Evernote & related products

The Evernote set of products can help you organize your files, notes, and important websites so that they are gathered in one spot for easy access and recall.  These programs can be used on your computer as well as on your IOS device such as iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

Evernote products let you:

• capture anything (save ideas, things you like, hear and see)
• access material anywhere (works with nearly every computer, phone and mobile device)
• easy access to find files (search by keyword, tag, printed and handwritten text inside images)

Evernote - organizes files
Skitch - captures websites and allows annotation
Everclip -clips websites
Penultimate -notetaking for iOS device (handwriting), adds photos

All of the above programs or apps sync automatically to the cloud so that you have access on any device at any time.

Please ask your tech coach for a demo of products if you are interested.

GoAnimate

Make amazing animated videos.

• create an animated lesson for your classs
• make a tutorial video or a demo video
• students can have their plays or stories come to life

It is free!  Requires an email login.  
*make sure that the netbooks in school can play the videos as they require the latest Flash updates.

Here is a sample that speaks about using the ipod touches/ipad in LPSD.
(If you are viewing this on an ipad/ipod, you must use a browser that can play flash such as Puffin Browser. It will play on a computer with no problems)


Suggestion:  Have students write script ahead of time.  They can have 30 lines of text in pre-made templates.  They will have the ability to change scences, characters and voices (limited in free account).

Duolingo - Language Learning

http://duolingo.com/

Free Language Learning - sign up for a free account.  Points earned, ability to progress to more difficult levels.

Languages supported:  Spanish, English, Portugese, Italian, French, German

Duolingo free iphone/ipod app available.
Help to translate the web also!

Create Wall Posters from your School Printer

Take any photo or image from the web and create large wall posters from it. Upload to BlockPosters then download the resulting PDF that will print out in pieces on your school printer. Get poster-size graphics without having to use a plotter-style printer.

http://www.blockposters.com

Learn It In 5

Nice collection of videos aimed at teachers; learn about new technology for use in the classroom in bit-sized 5 minute pieces.  Whether introducing a new concept or expanding on what you already know, these step-by-step how-to videos are worth looking at.

http://www.learnitin5.com/

Wolfram Alpha

Wolfram Alpha is a computational knowledge engine which means that when you search a topic, you get exact answers instead of millions of websites to sift through.  You can search for specific terms or you can put in an equation to solve for example. 

Examples:
Click here to find the results of searching for a 30 sided polyhedron.

Click here to find the results of C major 7th chord.

Click here to find the results of searching for an exact longitude and latitude.

Digital Media and Literacy

Canada's Centre for Digital Media and Literacy is a very useful site for teachers and students.  Lots of resources for staff, and some good online student quizzes/games to introduce different topics of digital literacy.
http://mediasmarts.ca/digital-media-literacy/educational-games

Texting with your Class

Remind101 seems like a really nice option for communicating with your class and parents via SMS (text messaging). No need to share your cell # with students. Very simple web interface. Works in Canada.

www.remind101.com

YouTube without the Clutter

Great way to show YouTube videos in your classroom without all the distractions that surround the video (comments, suggestions, etc).

Copy/Paste the URL of the video you want to play (web address such as http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ulvv3YdtNs&feature=plcp)

Go to http://viewpure.com/ and paste the address...click 'Create'

You'll have your video play in a clutter-free new window!

If that link is not working, another site to use is SafeShare.  It works in the same way as ViewPure.

Update: Desktop/Laptop Refresh

After a lengthy RFP process, LPSD has selected HP to provide the technology for our upcoming desktop and laptop refresh.  Here's the details:

-          Teachers will have 15.6in HP 4530s 6GB RAM + 2 Power Adapters

o   http://goo.gl/8hePE

-          Desktops will be HP 6300 6GB RAM with 21.5in LED Display

o   http://goo.gl/iL8u1

-          Middle School/LCHS will have new 28 bay carts

o   http://goo.gl/9a0D0

-          ES Laird is pilot and will be installed October (awaiting delivery timeframe from vendor)

-          More detailed information on process for converting your school will be determined as part of the ES Laird pilot, but overall process will be similar to following:

o   Pre-Hardware Order Walk Through with School Admin + IT Dept to determine current computer quantity and assess required quantity

o   Order Hardware

o   Pre-Delivery Software Review of all custom software at each school to determine Windows7 compatibility and recourse if necessary

o   Review of Onsite Rollover Process whereby we’ll flip your school ‘live’ with low/none downtime for secretary staff

-          Information on refresh such as Image Software List and Project Updates will be made available right here on the LPSD Technology Blog once we get underway at ES Laird