Monday, December 29, 2008

Get Missing DLL Files & Fix DLL Errors

Dll-Files: Get Missing DLL Files & Fix DLL Errors:

"Getting a pop-up error message “Couldn’t find ****.dll…” in Windows because of corrupt or missing DLL file. Now you can get all dll files you will ever need from dll-files.com. This site helps you easily fix dll erros by letting you download missing dll files for Windows."

New! Meet VaultletSuite 2 Go

VaultletSoft® :: Products :: New! Meet VaultletSuite 2 Go: "VaultletSuite 2 Go is the first industrial strength privacy protecting software that's a snap to use, installs on your computer or goes anywhere with you on your USB drive, and runs on 4 different operating systems."

And it's FREE!

Sunday, December 28, 2008

How Web 2 are you? | Quizible

How Web 2 are you? | Quizible

Take the test!

Twitter

Well, I've been on Twitter a few months now and am learning so much about what educators and districts throughout the country are doing. It's amazing how technology is being used in the classrooms: blogs, podcasts, video cams (such as the Flip cams), etc.

Feel free to contact me if you want more information.

Interested in a Slice about Web 2.0 tools? Let me know!

Have a Happy, Healthy, and Peaceful New Year.

Printable Paper

Printable Paper:

Free printable paper: college-ruled, graph paper, etc.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Happy Holidays!


Best wishes to everyone for Happy Holidays and a Healthy Prosperous New Year from all of us at the Mid-Hudson Regional Information Center!

Easy Recorder

Easy Recorder
" Turn your iPhone/iPod into a dictaphone or recorder? All you need is Easy Recorder! Run the application, tap the 'Record' button, the recording starts. Tap 'Done'€ or 'Abort' to end the mission. Edit recordings: write notes for them, upload them to FTP to share or download to computer, delete the unwanted ones, check out details or rename. Enjoy your recording!

Features: One-button quick recording operation. Pause and resume recording on the fly. Auto-save recording before an incoming phone call. 3 optional recording qualities: Normal, Good, Best. IMA4 encoding and CAF output format. Sync/upload recordings to FTP server through Wi-Fi for sharing or downloading. Touch-to-seek playback. Add notes to recordings for later reference. Rename existing recordings anytime. Delete single/all recordings in the app. Friendly and easy user interface.

Designed for iphone, iphone 3G or 2nd generation ipod touch( ipod touch requires additional Apple stereo headset with microphone or similar compatible headset)"

Free. I certainly am going to try this one!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Skype

Have a free online conference call using Skype | Blogging in the Classroom

" This is a free method of connecting individuals or groups online using Voice over the Interent Protocol (VOIP) with Skype."

The Best Places To Get Royalty-Free Music & Sound Effects

Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day...

Thanks to Larry for this great resource!

The Smokestack Effect – Toxic Air and America’s Schools

USA TODAY Special Report – The Smokestack Effect – Toxic Air and America’s Schools

USA Today has created an online interactive where you can type in the name of your school and then learn the level of industrial pollution in the area.

It’s called Toxic Air and American Schools.

Web 2.0 in Education

Web 2.0 in Education (UK) Home - Web 2.0 in Education (UK):

"This site is designed to provide teachers with a directory of free webtools along with some suggestions as to how they may be used in the classroom. I have searched over 2000 websites and listed 194 tools"

Interesting site but you'll need lots of time to explore the wonderful resources listed here.

Monday, December 08, 2008

WatchKnow

WatchKnow
This site is still in beta but purports to be by teachers, parents, and kids and is a directory of the 'best free educational videos for kids online".

Check it out and leave a comment!

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Woopid Video Tutorials

Woopid Video Tutorials - Watch it. Learn it.:

"Watch free video tutorials for all your computer and gadget questions. Find a quick answer or learn something new."

Friday, December 05, 2008

Tech coordinator pushback

Dangerously Irrelevant: Tech coordinator pushback

This is the blog of Dr. Scott McLeod, coordinator of the Educational Administration program at Iowa State University and director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education (CASTLE).

He states his feelings about internet filtering being relaxed as students get older and makes a pretty good point.

By the way, you may want to read more of his postings.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Desktop Wallpaper Calendars

Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: December 2008 | Graphics | Smashing Magazine

This post features 55 free December desktop wallpapers, created by designers across the globe and sent to us by the designers themselves. Both versions with a calendar and without a calendar can be downloaded and used for free.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

How can I access Time Machine backup data for other computers?

How can I access Time Machine backup data for other computers? :: Free Tech Support from Ask Dave Taylor!:

"I have a Mac OS X setup in my office that includes an Apple Time Capsule in the middle of the network, streaming backups of every computer and laptop in our organization. One of the laptops was stolen, however, and I can't figure out how to access the backed up data from it on the device."

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Create Your Own Free Video Webcasts

Zaplive TV | Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day...:


"This might be an option to consider when working with international sister classes (assuming time zones worked out). I still have to think about advantages and disadvantages of something like this compared to a tool like MeBeam and Tokbox, two online video conferencing sites. They both allow you to just use microphones for audio if you don’t have a webcam."

Monday, November 17, 2008

Woopid Video Tutorials - Watch it. Learn it.

Woopid Video Tutorials - Watch it. Learn it.:

"Watch free video tutorials for all your computer and gadget questions. Find a quick answer or learn something new."

OpenHuddle

OpenHuddle:

"Each room in OpenHuddle is designed to give you the freedom to interact with as many or as few people as you would like, in whatever way you want! Our Video, Audio, Text Chat and Drawing Board tools are available for you to use in whatever way you see fit. Just invite your friends into a Huddle and start interacting...discuss your new clothes, adorable cat, or anything else with as little as a webcam and a headset/microphone."

10 Tools to Overhaul Your Windows Interface

10 Tools to Overhaul Your Windows Interface | MakeUseOf.com:

"Windows interfaces have evolved steadily with time. Windows XP was a step forward in interfaces over previous versions and so is Windows Vista over Windows XP.


The thing with the Windows interface is that it looks pretty for some time then we get tired of it. This is not the case with Compiz Desktop Effects and the themes in Linux. There are so many options that one can always find something new and worth changing to for some time."

Easy & Powerful Image Editing

Easy & Powerful Image Editing With Pixlr | MakeUseOf.com:

"Pixlr is a free flash based online image editor that is simple and easy to use for the beginner and has enough hooks to keep the advanced user entertained.

If you’ve ever used a desktop image editing software, like Gimp or Photoshop, you’d be right at home with Pixlr. While it doesn’t have all the features of Photoshop yet, it is definitely a better alternative to using MS Paint. The website doesn’t even require a signup. To use the editor, click on the appropriately named button, “Jump In”, and well….jump right in!"

Hide Your Icons (Mac only)

briksoftware's products: "Camouflage. Show your desktop

Do you have way too many items on your desktop? Do you hate cleaning up that mess? Camouflage is the right utility for you. It hides all the icons and leaves nothing but the pure wallpaper."

Yes...it's free but the author asks for a donation.

Host of Internet Spam Groups Is Cut Off

Host of Internet Spam Groups Is Cut Off - washingtonpost.com:

"The volume of junk e-mail sent worldwide dropped drastically today after a Web hosting firm identified by the computer security community as a major host of organizations allegedy engaged in spam activity was taken offline, according to security firms that monitor spam distribution online."

One down, ten takes its place...and a zillion to go!

Monday, November 10, 2008

IBM Lotus Symphony - 1.2 Mac Beta

IBM Lotus Symphony - 1.2 Mac Beta: "Really? You bet. Lotus Symphony now delivers support for Mac OS X."

"Lotus Symphony includes four different applications in one (you interact with each app in the same window): a web browser, IBM Lotus Symphony Documents, IBM Lotus Symphony Presentations, and IBM Lotus Symphony Spreadsheets.

I know what you're thinking, 'Great, just what the world needs: another Office productivity suite.' Worry not, because Lotus Symphony is based on OpenOffice which means it supports both Microsoft Office formats and those used by OpenOffice, and it's free (hard to beat that price)."

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

25 Free Digital Audio Editors

25 Free Digital Audio Editors You Should Know | Tools:

"There are countless ways that digital audio editor can be used, and fortunately there are plenty of good and free digital audio editors out there to help you with your own implementation. So if you’re thinking to purchase a license for Adobe Audition, Cool Edit or Soundforge, hold that thought first. Not to say they aren’t cool, but it’s always wiser to tryout free applications before going to the pay deal.

Here’s our collection of 25 free digital audio editors."

