The Beatles Arrive... to iTunes!

The Beatles come to iTunes

  It's been a hard day's night... but finally,  Apple and Apple come to an agreement and we are able to get our Beatles' music on iTunes. I enjoyed seeing the videos on the Apple site and gallery of images of one of my favorite groups of all time. There box sets and individual albums to add to your iTunes listening pleasures. Enjoy!

Software updates iPad to Print and Multi-task

Steve Jobs promised and we finally got the new software for the iPad that allows for some features our iPhones and iPods got recently- Printing wireless and multi-tasking.

Ipad as Presenter Tool

Presenter tools include the iPad - which needs the following items.
1. VGA connection - $30 from Apple store - will display ONLY Keynotes, Movies, & Pic slideshows
2. Document Camera set ups- will Mirror the iPad
Low tech makeshift  ( Web cam or video camera on tripod /gooseneck lamp)
Document Camera- from portable, low resolution ,slower moving images $265
to high end models $600-800 that record, faster transmission)


3. Expedition, Good Reader  $1.99 VGA out put- which is on sale for  $.99

4. Log me in - can operate the Smart Board from iPad
  
5. TightVNC: VNC-Compatible Free Remote Control Software
/ Mocha VNC  lite for iPad  - for controlling desktop from iPad

"APP for That" - "iPads in the classroom"

My photo of MacWorld magazine article on "Appstravaganza!"

"APP for That"  EDUCATION- Fine Arts Photo /Music/Presentation
 With over 200,000 apps for the iPhone and 1,000s' for the iPad-we can usually find an app for all kinds of things- including education.  I did a Google search for "iPads in the classroom" to see 82,000 results about how ipads support teaching to see how others are using ipads and encourage you to do the same.   This new tool with it's mobility is rising in use and has educators why should I use it in schools? Change for what?   I ask, "how can I use iPads in the classroom", "how is it better than a laptop", and "what apps work for what"? 


If the tool can help me manage my classroom more efficiently, than I want it. 
If the tool helps kids learn, I want it more. 
These questions take some time to research, try it, and see if YOU like it. It means changing the way you do things and at first that always takes more time- AND finding out what does NOT work but there is no easy answer.   Educators continue to select a certain book or lesson as it fits their style or addresses students' needs so I don't advocate for ONE tool to fit everyone's needs! 


However, putting a tool in each student's hands that is mobile, multi-tasking, and engaging - there is plenty to do to make teaching and learning more efficient, rewarding, and advanced.  For our students today are not going to be tied down to a pc or limited to reading paper only- they are digital natives born into a life of mobile devices and communications. Books will not be replaced but reading will be and IS on many platforms not just Paper. Writing on a surface to share with others is here to stay but we do have more tools than cave people or Egyptians did. 


As a lifelong Mac lover, I am more open to portable devices that offer the array of apps and design for easy access and learning  I love my iPhone - and appreciate the iPad introduction to more to do with more mobility than my MacBook Pro. Hence, I am exploring this first edition to new learning for "iPads in the classroom". You make your choice.

Here are some apps suggestions.

Presentation tools and more...



Presentation apps in addition to using iPad vga connector and document camera with great reviews: 
iDemoWeb by MightyMeeting Inc to use a VGA out using iPad as a web browser to connect to projector.  $1.99 

2Screens-Presentation Expert   2Screens has the ability to output to a projector from a web browser in addition to many other useful features.  $4.99

Keynote -$9.99 -slide show presentation




WRITING APPS  
Pages-$9.99- word processing program, nice templates, will save  as word document.


Scriptwriting- free- one writes and it will set the format for scripts.

Dragon Dictation- free-Voice recognition to speak, see, and read text, then share to edit and email


ART -Photo

Impression- free - allows you to add a water mark to pics

Photo PAD- free- manipulate pics and make products Zaggskin

PhotoShop Express-free-  tools for cropping, color correction, borders


Louvre- free- Museum art work in gallery form

Getty Images- free- wonderful photographs displayed in true Getty form-editorial, creative, searches

Reuters Gallery- free- News in Pictures and video- great gallery updated daily

HIGH SCHOOL
Notes - free - note taking and saving
Evernote- free version- jot down notes, take pics, and voice recording, more versatile, can save many places 


SCIENCE
GoSkywatch- free- great astronomy tool

MUSIC

Music Studio Lite - free- allows you to create instruments and record tracks 
Entrackment- free- allows remote  controlling devices.  
Virtual Sheet Music- free- access to virtual sheet music
Pandora- free- Start with favorite music or artist and it creates a library or station of similiar music. 

