steptech

Summer Reading

2008-06-16T13:45:00.002-07:00

Now that your official academic reading is on hold for a while (like, until July), what should you read for fun? Try one or all of these three:

1) http://www.whatshouldireadnext.com

Enter a book you like and the site will analyze our database of real readers' favorite books (over 47,000 and growing) to suggest what you could read next.

2) http://www.goodreads.com/

See what your friends are reading. Keep track of what you've read and organize your book lists into shelves. A great social networking site around books. Please add me to your "friends" list (kbmiller65@hotmail.com)

3) http://www.dailylit.com/

Read books by email (or RSS). This is a great one for catching up on books you should have read and never did.

Enjoy your summer, and your summer reading and keep in touch!

Online Profiles a Factor in College Admissions - Edweek.org article

2008-01-03T10:24:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand we're back.

"Students shouldn’t be surprised that colleges might be looking in on what many teens regard as their own domain."

“Nobody wants to give a very prestigious scholarship to some [student] who’s going to show up in the newspaper the next day with pictures of [the student] standing on a beer keg.”

Everyone's Favorite Physics Professor

2007-12-19T11:58:00.000-08:00

At 71, Physics Professor Is a Web Star

By SARA RIMER [from NYTimes.com]

"Walter H. G. Lewin, a physics professor at M.I.T., has found devotees across the country with his online lectures." I'm not in a position to evaluate his PCK, but I think it's interesting, the concept that now everyone can have a great physics professor and not just the one their institution happens to employ. - Katie

Test Your Vocabulary And Feed The Hungry

2007-12-17T11:13:00.000-08:00

I heard this on Morning Edition (NPR) this morning and could not resist.

http://www.freerice.com/

Text messages may be classroom conduit

2007-12-12T09:21:00.000-08:00

"Classes have not kept up with the changes in the way people communicate outside school, said William Kist, an associate professor at Kent State University who studies how new media influence English classrooms.

" 'Shouldn't we be preparing kids for the literacy lives they're going to be leading for the next 50 to 60 years?' " From the Columbus Dispatch

When Students Turn the Camera on You.

2007-11-08T09:27:00.000-08:00

Teacher Magazine: The widespread videotaping of teachers in classrooms is causing school districts to examine their cellphone policies

Speaking of Computers

2007-10-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of Speaking of Computers is out and I recommend a few articles:

Where to find software at great prices:
http://speaking.stanford.edu/computing/Find_Software_on_Campus.html

and Using Google Book search as a research tool:
http://speaking.stanford.edu/library/Use_GBS_for_Research.html

and Things to consider in upgrading to MS Vista or purchasing a computer with it loaded:
http://speaking.stanford.edu/highlights/MS_Vista_Considerations.html

Equity in Ed Tech

2007-07-23T14:14:00.000-07:00

Great article from the Washington Post about the digital divide. What are the implications for your technology assignments and your students?

Blogging is History

2007-06-28T17:06:00.000-07:00

Great article about using blogs in the classroom from Edutopia a fantastic newsletter from the George Lucas Educational Foundation (GLEF). You should definitely pick up their feeds. And I don't know why this post is all underlined and I can't turn it off. Oh well...

Get TimesSelect Free

2007-06-28T17:02:00.000-07:00

The New York Times’s restricted pages, TimesSelect, are now available free to anyone with a university email address. To gain access, simply follow this link:

http://www.nytimes.com/gst/ts_university_email_verify.html

Registering is quick and easy, and once you complete the form you’ll be able to access all sections of the NYTimes website.

NYTimes Columnist Thomas L. Friedman: The Whole World Is Watching

2007-06-28T16:21:00.000-07:00

"When everyone is a publisher, paparazzo or filmmaker, everyone else is a public figure."

An interesting column, especially in light of the the question of what it means to be a professional educator.

By the way, as students at Stanford you can gain access to the NYTimes Select articles (usually you must be a paper subscriber to access these). Will post on how to do that, next.

STEP's Tingey Media Lab

2007-04-18T15:42:00.000-07:00

STEP has its own media lab right here on the 3rd floor where you can:

- Review your tape without a dv camcorder.

- Copy your mini DVtape to VHS

- Burn your mini DV tape straight to DVD

- Reserve the entire room for group use or

- Use individual stations to complete your media work.

Instructions for all devices and tasks are posted on the bulletin board in the lab.

Updated: Be sure to bring your Stanford ID to gain access. This lab is available to you 24/7.

