Technology for Learners and Teachers

T4LT - Happy Holidays!

2011-12-19T10:33:00.000-08:00

T4LT - Maps

2011-12-02T09:22:00.001-08:00

Maps are often under-appreciated learning tools. In this episode, we visit a few sites that will potentially inspire a second look at the usefulness and potential maps offer teachers and learners.

Sites featured in this episode:

http://conflicthistory.com
http://healthmap.org
http://code.google.com/apis/chart/
http://tripline.net
http://animaps.com

T4LT - Social Networking

2011-11-11T06:27:00.001-08:00

Facebook and Google+ are often thought of as distractions to learning, but they can be used for good. Educators are tapping into the popularity and reach these networks have into their students' lives. Communication is the heart of the social network and communicating is a natural way to learn and share.

Sites features in this episode:

http://www.facebook.com
http://plus.google.com
http://www.edmodo.com

T4LT Interview - DJ Hennager on the Back-channel

2011-10-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

D.J. Hennager, Math/Science Dept Instructor at Kirkwood Community College, joins Alan in the studio to discuss tapping into the back-channel to engage his students.

Sites Mentioned in this Episode
Todaysmeet.com
Twitter.com
Tweetdeck.com

T4LT - Blogs & Cover It Live!

2011-10-07T06:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, we know blogs have been around for quite some time. There is an entire blogosphere already. Still, the topic is worth exploring in how it applies to teaching and learning. Blogs are feature-rich and free publishing tools. If you are already a seasoned blogger, try live blogging with Cover It Live!

Sites mentioned in this episode:

http://www.blogger.com
http://www.wordpress.com
http://www.xanga.com
http://www.opendiary.com
http://www.coveritlive.com
and http://www.perezhilton.com :-)

T4LT Interview - Nicole Forsythe

2011-09-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

Nicole Forsythe, Digital Services Librarian, joins Emily in the studio to discuss LibGuides - a relatively new service and digital product supporting student research and assignment resource management.

Sites mentioned in this episode
http://www.kirkwood.edu/library

T4LT - Discussions

2011-09-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

The discussion forum is a staple of online instruction and learning. Depending on the objectives of the forum, styles and expectations vary widely. In this episode we suggest three main principles for successful discussions. Here they are in brief: Purpose, Prompt, and Instructor Involvement.

We also suggest giving students guidance on how they can formulate productive and thoughtful responses.

Your example helped me understand ___ because ___
Your post made me think about ___
I have a similar example to share ___
Your example helped clarify ___ but now I am wondering about ___
I wonder if you could expand on ___
I have a counter example I'd like to share ___
While I totally agree with your post, I want to toss out this possible different perspective ___

T4LT Interview - Phil Brown

2011-08-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

In this T4LT interview episode, instructor Phil Brown discusses his use of YouTube in online courses. Phil Brown is an associate professor of Film studies and English at Kirkwood Community College in the Distance Learning department. You can find Phil's YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/pbrown. Thanks Phil!

Other sites mentioned:
Vimeo (http://vimeo.com)
Google Video (http://video.google.com/)
Dailymotion (http://www.dailymotion.com/us)

T4LT - Behind the Scenes

2011-08-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

We take you behind the T4LT curtain and reveal all our secrets. This process might be more than you want or need for your own video podcast -- so feel free to start small and grow.

T4LT - Online Lectures

2011-07-27T13:01:00.000-07:00

We are often asked how to replicate the lecture in online courses. Naturally, we have some thoughts on the subject. We believe lecture materials for online courses are best when short, focused on the students' needs, and created explicitly for the online course.

Video Editing for Everyone

2011-07-11T07:36:00.000-07:00

Pinnacle Systems, owned by AVID, offers a FREE program called Video Spin. This is a very hand program for those interested in video editing. It's no Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere, but it is a great stepping stone for the beginner to intermediate editor. It's definitely a step up from Movie Maker.

For more information or to download the program, visit the Video Spin website.

T4LT - Texting

2011-06-21T14:43:00.000-07:00

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;tttt&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;
Texting has become an important form of communication and some instructors are beginning to explore how and when to use sms messages with their students.

