For the last two years, I have been using the BlueMic Snowball to record my podcast, vidcast, and anything else that requires a microphone. To be honest, for $99.00, you can't find a better USB microphone.

This week, BlueMic sent me their newest USB microphone called the Snowflake, the little brother to the Snowball. I could wait to open the box and try it out. I must say, BlueMic has done it again by creating a USB bus powered capsule microphone with the elegant/retro design that they are known for. The compact Snowflake microphone comes with its USB cable tuck neatly into a compact case. When unfolded, you will discover  a solidly built microphone that can either clip to your laptop or sit neatly on your desktop. This mic is perfect for podcasting, recording digital stories, narrating presentation, or just about any activity that requires a microphone.

I will be recording my next podcasting using this mic so you can hear it for yourself.

This can be purchased from Apple for around $79.00.

 

 

 

Pownce in Education? As I mentioned in the past, I am currently testing Pownce with a college course that I am teaching. So far...so good! Check it out! [Click Here]

 

Join the TechTeacher Pownce page at : [Click Here]

I recently purchased the Nikon Coolpix S210 Plum point and shoot for our family. Having a limit budget...but wanting the features and quality of a high end camera, my research lead me to the Nikon Coolpix S210. Let's just say, it has gone above and beyond my expectations.

The S210 features Electronic VR Image Stabilization which is perfect in for adults or if you decide to put it in the hands of students. It also offers extended light sensitivity settings up to ISO 2000 for sharper images, especially in low light conditions or when capturing moving subjects. In-Camera Red-Eye Fix automatically detects and corrects red eye. D-Lighting corrects excessive back-light or insufficient flash. Nikon's Face-Priority AF automatically finds and focuses on up to 12 faces within one frame. The S210 also offers the ability to record movies...and unlike other cameras, it lets you zoom while recording.

This camera is a steal at $179. I give it 8 out of 5 stars!! For more information about the Nikon CoolPix S210 Plum [Click Here]

I couldn't wait to share this one and promise to share more details about it in a future podcast. When asked by educators about a tool for video conferencing, I usually answer Skype. It is safe and secure and FREE! But, recently I stumble across an incredible video conferencing site called PalBee. Now, I haven't given it a real run for its money...but the little bit that I have used of it, I am sold.

Now PalBee is not only an online video conferencing tool that has a built in whiteboard, but it also lets you record and archive your videos so you can share them in the future. It allows up to 9 people to conference in real-time at a time. With the built in whiteboard, members can collaborate by drawing, adding photos or text, and PowerPoint presentations.

To check out this great tool: [Click Here]

 

Finally there is a child-safe video community for children. Totlol is a community-moderated video website designed to be enjoyed by those between the ages of 6 months and 6 years...and for big kids over 20. Videos available at Totlol are all intended to be enjoyed by tots. Parents can easily find the content they want without worry about it.Totlol is a brand new community-moderated video website designed to be enjoyed by those between the ages of 6 months and 6 years. 

So now educators and parents as well have a safe place to find video resources. To visit Totlol: [Click Here]

I gave up the dreaded corded mouse many years ago and have never looked back. Not only is a wireless mouse a must for adults, but they also are a great addition to school computer labs and laptop carts. I have discovered that not only are there adults who have difficulties using the laptop mouse, there are students who struggle also. So adding a wireless mouse to your laptops purchase is always a wise thing to do...and after seeing this Targus mouse for only $6.95, a lab or laptop cart could easily be filled. For more information about this item, please [Click Here]

One of my favorite things to do is find bargains for teachers. Not just any bargain, but a bargain that is beneficial to instruction and learning in the classroom. Well...here is an item that will help both the teacher and the student. For one day only (May 7th) Yugster is offering an awesome device, which of course I have already purchased, a 55 in 1 USB High Speed Card Reader/Writer. This device is compatible with just about every digital format out there and offers the user so much flexibility,

Not only does this device offer a convenient to copy or remove your digital media device and place it on your computer, but it also allows the reverse. Content can also be pulled from your PC or Mac for storage or backup and placed on your media card. By using this device, your potable media device no longer needs cables.

With the drop in prices of SD cards, teachers and students can use this device to share and exchange assignments in the classroom. Instead of saying, "Please turn in you papers with your names on them." you will hear, " Please turn in your SD cards with your names on them". For more information on the formats this device supports or to order one, please click here: [Click Here]

I forgot to mention that it is only $4.95.

In this day and age of technology, it is very easy to use up all of you USB ports very quickly. Here is a great device for every classroom, office, or home. With the MSI USB/Bluetooth hub, you can expand one USB port into 3 and add Bluetooth connectivity at the same time. 

This hub is designed to provide a solution for both Bluetooth connectivity and USB 2.0 hub function. By integrating a Bluetooth module, it becomes a Bluetooth-enabled USB hub. It also fully supports Wide Range Self Power Mode for USB 2.0/1.1/1.0 Devices.

With the addition of the Bluetooth Hub, you can with many Bluetooth Devices. Connect to your Blutooth enable interactive whiteboard devices. Connect to your Bluetooth mouse/ keyboard/ game pad, and exchange your favorite photo/music files with Bluetooth embedded cellular phone and handheld device.

This device will be available on Yugster from May 2nd to May 3rd for only $7.95. For more information: [Click Here]