Japplis Speech - Online Text-to-Speech
check out this new online text-to-speech application which is available for free at http://speech.japplis.com.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Blue Screen of Death Survival Guide: Every Error Explained | Maximum PC
Blue Screen of Death Survival Guide: Every Error Explained | Maximum PC
Finally, a great article about dealing with the famous BSoD.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
The power of teens and twitter
Just read a great post from Ewan MacIntosh's blog about the power of social media used by teens and a recent example in Moldavia. He also talked about the English Government's plans to 'teach Twitter' and the perhaps better-formed plans of the Scottish Government to include text messaging and social networks language in the fabric of language teaching and learning [pdf].
Friday, March 20, 2009
Second Life
I'm still trying to wrap my head around this one and why I would use it. I've been visiting ISTE Island in Second Life and trying to access some PD in technology integration. Quite fascinating and frustrating at the same time.
Here's the SLURL (that's a Second Life URL): http://slurl.com/secondlife/ISTE%20Island/93/83/30
If you don't have an account and avatar in Second Life, you'll be prompted to create one (they're free!). If you already have an account, you'll need to log in first. The above link will display a map to ISTE's building—just select "teleport" and you'll be transported directly there.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Conversation Prism
This is a great graphic that helps chart online conversations between the people that populate communities as well as the networks that connect the Social Web.
The Conversation Prism is created by Brian Solis et al. and is thea living, breathing representation of Social Media and will evolve as services and conversation channels emerge, fuse, and dissipate.
Other social networking models are also available as well.
The Conversation Prism is created by Brian Solis et al. and is thea living, breathing representation of Social Media and will evolve as services and conversation channels emerge, fuse, and dissipate.
Other social networking models are also available as well.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Generations 2009 Charts
Generation Y, aka the "Net Generation," does not dominate every aspect of online life. That revealing statistic and many others like it come from Pew Internet and American Life's recent "Generations Online" report which takes a look at how the different generations of users - from Millennials to the G.I. Generation - use the internet.
The web is still largely populated by younger generations as over half of those online are between the ages of 18 and 44 years old. But these days, larger percentages of older generations are going online and they are doing more activities while there.
According to Pew's research, Generation X is most likely to shop, bank, and look for health information online, but boomers are just as likely as Gen Y to make travel reservations online. Even the older Silent Generation is competitive when it comes to email, although that could point to the fact that email is an activity that is trending older.
Source: Read and Write Web
The web is still largely populated by younger generations as over half of those online are between the ages of 18 and 44 years old. But these days, larger percentages of older generations are going online and they are doing more activities while there.
According to Pew's research, Generation X is most likely to shop, bank, and look for health information online, but boomers are just as likely as Gen Y to make travel reservations online. Even the older Silent Generation is competitive when it comes to email, although that could point to the fact that email is an activity that is trending older.
Source: Read and Write Web
In this study, the Generations are defined as follows:
- Gen Y (millennials) - Born 1977-1990, Ages 18-32
- Gen X - Born 1965-1976, Ages 33-44
- Younger Boomers - Born 1955-1964, Ages 44-54
- Older Boomers - Born 1946-1954, Ages 55-63
- Silent Generation - Born 1937-1945, Ages 64-72
- G.I. Generation - Born -1936, Age 73+
Generations 2009 Charts
View more presentations from kirklapointe.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Apps for the Blackberry Storm
The Blackberry Storm is a pretty cool device. Many of our team members received one the other day and the device looks really promising. Many of our other team members received the Blackberry Curve which is a great step up as well. Our old Blackberries (the 8250's) have been donated to the Smithsonian.
I've been doing some research on some possible apps for downloading. Based on a few blogs I've been checking through a simple Google Search, here are some great starters. Of special note were the outstanding lists from ThinkMiguel and Blackberry Rocks. Most of these apps work on both models of Blackberry, however there are some which are specific to the Storm.
I've been doing some research on some possible apps for downloading. Based on a few blogs I've been checking through a simple Google Search, here are some great starters. Of special note were the outstanding lists from ThinkMiguel and Blackberry Rocks. Most of these apps work on both models of Blackberry, however there are some which are specific to the Storm.