Friday, October 31, 2008

Recover Lost Computer Files

Recover Lost Computer Files with Undelete Plus | MakeUseOf.com:

"How many people out there have deleted something by accident, or if not by accident, have you ever deleted something out of anger (like your ex-girlfriend’s pictures)? No hands? Well, if you don’t want to admit it haven’t done it, you will need the program Undelete Plus in case you ever do it in the future.

Undelete Plus is a free file recovery utility that easily brings back those files that somehow got lost or ended up deleted by some random occurrence.

Undelete Plus is an extremely easy to use program."

Perfect Color Schemes

How to Search For the Perfect Color Scheme | MakeUseOf.com:

"For anyone like me who’s basically ‘design-challenged’, here are two awesome tools which will help you get perfectly color coordinated."

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Syncopation

Sonzea - Syncopation

"Syncopation from Sonzea provides a hands-free solution to keep your iTunes® music collection synchronized across multiple computers running Mac OS X. Once installed on two or more Macs, Syncopation goes to work, finding music that is on one computer but not the others, and automatically transfers the songs between them so that they both contain your complete music collection. Leave it running in the background and it will keep your iTunes libraries up-to-date. When you make changes to your song files on one computer, Syncopation updates your other computers with those changes. If you add files to one of your computers, Syncopation replicates the new songs to your other computers, whether they are iTunes Music Store purchases or tracks ripped from your own CD’s. Syncopation works over your Ethernet or wireless network."

Free Mac Software

plyxim dot com

Some good freeware here for the Mac...(sorry Windows users!)

15 Hot New Technologies That Will Change Everything

PC World - 15 Hot New Technologies That Will Change Everything:


"The Next Big thing? The memristor, a microscopic component that can 'remember' electrical states even when turned off. It's expected to be far cheaper and faster than flash storage. A theoretical concept since 1971, it has now been built in labs and is already starting to revolutionize everything we know about computing, possibly making flash memory, RAM, and even hard drives obsolete within a decade."

Google Earth *PRO* is FREE for Educators! | Welcome to NCS-Tech!

Google Earth *PRO* is FREE for Educators! | Welcome to NCS-Tech!:

"It’s time to start sharing the wealth from Google Teacher Academy and I’ll start with “the good stuff.”

Did you know that Google Earth Pro is *FREE* if you are an educator? Yep! Basically, all you have to do is download the PRO trial version at http://earth.google.com and then forward the answers to these questions to GEEC [at] google.com:

Check the link above!"

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Ten Movie LOLcats

Ten Movie LOLcats - Miss Cellania - Miss Cellania:

"I collected these over the past year or so, mainly from Fark and I Can Has Cheezburger. Can you decipher which movie each cat represents? If you can't recall all of them, the answers are in the comments."

I love LOLcats! If you haven't seen the site, check it out and icanhascheezburger

Monday, October 20, 2008

Lawmakers want to limit educators' compensation

Lawmakers want to limit educators' compensation | APP.com | Asbury Park Press: "The state Senate Education Committee advanced a bill Thursday to limit retirement compensation for school administrators — a hot issue in New Jersey — but not without debate."

Coming to a state near you?

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Three things Apple won't do

Three things Apple won't do | Apple - CNET News:

"Turns out, a high percentage of the rumors and leaked images of the notebooks announced Tuesday were right on target: The price drop, the aluminum casing across the entire product line, the new unibody construction process, the black bezeled displays were all mentioned on Apple rumor sites and gadget blogs before CEO Steve Jobs took the stage Tuesday.

But, as would be expected, several of the most widely circulated pieces of speculation proved false. In brief comments after his keynote speech, Jobs did something he doesn't usually do, and clarified what isn't on his company's immediate notebook road map. Three of them are some of the most oft-repeated rumors of future Apple products. Here's why touch screens, Blu-ray, and Netbooks are not what Apple has in store for us anytime soon."

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

New 'MacHeads' trailer surfaces

New 'MacHeads' trailer surfaces | Apple - CNET News:

"Tuesday afternoon, the producers of the forthcoming film, MacHeads, released a new trailer. The film is scheduled for a fall release. No word yet on how it will be distributed.

The film, as noted here in January, will take a close look at what Wired writer Leander Kahney has termed the 'cult of Mac.'"

Monday, October 13, 2008

OpenOffice 3 ready for download: thriftmac

OpenOffice 3 ready for download: thriftmac:

"I get the feeling that the high demand is due to an overwhelming number of people hoping this version of OpenOffice will be the one that allows them dump Microsoft Office once and for all."

It just hit version 3, which not only brings a slew of new features but now runs natively on Mac OS X.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

K12 Online Conference 2008

K12 Online Conference 2008: FREE

"The K-12 Online Conference invites participation from educators around the world interested in innovative ways Web 2.0 tools and technologies can be used to improve learning. This FREE conference is run by volunteers and open to everyone. The 2008 conference theme is “Amplifying Possibilities”.

This year’s conference begins with a pre-conference keynote the week of October 13, 2008. The following two weeks, October 20-24 and October 27-31, forty presentations will be posted online to the conference blog (this website) for participants to download and view. Live Events in the form of three “Fireside Chats” and a culminating “When Night Falls” event will be announced.

Everyone is encouraged to participate in both live events during the conference as well as asynchronous conversations. More information about podcast channels and conference web feeds is available!"

Free Alternatives to 10 Popular Commercial Mac Applications (Part2)

Free Alternatives to 10 Popular Commercial Mac Applications (Part2) | MakeUseOf.com

"Due to the popularity of my first article regarding free alternatives to commercial Mac applications, I’ve decided to roll out a second part, shining the spotlight on more free applications for MakeUseOf’s Mac adopters. I hope you’ll like these applications just as well as their commercial counterparts, maybe even more since they’re free!"

What's Your Story?

The Fischbowl: What's Your Story?:

From the Fischbowl:

"I think this is a story that could/should be shared in a variety of our classrooms, from Language Arts to Social Studies to Consumer and Family Studies to Art to Photography to Theater and most likely others. It should be shared because it's important, because it's a story that fits well into each of those content areas, and because it should serve as inspiration to our teachers and students to figure out their own story and then tell it in a similarly moving and graceful way."

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

The School Law Blog: Education in the 2008-09 U.S. Supreme Court Term

The School Law Blog: Education in the 2008-09 U.S. Supreme Court Term:
"Covers news and analysis on legal developments affecting schools, educators, and parents.


Mark Walsh has been covering legal issues in education for more than 15 years for Education Week. He writes about school-related cases in the U.S. Supreme Court and in lower courts."

Principal's Policy Blog

Principal's Policy Blog

This is a blog you might want to keep up with since he posts federal laws and rulings that could affect your district.

Outrageous!!

The Edjurist - Information on School and Educational Law - Blog - Just Fire Them All:

"This Mt. Vernon, Ohio teacher religion case just gets worse and worse. It has gotten so bad I am extremely surprised the lawyers for the school district even let this get to trial. If I were the school's lawyer in this case, I would settle no matter the price. I have blogged about this case before, and in that post you can hear the teacher try and defend himself (unsuccessfully). Anyway, now that testimony has begun the focus has shifted to the administration (the ones with the deep pockets). Here is what the superintendent had to say on the stand:"

Monday, October 06, 2008

Five Best Media Converters

Hive Five: Five Best Media Converters:
"We've all been there: you've downloaded an episode of your favorite TV show to watch on your commute or stream to your living room, but the file you downloaded isn't supported on the device you want to use it with. Once a significant obstacle to enjoying your media anywhere, this problem is easily solved by any number of free media converters"

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Wallpaper Your Desktops by Context

Featured Desktop: Wallpaper Your Desktops by Context: "Reader karindalziel uses multiple desktops with activity-themed wallpapers to help keep each desktop organized and streamlined for that activity. Her setup uses five different wallpapers like so:"

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Introducing Top Draw

Official Google Mac Blog: Introducing Top Draw:

"Top Draw is an image generation program just launched in the Google Mac Playground. By using simple text scripts, based on JavaScript, Top Draw can create surprisingly complex and interesting images. Even cooler is that the program has built-in support for installing any image of yours as your desktop image. There's a Viewer application you can install in the menu bar to automatically run with the parameters (such as script and update interval) that you've specified. And there's even a Screen Saver to display the scripts when your computer is taking a break."

Yes, it's free!

Monday, September 29, 2008

Download Free Mac Apps

App Donkey - Download Free Mac Apps

"AppDonkey is directory where you can find and download free applications for your Mac. You can either search for a software or browse AppDonkey database by category such as Audio & Multimedia, Communication, System Utilities, Grphics, Security, File Sharing etc.