Resources mentioned:
Txting: The Gr8 Db8 by David Crystal

Poll Everywhere
http://www.polleverwhere.com

T4LT - Online Exam Security

2011-05-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

"Online Security" is often thought of as a bit of an oxymoron. In this episode, we examine some typical LMS (Angel) settings that can help instructors increase test security and integrity efforts.

T4LT - Image Editing

2011-04-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

Pixlr.com is an online image editing program with an impressive array of tools and features. Fundamental image manipulation skills are essential for teachers and learners. And beyond the fundamentals exists a world of creative and productive possibilities for course assignments and assessments.

Other free imaging programs you might find useful:
http://www.picnik.com/
http://www.aviary.com/tools/image-editor
http://www.sumopaint.com/home/
http://www.splashup.com/
http://www.photoshop.com/tools?wf=editor

Angel Features You May Not Know About

2011-04-07T07:36:00.000-07:00

In this episode of T4LT, Alan and Emily challenge each other to further their knowledge of the Angel Learning platform. You too can explore section headings, customizing icons, macros, grading rubrics, milestone calendar links and more!<br><br><br>If you would like more hands-on experience, sign up for the Beyond the Basics Angel training offered through KCELT. Open to all Kirkwood faculty and staff.

In this episode of T4LT, Alan and Emily challenge each other to further their knowledge of the Angel Learning platform. You too can explore section headings, customizing icons, macros, grading rubrics, milestone calendar links and more!

If you would like more hands-on experience, sign up for the Beyond the Basics Angel training offered through KCELT. Open to all Kirkwood faculty and staff.

T4LT - Open Textbooks

2011-03-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

Emily talks with Kate Hess, Library Coordinator for Kirkwood's Iowa City campus, about open textbooks.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Flat World Knowledge
http://www.flatworldknowledge.com

Kirkwood Library
http://www.kirkwood.edu/library

T4LT - Google Sites

2011-03-16T11:37:00.000-07:00

Google Sites provides the tools to create your own websites quickly and creatively. Sites can be collaborative, instructional, informational, fun, interactive and the list goes on. Several sites were visited in the making of this T4LT episode. Links are below.

Google Sites
http://sites.google.com

ePortfilios with GoogleApps
http://sites.google.com/site/eportfolioapps/online-tutorials-sites/sites-how-to

Honors Physics Parish Episcopal School
https://sites.google.com/a/parishepiscopal.org/gende/

Iowa AEA
http://sites.google.com/site/iowagapps/

Foundations of Western Civilization
https://sites.google.com/a/whschoolapps.org/foundations-of-western-civilization/

Mr. A's Class
http://sites.google.com/site/atkinsontme/

Learning Almanac
https://sites.google.com/site/thingstolearnwith/

Group Project - African American Culture on Pop Culture and Stereotypes
https://sites.google.com/site/aafgroup6/home

The Noun Project

2011-03-04T13:58:00.000-08:00

I am a fan of clean and simple design. I also like collections of parts of speech. And so thenounproject.org speaks to me. You might also find it to be a nice resource for elegant icons and imagery. Many of the graphics are public domain or available for download and use with a simple attribution to the creator.

Tripline.net

2011-03-03T03:50:00.000-08:00

Tripline.net combines maps, trip animation, location annotation, pictures, background tunes and all the elements of the social web. It strikes me as a clever and useful tool. I'm using it for the study abroad program I will lead to China this summer. Check it out:

Google Cloud Connect

2011-02-26T14:40:00.000-08:00

Since we recently covered Google Docs, I feel compelled to mention Google Cloud Connect is available for PC users. The add-in makes it possible to sync files directly from Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Excel to your Google Doc cloud. Nifty!

T4LT - Online Student Engagement Tips and Strategies

2011-02-23T09:20:00.000-08:00

10 ideas to begin the sharing of student engagement strategies in online courses. Some low to no-tech ideas are included in this episode. And while we mention online courses specifically (we work in the distance learning department), many of the techniques apply to on-ground and blended courses as well. Join in the conversation and post a comment with your own thoughts on engaging students.