Communication and Social Networking Tools
- TwitterBerry: free and easy-to-use mobile Twitter app for your Blackberry
- Google Mobile App - gets you the information you need quickly, with instant access to Google Search, and launches your favorite Google products. Simply type in your phone number and you'll receive a download link. (this isn't working for me)
Information and News Services
- The Google Mobile page for Blackberry provides a number of downloads or quick links to popular google products (News, Reader, Search, etc.)
- Weatherbug unique, in-depth weather application, gives you full details of your local weather.
- Viigo easy-to-use, absolute basic, RSS reader for your mobile device.
- CNN Mobile: CNN.com Mobile for BlackBerry
- The Hockey News - a must have for any Canadian
- Wordss - is a new service that lets you read news articles and editorials published in online magazines on your mobile phone for free. It parses their feeds and then groups the individual stories by word count like 1,000 words, 2,000 words, etc.
- WorldMate Live offers information on hotels, flights, meetings, public transport and car rentals on your Blackberry.
- Wikipedia - allows you to search and browse Wikipedia easily.
- AP Mobile News
Utilities
- Quick Pull: This app frees up the memory quickly simulating a battery pull soft reset. What more, you can schedule it to run daily.
- CaptureIT: Screen shots of your Storm
- Beam Reader: Native PDF reader and file manager that offers some handy tools.
- Blackberry Media Sync - allows you to sync media from your iTunes library on a Mac or PC. Syncing is via the USB.
- TalkLock - simply locks your screen during a phone conversation and allows you to unlock it if needed by sliding your finger across the screen
- StormLock - Want to have a cool slide to unlock just like the iPhone?
- bit.lify integrates bit.ly into your BlackBerry browser enabling you to easily to shorten and share urls on the go.
- WhoWasThat? a new application for the BlackBerry Storm from Epic Applications that lets you reverse lookup a phone number. A mere $0.99!
Games and Distractors
- StormSketch an Etch-a-Sketch for the Blackberry Storm
- Light Saber - yep make your Storm into a light saber
- StormPiano turns your storm into a piano. Just touch the keys to play the notes.
- Thats What She Said - an app dedicated to your favorite show, the office. (donations encouraged)
- CrackBerry Smash - you have to take a look
- BerryLabyrinth (BETA) - The object of the game is to get the ball through the maze while avoiding any obstacles that may be in the way
- Tiltris - Tetris for your Blackberry Storm! Control the falling pieces by tipping your phone left or right.
Health and Wellness
- Ascendo Fitness: This is a diet and exercise assistant with your Blackberry.
Enjoy! :)
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Blackberry Tools
Here's a list of some useful Blackberry Tools that will come in really handy, as well as tips and tricks.
Over the Air Tools from SourceForge
- Install BBCorrector 1.0-AdvancedUserVersion is a spell checker, thesaurus
- Install BBLight 1.82 is a great way to customize the back light
- Install BBToday 1.5 is similar to Outlook today and provides a snapshot of tasks, phone calls, weather, battery life, etc.
Google provides a number of their applications on the Blackberry. All you need is a Google Account.
- Google homepage for mobile
- Google Maps for Blackberry
- Google Talk for Blackberry
- Google Mail for Blackberry
Blackberry.com also has a ton of resources. For those new to the Blackberry, they offer an interactive feature called - Getting to know your Blackberry. They also offer an instant messaging tool called Blackberry Messenger. Crackberry.com offers a ton of tips on their blog.
Discover Blackberry probably offers the most comprehensive list of tips an shortcuts.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Interactive Whiteboards...which one?
I'm getting a lot of questions from principals and teachers about which Interactive Whiteboard system is the best. The answer is that there is no clear winner. When it comes down to the brass tacks, it is all about preference. Arming yourself with the right information is key.
Market-wise, schools in our district who have invested in IWB technology have gone with SMART products, however we do have a few schools with Mimio and many schools are enquiring about Promethean.
What the heck is an IWB?
Find out what Wikipedia says! Understand that there are several types of IWB technologies. For example SMART uses Analog-resistive membrane and Promethean uses digital Electromagnetic technology. In layman's terms digital technology responds quicker (less delay). Understand that each company provides different ways of interacting with the Board (peripherals, stylus vs. finger, etc.).
