Do you need some Web 2.0 Tools to motivate and engage your students? Are you looking for some tools to make you life just a littel easier? If so, check out the Web 2.0 Tools blog.[Click Here]

You have heard me talk about Woot.com and Yugster.com; sites that offer visitors fun and sometimes unbelievable daily deals. Here is another one for you to check out. It is called 1 Sale A Day. It offers one general deal, one wireless deal and one watch deal per day. Like all "one day deal sites" Google the price listed to see if it really is a deal. For more information about this site [Click Here]

An egg timer is a device whose primary function is to measure a set amount of time. Its primary purpose was to assist in cooking an egg in water. Some later designs allowed adjustments to measure many other cookery tasks. - Wikipedia

We have all used or seen the traditional egg timer. They were great for playing games or helping mom make sure the hard boiled eggs were cooked properly. But once again, the web has made the egg timer even cooler with e.ggtimer.com  This handy online egg timer is perfect for the classroom, board room or large training venue. Not only is this tool simple to use, but it will also your group back in their seats whentime is up. For more information about this tool, [Click Here]

For those of you who can't let go of those things called flashcards, I recently stumbled upon a tool that will help you step into the 21st Century. Study Stack is an online resource that not only lets you create online/digital; flashcards, but they can also be shared. Once your information has been entered, you can easily produce flashcards, study stack, study table, matching exercise, hangman game, crossword, word search game, unscramble game, fill in the blank and a bug match game. What I like best is that these stacks can be various portable devices such as the Palm, iPhone or iPod. An option to embed these stack in your website is also available.

For more information, please [Click Here]

I would have to say that I was pretty disappointed when I found out that iMovie 08 lacked many of the features that I grew to love in older versions of iMovie. Not only did they make the interface confusing but they also left out was the ability to add simple effects to your video. Apple has redeemed itself and has brought back a less complicated interface along with those special effects with the release of iMovie 09. Not only that, but they have also added the ability to use green screen, also known as chroma key.

Here is a great review of iMovie 09: [Click Here]

Learn to use the hidden green screen feature: [Click Here]

We added a new Web 2.0 tool on our website a few months ago, but we had to remove it. After testing the chat tool called WebbyChat, we found it to be disappointing. WebbyChat is a chat room that can be added to any site. It sits outside your page content  and can carry the conversation from page to page. Not only was it not being used, we also found it hard to control. Unlike real chat rooms, conversations were not easily monitored and we lost our ability to manage it. This is scary if you wanted to use it for classroom conversations or for online classes. We will keep looking for a free and easy chat room tool and share it with you when we find it. In the meantime, if you find something, let us know.

In this episode we will take a look at the Camstudio Screen recording software, the Flip Video camera, and educational widgets for websites.

CamStudio
Dowload you free copy [Click Here]

Watch a Video Tutorial [Click Here] 

Flip Camera
Ideas for using the Flip Video camera in the classroom:

Vodcasts
Digital Principal or Teacher Video Letters
Tape Administrative walk-throughs or best practices
Achieve classroom lessons or projects
Portable camera for school or classroom broadcast
Record students for reading fluency
Record students for speech and language screening
Document field trip
Capturing science experiments
Digital storytelling projects
Expert interviews
Community, family, historical interviews 
Record science fair experiments
Record lessons for absence students
Skits or speeches

Widgets for Your Website
More and more educators are creating a web presence either for schools, classrooms or personal use. Having a web page, blog or wiki can not only give you a place to share information or collaborate with your visitors.  But by adding some items called widgets, you site can do more. No matter is it is a traditional web site, blog or wiki widgets can be added. There are many places to find these web wigits, but I recently found a site called widget box that contain at least two thousand customizable widgets under the educational category. So now you can add everything from local weather, sign language fingering guide, time zone clock  to grammar quizzes on your site. So check out widget box today and add a little excitement to you site.