AppDonkey has one really useful feature, while browsing the site you can keep adding programs you like to the virtual tray and then download all of them at once in a single .tar file."

Friday, September 26, 2008

Webspiration

TipLine - Gates' Computer Tips: [TIPS] webspiration:

"The popular concept mapping program, Inspiration, has gone online in Webspitation. I just opened it for the first time this AM and haven't had a chance to test it with others, but this web version allows for kids to collaborate on the same document! Yes, others have been doing that, but this is especially nice since so many kids have used Inspiration in school already. Should be an easy move to this version.

I don't know how many kids can collaborate on a document at one time, or any of the other particulars. But, this is one o check out, for sure, don't you think?"

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Judge: School can suspend students over fake MySpace profile

Judge: School can suspend students over fake MySpace profile:

"A federal judge has ruled that a Pennsylvania school can suspend two eighth-graders who created a fake MySpace profile of their principal depicting him as a pedophile and a sex addict, among other things. The September 11 ruling said the students' civil rights were not violated despite their actions taking place off school grounds because the language used on the profile was 'lewd and vulgar,' and because it was akin to speech that promoted illegal actions. Given the recent prevalence of fake MySpace profiles meant to taunt or harass others at school, this ruling could help decide future cases related to student speech online."

"...The combination of social networking sites, disliked school administrators, and perceived anonymity may be too tempting for some disgruntled students to resist, but this case demonstrates that there are limits to what students can say online."

Professional Development

Professional Development | 21st Century Connections

"For technology integration to happen, educators must be well versed in the tools and know what they can do and where best to use them. There are many ways for educators to learn and practice their technology skills, and we hope to provide examples as models.

Sometimes tips are just the thing to get someone started, so this section will have tips and ideas to help educators use and integrate the tools."

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

The Best free Backup Software for your PC

The Best free Backup Software for your PC | MakeUseOf.com:

"Losing your valuable files as a result of a hard drive failure, virus attack or even accidental file deletion can be very devastating. Whether it’s your photos, giant music collection, important documents - data loss is always costly and stressful. Hard drives always crash, it’s just a matter of time, therefore DO regular backups. Especially when there are so many free backup software options that can run regular backups automatically. Just set it once to run scheduled backups every week or so and forget about them. Then when disaster happens you will be able to restore your files in no time."

I was thinking…

I was thinking… - Learning to be me.: What I Want For My Children

Heidi Hass Gable:
"I’ve created a presentation about the things that I want for my children and from my children’s teachers.

My hope is that it will move you, it will motivate you, it will make you think and it will inspire you to get involved in your child’s education, to support your teachers and to be part of creating great schools!"

Her presentation is on youtube so you may not be able to view it at school. But definitely check it from home. It's very good!

Just another blog I have now subscribed to!

How Many Blogs Do I Read?

How many do I read daily? The number is now at 134 and growing. I use Bloglines as my aggregator so I can read my subscribed blogs no matter where I am.

If you want more information on how to use an aggregator, please contact me at the MHRIC!

Technology Affects New Forms of Writing | 21st Century Connections

Technology Affects New Forms of Writing | 21st Century Connections:

"Though concerns have been raised by some educators that the advent of certain new technologies, such as texting and instant messaging, indicates the downfall of written language, some professionals simply view these technologies as new avenues of communication that grant students more ease and familiarity with writing.

A recent article from Cleveland-based wkyc.com reports that the Westlake City School District in Westlake, Ohio, is having success at improving children's literacy skills through the use of blogging and podcasting. Kathleen Bartos, the elementary technology specialist for the Westlake district, teaches students to create blogs and podcasts about curriculum-based stories they read in class."

Copyright-friendly Digital Images and Media

PodPiper’s Digital Education » Blog Archive » Copyright-friendly Digital Images and Media:

"Educators and students want to be sure they find a site for images. Specifically, where to go for copyright-friendly digital images that can be used in educational projects. With Fair Use Guidelines, we have some latitude, but once we re-publish work or enter it into a contest, some of the language for Fair Use Guidelines is a little weaker. That’s why it’s essential we play it safe and avoid Google Images as much as possible when gathering images for educational purposes. Google is a search engine. They find the images you’re looking for, but they don’t tell you if those images are truly free to use. It’s up to the end user to figure out the copyright on each of those images. Far better t go to a site that is upfront on their copyright policies."

A nice great big list of sites is published here!

Internet Safety: Internet 101 - Blog and Diary Web sites

Internet Safety: Internet 101 - Blog and Diary Web sites

WiredSafety, Is A 501(c)(3) Program and the largest online safety, education and help group in the world. We are a cyber-neighborhood watch and operate worldwide in cyberspace through our more than 9,000 volunteers worldwide. (WiredSafety is run entirely by volunteers.)

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Twitter page used to pass malware

Twitter page used to pass malware | Webware : Cool Web apps for everyone - CNET:

"In yet another new way to infect people, criminal hackers are using a Twitter page, according to one security researcher.

In a blog, Chris Boyd, director of malware research for Facetime, explained how a Twitter page is being used to lure victims. To lend credibility to his discovery, the Twitter page lists 17 followers, however each appeared to be fraudulent. Boyd said Twitter had been notified"

Friday, September 12, 2008

3 | Regain Your Privacy in Google Chrome

3 Steps to Regain Your Privacy in Google Chrome | MakeUseOf.com:

"Google’s new browser Chrome is causing quite a stir, especially among people worried about privacy and security.

Each installation of Chrome receives a unique ID number, which is submitted to Google, for example when the browser is updated or when the program crashes. In order to present personalized suggestions while the user is typing into the Omnibox, Google relies on an outside database. To feed the database and make these personalized suggestions possible, all entries are logged in combination with the user’s IP address.

Although Google claims that the ID and logs from the Omnibox are stored anonymously and are not being used to create user profiles that may reveal browsing habits and personal interests, doubts remain. As a matter of fact, users do not have any control over what the gathered information is really being used for. Trust is good, control is better."

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

New nanos to get spoken menus ...

New nanos to get spoken menus - The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW):

"One of the interesting minor details on the iPod nanos released today is the inclusion of some new accessibility features. There's even an Accessibility section on the spec page, which notes the addition of spoken menus and an alternative larger font. The spoken menus 'allow listeners to hear many of the names of menus, song titles, and artists without viewing the screen.'"

CNBC talks with Steve Jobs

CNBC talks with Steve Jobs - The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW):

"As usual, Steve Jobs sat down with the press after making a public product announcement. This time, it was with Jim Goldman, who asked Steve about the new iPods and his health."

Comparing the new iPod lineup ...

Comparing the new iPod lineup with the old lineup - more bang for the buck - Switch To A Mac:
"At Apple's 'Let's Rock' media event on Monday, a revamped iPod lineup was unveiled by Apple CEO Steve Jobs. A new version of the popular iTunes software (iTunes 8) was also unveiled.

Here's a look at a consolidated spec view of the new iPods"

iPod videos

Apple posts trio of iPod videos: "Apple has posted 2 new product tours, and an ad, for you to enjoy on your various media devices (all made by Apple, we assume).

The iPod nano QuickTour highlights all the cool new features added to the nano. You can watch as a nano is shaken to shuffle, and marvel at the new iPod UI.

The iPod Touch QuckTour highlights the new hardware touches like the dedicated volume control, and the new metallic backing. Games are also heavily featured, which adds more fun to the 'funnest iPod' (shudder).

Rounding out this trio of videos is the iPod nano commercial. iPod nanos, of all 9 hues, fall from the sky in a line and then start... dripping. It ends with the tagline 'nano-chromatic' and a color speckled Apple icon. "

iTunes 8 Released

Apple - Downloads - iPod + iTunes - iTunes 8:

"A store. A player. Your iPod or iPhone’s best friend. See how iTunes changes the way you enjoy music and video. Music, movies, TV shows, applications, podcasts, audiobooks. Download and enjoy all of them with iTunes. The new Genius button creates a playlist of other songs from your library."

So, I downloaded it and I like the changes in the program. The new bar across the top is pretty convenient for sorting your albums, artists, etc.

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Useful Cheat Sheets

Useful Cheat Sheets for Web Designers - Six Revisions: "Cheat sheets (also known as reference cards, reference sheets, etc.) not only helps you remember things quickly, but can also serve as wall decoration for your workspace.

In this post, you’ll find 28 excellent, useful cheat sheets in various file formats for Photoshop, Dreamweaver, colors, typography, and other web-design related topics all in one page with pictures of each cheat sheet."