Go on a Fact Finding mission!
This blog entry is simply to provide some information about IWBs in the classroom. One way to find out about IWBs is by having members of a school technology committee do a Scavenger Hunt.
What are others saying!
Find out what others are saying. There are a variety of online forums. The Whiteboard Web Forum is a general forum, whereas other forums are company supported support such as PrometheanPlanet or SmartTech Bulletin Board.
What can you do with them?
A lot of interactive whiteboards collect dust because either the person using them has left the school or people simply don't know how to use them. Teachers need some ready-made lesson plans. If you're lucky enough to have a community of learners in your school or district, then build a site to share your resources. If you're still looking, check out ThinkBank, UK's National Whiteboard Network or PrometheanPlanet, SmartTech Educator's Resources.
What does the research say?
Not surprisingly, companies come out with their own research on the effectiveness of their tools in the classroom. Promethean provided some of their research in one of their funded research papers. Likewise SMART has release a number of papers as well. Much independent research has been done in this area as well. Researchers from Keele University, UK released a paper on the use of IWBs in the Math classroom. A quick survey of the literature reveals that IWBs in the classroom increase student motivation, student engagement and collaboration.
Market-wise, schools in our district who have invested in IWB technology have gone with SMART products, however we do have a few schools with Mimio and many schools are enquiring about Promethean.
What the heck is an IWB?
Find out what Wikipedia says! Understand that there are several types of IWB technologies. For example SMART uses Analog-resistive membrane and Promethean uses digital Electromagnetic technology. In layman's terms digital technology responds quicker (less delay). Understand that each company provides different ways of interacting with the Board (peripherals, stylus vs. finger, etc.).
Go on a Fact Finding mission!
This blog entry is simply to provide some information about IWBs in the classroom. One way to find out about IWBs is by having members of a school technology committee do a Scavenger Hunt.
What are others saying!
Find out what others are saying. There are a variety of online forums. The Whiteboard Web Forum is a general forum, whereas other forums are company supported support such as PrometheanPlanet or SmartTech Bulletin Board.
What can you do with them?
A lot of interactive whiteboards collect dust because either the person using them has left the school or people simply don't know how to use them. Teachers need some ready-made lesson plans. If you're lucky enough to have a community of learners in your school or district, then build a site to share your resources. If you're still looking, check out ThinkBank, UK's National Whiteboard Network or PrometheanPlanet, SmartTech Educator's Resources.
What does the research say?
Not surprisingly, companies come out with their own research on the effectiveness of their tools in the classroom. Promethean provided some of their research in one of their funded research papers. Likewise SMART has release a number of papers as well. Much independent research has been done in this area as well. Researchers from Keele University, UK released a paper on the use of IWBs in the Math classroom. A quick survey of the literature reveals that IWBs in the classroom increase student motivation, student engagement and collaboration.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Rolling out Wireless in a Junior High School
I have the pleasure of spending some time at a Junior High School (Grades 7 - 9) this week in our district who has recently acquired 2 more mobile carts of 20 laptops. This is in addition to a wired lab and 2 other mobile carts of 20 laptops acquired this time last year. The initial carts of laptops were used predominately by the Science department and their latest acquisition of laptops were provide access to the remainder of the subject areas.
My job this week is to provide "small group" opportunities for the remainder of the staff to experience the potential of wireless mobile technology. Each session ranges from 1 - 1.5 hours and starts off with explaining the protocol for booking the carts, distributing the laptops in class and return of the carts to the locked storage area.
The second part is to get the teachers familiar and comfortable with the technology. This included the following:
Physical Education
Obviously this subject is about getting students physically active! However technology can play a key role in teaching them about the sciences behind sports. Two great sites are from the Exploratorium and the BioMotion Lab. Coaches could use the online coaching tool to simulate various plays. Teachers can grab the latest lesson plans or sports rules from Physical Education Online. Students can access the latest information on exercise and nutrition from KidsHealth. Is a student sitting out for phys.ed because of an injury? No problem! Keep them busy by having them do research on a sport using the Online Reference Centre in LearnAlberta and then do a PowerPoint. Or have them plan a tournament using an Excel template.