Check out WidgetBox [Click Here]

Jodix Free iPod Video Converter
Jodix Free iPod Video Converter is a tool that I have been using for a few years now to convert different video formats into the MPEG4 format. Jodix This drag and drop software installs on your computer and allows you to convert many popular video formats into the MPEG4 format. The software even allows Batch Processing so an unlimited number of files can be converted at one time. Here are the formats that it currently will convert: DVD/VCD and AVI, MPEG, WMV, RM, RMVB, DivX, ASF, VOB  

To download your copy [Click Here] 

 

How to Build A Portable Macro Photo Studio 

Not too long ago I built a portable podcasting studio for under $20. Made out of foam and cardboard, this studio helps reduce echo and bring a professional recording quality to the classroom or home, without the professional studio cost. 

Recently I have been searching for a DIY solution for building my own portable photo studio. This studio would be small enough and portable enough that a teacher could use it and store it in their classroom. It would be small enough to fit on a table and just the right size to take pictures of small items with shadow less backgrounds. You have maybe seen image like this before on professional clip art website…you know….white seamless backgrounds with beautifully defused light. 

Well, I found a site with the step-by-step instructions in building a simple 12x12x12 light tent out of nothing more than a cardboard box, tape, white and black and white cardboard and tissue paper. The only additional cost would be lamps or clips lights that can be purchased at any superstore. This simple little photo both/light tent basically diffuses the light to reduce ugly shadows and create beautiful soft light.

So what would an educator use it for? This nifty tool could be used by both students and teachers to take professional pictures of objects for presentations, lessons, web sites, yearbooks, and student projects.  

For more information on this affordable light studio and to access the simple directions [Click Here] 

To access the TechTeacher Network website, go to: www.techteacher.libsyn.com 

Did you know that the iPhone is more than just a phone. With the right application, it can also be a musical instrument called an ocarina. Check out the following video.

I learned a long time ago as a classroom teacher and web developer...there is no since in wasting time on a media that does not offer a return. So you are probably wondering what I mean by this. If you are spending time as an educator building a classroom website, podcast or vodcast, make sure your time is well spent. You need data to support the hours you invest in one of these tools. If you are spending hours updating your classroom website, but only one or two parents or students are using it...is it worth your time? The same goes for a podcast or vodcast. Both of these tools require large amounts of time from pre-production to the final broadcast. Again, if you only have a few listeners, is it worth it. I don't want to forget to mention that there are hosting costs involved with both of these medias...so you need to know if you are getting your bang for your buck (and time).

Here are two great tips to help you with the process of collecting this data. The first tip is to add Google Analytics to your website. Google Analytics is a free tool that allows you to track information about the visitors that come to your site and how they interact with it. You will not only get the number of visit each day, but where they are from, how long they are on your site and much, much more. In fact, I still don't think I have really taken advantage of all of the features Google Analytics has to offer.

The second tip is to use a podcast hosting service that offers you statistics. Some important features to look for are total all time downloads, daily and monthly downloads, and the download by platform (Where are your listeners getting your podcast/vodcast).

If you would like more information about these tips, please feel free to contact me.

 

 

Normally when doing educational video conferencing I either use Polycom equipment  or Skype software. These tools are becoming more and  popular with educators all around the world. Recently I was ask to use a new video conferencing tool called "paltalk". To be honest, I had never heard of this service and thought it may be worth a try. 

One thing that is different about paltalk compared to a service like Skype is that it uses the traditional style of vidoe chat services. They use thousands of live video chat rooms and dozens of regularly scheduled video chat shows. So in a way, it seem to be a little like USTREAM or STICKM where you can do live broadcasts. The service also offers something unique...virtual streaming of video clips from your computer. So video can be shared during you video conference.

Paltalk also offers the ability to have 10 people join you by video during your conference, which is something that Skype can't do

After using this service I found many of the features mentioned above to be encouraging for the delivery of education content. For example the service could be used during an online class to make students get not only aquainted with the instructor, but also the students. Also, the ability to stream your own video content during a conference could not only be engaging, but also help reinforce a concept or enrich a discussion.

