The TechTeacher Network 2.13.09

The Blue Microphone Snowflake - 

The new BlueMic Snowflake is the perfect addition to any classroom. Here are four reasons  

USB  

The Snowflake connects to your computer by USB… so it allows you to record digitally. Just plug it in and record.  

Jack of All Trades 

This is the perfect tool for podcasting, student recordings, and video conferencing with tools like Skype 

Compact  

The Snowflake is compact enough to leave out on your desk and compact enough to put in your laptop case.  

Built to Last 

      It is a solid and durable microphone for any classroom and any situation. 

Affordable 

The BlueMic Snowfalke is an affordable addition to any classroom. It list for $79. 

Check out the Snowflake for yourself [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] 

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