Introducing the Book

2007-03-20T11:37:00.001-07:00

This bit of internet humor reminds me a of the idea that we must plan explicitly to teach technology skills when those skills are required by our students to participate fully in a lesson. I like the way this clip could be about anyone teaching someone how to use a technology for the first time.

Technology Standards

2007-03-15T11:07:00.000-07:00

Check out this link to a list of and about National and International Technology Standards. Special thanks to Karin Forssell, a second-year PhD student in LSTD, a STEP alum and a former technology teacher/mentor for a local middle school. It's all connected!

Off Topic: What is your PowerSong?

2006-10-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

Just testing to see if anyone out there is reading. If you are, post a comment with the title and artist of a song that really gets you revved up and motivated. Nike was on campus yesterday promoting the new partnership between Nike and iPods (click on link above) and yeah, I am just such a sucker for this particular marketing campaign, a total geek for all the measuring one can do on one's run. My powersong this week is Walkie Talkie Man by Steriogram. What's yours?

Brave New World for School Security

2006-10-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

Schools in 19 states are now using the Raptor security system, which screens the driver's license of a school visitor against a national database of sex offenders. If a match results and the school confirms that the offender's arrest photo matches the picture on the license, Raptor sends an e-mail or text message to the police.

Tech, VAIOs and Videotape - Fall 2006

2006-10-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

Read my Fall 2006 Tech Newsletter by clicking on the link above.

I will be posting copies of all of my official email announcements here. The first 10 people (from the STEP community) who post a comment on an entry will win a free coffee from me! That's for reading my email message all the way through and for paying attention! :)

Lost Laptop is a traumatic ordeal

2006-10-06T14:44:00.000-07:00

Every year, someone in STEP loses all of the work to theft, loss or harddrive crash. Please backup your work and keep the backup separate from your computer!

Best Education email Newsletter - ASCD SmartBrief

2006-10-06T14:31:00.000-07:00

Designed specifically for professionals in K-12 education, ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) SmartBrief is a FREE daily e-mail newsletter. It provides the latest education news and information you need to stay on top of issues. If you only have the bandwidth for one education newsletter, this is it. Sign up for the newsletter by clicking above.

Google launches literacy site

2006-10-06T14:29:00.000-07:00

At the Frankfurt Book Fair on Wednesday, Google unveiled a Web site that helps literacy organizations contact each other, provides links to reading resources and features video segments from around the world on successful reading approaches. The project aims to help people share information about and solutions to illiteracy, says one top Google executive. The Boston Globe

Speaking of Computers

2006-10-06T14:22:00.000-07:00

This e-newsletter highlights the latest news in computing and technology activities and services on campus. In the fall issue you'll find articles covering such topics as the new Stanford Desktop Tools (that will gradually replace PC- and MacLeland), Stanford course syllabi via the Web, a new Academic Technology podcast series,a reminder about the quick, easy-to-use IT Help Web site, new electronic resources and much more.

The Blogvangelist

2006-10-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

"What’s needed now is 'liquid learning. We are awash in so much information that we have to learn how to manage as it keeps expanding.'”

Discounted Software for Students

2006-09-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

STEPPies! You should check out the http://www.Stanfordbookstore.com or wander over to the 2nd floor of the bookstore and ask about software. You should also check out the Software Licensing Department on campus. They normally handle large accounts for university departments but they also have great deals for students on select software, e.g.
MS Office for Windows XP or OSX for $60.00.

Check the list at the link below. You can order online.

http://www.stanford.edu/services/softwarelic/list.html

Accessing Stanford's Vast Resources from Off Campus

2006-09-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

"A lot of the online journals I want to reference check IP domain to allow access or not. Since I’m not on Stanford’s network, they don’t recognize me and keep asking for credit card payments. Since I’m stingy and don’t want to pay but also lazy and like to work from home, is there any way for me to VPN or otherwise log onto the Stanford network first then browse from there? Thanks.- Craig"

A little sleuthing turned this up (and thanks to Craig who helped me, help him!)

1. Go to vpn.stanford.edu and download the vpn software for him to use. The installation process is pretty straight forward

2. Go to: http://library.stanford.edu/apcproxy/index.html and use the settings to access library stuff.

Google Maps Pedometer Mashup

2006-05-08T10:02:00.000-07:00

This allows you to measure the distance of a walk or bike ride that might be too hard to track via maps.google.com.

First search for your starting point.

Click Start Recording and

Double Click on each point of the walk

Notice you can click Undo last point if you mess up.

Have fun!

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/

Wildlife Cams

2006-05-08T09:49:00.000-07:00

Click on the title above to read the AP article or check these out:

A Wildlife Webcam Sampler

Here is list of popular wildlife Webcam sites, but cameras or equipment are sometimes out. Also, high-speed Internet connections work best.