Try "paltalk" out for yourself and let me know what you think. To download, click the image below:

It important to never cut corners when it comes to your help. The same gors for protecting your computer. There are many options when it comes to virus protection, and believe me, I have tried them all. 
Malware is running ramped and you need to kill the viruses before they take down your system. In the past I have always used tools like Nortons and McAfee to protect my home computers, but the problem is that every time they come out with a new version, they seems to take up more hard drive space and more processor speed. After listening to Leo Laporte – creator of the TWIT podcasts, and doing some research, I finally I figure it was time for a change. I have found the perfect protection for my home computers. What I discovered was that when  it comes to proactive virus protection, Eset's NOD32 was the hands-down winner in "Virus Stoppers," It actually was one of the top protectors against spyware. Not only does it protect well but the program was very easy to install and I never seem to notice it scanning when I am using the computer…unlike the other services I have tried. It also has a very small foot print so it does not take as much hard drive space. Now NOD32  ties you're your Outlook or Outlook Express for e-mail scanning. NOD 32 does not work with or integrate with any instant messaging applications for scanning sent links or files. It also scans for spyware and adware in addition to viruses and it can perform all those scans at once, while some other tools require multiple scans. Get yours today:

Have you ever wished you could collaborate on project with another classroom in a far off location? What about working on a presentation with another a co-presenter who lives in another state? Now you can with a tool called Scriblink. Scrblink is a free digital online whiteboard that users can share in real-time. Scriblink is free and requires no registration. Scriblink also offers:
o Privacy: the board is all yours, open only to the people you choose to invite
o Dynamic Tools: use shapes, hundreds of colors, a size bar, a text feature, and a grid to help guide your drawings
o File Options: gives you the ability to print, save, and email your work
o Image Uploader: upload an image onto the whiteboard as the background, allowing you to share it, mark it, deface it, or highlight key elements
o In-Screen Chat: when working with others, no need to sign in to third party software, simply use our in-screen chat
o VOIP Conferencing: if you have a mic for your computer, you can automatically connect with your collaborators (no software necessary) and talk for free for as long as you like
o File transfer: when emailing is too much of a hassle, simply transfer files directly to anyone you're working with

To check out this cool collabortaion tool [Click Here]

Don't let my son's picture scare you, it has been altered with a tool called Pizap. Pizap is a fun photo editor that lets you add photo effects like to images.quickly and easily. Some of the effects include custom text, speech bubbles, hundreds of original colorful stickers. PiZap also has built in tools for sending e-cards, downloading your image, embedding your image, or sharing the link to your image. No registration required. Pizap is a great addition to any classroom for do fun and creative projects (example: creating writing prompts) To check out Pizap [Click Here]

He is a really neat slideshow found at TheWhite House's website. Not only can students see great images of previous US Presidents, but they can also get the biography. To see this site [Click Here]

One of the most important things for educators to do is to be part of a professional learning community. This can happen at the district or university level, but working with a larger and more diverse community is even better. I would like to encourage each of you to join a 21st Century Learning Community called "Classroom 2.0. Sign up and create your own personal page. Create a profile and then go to the member's page and search for me, then "Add as colleague". Together we can change the future of education.

Visit Classroom 2.0

Here is a great concept/mind mapping tool for both students and teachers. It works much like Kidspiration and Inspiration, but simpler. Just type the main idea. topic and subtopic in the right hand column and let the text2mindmap generate the map for you. When you are all finished save the final project as a .jpg image. To check out the great tool [click here]

When the first iPod Touch arrived on the scene, I couldn't justify it as a appropriate tool for the classroom. To me, it was just a glorified iPod with a touch screen and out of touch price. It is true that it did offer wireless and a few applications, but I was still not sold.

Well...recently I have been working with the iPod Touch Generation 2 and let me just say, it is more than just a MP3 player. Starting at $229, the Generation 2 Touch offers users additional features that make it a the ultimate tool for the educational arena. With Apple allowing the public to develop applications, this has made the G2 flexible and diverse mini computer. All of these applications can be purchased through the iTunes applications store. Many of these applications are useful to support administrators, teachers and student learning. Some of these applications include eBooks, network utility tools, education activities just to name a few. The icing on the cake is the iPods ability to work with Microsoft Exchange so it can receive e-mails and sync to your calendar through your wireless network [Click here]. With iTouches ability to access the Internet, the Touch may also allow teachers to access classroom tools that are web based (gradebook, attendance tools).

Here is a listed of just a few applications for the iPod Touch:

Bookshlef - A flexible eBook reader/tool that allows the ability to download eBooks and the ability to transfer normal text into eBook form

Cities World Clock - Tool that allows access to times to 2300 cities and 180 countries.