Monday, September 08, 2008

Rumor: iTunes 8

Rumor: iTunes 8 to include Genius recommender, grid view, new visualizer - The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)

Rumors, rumors, rumors...but interesting ones...

Rumors...

Rumor: new visualizer in iTunes 8 to be Robert Hodgin's Magnetosphere - The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW): "Rumor: new visualizer in iTunes 8 to be Robert Hodgin's Magnetosphere"

I was able to find Magnetosphere for my Mac and it is just a fantastic visualizer for iTunes. To see what visualizers you have installed, select View, Visualizers.

Switch To A Mac

60 percent of freshman at Brandeis University have Macs, total Mac use rises to 40 percent - Switch To A Mac:

"The Justice, a student newspaper of Brandeis University, reports that 60 percent of incoming freshman have come to school with a Mac. This influx of Mac users has raised the school's Mac user base to 40 percent."

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Photoshop Effects

40 Dark and Futuristic Photoshop Effects - PSDTUTS:

"A question: what do exploding planets, energy spheres, ethereal lights, ruined cities, telepathic warriors, gloomy nebulas and light-rays all have in common? Answer: they look freaky awesome when you build them in Photoshop. Here's how to do all of the above and more, for a total of 40 excellent cyberpunk and Sci-fi style effects."

Connect external displays without cables

Connect external displays without cables | Crave, the gadget blog - CNET:

"If you've always wished to connect an external display to your laptop without having to physically hook a cable between to the two, then I have good news for you.

Iogear introduced on Tuesday its Wireless USB to VGA Kit for streaming PC content to an alternate display. This is going to be one of the first implementations of Wireless USB (WUSB)...

The WUSB VGA kit from Iogear will allows for quickly displaying your laptop's visual content on to an external display such as an LCD, a HDTV or a projector, just like you would currently do that by hooking the two with a VGA cable."

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

A keynote to remember - WATCH THIS!

TipLine - Gates' Computer Tips: [TIPS] A keynote to remember - WATCH THIS!:

"Could YOU stand up and deliver a powerful, motivating speech to over 20,000 teachers? I get nervous with just TWO thousand. I can’t imagine twenty thousand. (OK, ok.. So I’ve never spoken to two thousand people before. But if I DID I’d be nervous, OK?) :-)

The POINT is.... You MUST check out this keynote speaker who gets that crowd of 20,000 cheering and applauding and, at the end, jumping to their feet. His message is outstanding -”Do YOU Believe In Me?” Outstanding.

Why would a speaker ask if we believe in him? Well, he looks to be all of maybe 11 or 12 years old.

If you’ve got 5 minutes, stop right now and watch the whole thing. Do YOU believe in YOUR students?

(from
Tip Line - Gates' Computer Tips.

Video Editing: Free Tools

Video Editing: 30 Free Tools and Web Services To Get Things Done:

"30 free web services and tools for video editing. You don’t pay a penny while enjoying the fun of video clips editing."

Fantastic tools linked here!

Free Photoshop Tutorials

Tutorials » Free Photoshop Tutorials | PhotoshopStar:

"Here are 78 Photoshop Tutorials hosted by Photoshopstar.com. These Photoshop tutorials are for both beginners and more advanced users, and will help increase your knowledge and skills with many Photoshop tools and features, including web layout and designing with Photoshop, and many image, photo, and text effects. Each tutorial provides screen shots and numbered step-by step instructions."

Monday, August 25, 2008

FREE -- Federal Resources for Educational Excellence


FREE -- Federal Resources for Educational Excellence:

"FREE makes it easier to find teaching and learning resources from the federal government.

More than 1,500 federally supported teaching and learning resources are included from dozens of federal agencies. New sites are added regularly.

Get new resources delivered to you several times a week: sign up for the FREE RSS."

Open Thinking & Digital Pedagogy

Open Thinking & Digital Pedagogy

I just found this blog by Dr. Alec Couros. He has some of the coolest stuff posted that you really need to check out. Yes, I am subscribed to his blog now and will go back and check out his past postings.

First Graders Can BLOG!

Kathy Cassidy -- Blogmeister: "Mrs. Cassidy's Classroom Blog"

Think blogging is tough? Check out these first graders who blog, skype, and rap with other schools. Yes, FIRST Graders!


"We are learning how to read and write! If you would like to talk to us, just click on the Yackpack below, holding the click down as you talk. If we are nearby, we'll answer you!"

Genealogy - Free Family Tree - Geni


Genealogy - Free Family Tree - Geni:

"Geni is a private place for your family to build your family tree,
preserve your history and share your lives."

Thursday, August 21, 2008

New get a Mac ad: Off the Air

New get a Mac ad: Off the Air - The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW):

"Tonight, Apple released a new 'Get a Mac' ad. 'Off the Air' shows PC, Mac, and a Mac Genius. Mac tries to win people over on the fact that the Geniuses will transfer your files from your old PC to your new Mac.

A mad PC then announces that his 'frustrated' customers don't need to hear about that and that 'fear of switching is the foundation of customer loyalty for PCs.' PC proceeds to shut off the commercial by pulling a curtain down."

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

21st Century Educators

21st Century Educators | 21st Century Connections: "What are the characteristics we would expect to see in 21st Century Educators?

We know they are student-centric, holistic, they are teaching about how to learn as much as teaching about the subject area. We know too, that they must be 21st Century learners as well. But teachers are more than this."

Free Media for Deaf and Blind Students

Free Media for Deaf and Blind Students :

"A free-loan program provides educational media for students with a vision or hearing loss. The Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) offers audio description and captioning via CD-ROM, DVD, and online streaming.

K-12 teachers and school administrators who teach one or more students who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind simply need to register at http://www.dcmp.org/. That will give access to over 5,000 captioned media titles and 300 programs."

Dealing with Copyright

Dealing with Copyright | 21st Century Connections:

"Understanding digital copyright is a new literacy issue. Teachers are responsible for helping their students understand and follow copyright rules. Here's good advice on what to do."

Copyright for Educators

Copyright for Educators:

"This page was created as a simple summary of some basic information. All teachers should be aware of this much about copyright. For more detail look at the links below. This was not written by a lawyer or intended to replace legal advice."

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Clean CSS Code

7 Principles Of Clean And Optimized CSS Code | CSS | Smashing Magazine:

"Optimization isn’t just minimizing file size — it’s also about being organized, clutter-free, and efficient. You’ll find that the more knowledge you have about optimal CSS practices, smaller file size will inevitably come as an direct result of their implementation. You may already be familiar with some of the principles mentioned below, but they are worth a review. Being familiar with this concepts will help you write optimized CSS code and make you a better all-around web designe"

CD and DVD Lifetime and Maintenance

Techworld: CD and DVD Lifetime and Maintenance

High quality CDs and DVDs have a lifetime of up to 30 years, while cheap blanks may fail after less than five years.

Helping a Son With Attention-Deficit Disorder Achieve Gold-Medal

Parenting - Helping a Son With Attention-Deficit Disorder Achieve Gold-Medal Focus - NYTimes.com:

"Phelps’s Mother Recalls Helping Her Son Find Gold-Medal Focus"

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Texas Town OKs Teachers Packing Heat

ABC News: Texas Town OKs Teachers Packing Heat:

"A tiny Texas school district may be the first in the nation to allow teachers and staff to pack guns for protection when classes begin later this month, a newspaper reported."

Controversial??

Monday, August 11, 2008

How to Use Google Documents

How to Use Google Documents
Free Video tutorials for Google Docs.

Top Ten Web Typography Sins

Top Ten Web Typography Sins | Events | Smashing Magazine
Many of these "sins" also apply to the print medium!

Web Designer Wall

Web Designer Wall - Design Trends and Tutorials

"Featuring tips, tricks, and tutorials, Web Design Wall is chock-full of helpful tips for amateur and professional designers alike."

Online Scrapbooks

Welcome to Scrapblog! - Online Scrapbooks

"Want to do more with your pics than just dump them online? Scrapblog lets you grab your photos from Flickr, MySpace, Facebook, Picasa, and many more photo sites, and use them to construct cool (and free) multimedia scrapbooks. You can also use video in your scrapbooks, and the interface is very easy to use."

Yahoo And Google Now Let You Opt Out Of Ads

Yahoo And Google Now Let You Opt Out Of Ads (Because It’s Better Than Letting You Opt In)

All of a sudden, Yahoo and Google want to make it easy for you to opt out of their ad targeting on both their sites and across the Web. Yahoo announced a new one-click opt-out policy today, and Google made it possible to opt out of both Google and Doubleclick ad targeting with one click yesterday.

