocked there, after all. This reminds me of a previous post in which I lamented the fact that I listened to several folks who said that they won't even tell their teachers that it's possible for them to have a different filtering policy than the students.

You know, this isn't fun and games any more. The state of PA is investing hundreds of millions of dollars into education, most recently in two projects designed to a) build a state-wide WAN that connects all (most) of our districts to a high speed WAN, and b) the Classrooms for the Future project which will help our teachers learn what they're calling the "21st century teaching model" AND providing dollars to put laptops in the schools. In my humble, but FIRM opinion, we can no longer tolerate the kinds of attitudes that block sites based on ignorance, or that disable cd-rom drives in even the teacher machines, (Yes, I read that one just today, too), or that block blogs wikis, and podcasts in the name of 'protecting the network.' (I read that one, too, and I called it 'criminally outrageous!) These folks DO NOT BELONG in those positions, and schools CANNOT AFFORD to be cavalier about it any longer. If a district has the ability to provide different filtering policies for the teachers and chooses NOT to just for convenience sake, then something is terribly wrong there.

Keep in mind, I'm not advocating total unrestricted access. What I AM saying is that it flies in the face of logic and reason to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to purchase "good laptops" only to cripple them to the point where they are all but unusable, and then to prevent the use of the very tools that say are exactly the kinds of tools that today's students need to be successful in life. Spock's brain would go into a fatal "TILT!" if he heard this nonsense.

When will someone of authority step up to the plate and say, "I COMPLETELY DISAGREE with the policy that restricts these sites from our teachers. I want it changed NOW! This is an EDUCATION policy that I WANT for the children and staff of this district, and if YOU can't make it happen, then I will get someone who WILL."

Now if you'll excuse me I must take a pill - or something.

OK, Jim, focus..... center..... ohmmmmmm......

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[TIPS] email accounts for students?

Thanks to Kurt's post (http://weblog.techruminations.org/2007/10/multiple-email-account-solution.html) which pointed me here: http://mscofino.edublogs.org/2007/10/18/sign-me-up-the-elementary-email-solution-linked-gmail-accounts/

 

I wasn't familiar with Kim's blog but I WILL be. Here she does a great job explaining her solution to the issue of student email accounts. You know how so many sites require email accounts to get set up. How can you do that with students? Read Kim's post to find out.

 

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Speed up your PC: streamlined visuals

Over the years the Windows interface has become increasingly visually appealing, however, these graphic effects can have an impact on performance.

The effects of effects
Windows 2000 and XP users can switch off some of these effects in order to get better performance from their PC. To do this, right-click on the desktop - away from any icons and select 'Properties'. This will open the 'Display Properties' dialog box. On this box select the 'Appearance tab'.
Click on the 'Effects...' button, and the following dialog box will open.
To increase performance make sure that 'Show shadows under menus' and 'Show windows contents while dragging' are not ticked. Click 'OK' on all the boxes when you have made your changes.


Pick a better wallpaper
Another factor that may impact performance is the size of the image you use as your desktop background - also known as a wallpaper. You can use any size of image as your wallpaper and Windows will resize it to fit the screen. By picking a smaller image, you will free up some system resources. Of course, you can free even more resources by having a plain background with no image at all.

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Posted in: Faster Windows

Web 2.0 Workshop Tomorrow

I am just collecting myself tonight and doing some minor tweaks for my Web 2.0 Workshop to be held at the Middlesex ETTC, East Brunswick, New Jersey. I am really excited to be doing this presentation and have a lot of ground to cover. I understand that there will be a small group of teachers attending which will give me the opportunity to cover a lot of ground. During the workshop we will be covering RSS feeds, Social Bookmarking, Blogs, Wikis, and Web 2.0 applications. It should be really exciting wit lots of time to play in the Web 2.0 sandbox. I will let you know how it goes. One of my goals is to do the entire workshop using nothing but Web 2.0 applications. Wish me good luck!

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Posted in: Middlesex ETTC,Web 2.0

Keyboard shortcut of the week: the great escape

The escape key (marked 'Esc' on most keyboards) has a number of functions, but probably it's most useful function is for closing dialog boxes (those small windows that open within a program, such as the 'Save as...' box) where it is the equivalent of pressing the 'Cancel' button or the close button in the top right hand corner - the equivalent of pressing the 'OK' button is the return key.

Pressing the escape key also close menus, including the start menu, which can be opened using the windows key (the one with the Windows logo on).