FOR FUN
Frogs in a POCKET- free -  non-violent game getting frogs to develop and multiply for points
Netflix- subscription for film rentals 

Using "iPads in the classroom" is a hot topic as more students and their families are sharing them at home for school research, entertainment, and communications with reports of  how happy they are as the tools are "easier to hold" and multi- task. It's one big advantage being is the mobility, using less paper and ink, and multi-access to resources.  
The apps make it increasing more user friendly and applicable to enriching our lives. 
I will be exploring more and making more reviews for use, in the meantime, Enjoy! 















 

Related articles

• SketchPad: A Filmmaker's Storyboard Soon to Revolutionize Moviemaking (prweb.com)
• iPad and iPhone artists attend the Mobile Art Conference (macworld.com)

iPad Archietecture

Pictures say 1000 words, well here are some ways that the iPad is changing our worlds.

Clarke Hopkins Clarke Idea Architects' iPad Library Wall Au

From the proposed iPad Wall designed by Clarke Hopkins Clarke
Idea Architects to a school library lab and homes... the touchpad revolution with access to the internet is transforming the way we read, access information, and the mobility of the device - changing the way we "meet" to use it.  The iPad is the mobile device but touch screens are everywhere - from the Hard Rock Cafe on Hollywood Blvd in LA that has touchscreen walls to entertain and teach about music history.

http://www.ppesprincipal.blogspot.com/

German cars with mounted iPads

Here is a strong PTO who helped to create the IMAGINARIUM
( iPad Lab) at the Pinnacle Peak Elementary School in Scotsdale, Arizona, decorated much like the APPLE store model with white walls, single words of inspiration, and what I call, Pods of learning.
A sixth grader came up with the focus . See the broadcast at the KTVK link.

Mounts for the Ipad are available  for homes, cars, and more.  The iPad mount accessory by Modulur , Griffin's cabinet attachment, and ProClip USA to name a few. The cost of $70 can put an iPad in a convenient place that once the plasma screens were popular for. This list get longer as I have even seen a rear seat iPad mount for the German cars like the  BMW "iPAD Out" mounts .

When an object becomes a frequent item in our every day life- it is no longer considered a luxury but a tool that does the job.  That is what I see with the students in my classes who pick it up and explore without hesitation ( or awe) applying to their focus to the task it does. Just the way tech should be. 

Related articles

• Griffin offers new Cabinet Mount for iPad perfect for the kitchen (slashgear.com)
• Cabinet-Mounted iPad Docks Are Cheaper Than Plasmas, I Suppose [Ipad Accessories] (gizmodo.com)

Mirroring Your iPAD : )

iPad for Presentations are limited right now as the software has not arrived that allows us to mirror the image;
however, using a "document camera" enables one to do this.

I do not recommend spending up to $800 for a Document Camera while we wait for the updated software so
here are some alternatives.

1. Use an old Digital Camera or Digital Camcorder or an old WebCam
2. Overhead projector stand or Copy Stand Or... Tripod with strapped to a viewing platform.
3. Connect the Camera to a Computer / LCD projector
and viola

a Document Camera capability.

Here are some articles for your viewing pleasure and other options.

This one is a YouTube  from Mr.Littlefield.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al3_RA33OSI
 demo advertising products for a make do.

Some attach a camera to a lamp but I would not suggest this for a classroom. 

: () saving lots of $$ in the meantime... and getting to use your iPads even more efficiently.


How to Build a Document Camera | eHow.com

John Lennon Legend -Google Tribute

Our world has been touched by great musicians and innovators. "The Beatles" legendary, John Lennon whose songs forever touch our hearts and spoke of the world being a 'better place" was celebrated by  Google  who recognized John Lennon's 70th Birthday with this doodle on Google sites. I chose this model for my digital design classes as an example of creativity, technical skills,  musical content, and history. I feel fortunate to have seen him perform live in their first concert to the U.S.A. and follow his life as his music changed the world forever.  Thank you Google for remembering him and  Thank YOU, John Lennon for leaving us your songs to live by.

"John Lennon Google Tribute"

FACE TIME for Apple - Looking pretty Good & Busy!!

FACE TIME!! 
If you think that Apple is hurting from the bad publicity with it's new iPhone 4 antenna signal problem- try visiting an Apple store and see if you can get in. In the past two weeks, I have been in several from the East coast (Boylston St, Boston) to the West coast-(The Grove, Santa Monica, Pasadena, CA) and each time the places have been packed! all times of the day!  People are crowding these stores and standing in lines - where Apple is   taking reservations (3 week wait for the iPhone 4) and the white one is not even out yet! 

