We have given our "Projector Tips" website a new look and also added some new information. Whether you want to know how to turn your classroom projector into a big screen television or looking for tips to prolong the life of your projector, this is the place to start. [Click Here] to visit.

It is hard to believe that the TechTeacher Network has been around for over 6 years. It seems like just yesterday we were trying to figure out how to do this thing called a podcast. But, all good things must come to an end or move on to something more efficient. We here at the TechTeacher Network are always looking for better ways to deliver content to our viewers and listeners...that is where chatterbocs comes in. www.chatterbocs.blogspot.com is a new service being produced by the TechTeacher Network. Of course, this current site that you are visiting will be going away in the future, and will be replaced by our new site called chatterbocs. The chatterbocs site will highlight new Web 2.0 tools in a quick but useful manner. So if you are looking for new tools to add to your digital toolbox, this is the place find them. We will be offering these resources in many formats to meet your needs, not ours. So, check out our new site and let us know what you think. Remember, chatterbocs is in its early stages, but we have some exciting things planned for you.

Check out chatterbocs [Click Here]

I have been wondering about this question ever since I started dabbling in geocaching. Before I purchased our recent TomTom XL 330•S (which by the way, the wife loves) I did some research to see if this unit can be use for geocaching.

Now car GPS units are not designed for the great outdoors. They are not as rugged as the handheld counter parts and really don't always have the same functionality. But, with a little geekiness, units like the can be used if you don't want to invest in a second unit like the Garmen Legend. This may be impotant for educators, public libraries or non-profit groups that would like to teach geocaching to their patrons.

The first step is to use a site like www.geocaching.com to locate the caches in your area. In order to actually get the locations or coordinates, you will need to set up an account, which by the way is free.Once you have registered, you can search and download cache details in the GPX format.

The second step is to download this amazing tool that I found called the "Geocaching Swiss Army Knife" (GSAK). This is where the fun begins! This piece of software allows to get the coordinates and exporting to the TomTom or other automobile GPS devices. For the TomTom, these files will be POI files (Point of Interest). POI file are like waypoints on the handheld GPS.

For more information about the "Geocaching Swiss Army Knife" (GSAK, please check it out[Click Here]

We just recently added a new GPS to our inventory. Beside the Garmin Legend that we carry when we go geocaching; we just recently purchased an automotive GPS. After taking a trip to Saint Louis this summer we realized that turn-by-turn spoken instructions would not only make driving easier, but also save a little gas in the process. The problem we had with selecting a GPS unit for a car is...there are so many great devices and so many options. We finally decided to focus on a couple of things -
*Turn-by-turn spoken instructions
*Price under $125
*Easy to Use
*4.3 Inch Screen
*And great reviews (Nothing less that 4 out of 5 stars)

So what did we purchase? We found the TomTom One XL330S GPS on TigerDirect for $99.00plus shipping. Not only were the reviews we found on average over 4 out of 5 stars, the device offers some great features (All of what we were looking for).

Product Description:
TomTom’s award-winning software means easy navigation from A to B. Switch on and go right out of the box. Just enter the address on the touchscreen and start driving anywhere in the US or Canada. TomTom guides you door-to-door with turn-by-turn spoken instructions including street and place names. An extra-wide touchscreen helps you find your way, worry-free. TomTom has the most accurate maps and with TomTom Map Share™ technology you can instantly modify street names, street direction, and POIs on your own device. The XL 330•S is preloaded with millions of points of interest to enhance your traveling experience. And with the “Help Me!” menu, there are added safety features so you can easily access local emergency providers. The TomTom XL 330•S is traffic-ready, so you can outsmart the traffic, wherever you go.

We have a trip planned to Kansas City later this year and we will let you know how it performs. We will also use it on our daily trips.

If you would like to pick one up for $99, click on the banner in the right column.

One of the issues that many educators have with Blackboard is the migration of course materials and content from Blackboard to another course management system like Moodle. Recently I was point to a tool created by the ITS department at University of North Carolina called bFree . This small Java based tool smoothly takes your content from Blackboard and creates slick free-standing website out of it so content can be published to a website or uploaded to Moodle. For more information or to download this tool [Click Here]

Here is a geocaching site that takes you on the journey with father and son as they go geocaching. [Click Here]

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"