I have often used the Microsoft Snipping Tool when creating tests and have previously written in using Screenr.com to record videos to flip the classroom. These two tools have been combined in a nice program that allows both full screen and partial screen picture as image or video:
http://ohsoft.net/product_ocam.php
I have previously suggested the PTPen, although on testing the accuracy was not quite good enough to make it a perfect solution. I used to have a tablet PC that I loved but now need a new solution. I have used an Epson Brightlink projector, but the resolution of the pen was not good enough for writing in OneNote or Word using the inking pens available.
I have recently acquired a Wacom Bamboo CTH-470. I have also purchased a wireless module, so have the flexibility to be connected via USB cable or work within about 5-6m from my laptop. As long as you are looking at the projector screen, it becomes quite easy to write on the bamboo and see it come up on the projector. I was a little disappointed when I first got it out of the box that only part of the black area is actually active and usable – but I am now used to this. I rarely use the touch option and therefore the model without touch CTL-470 could be preferable for the cheaper price.
I bought it at Officeworks, but have also seen it at Harris Technology. (About $180 including the wireless module)c
Overall a great solution in the classroom and also writing up solutions.
Note: the CTH-670 is larger and has a larger writing area. I think this could be better, but have not used it myself walking around the classroom.
I have not investigated the professional intuous5 as they are more expensive and these consumer products suit my needs. If you've got any more questions, just ask in the comments.
Troubleshooting: occasionally the wireless drops out. If I unplug the wireless unit and plug it back in then I am back up and running in about 20 seconds.
After much search and trying to install AirPrint as a service and not wanting to pay for FingerPrint, Netgear has recently released Netgear Genie. It is very easy to setup and allows you to AirPrint to any printer connected to a windows PC (it doesn’t even need to be shared). The software is also designed to let you update settings on a small range of Netgear routers (mine is not supported).
Highly recommended.
To watch the full video, go here: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/presskits/windows/videogallery2b.aspx
A full windows PC, running a full operating system that can deal with processor intensive applications such as photoshop.
Built in stand and absolutely awesome keyboard cover (like the iPad one, just better because it has a keyboard)
For a long time (about 9 months since I got my iPad 2) I have wanted to AirPlay straight to my laptop which is connected to the projector in the classroom. After considerable searching I found a few semi-reliable apps that would AirPlay sound or video, but they would not allow mirroring.
Having the unified search field in google for images, websites or just about anything just got better. We knew previously that google would complete simple numerical calculations – the “google calculator”.
You can now graph functions from the google search box. Just put a comma between the functions.
As I am using my iPad more and more often, if I want to archive a site and keep a copy of it, it is difficult to copy the text and pictures out and put it into a word document – which is what I would do on my laptop.
I then save these files to Dropbox. Dropbox is online storage. You can access files directly from your mac, pc, iOS or android device. You can also seamlessly transfer files between these platforms. You get 2GB for free.
If you don’t have a Dropbox account, click here to sign up (you also give me a small amount of extra space if you use this link)
When Microsoft launched Office 2010, they destroyed inking in Word. I use a Toshiba Tablet PC (a must for any mathematics teacher!)
It allows me to create my worksheets (topic-based booklets) in word and then write directly on the screen with my toshiba supplied pen. I turn the pen over and it is an eraser (like an old fashion pencil) — this ease of erasing was broken in the initial release of 2010, but now it’s fixed!
Now there’s just the problem of not being able to delete all the ink in a document. Thankfully there is a fix for this problem to get that button back. Just watch the short video below.
There are two main ways that Geogebra can be used in the classroom. The first way, and potentially the most powerful way is what has been referred to as “The incidental use of Geogebra”.
You do not need any preparation for using Geogebra in is manner and it is also more student focused than the more traditional approach.
Example:
In a very short space of time, students can quickly understand that if add a constant to a function, the function moves vertically by that constant.
Pros: Little preparation required, students gain a good understanding as they are manipulating the graph themselves
Cons: The teacher has to relinquish some control to the students, all students must have access to Geogebra (or at least one between 2)
Resources for Geogebra
The second use of Geogebra is prepared resources that the teacher can project onto the whiteboard (IWB) may be beneficial, but not necessary. (I’ve posted previously about how to use an IWB, if you don’t have one and also how to use a stylus on your computer to make it a tablet)
Stay tuned for some prepared resources over the next few days.
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