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!!

THE PRINCETON REVIEW!

 As a career educator who has spent many a summer tutoring privately motivated and ambitious students for the upcoming SAT exams, this iPad app is a gem!  Contrary to the old school paper flash cards, the Princeton Review introduces a quiz format that helps one review vocabulary and reading lessons.
I only tried the sample version but was impressed with the taste of challenges it presents for self learners and reinforcement of vocab for the big exam.

Cliff Notes -
In the same light of studious apps, the all time Cliff Notes has an iPad version with organizers to strategically plan one's learning. It has a form for planning and tips for students, character plotting guides, and sample essays for comparing topics for analysis.  Used as an addendum to one's reading the novels, this is a wonderful complement as a study guide.
 

3-D printers, or plastic extrusion machines that can make products, are poised to enter home electronics market - latimes.com

3-D printers, or plastic extrusion machines that can make products, are poised to enter home electronics market - latimes.com

iPAD- "Coming to a school near you?"

iPads are coming...to school, well, colleges right now.

A few signs that iPads are coming to school officially began last week in my first online class with California educators on the topic of "How to use the iPad in Education".  The enthusiasm and high interest of fellow educators whose comments were well founded in creditable, applicable uses of a new tool made for a good reason to embrace this new tool. I thank them for sharing new apps and ideas.

Other signs on the college front, are the lucky students will be getting free iPads at the some colleges and universities including the  Illinois Institute of Technology .  They are providing their undergraduates iPads in order to introduce them to new technologies. Seton hall is also giving all entering students an iPad for connectivity. There are some glitches (no surprise for new tech)  in the networking connectivity in a few colleges- Princeton and George Washington University - but Apple is working on the security issues.

My thoughts always go back to the basics, Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic in which the iPad has made some great progress.  An advantage the iPad has is in Reading.

READING BOOKS

My preference for 'reading books on the iPad' includes  the visual swish of the page turning, ability to lighten the screen with no need for a night reading light, definitions of words readily available WITH additional info, and books are cheaper! One can also have the text read aloud to them by changing the settings for voice aloud- very helpful for dsylexic and  visually impaired challenges are overcome as one can have books read aloud.

 One book or app can be shared on one computer with many iPads ( at least for now) which means we save on purchasing many books or apps. In our fiscal crisis now, that is a big plus!

It still seems more likely that the iPad is prompting the digital textbook era indicated by the new Kindle app for the iPad and the app for Direct purchasing of textbooks.

As for reading, Palm Beach State College has a e-digital library with iPads that patrons can check out and download a book to read. It is a service beyond it's time and sounds wonderful.

My prediction is: let it get into more people's hands and used more often. The real test is in it's use.

iPad is sooo cool!

iPad 
Case
After shopping around to find a pocketbook or travel bag, I went to Ebay and got a great iPAD case.
 $10.95 and free shipping - this is a great buy and works really well. Also has a kick stand that slides nicely against the back cover when not in use. It feels and looks like leather and holds the iPAD in place while using it in all positions. Never use an iPad without a case!

APPs  Although I have Pages and Keynote on my Mac- I need SOME creative tools on my iPAD so bought them for about $20 this week and really love the Keynote ( similar to PowerPoint for presentations) but has the most gorgeous and eye captivating wipes and visuals. It is easy to use to make your content look very professional and eye catching especially on The iPad. Plus, you can connect the iPad directly to show it to a group without carrying your computer. Pages ( like Word) is for making word documents for Mac products and transferable to Word documents. The templates for teachers, home, and business produce professional documents.

Urban Spoon: Looking for a place to eat and want more info than Yelp, go to URBAN SPOON. I  love it! It identifies places to eat, maps, reviews, etc in an easy format with a fun spin! iPad version is so easy to view and locates your choices on a map connected with reviews and directions.
With over 25,000 choices in LA alone, it helps as it narrows down the choices by cost, all types of food, and locations.
Games:  I was up late at night this week, trying to get past  Level 4  on "Angry Birds" lite version -video.  Physics problem- solving skills are useful as one uses little birds to tumble down walls of crystal, wood, and bricks surrounding smiling pigs. The animal sounds are annoying and if you turn them down, you miss the tumbling crystal and poofs of success. Yes, I downloaded the HD version and made it to Level 10 in no time. Physics is helpful. Some have said that you can download the iPhone version for one dollar but the iPad version has better graphics.  Thanks, Clenet, for telling me all about tapping for extras, ie. blue birds burst to three, red birds to power thrust, and patience!

iPad in Education: Yes! iPADs are great for schools!  I am a working model of how it is so applicable to the schools and learning and will report to you all.   Students are really excited, so excited that it is becoming a popular choice for birthday and graduation gifts. High school students are leaders and smart about grasping to new things! This is one of them.

"Painting Electronics" of M.I.T. Media Lab was GREAT!

"Painting Electronics"

Leah Buechley & team of the 

M.I.T. Media Lab 

Workshop

High Tech/Low Tech
Picture Projects
iPhone (left)
iPad (Right)
by Peg Verdi

Wonderful, exciting, and innovative studies are being done in the M.I.T. Media Lab and here was another chance for me to experience it firsthand. On a beautiful sunny Saturday in Cambridge, I was surrounded by a great group of creative, innovative, well versed in technology and design people who guided our equally motivated and talented group of learners as we journeyed into the world of integrating circuitry and design at M.I.T.  Leah Beuchley- High Tech /Low Tech Studies  workshop assisted by her team of innovators (  Emily Marie Lovell, Dave Mellis, Hannah Perner-Wilson, and Bonifaz Haufman )   all of whom were so helpful, patient, and knowledgeable. I  learned soooo much- using the right side and the left side of my brain !    Exploring how technology facilitates expressions and ways it empowers us in communication and the arts is exciting. Teardrop kits used  for paper models ( which our table took to 3D paper models) and touching upon the pop book with dynamic aspects of sound and light Would love to work with the wearable elements of circuitry and modular chips. Thanks Dave for the explanation of how to program the chips and Leah and Emily for guiding my design and bridges. Will share some more pics of this great day- in the meantime, look at these pics for what is 'behind the scenes".  and many thank you's to Leah, her staff, and my new table creator friends! ( Susan, Angela, and Violet! ) for fulfilling one of my dreams and opening a new door of discovery and creating for me.