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Posted in: Keyboard shortcut

[TIPS] THIS is what you (might have) missed on Ted

http://blog.ted.com/2007/10/keeping_track_o.php

 

I've pointed to many different videos on Ted over the past year or so, but there have been many more available. I want you to take a look at the list on that page. Are you blown away by this collection of videos? Think what you'd have to pay to see them. The Ted conference - just for one conference - is over $6000, and that doesn't include rooms, etc. (I tried to verify that, but I couldn't find it on their site this AM)

 

The point is, share this wonderful resource with your friends. Have them subscribe to the blog. This is an excellent source for personal or profesional growth, IMHO.

 

ANd the Ted blog pointed me to this video: http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/industry/4224765.html?series=37 That shows how a small team of inspired people are helping the women of Dafur by inventing a new, efficient cooking stove. Why is that a big deal for the women there? Watch the video to find out.

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InspireData and Authentic Data

What better way to get students engaged in a project then by having them use authentic data. I was reading today's New Jersey Star Ledger and there were several articles about the crime statistics for the tri-county area where I live complete with tables of all the crimes reported by the New Jersey State Police for 2006. I found the data set to be very interesting and as I was looking at the data tables, it dawned on me that this would be great data to have students look at in InspireData. Students could create the data tables and spend some time looking at the trends to get a better handle on what types of crimes are occurring in each of the towns. Using the tools in InspireData students can look at trends and report back to the class. Working with authentic data makes this task extremely engaging and can help student to better understand trends and make hypothesis as to why certain crimes seem to ebb and flow.

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Posted in: data analysis,inspiredata

[TIPS] learning networks

So, you think that schools and blogs don't mix? (NIMSD - Not In MY School District) Well, check out this page and THEN try to say it: http://www.arapahoe.littletonpublicschools.net/LEARNINGNETWORK/tabid/959/Default.aspx

A couple things to think about. Notice the heading, their Learning Network. Right from the start you know that they 'get it.' Have you ever heard me say that my blogs are MY professional development? MY learning network? And check out the heading in the center section, "Join the Conversation." That's what it about - getting folks to engage in the conversation. Those with whom they converse become their learning network.

Do you recall an earlier post I made about how a twitter post led me to a skypecast which led me to a uStream.tv broadcast? That's what a learning network does for you. And it's VERY powerful. I recall a teacher in the area telling me about a presentation he sat through where one person spoke and the other was there as technical support if needed. That person, however, was busy writing php code during the presentation. At one point she sent out a 'twit' to her network asking if anyone knew a particular bit of code that she could use to do.. something or other. Within minutes she had her code. From her learning network.

http://injenuity.com/?p=30
Now check out THIS post (thanks to a post on http://www.infinitethinking.org) about a woman who took her network on a job interview with her. Yes, in preparation for her interview she contacted those folks in her network and asked if anyone would be around who would be willing to contribute during her interview. Among those who said yes - Bernie Dodge. Yes, the webquest guy. How impressed would YOU be if a candidate for a job showed up with Bernie Dodge?

I would have offered her the job on the spot. It's clear that she GETS IT! She brings much more to the position than just herself. She brings the experience from her network.

If blogs are blocked at YOUR school, please invite the curriculum director in for a conversation. Have a list of good blog sites for him/her to see - after school hours, of course. Show WHY you want to engage in the conversation and WHY you want your students to begin to develop a learning network. This is good stuff, folks!

P.S.
The top link.. Arapahoe SD. Do you know that one?

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[TIPS] eduism - 3d environment for whiteboards

http://www.edusim3d.com/

"The Edusim is a free & open source educational 3D interactive virtual environment built on open source Croquet (using Wisconsin Worlds) with resource packs being developed for the K-12 classroom by the Greenbush Education Service Center.

The goal of the Edusim project is to provide a safe 3D interactive environment for classroom activities (interactive white boards, modeling, machinima, and MORE). "

Watch the video. Looks pretty interesting.

Thanks to Durff for sharing this with me via the for:jgates513 tag on delicious.

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Kurzweil 3000™ USB for Windows

Kurzweil Educational Systems announced today the release of Kurzweil 3000™ USB for Windows. With this release students can access all of the features of Kurzweil 3000 on any Windows computer by virtue of plugging in the device into a USB port. Kurzweil 3000™ USB for Windows is available in both the Professional and LearnStation versions. The Professional version also for the scanning of text while the LearnStation version provides all the features less the scanning capabilities. Here is a list of the features as noted on the Kurzweil 3000 website:

Key Benefits of Kurzweil 3000 USB for Windows

For Struggling Students

• Easily use Kurzweil 3000 at home or on other non-school computers.
• Save files and user settings — saving files on the USB flash drive enables students to have ready access to their important files regardless of what computer they are using.