French
Having been a language teacher for years, I always have a soft spot for my colleagues in International Languages! BBC Languages offers the most comprehensive list of online language activities, ranging from basic to advanced - hitting off a variety of learning styles: Video Podcasts , interactive games, review activities and primary learning resources. Web-based resources also provide teachers with authentic resources such as news sites (Radio-Canada). You can also get students to search in the target language using Google preferences.
Research Tools
We live in a copy and paste society and students are simply taking credit for information they find on the Web. Credit isn't given for pictures, video or audio files either. Often times, when students try to cite their sources, they don't use the correct format. Enter simple bibliographic tools like EasyBib and BibMe. Many Web sites such as Wikipedia and Reference Tools in the Online Reference Centre provide a "cite this article" tool. Even United Streaming provides this info with all of its video resources.
Group Projects
A unique way of having students work in groups is by using the Workspace tool in the schoolZone portal. It allows teachers to create a group assignment and then split the class into groups. Each group can then upload files in a variety of file formats. Teachers can monitor how much each group member contributes.
Reading Support
Let's face it, reading can be a real chore, especially a long Web page! A useful tool can be text to speech software such as ReadPlease. Its free. However better quality voices are available with commercial software.
Social Studies
Tons of ideas come to mind. Google Earth provides endless possibilities.
Mathematics
My first choice for a great K-12 math site is the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives out of Utah State University. You'll need Java to run the activities. Don't forget the Digital Learning objects in LearnAlberta.
My job this week is to provide "small group" opportunities for the remainder of the staff to experience the potential of wireless mobile technology. Each session ranges from 1 - 1.5 hours and starts off with explaining the protocol for booking the carts, distributing the laptops in class and return of the carts to the locked storage area.
The second part is to get the teachers familiar and comfortable with the technology. This included the following:
- Understanding how to login into the network using the wireless client
- Understanding how wireless signals work - walking around the school and seeing the wireless signal decrease and increase
- Looking at different peripherals that could be added - external mouse, USB drives, digital cameras, memory cards (SD especially)
- Understanding how the touchpad and right / left clicks work. I use sites such as Mr. Picasso Head and ArtPad. I introduce these same sites to Grade 1's as well. :)
Physical Education
Obviously this subject is about getting students physically active! However technology can play a key role in teaching them about the sciences behind sports. Two great sites are from the Exploratorium and the BioMotion Lab. Coaches could use the online coaching tool to simulate various plays. Teachers can grab the latest lesson plans or sports rules from Physical Education Online. Students can access the latest information on exercise and nutrition from KidsHealth. Is a student sitting out for phys.ed because of an injury? No problem! Keep them busy by having them do research on a sport using the Online Reference Centre in LearnAlberta and then do a PowerPoint. Or have them plan a tournament using an Excel template.
French
Having been a language teacher for years, I always have a soft spot for my colleagues in International Languages! BBC Languages offers the most comprehensive list of online language activities, ranging from basic to advanced - hitting off a variety of learning styles: Video Podcasts , interactive games, review activities and primary learning resources. Web-based resources also provide teachers with authentic resources such as news sites (Radio-Canada). You can also get students to search in the target language using Google preferences.
Research Tools
We live in a copy and paste society and students are simply taking credit for information they find on the Web. Credit isn't given for pictures, video or audio files either. Often times, when students try to cite their sources, they don't use the correct format. Enter simple bibliographic tools like EasyBib and BibMe. Many Web sites such as Wikipedia and Reference Tools in the Online Reference Centre provide a "cite this article" tool. Even United Streaming provides this info with all of its video resources.
Group Projects
A unique way of having students work in groups is by using the Workspace tool in the schoolZone portal. It allows teachers to create a group assignment and then split the class into groups. Each group can then upload files in a variety of file formats. Teachers can monitor how much each group member contributes.
Reading Support
Let's face it, reading can be a real chore, especially a long Web page! A useful tool can be text to speech software such as ReadPlease. Its free. However better quality voices are available with commercial software.
Social Studies
Tons of ideas come to mind. Google Earth provides endless possibilities.
Mathematics
My first choice for a great K-12 math site is the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives out of Utah State University. You'll need Java to run the activities. Don't forget the Digital Learning objects in LearnAlberta.
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