Google Earth - Google Earth for the iPod

Google Mobile Apps - Mobile access to all of the Google applications you love.

Mocha VNC Lite - A remote access tool that allows mobile access to computers running common VNC servers.

Math Zombie - Math game with pizzazz

Mighty Math - Basic math drill game

Please feel free to add any iPod Touch applications you find beneficial. Just click on the comment link below.

Need advice about classroom, office, or home projectors? Check out our new site. [Click Here]

FileHippo is kind of a strange name for a website, but don't let the name turn you off. FileHippo is a one-stop software site. They make downloading the newest versions of the best software simple and easy. Plus it can be done without the annoying popups and dangerous spyware.

Some of the categories they offer are:
Browsers and Plugins
File Sharing
Messaging and Chat
File Transfer
Anti-Spyware
Firewalls and Security
Anti-Virus
Audio and Video
CD and DVD Tools

For more information and to see all of the other FileHipp categories:

 

 

Don't get me wrong, I love Apple and I love the hardware they manufacture, but there are times when even Apple hardware will let you down. In the last few years, I have recieved many iPod trouble shooting questions, usually from educators who are at their wits end after finding out that Apple would be glad to repair their issue for $150. This is sad when you can purchase a brnad new iPod Nano for $149.

Today I am going to share with you my first little secret when helping trouble shoot an iPod...the hidden iPod Commands. Believe it or not, Apple has three "so called" hidden commands that should be the first step when it comes to fixing an iPod (Hard Reset, Diagnostic Mode and Disk Mode). I found a great web site that breaks down these commands in a simple interactive way. [Click Here]

If you are having problems with your iPod freezing, try doing a Hard Reset.

If you suspect there is something wrong with your iPod, you can switch it to diagnostic mode to determine what the problem may be.

Finally, when troubleshooting an issue with your iPod, it's sometimes helpful to manually put it into Disk Mode.

Stay tuned for more iPod tips.

Yugster has decided to extend the "TechTeacher Discount" seven more days. Spend $10 or more and receive $5.00 off Just enter the Code: 5OFF10 during check out and save. The TechTeacher offer expires 12/15/2008. Just [Click Here] and save!

Here is item that I would be lost without, the Griffin RoadTrip FM Transmitter and Car Charger for iPod. I purchased mine about two years ago and have never been disappointed.

The RoadTrip not only braodcast music or podcast form you iPod to your FM radio, but it also doubles as an iPod charger. The other cool thing about this unit is that it can alos connect to your laptop by USB to send your music to your boombox radio or home entertainment system. But it's not just for iPod; you can also use it to broadcast music from a Mac or PC. The package includes a combination USB power and audio connector cable that can plug into any USB-equipped computer. Play your iTunes, movie soundtrack, or presentation audio from your computer to any FM stereo close by. Yugster is offering it on December 4th for only $13.97.

Yugster has given me a special code for my listeners and readers so you can save $5.00 off this item or any other item from December 1st to December 8th. Just click on the this link [Click Here] and enter this Coupon Code: SAVE5 when you check out and get $5.00 off any purchase over $10.00. Remember that this code is good only to December 8th 2008.

Do you remember the Dot-com crash of 2000? Pownce has been acquired by the blogging company Six Apart, the makers of Movable Type, TypePad and Vox. Pownce, a social networking service that I have been using for the last year. Here is a e-mail that I received tonight. After reading the first line...that is where my mind went...Web 2.0 Crash of 2008 or maybe 2009.

"We are sad to announce that Pownce is shutting down on December 15,
2008. As of today, Pownce will no longer be accepting new users or new
pro accounts.

To help with your transition, we have built an export tool so you can
save your content. You can find the export tool at Settings > Export.
Please export your content by December 15, 2008, as the site will not
be accessible after this date.

Please visit our new home to find out more:
http://www.sixapart.com/pownce

Our thanks go out to everyone who contributed to the Pownce community,

The Pownce Crew"

Now you can learn to podcast and get 2 college credits at the same time. I will be offering a online podcasting course this spring through Ottawa University. During this 3 week course, you will learn how podcasting can be integrated into their classroom curriculum. You will also learn how to create, edit and publish a podcast, along with some basic techniques that will be beneficial in producing an educational podcast. Register now, seating is limited!

