This episode is sponsored by Higher Ground, the award winning creators of durable, affordable, and attractive carrying cases for laptop computers of all makes and models…this podcast is also made possible by donations from listeners like you. Thank you for your support.

In this episode I will be sharing a great Web 2.O tool that you won't want to live without.  I will also tell you how you can get free professional development.  Finally, a gadget that every educator must have.

A WEB 2.0 TOOL TO HELP YOU GO GLOBAL
www.vawker.com

FREE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
http://openpd.wikispaces.com

OFFICE 2007…ARE YOU READY?

PowerPoint Interactive Guide
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint/HA101490761033.aspx

Word Interactive Guide
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word/HA100744321033.aspx

Excel Interactive Guide
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel/HA101491511033.aspx

Now if you would like some additional help, maybe in the form of reading or RSS feed,  you can always try these suggestions:

Office 2007 All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) by Peter Weverka

Microsofts RSS feed for Tips Tricks and Trianing - http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/help/HA102200751033.aspx

A GADGET FOR EVERY EDUCATOR 
Audiovox D8000IP 8" Portable DVD Player
Philips DCP850
JWIN iLuv i1055WHT 7" Portable Tablet DVD Player

For more information, please visit my site at: http://thetechteacher.libsyn.com/

As many of you know, the TechTeacher Network runs with a very low overhead. Those of you who have been listening to the podcast for the last two years know that I continue to use a HP laptop that has seen better days. In fact, I believe I have overhauled it twice since starting this podcast. Because of this, I have had to hold off on the vidcast (video casts) that I used to produce because the laptop can't take the stress...and neither can I : )

My goal for year three is to take this podcast to the next level. That means actually upgrading to a newer computer, so that the production of this podcast can be a little smoother and so I can bring back vidcast and possibly so some live video streaming shows. Another goal is upgrade many of the free services that I currently use to services that would allow more flexibility and listener participation and collaboration. The goal is to make your surfing experience a great learning experience.

If you enjoy the information found on this web site or in the TechTeacher Podcast, please consider making a small donation by clicking on the donation button located in the right hand column.

Thank you for your support!

Lately I have been looking at the many social networking tools out there. To be honest, many of these services offer many of the same features, give or take a tool or two.

Last week I discovered a service called "Pownce". I could tell right away that there was something different about this service. Pownce is social network which lets users send messages, files, links, and events to your friends. This can all be done through you personal Pownce web site or through a free desktop application. After using this service and slowly building my friends list, my thoughts turned of course to the classroom and other learning environments. Could this tool be safely used in education...especially in middle and high school classrooms? I am actually considering using with some upcoming online courses.

So what do you think? Here is my challenge...join Pownce and see what you think. Also, take some time and send me an invite so we can network.

Check it out at www.pownce.com

Not only have I been working on a new format for the TechTeacher Network Podcast, but I have also been working on some surprises for you, the listener. Not only will I be releasing a podcast in the next few weeks, but will also release the first new surprise, the TechTeacher Network Tech Newsletter. This newsletter will contain useful tech tips, educational technology ideas, and useful web sites for the classroom. This newsletter can be used be individuals of copied and given to fellow staff members for enrichment. So, if you are interested in receiving the first copy, please look in the right hand column for the following registration box and sign up today! After subscribing, a confirmation e-mail will be sent to you (could be in your spam box), you will need to click on the link in this e-mail to confirm you subscription.