20 Google Tools for the Classroom. 

Google Tools are great, but Google has a history of taking away tools not used to support their existence.

iGoogle is coming to an end.  This is the link to see the official announcement.  So sad to see it go.  Maybe Google will listen to the voices of the many users of iGoogle.

KC TechNet Conference

What a great day with our annual KC TechNet Conference!  Wonderful presenters and participants.  Thanks to Sonya and Time for working with us.  Thank you to the conference committee for helping make this conference smoother every year.  Learn a lot.  Look at https://sites.google.com/site/kctechnetconference/ to see the resources from the presenters.

IPads in the Classroom

I am visiting Monte Vista Christian School in Wattsonville, CA. They are doing some innovativation using iPads. Check out their site www.mvcs.org. Thomas White, their tech director, stated they "the iPad is the perfect device for the classroom and is only going to get better.". I agree!

Even More Tech Tools

Ever need speaker for your iPad, iPhone, Android tablet or phone, or just some portable speakers for your laptop?  These are two great speakers for portability and with great sound.

 Some Features:

• Portable stereo sound for your iPad, or any Bluetooth-enabled audio device
• Unique interlocking tube design; an ultra-portable sound solution for your iPad
• 6 to 8 hours of audio enjoyment on a full charge; USB-rechargeable battery
• Rubber spools on each speaker rotate to wind cords for portability and to avoid clutter
• Lightweight at only 9.5 ounces (270 grams); Dimensions: 2.5 x 5.5 x 2.9” (75 x 140 x 75 mm)

These are one of my favorite items from iPevo.  Blue tooth connection - no wires!  Each half snaps together for easy carrying in your computer case.

Another nice portable speakers with great sound are the portable iHM79 speakers by iHome.  They have to connected to the speaker output on any device, but has great sound and rechargeable through usb port.  These snap together also for easy storage and carrying.

More Tech Tools

Another tool from iPevo is the Wireless Presentation System.  This the device connected to the VGA port on a projector.  Putting out its own WiFi connection, four different laptops can be viewed.  The view options are one showing or multiple views up to four.  This is great for people to share from their laptop without using cabling.

This is the Typi Folio Case and Keyboard for the iPad.  Has a nice brush leather and a blue tooth wireless keyboard attached by a magnet in the case.  Easily removed when the keyboard is not wanted.  The shortfall of this case is the prop-up strap.  Works well with a larger surface by not so well with your lap.

Tech Tools

Alex at iPevo sent me several of their products to try out.  This is the Ziggy.      These are some specs to consider:

·      A variety of high-definition and standard-definition resolutions up to 1600 x 1200

·      Long multi-jointed stand and 270° swivel head allow complete image customization

·      Full screen mode for projections; snapshot mode for taking and reviewing snapshots

·      Feature-rich software for on-the-fly image changes including focus, exposure, and more

Mac IOS and Windows 7 detect this camera easily and can be used with Quicktime on the Mac and Movie Maker in Windows 7 or XP.  Take pictures or live video for document presentation.  New to this camera compared to its sister P2v camera is a exposure adjustment for low light or too much light.  Works great with Skype too.  Best part – only $89.

 Another product that is quite interesting is the Chopstakes Multi-Styli for the iPad.  Not sure if these are the best stylus for portability but are nice to keep at your desk.