12 iPhone Tricks

12 iPhone Tricks You Might Not Have Known : iSmashPhone:

"Whether you're an iPhone rookie or a weathered pro, take a look at these quick-and-easy iPhone tips and tricks which not only save you time, but ease your overall iPhone experience."

10 Waus to Save Time

[Re]Encoded dot Com » Blog Archive » 10 Ways to Save Time While Building a Website:


"As a freelance web developer, time is money. I use many different tricks to increase my productivity and these are my top selections for saving time. Please make you own suggestions for other time savers in the comments."

chive »

[Re]Encoded dot Com » Blog Archive » 10 Ways to Save Time While Building a Website: "As a freelance web developer, time is money. I use many different tricks to increase my productivity and these are my top selections for saving time. Please make you own suggestions for other time savers in the comments."

Wyoming district gets 3,000 MacBooks


Wyoming district gets 3,000 MacBooks for back to school:

"Natrona County School District in central Wyoming has worked out a $3.8 million deal with Apple to supply students and teachers with over 3,000 MacBooks this fall."

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Learn Adobe Photoshop

Learn Adobe Photoshop with Photoshop Tutorials on Photoshop Basics - Photoshop Essentials.com

I found this site today and went thru a few of the tutorials. They are fantastic and simple, even for a PhotoShop neophyte like me. There are some things I can do in PS but since I don't use the program very often, I forget quickly.

Great site. Bookmark it...use it!

Saturday, August 09, 2008

100 Extensive University Libraries

100 Extensive University Libraries from Around the World that Anyone Can Access - College Degree.com:

"Universities house an enormous amount of information and their libraries are often the center of it all. You don't have to be affiliated with any university to take advantage of some of what they have to offer. From digital archives, to religious studies, to national libraries, these university libraries from around the world have plenty of information for you."

- Animoto For Education -

- Animoto For Education -

"We’re pleased to announce a new service exclusively for teachers. Animoto for Education (http://education.animoto.com) gives teachers, grades K-12, unlimited access to the full range of Animoto’s services, both standard and premium, for free."

Can’t beat that, can you? For those of you that aren’t familiar with Animoto, it’s an incredibly easy way to make a sleek animated video out of your photo sets. The whole thing is set to music, so it feels almost like a music video.

So what does this mean for educators? For one thing, they can make as many videos as they like, and that’s the full length videos, not the short ones. You can upload your own music, add in voice overs, and import photos from Flickr, Facebook and other social sites. BUT the best part is that with Animoto for Education, you are allowed to give your students access and let them create their own videos.

One feature that they added fairly recently was offline Animotos. You could always email them out or embed them into your site, but now you can actually download them and watch them offline.

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Picnik -

Picnik - edit photos the easy way, online in your browser:


Picnik makes your photos fabulous with easy to use yet powerful editing tools. Tweak to your heart’s content, then get creative with oodles of effects, fonts, shapes, and frames. It's fast, easy, fun and free! Features include: a) Fix your photos in just one click; b) Use advanced controls to fine-tune your results; c) Crop, resize, and rotate in real-time; d) Tons of special effects, from artsy to fun; e) Astoundingly fast, right in your browser; f) Awesome fonts and top-quality type tool; g) Basketfuls of shapes from hand-picked designers; h) Works on Mac, Windows, and Linux; and i) No download required, nothing to install.

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Webvet.com

Webvet.com - Pet News, Information, and Education

WebVet is a content site launching today that aims to provide a comprehensive collection of articles regarding pet health so you don’t have to scratch around the net for this information. It begins by focusing on dogs, cats, bird and other small animals, but founders Hope Schultz and Bill Zaccheo plan to expand coverage to include exotics, fish and farm animals.

MediaCoder

MediaCoder:

"MediaCoder is a program that can convert ('transcode') to and from different audio and video formats. It has a relatively simple to use user interface, and does not require other programs to perform its function. For advanced users there are many configurable options available, and can be an important tool in your multimedia toolkit."

Free..PC and Mac

Apple Bites Back with Increased Corporate Presence and Virtualization Role

Yankee Group :

"A new, independent Yankee Group web-based survey of 750 global IT administrators and C-level executives found that nearly four out of five businesses--approximately 80%--have Macs and the OS X operating system installed in their networks. And although the Apple Mac hardware and OS X operating systems still represent a small niche, adoption and acceptance of Mac hardware and operating system software are growing at a steady and sustained pace not seen since the late 1980s."

Thursday, July 31, 2008

The Tech FAQ

The Tech FAQ

At the Tech FAQ, the technical answers you have been looking for are answered in detail, yet in a way the average person can understand. The problem with many technical websites that seek to explain technical questions is they are frequently over the comprehension level of those individuals searching for the information in the first place. We pride ourselves on answering all of your toughest technology questions, yet in a way that you can comprehend. If you want to know what VoIP is or how to rid your computer of spyware, not to mention learning how to network your home office you will find all the answers at the Tech FAQ. Every day new questions and answers are added to the Tech FAQ to provide you with answers to all of your technical questions in one convenient location.

Monday, July 28, 2008

24 Free Mac Design Programs

24 Free Mac Design Programs

Lots of goodies here to read about and use.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Teacher-student Web friendships

Teacher-student Web friendships restricted by Lamar school board | clarionledger.com | The Clarion-Ledger:

"The Lamar County School Board approved the staff policy against online communication and text messaging between teachers and students at its July 7 meeting."

Thursday, July 24, 2008

iAlertU

iAlertU - Mac freeware at Freemacware.com - Download iAlertU Here:

"iAlertU is the first of its kind alarm system for your Apple MacBook computer. Basically iAlertU is a car alarm for your Apple Mac. iAlertU uses the built in sudden motion sensor (SMS) device to detect movement of your Apple MacBook and triggers an audible and visual alarm. The alarm can also be triggered by keyboard and mouse/trackpad movement."

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

The 10 Commandments

The 10 Commandments of Web Design

To try and make sense of it all, BusinessWeek.com canvassed a broad range of Internet luminaries to discover the design rules they live by right now. Contributors ranged from the guru of Web usability, Don Norman, co-founder of the Nielsen Norman Group, to the design director of NYTimes.com, Khoi Vinh, and John Maeda, president-elect of the Rhode Island School of Design.

What makes you hard to replace?

Doug Johnson's Blue Skunk Blog - Blue Skunk Blog - What makes you hard to replace?:

"Schools will have higher expectations made of them to teach more children to higher levels, to reduce the drop out rate, to teach HOTs, to supply a stream of future engineers and scientists, to keep children safe and healthy - and all with fewer dollars."

Web Resizer

Web Resizer - Crop & Resize Photos Free Online - Optimize pictures for websites and email

This free online image Web Resizer helps you optimize photos for web or email. Easy to use with excellent results! Features include: 1) reduce image size, 2) crop photos, 3) sharpen, 4) resize - change width and height, 5) rotate, 6) adjust contrast, brightness, saturation, 7) convert photo to black and white, 8) add a border, 9) no registration required, and 10) free!

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan's 10 Secrets To Reaching the Top:

"Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player that ever lived. Was he genetically predisposed to be faster and stronger, or was it his iron discipline that was responsible?

After completing my master's degree in Biomedical Science I can say, with some facts and knowledge to back it up, that genetics only partially added to the phenomenal talents of this outstanding athlete. He competed against people that were taller, stronger, faster, and younger than him. Despite the challenges he still came out on top. Let's take a look at the grains of wisdom that put him at the top of his game as well as his businesses."

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Skitch is updated

Skitch is updated. Skitch is awesome - MacUser:

"Skitch lets you capture any part of a screen, window, desktop, etc., as well as resize them to your heart’s desire. It also converts images into .jpg, .png, and .tif formats among others."

Sorry, PC users..this is for Mac OS only!

E-Portfolios

E-Portfolios for Learning: ISTE's Debate on Portfolios replacing Standardized Tests:

"Are Digital Portfolios a Realistic Alternative to Standardized Testing? ISTE’s magazine, Learning & Leading with Technology, wants your opinion. If you would like to share your thoughts on this topic, reply to Paul Wurster (pwurster@iste.org) with a 25–50 word response by July 15. They are going to select 6–8 of the best comments they receive (attributing them with name, affiliation, city, and state) and publish them in the September/October issue of L&L."

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Create ePortfolios with Acrobat 9

Adobe Education Leaders: Create ePortfolios with the Amazing Acrobat 9

"Electronic portfolios have gained popularity in education as a means of presenting collections of documents and resources. Electronic portfolios can assist in recording and archiving an individual’s projects, interests, and accomplishments over a period of time. They can also be used to compliment professional development and career advancement."