For Teachers

• Gain immediate access to Kurzweil tools for students and teachers alike — without depending on others to install software.
• No installation of software necessary.
• Use Kurzweil 3000 on virtually any Windows computer — even at home.
• Bring Kurzweil 3000 to demonstrate at IEP meetings with parents.

For IT directors

• No installation of software necessary — less effort (if any) in supporting software installations.
• Provides an easy way to move software from one classroom or lab to another so that a limited number of licenses can be used anywhere in the school without having to install it on a network.
• Enable students and teachers to use software at home.

System Requirements

• Processor: 700 MHz Intel Pentium III (or faster)
• Operating Systems: Windows 2000, XP, Vista;
• Memory: 128MB or if using VoiceText™, 256MB
• Disk Space: 200MB
• Screen Resolution: 16 bit high colors, 800 x 600 pixels
• USB 2.0 port
• Scanner: TWAIN compliant
• For audio file creation: MP3 encoder and/or Windows Media Player.
• For how-to videos: Windows Media Player.
• Sound card: Creative Labs Sound Blaster 16 or other16-bit compatible sound card with speakers and microphone; keyboard and mouse.

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Posted in: assistive technology,kurzweil 3000,kurzweil 3000 USB,USB

[TIPS] hotchalk - NBC video footage and more

I don't know if this has gone around or not, but I first learned about it from Stephanie M, from IU9. Hotchalk (http://www.hotchalk.com) is a lot of things. But, I think the part that will attract the most attention is the access to thousands of NBC news footage files dating back decades.

First, here's what the site says about itself:
"At HotChalk, our mission is to improve the lives of teachers. Our community software makes it possible for teachers to work together, making lesson planning, assignment distribution, collection and grading easier than ever before. HotChalk puts students in charge of their grades by giving them the information they need to manage their academic responsibilities. HotChalk makes communicating with parents easy, turning teachers, students, and parents into high-performance teams to produce measurable academic results.

The HotChalk Learning Environment is free for all schools everywhere and is based on an advertising-supported business model. With the patent-pending HotChalk Community Standards Engine, each school can control which ads students see, and determine which ads are shown. Please note that HotChalk never displays advertising during the school day to students. Also children under the age of 13 are never exposed to advertising."

You can create classes and add resources to the classes. That part, for me, is just fine. But click the NBC News tab at the top to search from among thousands of videos from NBC. You can add those to your resources, as well.

The site is more than I have time to talk about right now, but make sure you show this to your Social Studies teachers. Click here for a tutorial for using the videos from NBC: http://hotchalk.com/screencasts/nbc/

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[TIPS] Google Earth Lessons

Many thanks to Anthony O'Neal for sharing this one with me.

http://gelessons.com/

"GELessons.com - A Free Public Resource - Providing Teachers with the tools needed to enhance their instruction using Google Earth®, the free program that brings the world to the classroom! A Website By and For Teachers."

This looks like one you're going to want to bookmark. Go to the Blog page (if you can see that when you're in school.. ::sigh::) and subscribe to that page to get the latest lessons delivered to your aggregator.

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[TIPS] k12onlineconference

Have you been tuning into the k12onlineconference.org site this week? I've sen several VERY good presentations so far. Here's the agenda: http://k12onlineconference.org/docs/k12online2007schedule.html

I DO hope you'll bookmark that agenda and go back a couple times a week to check out the presentations. I've learned a LOT already from just the first two days.

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Toolbars gone AWOL

There is a bug in Windows XP that causes the toolbars in Internet Explorer and Windows Explorer (the thing that opens when you double-click on My Computer etc) to disappear.

Doug Knox has written an excellent little program to fix this problem. Download it from his website here.

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Posted in: Freeware,Internet Explorer

XMIND 2008 for Macintosh Promotion

Mango Software for 1 day is having a special promotion on XMIND 2008 for Macintosh. XMIND 2008 is a full featured mind mapping application complete with templates to jump start the process. XMIND 2008 allows you to attach notes, files, hyperlinks, and audio files to your mindmaps. When you are finished with your mind map you can export it to Word,PowerPoint or as a PDF. Check it out!

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Posted in: Mango Software,mind mapping,XMIND_2008

Link to Bloody Computer!

If you wish to link to Bloody Computer!, copy the following code and paste it into your website's html file or add it to your blog. Please leave a comment if you need any help doing this.

<a href="http://bloodycomputer.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh148/stepterix/bcsmall.jpg" border="0" /></a>

The link will look like this:

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Posted in: Blogging