The use of a Web 2.0 app

So, I tired to use another Web 2.0 app. I have mostly been using office-type applications in the past such as Zoho and Google Doc. The piece that appears to really be missing from those apps is some kind of reliable task-manager. I tried RemembertheMilk.com.The app functions nicely and has a very clear and intuitive interface. I entered in some items that needed to get done and their due dates. My problem was/is that I never go back to the site to get the information to keep it up to date. It becomes lost in the file of "yet-another-website-to-log-in-to." I know that you can set your web browser to remember website log-ins and passwords, but I am not around the same computer all day. There is the option of portable browsers on a USB thunbdrive, but that doesn't really work across Windows, Macs, and Linux. In the end, the site was nice, but I didn't think that it worked well for me.

Web 2.0 - Next big thing for the classroom?

So, in class we are talking about Web 2.0. I thought I would post this video from the guy at TechCrunch. This more or less gives a definition of what Web 2.0 from more of a business stand point. The question arises about is this a "bubble" or is this here to stay? So, then that leads me to the next question...How is this going to impact education and the learning environment and how is this going to effect teaching?

One piece that worries me a bit is all of the "movable" content. Are the student's thoughts going to be individual or just a compilation of other people's web content that is pieced together and looks nice. At what point does the technology start to have too much of an influence on how people have thoughts.

Servitude...

For the past week, I have been looking at different systems to purchase for my classroom tech budgeting assignment. Initially, I was thinking this would be a great way to introduce Linux to the classroom. However, what I would like to do and the cost are two different realities. I thought about looking a server set-up, but the functionality of a server is so huge, meaning what can be done with it, that the price point is beyond the set budget of $1500. So, I got to thinking what is it we are trying to accomplish. The answer comes with a how lot of learning theory and other issues that are many in number and few in words. I think the answer comes in the form the XO laptop. The functionality of the computer is really key in getting students to not worry about the computer it's self. With the option of storage expansion through the USB ports, the little flash drive that's built in isn't really a set back for the students. The key thing that I like is the MESH networking piece as well as the comments that people can share while exploring the web and/or collaborating is key. With this option, I can still introduce people to Linux and the positive side of open-source options.

...OK...Wait, what about this "eee pc" from Asustek? Why do I feel like I am the last find out about this stuff?

Behavior Cycle Powerpoint

Here is a Powerpoint that I have made for class. The intent was to create a nonlinear presentation. However, I have come to the realization that MS Powerpoint is not a good option for creating a nonlinear presentation for outside the Powerpoint environment. Thus, I fall back on Zoho to present an embedded version for me. It does run in a linear fashion, but the user does have some control which slides to view. The last slide did end up cutting off the PACER center link and the CCBD link

Inspiration Outcome

Here is the outcome of the Inspiration concept map concerning coffee. Pretty basic, but it gets the points across.

Click on picture for full size view.

A True Paper-less System

We had a rather interesting discussion about hypertext during the last class session. While I don't really think too much about hypertext and the weather or not students would prefer to read that over printed text, I do know that I have been trying to make the switch from reading print-based to screen based text, esp. for class assignments and the like. Last year, I had a paper to write for one last class in connection with my time at UNL. I had found about 92 articles related to the topic of my readings (computers and EBD, LD and the like). I had printed out about 50 or so, but I ran out of toner and paper. This more or less forced me to read all the pdf files off the screen. At first it was hard, but gradually it was easier to manage. I found that it helped in entering my notes into the databased that I had constructed for the various areas I was focusing on in my mini-lit review.

Now, I find that the skill didn't generalize to when I am simply reading an assignment with out the purpose of formulating a paper. I have found that using Google Notebook is a great help in taking notes and practicing "active reading" without trying to write on the screen or have a mess of sticky notes around the edge of the computer. In my previous post, I linked to a video review of the XO laptop. I liked the function of how the screen rotated around and you could hold it like a piece of paper. That would definitely help with the reading of electronic documents, but I don't know about the how taking notes aspect of it. I would really like to purchase one of those. It would make a great introductory computer and the MESH networking seems like a great tool.

Review of the $100 Laptop

I don't about you but this would be awesome to have in my backpack.