Glogster alternative

Glogster is free no More :(

Need an alternative?

If you used Glogster and would like a free alternative, you might try award-winning Biteslide

Biteslide looks a lot like Glogster. You can create what the site calls Slidebooks with images, video and text. Like the original education edition of Glogster, teachers can choose a free plan that allows them to have 30 student accounts and 3 projects. The site promises that this option is free forever. And, there are more plans are available at a price).

Give it a try and have fun out there! :)

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Four things you might not have known about your cell phone

For all the folks with cell phones. (This should be printed and kept in your car, purse, and wallet. Good information to have with you.)
 There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies.
 Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival.   Check out the things that you can do with it:
1 Emergency
 The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an Emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.
 
2  Hidden Battery Power  Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.

3 How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone 
To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following Digits on your phone:      
 *#06# .
A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.
If your phone is stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.

4 Free Directory Service for Cells
 Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800) FREE411   or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all.  Program this into your cell phone now. 

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Google Tools for the Classroom!

I've been very interested in Google tools as of late.  One of our online instructors, Susan Wrampe, shared this document with me.  I found it to be extremely helpful in terms of how to integrate Google Apps in the Classroom, compliments to the creator, Becky Evans!  Enjoy!

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Snagit 50% off Regular Price

Do you use Jing Pro? If so, you probably know that, beginning Feb. 28th the pro version will revert back to the free version. This means many of your favorite features will vanish.

But, just in time, we have a Snagit deal to the rescue!


"Snagit is the perfect tool for recording MPEG-4 video and YouTube uploading - just like Jing Pro. With Snagit you have the freedom to record longer videos, blur sensitive information, scroll long webpages, and more."

Until April 15th you can purchase a Snagit single-user license for the upgrade price - a savings of 50% off the original price. Simply enter the promotion code below before you complete your purchase to get Snagit at the upgrade pricing. You do not have to have Jing Pro to take advantage of this deal. Anyone can purchase Snagit at this discounted price.
Use Promo Code: JINGPRO to get Snagit at 50% off
(coupon expires April 15, 2013)

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Essential Google Drive Skills for Teachers

As Butler prepares to transition to Canvas, our new learning management system, one skill we all need to brush up on is how to utilize Google Drive.  Google Docs are stored on Google Drive and are easily embedded into Canvas. Not only are they easily embedded, but a Google document that is used in several different locations within Canvas only needs to be updated once in the Google document and is "auto-magically" updated everywhere.  Here is a great article entitled, "Five Essential Google Drive Skills for Teachers" that will help us all get started using Google Drive.

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eQuizShow

Back in my public high school teaching days, my students enjoyed reviewing for tests Jeopardy-style.  I used a neat PowerPoint template and spent plenty of time building questions and answers.  It was effective for the students but a bit time consuming to create.  Henry Wilson, a junior year high school student from New York City, has developed a free online tool called eQuizShow.  The easy-to-use tool generates Jeopardy-style games online with no need to download or upload PowerPoint files.  Check out the eQuizShow gallery to use a quiz that has already been created or just to get some good ideas for your game.  Enjoy!

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10 Tips for the Recycle Bin

I recently came across this article, Don't Click Delete - 10 Tips for the Recycle Bin, and thought some of you might find it helpful. You will learn how to change the size, name, sound and appearance of the recycle bin, and how to move the recycle bin to the system tray. Happy Recycling!

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Do not Use Password as your Password!

Recently my Pinterest account was hacked and "I" started posting unusual items to Pinterest which, in turn, posted to my Facebook page. This brings up the topic of using passwords that are hard to hack. Evidently mine was not. Security software Splashdata recently released its list of the worst or most vulnerable passwords. Unremarkable, the number 1 offender is "password" but included in the list are yjesus", "ninja" and "querty".

According to a ZDNet article, "research from Norton indicates that nearly half of Internet users do not use a complex password", making them vulnerable to attack. They say to avoid using passwords that follow a simple pattern or are a word. Also, use some capital letters and some lowercase to deter attacks. Read the rest of the passwords not to use in the article, Top 25 Common, Attackable Passwords.

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Thinglink for Multiple Intelligence

The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, proposed by Howard Gardner, that suggests that all people have multiple intelligences and we all learn best through particular methods. By varying your teaching style and methods, you can help all of your students succeed.
Check out this Thinglink to get some ideas for tapping into your students' preferred learning styles and intelligences.

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PowerPoint to iSpring

We recently updated the LOR to make the iSpring instructions reflect the newest version of iSpring. While we did it, I also wanted to take a moment to make sure everyone knows the value of iSpring. So, for those of you that are unsure, this is for you!

In looking over many great online class syllabi, I noticed many instructors linking valuable information, terminology, or reference material to a PowerPoint slideshow for their students to watch. However, unless you specifically include PowerPoint as a required software for your class, you may want to consider converting your PowerPoints to iSpring.

iSpring is free, UDL compliant, and viewable by anyone. And (here's the great part), you can import it as a SCORM, which means you can tie it to your gradebook and give points for watching it! Wahoo! You can require they pause on each slide X seconds, and do so on a certain number of slides. Then, once they meet your requirements, BAM!, they get X points in your gradebook! Visit the Online Instructors LOR for instructions (we've made it it's own section because there's so much great juicy information), or of course, feel free to call your course manager.