Friday, June 27, 2008

Intel to Vista: "No"

Intel to Vista: "I'm just not that into you.":

"The New York Times is reporting that Intel has decided against upgrading its 80,000 employees to Windows Vista. An Intel spokesperson told the Times that Vista is being tested and deployed in certain departments, but not company-wide."



The Top Ten Ted TAlks

"With 50 million views since we started posting video two years ago, TEDTalks have become a powerful cultural force.

To celebrate this milestone, we're releasing a never-before-seen list: the Top 10 TEDTalks of all time, as of June 2008.

With speakers like neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor and global health expert Hans Rosling, the list proves one of the compelling ideas behind TEDTalks: that an unknown speaker with a powerful idea can reach -- and move -- a global audience through the power of quality web video. Links to all 10 talks are found below the video window -- or browse through our Top 10 TEDTalks Theme.


Even if you've seen them all, the highlights video is darn fun."






Thursday, June 26, 2008

New to the Mac?


Apple - Seminars Online - New to the Mac for business users:

"If you're contemplating a move to the Mac, this online seminar will give you useful tips and valuable information to help you make the transition seamless. In 26 minutes, Jim Heiser, Apple Business Marketing, and Sasha Rovin from the Apple Retail Store in Los Angeles, present the basics of Mac OS X Leopard for new Mac business users."

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Photoshop Tips

Image Editing: Get 101 Photoshop Tips in Five Minutes

"Photoshop enthusiast and frantic video editor Deke McClelland fits 101 tips for Adobe's premiere product into five minutes of video, and the results are surprisingly watchable. Granted, a lot of the tips are simply shortcuts you may or may not have discovered, but McClelland fits a good bit of real advice—such as which tools to just stay away from entirely—into his frantic run. Worth a listen to catch shortcuts you might not have known, and real advice from a serious Photoshop enthusiast."


Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Your Name to the Moon

Send Your Name to the Moon:

Live on forever in space history by sending your name to the moon on the LRO spacecraft. But hurry, the deadline is Friday!


Keynote Objects - Free

iPresentee - Keynote Objects: "Presentee presents free Keynote Objects for Apple’s Keynote, iWeb and Pages! The package combines 100 easy to use and attractive objects."


NYSED Videos Homepage

NYSED Videos Homepage:

Lots of webcasts here including webcasts of the Grades 3-8 English and Math Assessments News Conference...


Friday, June 20, 2008

George Dyson at the birth of the computer

George Dyson at the birth of the computer | Video on TED.com: "Historian George Dyson tells stories from the birth of the modern computer -- from its 16th-century origins to the hilarious notebooks of some early computer engineers."


How to Make Windows Vista Less Annoying


Windows Vista: How to Make Windows Vista Less Annoying:

"Whether it's the nagging prompts or the irritating notifications, Windows Vista's default settings can grate on your nerves... which doesn't help you be the productive person you want to be. A few simple tweaks can cut down on the irritation—and drastically alter your views on Vista. Let's take a look at some of the best ways to tame the Vista beast and make it a less naggy operating system to work on."

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Video Road Hogs

Video Road Hogs Stir Fear of Internet Traffic Jam - New York Times:

"Moving images, far more than words or sounds, are hefty rivers of digital bits as they traverse the Internet’s pipes and gateways, requiring, in industry parlance, more bandwidth. Last year, by one estimate, the video site YouTube, owned by Google, consumed as much bandwidth as the entire Internet did in 2000."

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

The First Concept of the World Wide Web

The Mundaneum Museum Honors the First Concept of the World Wide Web - NYTimes.com:

"In 1934, Otlet sketched out plans for a global network of computers (or “electric telescopes,” as he called them) that would allow people to search and browse through millions of interlinked documents, images, audio and video files. He described how people would use the devices to send messages to one another, share files and even congregate in online social networks. He called the whole thing a “réseau,” which might be translated as “network” — or arguably, “web.”"

Is the Google Toolbar a Trojan Horse for Ad Targeting?

Is the Google Toolbar a Trojan Horse for Ad Targeting? (Ballmer Plays The Privacy Card).:

"Is Google getting ready to serve up display ads to people based on their Web surfing habits (as opposed to their Web searching habits)? Ever since the DoubleClick acquisition closed, industry watchers have been waiting to see how Google would dip its toes into behavioral ad targeting. One rumor going around is that Google is going to target ads to people who use the Google Toolbar, which is now bundled with Dell PCs."

Video: Equinix

Video: Take a tour of the data warehouse for the Web - CNET News.com

Equinix is responsible for holding massive amounts of data, including storage for popular sites like MySpace.com. Take a tour of the facilities, and see how much energy it takes to keep the Web alive.

Good-bye Bill Gates

What We'll Miss About Bill Gates — a Very Long Good-Bye

Bill Gates, we'll miss you. Not just because you're the ultimate geek-villain-pioneer-entrepreneur-monopolist.But because you've always been there for us.To love. To hate. To envy. To pick on. So this month, your last as a full-time Microsoft employee, we realized it was only right and proper to look back on your storied career.

Big Growth for the Internet Ahead

Big Growth for the Internet Ahead, Cisco Says - GigaOM

Traffic on the world’s networks will increase 46 percent from 2007 to 2012, nearly doubling every two years. As a result, there will be an annual bandwidth demand of approximately 522 exabytes2, or more than half a zettabyte.

Firefox 3

Power User's Guide to Firefox 3"

You already know about Firefox 3's marquee new features, but now it's time to dig deep and unearth the shortcuts, tweaks, and even Easter eggs that Mozilla marketing doesn't mention. In honor of today's official release of Firefox 3, let's dive in past it's most talked-about feature-set into its lesser-known power uses, tricks, and customizations.

Veescope Hub

Veescope Hub:

"Convert any Quicktime compatible movie file to a new Quicktime, MP4, DV or AVI file."

For Mac folks only..Yes, it's free!

Friday, June 13, 2008

Pluto gets a new name: plutoid

Plutoid:

"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Pluto, demoted from planet status in 2006, got a consolation prize on Wednesday -- it and other dwarf planets like it will be called plutoids."

A Flashy Facebook Page

A Flashy Facebook Page, at a Cost to Privacy

"Facebook fanatics who have covered their profiles on the popular social networking site with silly games and quirky trivia quizzes may be unknowingly giving a host of strangers an intimate peek at their lives."



15 Tools to Help You Develop Faster Web Pages

15 Tools to Help You Develop Faster Web Pages

"Response times, availability, and stability are vital factors to bear in mind when creating and maintaining a web application. If you’re concerned about your web pages’ speed or want to make sure you’re in tip-top shape before starting or launching a project, here’s a few useful, free tools to help you create and sustain high-performance web applications."

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Where is My User Guide??

Find your user guide, user guide, instruction manual or owner manual instantly !:

So much time wasted looking all over the place for the instruction manual to tune the tv-set, find the printer cartridge replacement how-to, the meaning of the blinking led on the dashboard. How many user manuals available only on cd-rom, on the internet ?

On this site you will easily be able to find the required instruction guides and user manuals that you need.

Sunday, June 08, 2008

Copy Music from Your iPhone or iPod to Your Computer for Free

IPod: Copy Music from Your iPhone or iPod to Your Computer for Free:

"There as many applications and methods for copying music from an iPod to your computer as there are iPod models themselves, which makes finding a sure-fire, free solution a matter of tedious trial and error. To save you the work, today we're rounding up the best tools and techniques for getting music off any model iPod onto nearly any computer—for free. Whether you're a Windows user looking to yank tunes from an iPhone, a Mac fan backing up an iPod classic, or a Linux enthusiast trying to get into your new nano, we've got you covered. Follow along for a detailed look at the best ways to transfer songs from your iPod to your computer, no matter what hardware or operating system you're rocking."

The Power of Educational Technology

Why I love So You Think You Can Dance:

"We as educators can learn so much from watching these dancers grow and push themselves and work hard to overcome their weaknesses. As experienced teachers we are used to being good at what we do. When we come to a challenge, like using new technologies in the classroom, it can feel very uncomfortable. We don't like to look 'dumb' in front of our students. Stepping out of your comfort zone while others are watching makes it that much harder to do. These dancers inspire me to keep working, not give up and continue to try different strategies when things don't go the way I had hoped."

Everything I know in 15 minutes

Doug Johnson's Blue Skunk Blog:

"Too often in education we look to the “big animals” to lead and create meaningful changes – the national department of education, our state departments, over-priced consultants, and district office staff.

