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]

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