The best features -FACE TIME!  It is special!
The iPhone 4 shape is one that I could get accustomed to but the camera features are it's selling draw for me. There are other phones out there that have flashes ( some have 2) but an iPHONE is the real deal has it is the whole package with apps, design, and easy to use software.
Facetime allows real time video with cameras on the front and back- one can take pics of themselves without handing over their camera to an unknown passerby. The images are very nice quality and sure to be included in online travel galleries around the world.

Since you already pay for connectivity  (and were getting unlimited data with iPhone 3- you are grandfathered )and no worry about minutes!  Why do you need skype?  Love it!

The downsides are the signal issues - which I myself- will wait to buy the next generation iPhone 4.
With so many people buying them, I think AT&T need to upgrade their system - which I hear their rebuild is happening in Los Angeles areas this coming fall. Unfortunately, some film biz people are sticking with Blackberries until their reception is better. Can't afford to drop a call when you have an A-List actor, 1st AD, or investor on the line and trying to run a show- time means $$$$.
 For me, it's all about family

"Don't touch this! Well, yes you have to" iPad screen

How life has changed .. with touchpad screens.  I remember being told "Don't touch the screen with our hands" and now that is how we select our applications and operate our machines. The iPad screen is not the monitor of the old days but are made to be durable- at least to a certain extent.  With other LCD screens and devices using the touch screen process- this is where our world is going. 

Eventually it has to be cleaned of the finger prints which I first recommend using the black cleaning pad that comes with devices like the iPhone. One  Apple rep recommended iKlear to clean smudges. It costs about $30 but goes along way and can be used for other devices.

I hear the iPad has a coating, oleophobic coating, that protects it but anything harder than the screen, such as a stylus could produce damages. PCWorld did a test and says it is hard to scratch.

If something does happen.. here are some ideas.

Remember, "if you break it, you own it"- well that goes with most warranties too. Insurance is pretty expensive if the warranty covers YOUR mistakes and mishaps. It usually covers the machines issues- unless some nice representative hears your sob story and decides to give you a break after your dog chewed it up.

Insurance plans cover damages and need to be carefully compared for pricing and details. Priot to buying an iPad and hearing the sales pitch  from Apple and Best Buy- be sure to check out other third party companies such as: Millilamp.com, Safeware insurance, and Worthwive group.


There are also places that will repair damages for you or sell you the parts and guide you through the process. I have used the FIX-IT to replace hard drives, screens, and installing computer parts but have not opened an iPhone or iPad - although looked at the step by steps. The "magic of the laptop" was spoiled when I first opened an iBook to replace parts and realized the delicate pieces of aluminum foil like materials were what connected me to the whole world. Also, I know how easily one PULL can ruin your whole day. Find someone with some experience or pay them to help you.

Two of my favorite places for advice and step by step guides are Popular Mechanics "How to open an iPad"  and i-Fixit , which provides the tabs with the glass repair kits and researched to find the easiest way for owners to replace their own glass.

iPad Cracked Glass Repair,   
Repairs Universe


Hope we don't have to think about these things but better to be informed than without your tools of your trade and entertainment. :  )

Angry Birds

On Gaming.... "Angry Birds"

Being the summer time and unwinding a bit, I headed back to "Angry Birds" game to see if I can move to the next level. Yes! one has to play video games to get an appreciation of the strategies and recognize how kids get hooked on them. I keep thinking I can move the whole iPad as if "tiltling" a pinball machine or using the race car game that one uses the iPad like a steering wheel.
I do recommend shutting the volume OFF - the noise of the birds is irritating although I miss hearing the sounds of the items falling. Made it to the 3rd Level!! Never with that score , Yet!

Take me out to the Ball Game!!

As a Computer Graphics/ Webdesigner Teacher, I am lucky to see the school year wrap for our summer break. Life is all about using technology as a tool- not something to consume one instead of living.  Sometimes the "tool" can allow one the time to have fun or in some situations, more time to have fun!  One example was when a friend invited me to a Red Sox game. I was thrilled to go but had work to do but  I said "yes" because I had an iPad. 

On the bus ride up to Fenway ( free WiFi on the bus), I used my iPad to catch up on school emails online, complete a student recommendation, and even had time to watch a movie using  Netflix.  The movie stopped once but came in right away at the same spot. The images were so clear and with ear phones- no other riders were not bothered. The ride was very relaxing and went by quickly.  I got to Fenway Park and had time to spare so enjoyed the sights and sounds that make Boston a great place to be a fan. I admit I put the iPad away but did use my iPhone to snap some pics (one above ) and checked a question we had about baseball stats.  All made for a productive and enjoyable day- especially since the Red Sox won!!