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Add a Second Monitor to your Computer

I am fortunate enough to have two monitors here at work and I don't know how I functioned without them. I do know I am more productive but don't tell Meg. She might just find more for me to do! Seriously, though, if you wish to add a second monitor, just view this C-Net video and follow the step-by-step instructions to Add a Second Monitor to your Computer.

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Secret cloud space

Free cloud spaces are very popular these days. No more jump drives to misplace, you can access your photos, music, documents from anywhere as long as you are connected to the Internet.
You may already have a 5GB account that you may not know about. Amazon offer 5GB of free storage with every Amazon account. You can upload photos, music, video or documents without having to remember one more password. For more details, log on to your Amazon account, click on the Your Account link and scroll down to the Digital Content section of the page. Now if you can only resist adding a few more things to your Shopping Cart while you are at it.

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C2C takeaway

A shout out to the great presenters at the Spring CDC Symposium in Hutchinson last Friday!
While it is still fresh in my mind, I want to mention some of the quick takeaways we got from Anibal Pacheco, the champion of the latest in opensource applications.

I didn't realize that there were so many great things in browser, Firefox in particular add ons and plugins.
Speed Dial gives you direct access to your most frequently visited sites  - sort of a cross between LiveBinder and the Bookmark toolbar.
QR Link Maker is an addon that generates QR codes for webpages, an embedded image,or a selection of text from a webpage
I like the looks of Mozbackup, a backup utility for Firefox user information, including bookmarks and passwords that you can use for restoring, or using on a different/new computer, but I was a bit hesitant since it comes from Eastern Europe.
As I get a chance to reflect and check out a few more of his picks, I will let you know what I think.

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Time Toast

If you ever need to show a timeline or have your students create one, this tool is for you! It’s free and allows you quickly and easily create a timeline on a topic you teach. Try it out and let us know what you think! Meanwhile, check this one out on the Beatles!

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Taking a Poll...

A few of us went to an E-Learning conference last week and picked up some new cool *free* tools to share with you! In many of the ones I attended, they took polls to gauge the audience (“what education level are you representing?”), check for comprehension &/or relevance (“do you feel like you could use this tool in your class?”), or provide a quick mental break (“what is your favorite candy bar?”) At first, I was the girl in the back bumbling for my phone, trying to be the first one to text my answer and see it appear on the projector, but as it continued, I realized the benefit these would serve in many classrooms! The kids want to use their phones anyway, why not turn them into an engaging teaching tool? Maybe start your class with a question to assess whether they’ve read the assigned material? Or do one halfway through to see if they’re following you? It’s easy and fun, and might be just what you’re looking for to freshen up your next meeting, whether it’s online or face-to-face! Polls can be taken via email, text or even tweet and can be embedded into a PowerPoint, ANGEL, or a variety of other options. Check them out (flisti & polleverywhere are two I saw) and let us know if we can help!

Introducing Poll Everywhere from Poll Everwhere on Vimeo.

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U-Socket

I just read about this device last night, although it won Best of Show at MacWorld back in 2010. The U-Socket replaces your regular electrical wall outlet with one that supplies 2 USB connections. This means you can charge your phone and iPod/Pad while still using the original electrical outlets.

You can buy one of these handy little devices in white or almond at FastMac for around $25. The video demonstrates how easy it is to install the U-Socket.

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Online Resources for YOU!

80 Online Tools, References, and Resources

We all know that teachers are always looking for tools, references, and resources for classrooms. Well, here's 80 "must see" trial, free, and paid websites recommended by Edutopia community members. Keep this list in your back pocket! It might come in handy. (The list is not ranked and listed in any order.) =)

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Starry Night - for your enjoyment!

Starry Night (interactive animation) from Petros Vrellis on Vimeo.
A try to visualize the flow of the famous painting "Starry Night" of Vincent Van Gogh.

The user can interact with the animation. Also, the sound responds to the flow.

Made with openframeworks.

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Museum of Obsolete Objects

Isn't it overwhelming to think about all of the technology that has become obsolete? I still have a collection of vinyl records--and when my teenage daughter saw them she asked me what they were! Can you believe that?!

If you want to find out more about other technology that has become obsolete, visit the Museum of Obsolete Objects.

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5 Things Students Want their Teachers to Know about Online Learning

I found the blog post, 5 Things Students Want their Teachers to Know about Online Learning, by Lisa Nielsen in her blog, The Innovative Educator, to be a worthy reminder. According the students and teachers at the iNacol Virtual Schools Symposium:

1. Socialization is important
2. Students want to see their teacher and
3. to see each other.
4. They want you to get to know them and 
5. want you to keep the course relevant. 

Although none of this is terribly new, several ideas and useful sites to accomplish all of this are included. Check this out as you refresh your courses for the spring semester.

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