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!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
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."
"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.
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!"
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."
"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."
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."
"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."
"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."
"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"
"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.
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"
"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??
"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
Top Ten Web Typography Sins
Top Ten Web Typography Sins | Events | Smashing Magazine
Many of these "sins" also apply to the print medium!
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."
"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."
"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.
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."
"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."
"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!
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."
"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."
"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.
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.
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
"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."
"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.
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
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."
"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."
"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.
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."
"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!
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."
"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!
"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."
"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."
"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 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.
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."
"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!
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...
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."
"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.”"
"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."
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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.
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."
"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."
"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?"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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...
"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.
So, in reality..maybe 3-4 years?
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
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."
"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."
"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.
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"
"'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."
"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.
A lot of people have asked me to explain layers in graphics programs. This site really does a great explanation of them.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Stunning Desktop Wallpapers
More (Really) Stunning Desktop Wallpapers | Graphics | Smashing Magazine
All sizes...one price: FREE...
All sizes...one price: FREE...
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.
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.
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 home page for the conference can be found on the O'Reilly site and is well worth perusing.
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."
"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."
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.
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!
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.
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:
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.
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."
"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/
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."
diagramming tools."
Rachel Boyd
Rachel Boyd's Blog
Why teachers should blog, why her students blog, and links to her award-winning class blogs.
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.
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.
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!
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 .
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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