Course runs from March 3 - 17

Download Course Information (course on page 8)
Download Application Form and Payment Form

One of the most powerful tools that I use for teaching online course is screen recording or sometimes called screen casts. Screen recording  is a digital recording the computer screen. Not only can you capture the video but audio can be captured also, allowing narration to take place. Really good screen recording software can very expensive, but recently I found an online screen recording tool that is free. Since ScreenToaster is online, it works with any platform (Windows Vista, Mac OS and Linux) and also allows the final project to be converted to Flash so they can be shared online. Now, the only problem with ScreenToaster is that it is currently in its Beta stages...so you have to register to get an invitation key. For more information or to register [Click Here]

Recently, I have been trying to locate software that can be used to do green screen video. During my search I stumble across some software call ManyCam. ManyCam software can be used with any web-cam, and it allows to work with multiple applications. The software also allows you to add cool graphics to your web-cam videos and pictures. Some of the great features of this software are:
* Add still graphics or animated graphic to the background of video and pictures
* Add avatars and animated objects to videos and pictures
* Add special effects to images and videos
* Add face accessories to images and videos (hair, eyebrows, masks)
* Add text to your web-cam video window with any application.
* Draw on top of your video and stills

The great thing about this software is universal it is. Not only can it capture live form you web cam, but you can also import video, still images and capture your desktop.

ManyCam is FREE and is a great addition to any classroom or personal computer.  For more information or o download you own copy [Click Here]

Recently, I had the chance to try out a couple more small laptops called netbooks. Last month, I tried out the Dell Mini 9, which was a very nice netbook for the price. This month I tried out the ASUS Eee PC 1000 and the Acer Aspire One, both of which have received very good reviews...but to be honest, there is nothing better than to try them out for yourself.

The ASUS is the largest of the netbooks, boasting a 10 inch screen. It also offers a larger keyboard than the rest, making it a winner in my book. The ASUS comes loaded with the choice of operating systems, Linux or XP Home edition. It also uses the faster 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor along with 1GB of DDR memory. The chassis has an Ethernet port, a single USB port, plus a pair of audio ports. There are two additional USB ports, an SD card reader and a VGA output. Like many of the netbooks, the ASUS also has a built in webcam. (Additional upgrade options available)

Pros:
Lager screen and keyboard
Brightest screen
6 cell 7 hour removable battery
Faster surfing
Faster booting
Great sound for the size
1.3 mega pixel web cam

 

The next netbook is the Acer Aspire One. Having owned an Acer in the past, I confident that it would not let me down. The Acer offer the user an 8.9" screen, which is reflected in a smaller keyboard...about an inch smaller that the ASUS, which I found to be the biggest downside to this laptop. But, like the ASUS, the Acer is packed with the 1.6GHz Atom processor and 160 GB hard drive or an 8GB SSD storage drive and an 802.11g/b wireless card and a webcam. The Acer also comes loaded with Linux or Windows XP Home along with three USB ports, SD card reader, an Ethernet port and a VGA-out. There's a Kensington lock too, naturally, as well as a headphone and microphone port. (Additional upgrade option available)

Pros:
Chasiss had solid feel
1 year warranty upgradable to 2 year warranty
Bright crisp LCD screen
6 cell 7 hour removable battery

Between the two laptops, my favorite is the ASUS Eee PC 1000...which really surprised me. Not only did the larger keyboard make my surfing and typing a breeze, but it also had a more solid feel. The mouse design also made navigating easier because the mouse buttons were located at the bottom of the mouse, while the Acer put them on the side. I also noticed that it ran faster. Now the faster operation could be because the ASUS was running Linux on a solid state hard drive while the Acer was running XP Home on a 160 Gig SATA hard drive.

Pricing for the laptops run around $349 dollars on up depending upon upgrade options and operating systems.