But ask yourself honestly: Who will have the greatest impact on education: The Department of Education or each of us making a few small changes every year, everyday?"

Monday, June 02, 2008

Don't Make Me Think (video)

Peachpit: Don't Make Me Think (video):

"In this interview, which took place at the inaugural Voices That Matter: Web Design conference (voicesthatmatter.com), author Steve Krug ('Don’t Make Me Think!') discusses his landmark book. Learn what Steve’s favorite sites are and how he came up with the title of his classic book. Other topics include simple Web design and user testing."

Sunday, June 01, 2008

Free Open Source Counterparts of Windows Software

Free Open Source Counterparts of Windows Software | MakeUseOf.com:

"Why would you want to have Open Source software on your computer? Let’s consider a few reasons:
(1) First reason that every one thinks of is that Open Source software is free of cost, well it certainly is about 95% of the time but it can be paid too although the license will be less restrictive. Nevertheless it can save you hundreds of dollars.

(2) Another often overlooked aspect is that you can have full access to the source code of the software. This is a great blessing for someone who needs the ultimate customization.

(3) You can actually help in the development by fixing bugs, releasing your changes to the code (in accordance with the license of course).

(4) They may also offer more features then their commercial counterparts."

Is your company ready for the Apple Invasion?

Is your company ready for the Apple Invasion?:

"In a survey of 250 diverse companies that has yet to be released, the market research firm Yankee Group found that 87% now have at least some Apple computers in their offices, up from 48% two years ago."

New to the Mac and Compatibility with Windows

Apple - Seminars Online - New to the Mac and Compatibility with Windows:

"The Mac is the best tool for both the office and the home, making it the ideal computer for a business. If you're one of the many businesspeople who is contemplating a move from another computer to the Mac, watch this online seminar to pick up useful tips and valuable information to help you make the transition seamless. Kenny Lee, from Apple's Small Business Marketing group, and Travis Fears from the Apple Store San Francisco present and demo specific content for new Mac business users."


You need to register first...

Friday, May 30, 2008

Windows 7

Windows 7: Windows 7 Features Revealed

The biggest "feature" is the touch and multi-touch integration, which takes many of its roots from Microsoft's Surface Table, and will be available as an interface options for other apps. Here's some more stuff they pulled out, which we captured in photos here.

• There will be a OSX-like dock, though how OS X-like is yet to be seen.
• Multi-touch gestures in photogalleries like two-finger zoom, flicking, and panning. Think of the photo app on the Microsoft Surface table.
• Multi-touch paint program where you can draw with 10 fingers (again, think of what you've already seen in Surface)
• Multi-touch piano app
• In-depth mapping application that pulls from Microsoft's Live Maps and Microsoft Virtual Earth

Looks like a LOT of the multi-touch features were culled from the Surface team, and the non-touch features look fairly similar to what's already in Vista (based on the video above). Those apps are demo apps only, and will be revised/rewritten/reworked before the final version of Windows 7 is available. All this will be yours in about 18 months.

So, in reality..maybe 3-4 years?

UpTake - Your First Step to a Great Trip

UpTake

"UpTake is a travel information search engine - we help you decide where to go, where to stay or what to do. We're here to help you make informed decisions about what best fits your travel preferences. We have scoured the web to collect 400,000 U.S. hotels and attractions. Then we analyzed and organized millions of travelers' opinions to enable you to search based on your exact travel requirements and preferences."

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Robert Ballard will WOW you

TipLine - Gates' Computer Tips: [TIPS] Robert Ballard will WOW you in this TED video

"If I had seen this video when I was 17 I would have spent the rest of my life in this field. In this TED video Robert Ballard will excite you about the wonderful, AMAZING underwater world. This talk is impossible to describe. But, I want you to send this to your favorite Science teacher who teachers earth science. I'm telling you, I FIRMLY believe that this talk will change a student's life."

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

How to answer 23 of the most common interview questions

How to answer 23 of the most common interview questions | The Best Article Every day

Remember, being interviewed is a skill, and if you do the preparation you should ace it every time.

Is PowerPoint Evil?

ZaidLearn: Is PowerPoint Evil? (Part 3):

"'Of course, PowerPoint is not inherently evil, it is just poorly used...'
- Stephen Downes"

What does it mean to be ‘digitally literate’?

What does it mean to be ‘digitally literate’? at dougbelshaw.com:

"Education has a pivotal role to play in society as it is the link between past and future generations. In the past this link has been relatively easy to achieve, as the knowledge and skills useful to acquire would vary only slightly within a generation. In the brave new world of digital technology, however, fundamental shifts in required knowledge skill sets and knowledge can occur several times within a generation."

Monday, May 19, 2008

Understanding Layers in Photoshop

Understanding Layers in Photoshop:

A lot of people have asked me to explain layers in graphics programs. This site really does a great explanation of them.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

1000s of Museums Online

1000s of Museums Online : MuseumStuff.com

Museumstuff.com is dedicated to creating a web based guide to museum related information. This information includes links to museum websites and virtual exhibits, educational and entertaining games and activities, and extensive learning resources concerning topics typically promoted through art, science and history museums. This is a site for the general public, with particular emphasis on family oriented content. Their goal is to help the public interact in meaningful ways with museums in the digital age, and expand the potential for museums to serve as educational instruments for the public.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

BookletCreator - create a booklet from any PDF document

BookletCreator - create a booklet from any PDF document
Just came across this web site. Not sure if it works or to what degree but it might be worth trying since it is free.

Web 2.0 Expo SF 2008 Videos

Matt Mullenweg (WordPress) at Web 2.0 Expo SF 2008 - Web2Expo on blip.tv: "

Web 2.0 Expo is a global annual gathering of technical, design, marketing, and business professionals who are building the next generation web. Web 2.0 Expo features the most innovative and successful Internet industry figures and companies providing attendees with examples of business models, development paradigms, and design strategies to enable mainstream businesses and new arrivals to the Web 2.0 world to take advantage of this new generation of services and opportunities. Web 2.0 Expo is co-produced by O'Reilly Media and TechWeb."

You may want to check out Tim O'Reilly's presentation. He coined the Web 2.0 term and discusses the core of Web 2.0 and some deep trends:
The first one is that the Internet really is becoming the platform, a global platform for everything, everything connected, and the nature of that platform is this amazing tool for harnessing collective intelligence. It's not just about participation. It's about literally we are building a platform to make the world smarter, to make businesses smarter, to make ourselves smarter. This is an amazing revolution in human augmentation. We're at a turning point akin to literacy, or the formation of cities. This is a huge change in the way the world works.

The home page for the conference can be found on the O'Reilly site and is well worth perusing.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Blogging helps encourage teen writing

Top News - Blogging helps encourage teen writing:

"Most students (82 percent) believe that additional instruction and focus on writing in school would help improve their writing even further--and more than three-quarters of those surveyed (78 percent) think it would help their writing if their teachers used computer-based writing tools such as games, multimedia, or writing software programs or web sites during class."

The Power of Educational Technology

The Power of Educational Technology: AC-CENT-TCHU-ATE THE POSITIVE

Using Web 2.0 tools in education!

When Young Teachers Go Wild on the Web

When Young Teachers Go Wild on the Web - washingtonpost.com

More information on Facebook and MySpace teacher profiles and what states and districts are doing.

Friday, May 09, 2008

TED | Talks | Hector Ruiz: The power to connect the world (video)

Hector Ruiz: The power to connect the world (video):
Hector Ruiz talks about his commitment to expanding access to the Internet throughout the world. Ruiz is the CEO of AMD, and through AMD's 50x15 initiative, Ruiz and his company hope to connect 50 percent of the world to the Internet by 2015. Sharing his own extraordinary life story, Ruiz makes the case that access to education and new ideas is life-changing!

TED | Talks | Brian Cox: What really goes on at the Large Hadron Collider (video)

Brian Cox: What really goes on at the Large Hadron Collider (video)

Rock star physicist" Brian Cox talks about his work on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. Discussing the biggest of big science in an engaging, accessible way, Cox brings us along on a tour of the massive complex and describes his part in it -- and the vital role it's going to play in understanding our universe.

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

American Association of School Administrators - Blocking the Future

The School Administrator - Blocking the Future

From another blog:

Once again, Dr Scott McLeod has a post that I think should be read by every School District administrator. At the very least it is EXCELLENT food for thought. Here it is: http://www.dangerouslyirrelevant.org/2008/05/blocking-the-fu.html. In it he points to this article: http://snipurl.com/blockingthefuture (Now I know that many of you won't be able to use that link as it's a snipurl link and someone has decided to block that, so you'll have to read this at home.)