Call/Text Students
Require Regular Logins
Act on Report Data
Create Meaningful & Relevant Assignments
Explain Your Expectations
Assess Online Learning Readiness
Time Management Training
Assignment Variety & Ownership
Add a Live Element
Personalize Communication

Is Online Learning Right for You?
http://www.kirkwood.edu/site/index.php?p=14949

Managing Your Time
http://www.kirkwood.edu/site/index.php?p=14950

More File Types Supported on Google Docs

2011-02-20T03:55:00.000-08:00

Some good news and nice timing from Google Docs. They have added more supported file types that can be viewed online. Receive a .pages file from a student? Now you can load it to Google Docs for viewing and reviewing.

From: http://googledocs.blogspot.com/2011/02/12-new-file-formats-in-google-docs.html

Today we’re excited to launch support for 12 new file types:
Microsoft Excel (.XLS and .XLSX)
Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 / 2010 (.PPTX)
Apple Pages (.PAGES)
Adobe Illustrator (.AI)
Adobe Photoshop (.PSD)
Autodesk AutoCad (.DXF)
Scalable Vector Graphics (.SVG)
PostScript (.EPS, .PS)
TrueType (.TTF)
XML Paper Specification (.XPS)

How's This for Distance Learning?

2011-02-11T16:28:00.000-08:00

T4LT - Google Docs

2011-02-04T11:26:00.000-08:00

Google Docs

We use Google Docs for all our collaborative script writing for T4LT. Google Spreadsheets, Forms, Presentations and Drawings complete the suite of Google Doc tools.

These collaborative document creation tools offer many advantages for group projects or for the individual who wants access to files in the cloud - no need to worry about lost or broken external jump drives (but you will need access to the Internet).

Documents in Google Docs can be private or public, shared, exported in a variety of formats, edited in real time by all those who have access, and more. Check out Google Docs for yourself!

Google Docs

http://docs.google.com

Sample Presentation - The Many Ways to Use Flip Video Cameras in the Classroom

https://docs.google.com/present/view?...

Google's Art Project

2011-02-02T03:59:00.000-08:00

Google does it again (Google Art Project). A fantastic application of their existing street view technology applied to some of the world's most amazing art collections and museums. I know, it still isn't the same as being in the same room as these works, smelling the sterilized air, pushing past crowds and searching for the restroom, but it comes close.

Sign in and you can create your own art collections from their works and share your collections with your students.

Now I am thinking Google should apply their street view to the skies (astronomy) and the microscopic - DNA, molecules, the dust mites under my couch.

T4LT - Animation

2011-01-31T07:14:00.000-08:00

Animation
Let your imagination run completely wild, but still within the boundaries of good pedagogy. Tools such as GoAnimate and XtraNormal make it incredibly simple to produce impressive animations at low to no cost. Most of the interface is drag-n-drop, so drawing skills and coding know-how are unnecessary.

SITES MENTIONED
GoAnimate
http://www.goanimate.com

Hybrid Course Explanation on GoAnimate
http://goanimate.com/movie/0Ox3uSMgIMNg?utm_source=linkshare

xtraNormal
http://www.xtranormal.com

Adobe (Flash and After Effects)
http://www.adobe.com/products

Take a Test to Learn! -NYTimes

2011-01-24T12:22:00.000-08:00

The NewYork Times ran an article on January 21, 2011 on a study that demonstrates benefits of test-taking as a learning strategy (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/21/science/21memory.html). I find the study interesting though not terribly surprising. When the outcomes involve remembering facts and formulas, my best studying comes in the form of self-administered mini-assessments. And if you are looking for a quick flashcard type program to help you with this, check out cramberry.com (I just really like the domain name).

Naturally, the study leaves open just how much taking tests might contribute to deeper understanding or one's ability to connect different knowledge sources. Still, these connections aren't likely to happen if the memorization of key terms and concepts never happens. There is a balance for everyone.

