Internet Blackout

by Beth Knittle on January 18, 2012

Many of you will no doubt come across websites today that are blacked out. Many members of the internet are on strike to bring awareness to two impending bills before the US Congress and the Senate.  They are SOPA (stop online Piracy act) and PIPA (Protect IP act).  Though most support the enforcement of copyright laws  as these names imply these bills if they become law are not quite what the name implies, they are much more complex.  Wikipedia has a good explanation of why they do not support the bills.  CBS news has an article on why they support the bills.

What do you think?

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You Have a New iPad What Next?

by Beth Knittle on January 7, 2012

The iPad was a very popular gift this year.  One of the more frequent questions I get now is “I just got an iPad, what apps should I get?”

I want to say there are thousands of free apps so search, install, try and delete. Just go play and have fun.  I think people have trouble understanding that apps on the iPad are different then an application on a computer.  There are not as many applications for computers there were only a few applications that dominate market share.  Apps however are numerous this truly allows for individuals to find and use a what suits there needs.

In a school most computers have the same image, my guess is you would not find 2 ipads with identical apps. So where do you start to explore apps if you are not ready for the overwhelming choice of the the App store?

I would suggest AppStart it contains a user friendly guide to the iPad with app suggestions.  Apple has comprised a getting started list for apps for education as well as suggestions for initial exploration for productivity. Go explore have fun and find what works for you.

 

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Blogsy

by Beth Knittle on December 31, 2011

I have been trying to use my iPad for all my usual computer use.  This is forcing me to get use the iPad keyboard and to try a variety of apps.  I finally found an app that I can use for my blogging.  Blogsy is a fairly complete blogging tool that allows me to post to my personal blog, Beth’s Thoughts, using the WordPress platform and my blog for work hosted on blogger.  One tool, two blogs that is pretty cool for me.  Blogsy works well with images and can be integrated with my flicker account.  Blogsy even has a built in browser with drag and drop linking.  So if you are a blogger and working off an iPad I would recommend Blogsy.  So far it is the best blogging app I have tried to date.

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Arrogant Ignorance

December 30, 2011

We have all come across people who make decisions based on the belief they have a good understanding of the situation but who really do not have a clue. They just plow right on ahead.  Some people, I think, are just honest souls who really believe they have a good understanding of the situation and [...]

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Universal Design in Learning

November 29, 2011

I have found myself once again immersing myself in Universal Design for Learning both for a class I am teaching and to help justify to teachers why they may need to vary the tools and media they teach with.  As educators we need to go back to the fundamentals of what, why and how we teach.  I strongly suggest you [...]

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Google Data Explorer

November 27, 2011

Google has opened up its Public Data Explorer which allows the user to generate visual displays of public data. It is great tool for merging of data analysis, visual literacy and infographics.  Google links to public data sets that you can use but you can also create your own data sets – though you need some skill and [...]

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Dreams do come true if you work at it.

October 23, 2011

Once upon a time when I taught in Jordan there was a very remarkable young women who attended our school.  Even back then you just knew she would do great things.  Please take the time to watch the news feature that was aired today on CBS.  If you feel inclinded to lend a hand and [...]

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