For additional information on these netbooks, go to:
ASUS [Click Here]

Acer [Click Here]

 

 

 

Here is a great Web 2.0 tool that will have many uses in your classroom...no matter what age you teach. Wordle is a great tool for generating something called word clouds. Either type or copy and paste in your text and let Wordle generate a unique word cloud. The clouds created give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text. Wordle lets users change fonts, layouts, and color schemes. The images you create with Wordle are yours to use however you like. You can print them out, save them or do a print screen to save your project. Wordle would be a great way for students to check what words are being over used in their writing by simply past their text into the Wordle text box. Another way to use Wordle in the classroom is to have students create special word walls (Examples: adjectives, synonyms, antonyms)

The incredible story of Desperaux comes to the animated big screen this Christmas. In the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who is in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in the darkness and covets a world filled with light. And it is the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl who harbors a simple, impossible wish. These three characters are about to embark on a journey that will lead them down into a horrible dungeon, up into a glittering castle, and, ultimately, into each other's lives. And what happens then? As Kate DiCamillo would say: "Reader, it is your destiny to find out."

For more information about this movie [Click Here]

To download a 15 page classroom packet [Click Here]

Over the last year many companies have been attempting to fall inot the new niche inspired by One Laptop Per Child. As more and more companies compete for this new market, the more we will see the prices fall and features increase. Recently, Dell has now joined the ranks with there Inspiron Mini 9 which not only reassures that this niche is not just a flash in the pan. Starting at $349, the Mini 9 come with most of the features found on traditional sized laptops, but in a much more compact size. Here is what the Mini 9 offers: Intel Atom Processor, Windows XP or Linux, 8.9 inch screen, 512 to 1 Gigs or RAM, 4 to 16 Gigs Solids State Hard Drive, Sound Card, Wireless, USB ports, VGA port, optional web cam and bluetooth. At this price point, Dell only offers a 1 to 2 year warranty. For more information and to learn more about the Mini 9 [Click Here]

 

 

Not only has Apple just released iTunes 8 today, but the have also release a brand new iPod Nano. Like most people, I had just gotten use to the last iPod Nano design and have spent the last year trying to find the add ons needed to make them the ultimate classroom tool...things like chargers and voice recorders. Now with the new Nano, it is time to start all over again. From what I have found though, the changes that Apple has made may be well worth it.

Now at first glance, you will notice that Apple has increase the palette of colors for the Nano. They have also brought back the generation 2 design with a twist... aluminum body that is curved. It also boast a large high resolution screen that can be tilted on its side to be viewed in a landscape mode. Of course these are just a few of the new features that Apple has brought about with this new release. To learn more about the Apple iPod [Click Here]

I will be honest with you, one thing that I really hate to buy is ink for a printer. Recently my laser printer ran out of toner and let me tell you, it was just not a good time for this to happen. I have always learned to keep at least one extra ink cartridge or laser toner cartridge around the house, because...let's be honest, they only run out when your really need them.

I have tried every service out there for printer cartridge service, some are better than others. Some are refill store fronts and some have been online discount sites. This time, I decided to try a service suggested by a friend called OCinkjet.com. I was told I would not regret it and to be honest, what did I have to lose. Well, so far I have been very pleased. The prices were very competitive and the service was fast. The great part was that my the savings they gave me on my order was not eaten up by the shipping...they have a $1.99 flat rate shipping on all orders, no matter how big or small.

If you are interested in OCinkjet.com, check them out here:

 

One thing that educators forget to purchase when putting together an iPod kit for their classroom are some AC/USB chargers. Even though iPods can be charged with a USB cable on a computer...this is not always convenient or secure. The easiest way to manage this task is by using this Griffin PowerBlock can be used to charge virtually any iPod from a wall outlet. It features a 30-pin connector that fits iPods with dock connectors, and you can also plug the 1G iPod shuffle directly into the AC wall adapter via the USB-style power port. It features standard Type A USB connectors that work with iPod and other USB-chargeable devices, and flat-blade non-polarized wall prongs that work well with international adapters and in multi-outlet configurations. Compact and easy to travel with, the PowerBlock also includes a USB-to-dock cable can be disconnected for use with a computer for the ultimate in flexible usability.

Not only is the Griffin PowerBlock is compatible with the following iPods: Nano, Shuffle, Mini, Photo, 4th Gen with Click Wheel, and 5th Gen with Video, but is also works with any USB charged devices including other MP3 players, personal media players, handheld video game systems, PDA's, and more!