Join Me - Web Conferencing

2010-12-19T05:30:00.000-08:00

Join.me is another quick web conferencing option. The FAQ claims a meeting could support up to 250 connections. That's more than most free options. No webcam or voip audio - instead, it's all about screenshare and conference calls (long distance charges may apply). The presenter can also share screen control with any viewer - making hands on tech support a possibility.

Could be handy when you need to see what your student sees. Or perhaps for some live assessment of computer skills.

In case you missed it, here's a link to our Web Conferencing episode.

Google Body Browser - Sweeeet!

2010-12-17T07:43:00.000-08:00

I just keep saying wow as a spin and zoom around the 3D model searching for organs and bones. The double slider design is brilliant. Hours of entertainment for the whole family! Or maybe for science and allied health instructors.

The web technology needed to use this site is only available in some beta browsers. I played with it in Chrome beta and it was smooth. There is a download link on the Google Body Browser page.

STEMTech 2010 Wikis Episode

2010-12-16T07:04:00.000-08:00

In this episode, Jo and Meg from Queensborough Community College showcase their collection of professional development wikis. A wiki is a collaborative web site and can be used for many educational purposes. In addition to the collaborative editing tools, a history of changes is also a key feature of any wiki.

SITES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Queensborough Community College Wikis
http://www3.qcc.cuny.edu/DotWiki/Default.aspx

Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

Wikipedia Lamest Edit Wars (Information is Beautiful)
http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/wikipedia-lamest-edit-wars/

FREE WIKI CREATION SITES
http://www.wikispaces.com/
http://www.wetpaintcentral.com/
http://www.wiki-site.com/

Do you have a wiki you prefer?

Google Tech Care Package

2010-12-13T11:38:00.000-08:00

Just in time for the holidays, send your parents a tech support care package from the nice kids at Google.

http://www.teachparentstech.org/

MS Docs in the Cloud

2010-12-05T03:51:00.000-08:00

Now you can create Microsoft documents in the cloud. Check out docs.com. Create and compose Word, Excel and Powerpoint files on the site and share your creations with Facebook (fb) friends. Collaboration with fb friend editors, wall commenting, view only permissions are some of the features.

Qwiki - Information as Experience

2010-11-29T09:29:00.000-08:00

http://www.qwiki.com/

Qwiki at TechCrunch Disrupt from Qwiki on Vimeo.

A new launch point for learning? A source for student research? The up-and-coming bane of instructors advocating for more in-depth thought and reflection? Motivation or satiation for our curiosity? I'm not sure, but it is an interesting achievement in the crunching and beautiful presentation of enormous amounts of data. I, for one, welcome the sultry mechanical voice of informational experiences.

(The platform name, Qwiki, is a bit unfortunate, don't you think? Then again, iPad seems to be doing just fine.)

Web Conferencing Episode

2010-11-24T08:39:00.000-08:00

In this exciting continuation of synchronous communication tools, Alan and Emily showcase iLinc, DimDim and MeBeam. DimDim and MeBeam are free options. Other major players in the world of web conferencing tools include: Adobe Connect Pro, GoToMeeting, Elluminate and Wimba (who recently joined with Elluminate and Blackboard). Each company brings their own design, and set of tools to the game, yet most agree on webcam support (at least for the presenter), voice audio, chat, whiteboard, and screensharing. As a relatively new form of communication we are excited to explore the possibilities.

Links Mentioned
http://www.ilinc.com/
http://www.dimdim.com/
http://mebeam.com/
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobatconnectpro/
http://www.elluminate.com/
http://www.wimba.com/
http://www.gotomeeting.com/fec/

Let us know if you have a favorite, or one not mentioned!

Global Edu Online Conference

2010-11-18T14:40:00.000-08:00

I missed it live, but the fine people at Wimba/Elluminate/Bb have recorded what appears to be every session of the conference. If you are in the mood for some conferencing but travel dollars are a little tight, consider checking out some of these sessions. Head on over to the Recordings link to browse through the session titles - links are available to the recordings. There are quite a few on Technology!

Welcome to the blog

2010-11-17T18:13:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the T4LT blog. This is going to be fun.