Thing updates

So, I have been reading an e-book on my Droid.  I borrowed it from the library.  The book is The Wilder Life.  The book is okay: interesting, but not fantastic.  It really isn't too hard to read on the phone, but I do get sick of tapping the screen to turn the pages.  I have also found that my hands cramp from holding the phone.  Finally, it is not as relaxing as a real book, maybe it is because of the light.  I have turned it to the dimmest setting, but I still feel a little reved up when I stop reading.  When I read a "real" book I am more relaxed and ready to sleep.  BUT, in the final analysis, I'm sure that e-books aren't going anywhere.  It is also pretty convenient to have a book on my phone when I am forced to sit around waiting for something.

On another front, I signed up to receive tweets from Twitter.  I just found out that Steve Caporizzo is on Twitter and that he gives frequent tweets during bad weather.  This seemed like a good way to keep aware of problems in case a tornado hits around here.  I downloaded the Twitter app for my Droid and it works well.  It shows a bird in the update bar when a new tweet comes in.

Thing 9: eBooks

Okay, so I chose a combination of  options.  I already had the Nook e-reader on my Droid phone.  I had only read some of the free books I got at the initial download.  Not compelling titles to me.  I knew that I didn't really like reading on the small screen of my phone, but I haven't gotten a tablet (yet) and I am not about to sit at the desktop to read a book. 

So, I went to my public library's site again to look for a book to borrow.  I found The Wilder Life and decided to go for it.  I must say that it still was quite difficult to download even though I already had the Overdrive software on the Droid.  It is very confusing that you have to register with Adobe and that your Adobe ID is your e-mail address??!!  Still I have the book at hand now and will start reading it.

I also read a bunch of the articles.  It seems to me that this whole battle between Amazon and the rest is a lot like the battle over VHS vs. Beta, or now DVD vs. Blueray.  At some point, someone will become the clear winner, but until then we are all pawns in the game.

I really haven't gotten into eBooks at my library for a few reasons.  One is cost.  Yes, I understand the advantages, but cost is a real problem for school libraries right now.  The other is accessibility.  Many of my students don't have real access at home.  Some will tell you that they have a computer at home, BUT it is not working, or it is not hooked up to the net, OR their parent(s) are on it all of the time, etc.  Even at school they really don't have sufficient access or time to utilize the eBooks.  A real book can be read anywhere they have light with anytime they have. 

Still, I am contemplating the plunge.  Personally, I'm wondering about a grant of some sort.  I used Donors Choose to try to get into the Playaway collection, but I am only getting a few.  I really need more money to do the eBook thing.

I am excited about the free books available, but I must be in a tough reading mode lately because I don't find much that I haven't read that I am interested in reading.  Maybe it is just because it is spring and I want some lighter reads. 

Certainly this is an area for more consideration on my part.  I will post about my experiences reading my new library eBook as it unfolds (so to speak).

A little addicting

Okay, so I'm seeing how this can all get a little addicting.  I think I will miss it when the class is over.  I keep checking back to look for comments, not that I have many.  Still I don't think I am in danger of becoming one of those people who stay up all night on the computer.

Thing 8: Video

Okay, so I tried options 1 and 3 so far.  I think I will try #2 at some point, but I wasn't feeling photogenic at the moment.  So...

Option 1: I looked at a video that had been sent to me on YouTube.  I decided to try to find it on Teacher Tube because it would be more accessible.  Success.  It was very easy to embed in the blog.  No worries!

Option 3: I went the Animoto route because I've never done it, but I have been interested.  I didn't understand that you have so little control over what is shown when and how.  Strangely, none of the text I entered showed up except the title!  Still, the idea of makeing a video is doable.  I either need more time with Animoto or maybe another product that gives you more control.  The Screenr option looks good, too.

I went to CSR's Technology in Education conference this week.  I learned that you can get a special downloader for FireFox that lets you download YouTube videos without all the ads and stuff.  Seems like a good idea.  I have to investigate. 

Also, related to this week's topic is NBC Learn.  Too bad it seems expensive because it sure could be useful. 

BTW: Regarding Social Networking.  There is another site I learned about at the conference.  My Fake Wall.  Sounds good for education purposes.  I'll have to check it out.

All in all this CDLC class is keeping me motivated and directed toward technology.  Sometimes I need a push.

Top 10 Things about New York

My attempt at an Amimoto video. Needs work.

Top 10 Things about New York

RSA Animate - Changing Education Paradigms

Here is an interesting video that I received. Not sure I agree with everything it says, but it sure gives you things to think about.

RSA Animate - Changing Education Paradigms

Thing 7 continued

So, here is my report on Zamzar:  It did convert my MSWorks spreadsheet (.wks) file into an Excel format (.xls), BUT it is not really useable.  The words and numbers are there, but they are not appropriately separated.  Oh well, it was worth a try.  I still might try the conversion of the MSWorks word processor (.wps) files to Word (.doc) format.  I'll see if it is worth the effort, or if I should just rename the files and clean up what I get when they open.