Apple charges $29.00 for their unit, you can get this unit TODAY ONLY for $8.95 at Yugster [Click Here]

I recently stumble across a web site created by a gentleman named Johnny Chung Lee, and let's just say that I was like a kid in a candy store. Johnny Chung Lee is a Ph.D. Graduate Student Human-Computer Interaction Institute Carnegie Mellon University. Some of his projects/inventions include wii remote projects, $14 steadycam, giant paint balloon slingshot, projector calibration, brain-computer interaction, kinetic typography, electric cello. But the one I was most intrigued by was how to build a interactive whiteboard for under $60 [Click Here] Not only does he walk you through the simple process of building this device, but he also supplies software that will make this tool engaging and interactive. To learn more about this incredible young man and all of his "Little Great Ideas" [Click Here]

Netscape, Internet Explorer, Opera, Safari, Firefox, and now Crome. Of course this is a brief timeline and history of web browsers since the birth of the Internet in February of 1991. This week Google released their new web browser called Crome. Of course Google is taking on the Internet Explorer which at least three-fourths of the world uses to surf the net.

So what makes it so special, so far all I have noticed is a simple and clutter free interface. Unlike many browser, crome default look is clean and simple. Of course Google boasts that Crome is sleeker, faster and a more secure alternative to Internet Explorer. Another feature that Google has built in is the dual purpose address bar navigation bar in which users can enter a web address or enter a search request.

Of course this bring up the question... when is Google coming out with their own operating system? They have an alternative to Office and now an alternative to Internet Explorer....when will they release their alternative to XP and Vista?

If you would like to download Google's Crome [Click Here]

We all know that as educators, having a complete makeover may not be in our future. But you may be able to afford to have least avatar redone. With DoppelMe, you can quickly and easily create a digital likeness of yourself. You could also have your students an avatar to express their likeness. To try this nifty tool out [Click Here]

 

 

If you are an educator looking for a tool for you or your students to edit images, there are many tools available, but finally there is one that competes with Photoshop's Express. The tool is an online image editor called Pixlr. Just upload your image and begin editing with all of the many options and tools. When finished, simply click on “Save” image, and you are able to save your edited image to your computer. To try it out [Click Here]

"Now hear this!"  More and more I am hearing about classrooms putting is classroom audio systems because they not only help those who may have hearing difficulties, but they also allow all students to hear content more clearly. They are also said to engage students, reduce teacher vocal strain, and also helps in rooms with poor acoustics. What do you think? Do you have any classrooms using classroom audio systems? If so, how are they working and are there benefits? Click on the comment link below and share your thoughts.

There is nothing like a good classic book, a cup of coffee, and a big comfy chair. There is also nothing like a free classic book in audio form, a thermal cup of coffee, and a long commute to work. Of course the later is probably more a reality for some of us and LibriVox can help make it possible. Of course, these classics are not only perfect for the aging life long learner, but also for your literature class. Audio books are a not only great for the daily drive, but they terrific tools struggling readers and those who need to be challenged.

The LibriVox mission is "To make all books in the public domain available, for free, in audio format on the Internet" and that they are. LibriVox uses volunteers to record chapters of books that fall under public domain. They then release these audio books either through their web site or through the podcast section in iTunes.

So, no matter how you plan on using audio books, LibroVox can help make it happen. For more information, please [Click Here]

Have you ever wanted to build an Illuminated Keyboard or learn how to build your very own PC...or turn your traditional USB drive into a LEGO USB drive. Well you can learn how to do all of this and more at instructables.com. Even if you are not a DIYer, this site is intriguing, entertaining, and believe it or not educational...showing many example of technical writing. So check it out [Click Here]

Check out the newest addition to the TechTeacher Network. Feel free to try out this great tool called PalBee.