Now, here's the thing. This is an excellent article, and it's especially important to those districts that block blogs because, "We don't allow blogs in our school." You need, then, to access this post from home. And when you're done reading the post, ask yourself where your district falls with this statement: "[S]chool district leaders have a critical choice to make: Will their schools pro-actively model and teach the safe and appropriate use of these digital tools or will they reactively block them out and leave students and families to fend for themselves?"

Google For Educators

Google for educators is a landing spot for classroom resources that incorporate Google products like Google Earth, SketchUp, Maps, and Sky. The site offers everything from simple links to the aforementioned products, to classroom activities for various K-12 grade levels.

There are downloadable PDF posters covering Google search tips for kids, Google Scholar, Book Search, and Google Earth, and there are activities that utilize various media like PDFs, wikis, podcasts, and websites. These activities are organized by grade level: K-5, 6-12, and "all levels."

The Google for educators site also links to their "teacher community" which is a Google group filled with threads about using the many Google offerings in a school classroom.

35 Useful Source Code Editors

35 Useful Source Code Editors Reviewed | Developer's Toolbox | Smashing Magazine:

"To edit HTML- and CSS-code you only need a simple plaintext-editor — the rest depends on your skills and your creativity. However, to make your life a little bit easier, you can use some more comfortable source-code editors with advanced editing features. These features can effectively support you during coding, debugging and testing. Powerful modern editors provide developers with syntax highlighting, diff, macros, plugins, code-snippets, preview-option and an integrated FTP-management tool. Some editors go even further and offer a complete integrated development environment with numerous features and functions."

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Tom Chapin - Not On The Test

Tom Chapin - Not On The Test:

Song and video to download from Tom Chapin:

"It’s no secret that American industry has outsourced most factory jobs to other countries to take advantage of cheaper labor costs. So why are we putting so much effort into a form of education in which there is no creativity? This is the time that our youth should be taught to think ”out of the box,” not be put into a tighter one! "

I saw Tom play with his brother, Harry Chapin, over in Milton at one of the wineries on a Labor Day weekend. I think it might have been 1976 or so. Fantastic show with proceeds of most of the sales going to Harry's Fight Against Hunger campaign. A few years later, in 1981, Harry was killed in a car accident on the Long Island Expressway but his work goes on. His work on hunger included being widely recognized as a key player in the creation of the Presidential Commission on World Hunger in 1977.

Check out Tom's web site: www.tomchapin.com/

Monday, May 05, 2008

Technology Center: Bernie Poole: Essential Microsoft Office 2007

Education World ® Technology Center: Bernie Poole: Essential Microsoft Office 2007: "The tutorials, with skill consolidation exercises, are designed to teach Word (including mail merge), Excel (including graphing and charting and Lookup Tables), Access (including searching, sorting, and reporting), and PowerPoint in the context of the K-12 classroom. They also include a lesson on the Office 2007 drawing and
diagramming tools
."

Rachel Boyd

Rachel Boyd's Blog
Why teachers should blog, why her students blog, and links to her award-winning class blogs.

Biology Corner -- Teaching Resources

Biology Corner -- Teaching Resources

This particular virtual biology "corner" is maintained and updated by science educator Shannan Muskopf. On the site, visitors will find labs, worksheets, and various classroom activities. The "webquests" feature on the site is particularly interesting; this type of exercise requires students to peruse several websites that address a certain theme or topic.

What I Want to Talk About - Practical Theory

What I Want to Talk About - Practical Theory: "I'm giving a keynote in Oregon tomorrow... and I know my role... talk happy about SLA, about pedagogy, be positive..."

Read it.

26 Learning Games to Change the World

26 Learning Games to Change the World | Mission to Learn:

Take some time and go through this page. It includes links to 26 online learning games such as:

- Ayiti: The Cost of Life
“What is it like to live in poverty, struggling every day to stay healthy, keep out of debt, and get educated? Find out now in this challenging role playing game created by the High School students in Global Kids with the game developers at Gamelab, in which you take responsibility for a family of five in rural Haiti.” From UNICEF with Microsoft support.

- Free Rice
An addictive vocabulary game that promises “For each word you get right, we donate 20 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Program.” More than 29 billion grains donated as of this posting.

- Darfur is Dying
Darfur is Dying is a viral video game for change that provides a window into the experience of the 2.5 million refugees in the Darfur region of Sudan. Players must keep their refugee camp functioning in the face of possible attack by Janjaweed militias. Players can also learn more about the genocide in Darfur that has taken the lives of 400,000 people, and find ways to get involved to help stop this human rights and humanitarian crisis.” From mtvU in partnership with the Reebok Human Rights Foundation.

- World Without Oil
“WORLD WITHOUT OIL is an alternate reality event, a serious game for the public good. It invites everyone to help simulate a global oil shock.

- The Incredible Adventures of the Amazing Food Detectives
“There has been a mysterious outbreak of unhealthy habits hitting too many boys and girls. If we don’t solve these cases, and fast, kids might not make the right food and exercise choices as they grow, and that could be trouble!

Marc Prensky.com

Marc Prensky.com

If you don't know Marc Prensky, you need to read his articles and blogs.
From his site:
Marc Prensky is an internationally acclaimed speaker, writer, consultant, and designer in the critical areas of education and learning. He is the author of Digital Game-Based Learning (McGraw-Hill, 2001), the founder and CEO of Games2train (whose clients include IBM, Nokia, Pfizer, the US Department of Defense and the LA and Florida Virtual Schools) and creator of the sites www.dodgamecommunity.com and www.socialimpactgames.com .

Marc has created over 50 software games for learning, including the world's first fast-action videogame-based training tools and world-wide, multi-player, multi-team on-line competitions. He has also taught at all levels. Marc has been featured in articles in The NY Times and The Wall Street Journal, has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, PBS, and the BBC, and was named as one of training's top 10 "visionaries" by Training magazine. He holds graduate degrees from Yale (Teaching) and Harvard (MBA).

READ ONLINE BY MARC PRENSKY: (To encourage spread of the ideas, you are also free to download, print, distribute and link to the articles at no cost. However if you do this, I would appreciate your letting me know at marc@games2train.com . Many thanks. )

Postcrossing - Postcards Traveling The World

Postcrossing - Postcards Traveling The World:

Join...send a postcard or a few..Get some back from around the world:

49,242 members
180 countries
56 postcards/hour
556 members online
1,042,711 postcards received
41,201 postcards traveling
5,699,147,216 kms traveled
142,212 laps around the world

Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: May 2008 | Graphics | Smashing Magazine

Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: May 2008

Want some different desktop backgrounds? You should be able to find something here to fit the bill!

20+ Free Web Design Ebooks And Guides

20+ Free Web Design Ebooks And Guides

The following list of free web design ebooks and guides will get you started building accessible, usable, and useful web sites in no time.

Professional Web Design Forums

Professional Web Design Forums | How-To | Smashing Magazine

Web design-related forums are a place where you interact with other designers, exchange ideas or discuss your first drafts. When you have a problem, you can post the issue, and then receive feedback on possible design or coding solutions from community members. This interaction is a great way to establish contacts and build relationships. Forums are used for networking and marketing purposes. They are practical places to solve problems and can serve as a form of social diversion.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Microsoft Live Mesh

Microsoft Live Mesh Tech Preview launches

Microsoft has launched a technical preview of its new Live Mesh service, which is basically combines remote desktop, online storage, and file synchronization services. Right now the service is available for Windows XP and Vista, but eventually support will be added for OS X, mobile phones, and other devices. And when we say "available," we mean Microsoft allowed 10,000 people to sign up for the first round of testing. All of those slots are full, but you can sign up for the waiting list.

So I signed up for the waiting list....

Debut

Debut could be one of the easiest to use video capture tools we've come across. You can use it to record videos or take screenshots from your webcam. You can use it to record screencasts. And you can save your files in a variety of formats including AVI, WMV, MP4, MPG, 3GP, and MOV. And best of all, Debut is free.

Here are just a few of Debut's features:
  • Record audio and video
  • Adjust resolution, framerate, and colors of the output video
  • Setup timed recordings by hour, minute, and second
  • Mirror recordings to a network or local hard drive
  • Automatically send videos via email once a recording is finished, or upload to an FTP site.
  • FREE! FREE! FREE!
There are a ton of configuration options. In addition to recording your screen or from a webcam, you can record from any video input capture device on your computer. So if you've got a TV tuner, you can record live TV. If you want to record home movies , you can do that too.


Debut Video Capture Recording Software - Record Video Files for Free