Check it out [Click Here]

Even though the iPod Touch offers some unique features, I still believe nothing beat Apple iPod Video. This solid device give you the ability to not only play audio files, but give you the ability to share video, PowerPoint presentations and simple educational applications. I am always on the lookout for great deals for teachers who want to use iPods in their classrooms and so far this a great value for your money. I have mentioned Good Will Too before, because their prices for refurbished iPods are great and they offer a 1 year replacement plan. Here is what you get:

• All units are thoroughly tested and burned in
• New batteries installed, if necessary, and all batteries fully-charged
• All units are buffed, polished, and cleaned to restore that new appearance
• All hard drives are tested and burned in (where appropriate), and hard drive connectors are cleaned and tested
• All units ship with new USB cables, new headphones, a quick start guide, and a 60-day refurbisher's warranty (card enclosed)
• All units completely erased of any personal information, with the latest firmware installed
• 1 year free replacement plan

 

Last week I purchased a Kodak EasyShare 5300 All In One printer for our TechTeacher Network of Woot.com. We really need the All In One functions which are to print, scan, copy, and photo printing. It offers the basics that we normally look for and we couldn't pass on the $39 price tag. Yes, it was factory refurbished model, but you can't even buy ink for that price. It origianlly sells for $149 to $200.

 It is a pretty average sized All-In-One and stands 18.8 inches wide, 14.7 inches deep, and 8.8 inches tall.  The printer has two front-mounted memory card slots take most common cards and has two mounted two  front mounted USB ports. The EasyShare 5300's also includes a 3-inch LCD screen which which is hinged so you can tilt it forward for viewing.

The printer uses a two-cartridge system and what Kodak calls "six-ink" printing. The black cartridge costs around $10 to replace and the color tank costs $15. I haven't check to see what local stores charge to refill the cartridges yet. I also wanted to know what the cost per page was and found that Kodak estimates that a page of black text costs 3 cents and a page of color graphics costs 7 cents. This of course is pretty good for an ink jet...remember that laser printer usually run under a penny a page.

So far the only issues that I have run across is the slow software installation...I can't offer a fix for that...and a paper jam error after taking it out of the box. To fix the paper jam error fill both the 8.5x11 and the 4x6 paper trays with paper...pushing in the photo paper before starting. Then restart the printer...this may require you to unplug it if you got the paper jam error. This should fix the problem and you can now print a calibration sheet. Once that is finished, pull the photo paper tray back out.

For great deals like this one, go to www.woot.com

 

Here at the TechTeacher Network, the goal is to continue to bring you the best content that I can through my podcast and blog. As I have shared in the past, my vision is to continue delivering both of these resources to you, and take them to the next level. This means raising the production level of my podcasts, bringing back my vodcasts and actually doing LIVE video stream shows; which you can participate in.

If you enjoy the information found on this web site or in the TechTeacher Podcast, please consider supporting it. This can be done in two ways; just visit our sponsor links on the right hand side of the page or make a small donation by clicking on the donation button located in the right hand column.

As always, thank you for your support!

Have you ever wanted to create your own unique icons for you computer? Now you can with Bradicon! This simple web application can transform any major graphics formats-JPG, PNG, BMP, or GIF into icon an icon file. Check the great Web 2.0 tool out: [Click Here]

It didn't take very long this summer for my wife and I to hear the words form our son, "I board". Of course, we offered the classic suggestions, go ride your bike, read a book, why don't you write in your journal, or why don't you pick up your room. Then I got to thinking...why not blog about something you love...LEGOs. So together we build a blog page together. We set some ground rules, we kept them simple because he is only seven: 
1. We would publish together
2. He would need to write out his posting on paper first...we would edit together
3. Content comes first, then images 

Not only will this blog keep his writing skills fresh over the summer, but I felt the comments or feedback would be encouraging. There is nothing more exciting than writing to an authentic audience. On top of that, we will be tracking the visits using Google Analytics which will actually show the location of each visitor. I also decided to add some Yahoo Click Ads so he could raise some funds from each click for the LEGO Robotic Kit he has been asking for. I will keep you posted on this project during the year, and if you would like to visit and leave a comment, I am sure he would be thrilled.  [Click Here]

 

Do you want a healthier way to pop your popcorn? Try using your cell phone. Watch this viral video and let me know what you think. Just so you know, the videos are fake.

I am excited to announce that Audible.com is back as one of my sponsors. Because of this great partnership, they are offering to my listeners a FREE download from the following site: www.audiblepodcast.com/techteacher

TechTeacher Suggested Listen:
Less Is More: How Great Companies Use Productivity as a Competitive Tool in Business (Unabridged) By: Jason Jennings