Pennsylvania DEP falcon cam: www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/falcon/

Elephant seal cam: http://www.parks.ca.gov/video_gallery/

(click on video from Año Nuevo Island)

National Zoo cams: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/webcams/

National Geographic: www.ngm.com/wildcamafrica; www.ngm.com/cranecam

Blackwater osprey cams: http://www.friendsofblackwater.org/camcentral.html

Bat cam: http://www.pennfuture.org/bats/

Cornell nest box cams: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/birdhouse/nestboxcam/

Source: Associated Press

Using USB to import Video

2005-11-16T16:26:00.000-08:00

Some of you have been planning or trying to import video from our camcorders to your computers using USB. If you have a PC, chances are you have only a USB port and NOT firewire. We purchased our recent fleet of cameras because they have USB ports and come with USB cables. This led us to believe you could import video via USB. This past summer we discovered that you can only transfer still images you capture on a memory card in the camera, not import video. Someone else told me today they are sure they can import video to Quicktime using USB. So what gives? Has anyone truly imported video via the USB cable? Tell us how.

Are kids online and on the phone too much?

2005-10-24T13:26:00.000-07:00

What is the policy on cellphones and pagers at your school? Has the policy changed recently?

More Fun Mashups with Google Maps

2005-10-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

A New York Times article about how some are making great use of the open source code of google maps, with links to the really fun ones.

Reflection in an Always-on Learning Environment

2005-10-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

An excellent article by Stanford's Helen Chin about reflecting in the digital age.

Software -Macromedia Products ~ New Versions, New Prices

2005-10-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

Macromedia has recently released a new version of Studio, called Studio 8. Studio 8 is comparabale to Studio MX Pro, and is comprised of 5 products -- Dreamweaver 8, Fireworks 8, Flash Pro 8, and Contribute 3, and FlashPaper 2. Dreamweaver 8, Fireworks 8, and Flash Pro 8 are also new versions. We should receive them in about a week. We only offer Studio 8 as a whole package for student personal purchase. The price will remain the same as it is now. See our web site for information and order form: http://www.stanford.edu/services/softwarelic/student/macromedia.html

ITSS Software LicensingStanford
Universitysoftware@stanford.edu
650-724-2424
http://softwarelicensing.stanford.edu/
To make a request, submit a help ticket at
http://helpsu.stanford.edu/.

Flash drive redefining the `personal' in PC

2005-10-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

"Cheap storage of data, software makes computing more portable", From San Jose Mercury News Tech Monday Section. More reasons you should own a 1GB flash drive.

Speaking of Computers

2005-10-11T16:35:00.000-07:00

Great Stanford Newsletter on campus computing resources.

"This e-newsletter highlights the latest news in computing and technology activities and services on campus. In the fall issue you'll find articles covering such topics as how to deal with spyware and adware and other desktop security-related news, a new IT Self Help web site, recent Essential Stanford Software upgrades, new assistive technology software on the public clusters, and new electronic resources (e.g., online research resources, digital resources in the Humanities)."

One to One

2005-10-11T16:20:00.000-07:00

Maine's experiment with a laptop for every child.

Kids' Internet Safety

2005-10-11T16:16:00.000-07:00

"A lot of parents aren't aware of the pitfalls," said Karen Winters, an educational consultant for Oakland Schools. "And many times even if the child is solicited, they don't tell their parents. This is a huge problem. People are so good at seducing, and our kids are so innocent. They don't realize they're being lured until they get in over their heads." From Tech Trends Newsletter form edweek.org

Educational Technology "Ready, Fire, Aim"

2005-10-11T16:02:00.000-07:00

"The rush to implement technology in general has often been half-baked, with too little effort to identify effective practices and belated consideration of how much technology the schools can afford to sustain, according to English teacher Alan Warhaftig. " Brought to us by the Tech Tracker Newsletter from edweek.org

Update: See also comments (and add your own) on this article at:
http://www.edweek.org/tm/tb/2005/09/30/242.html

Cracking down on Internet Plagiarism

2005-10-11T10:51:00.000-07:00

Includes tips for discouraging plagiarism.

Windows Movie Maker in Big Tree

2005-10-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

I'd heard some folks were having trouble finding Windows Movie Maker in Big Tree, so I went there myself to check. WMM is on the computers in there, but it's in a weird place. It's under Accessories instead of Programs. Here's how you find it:
Go to the Start Button>All Programs>Accessories> Windows Movie Maker

You also might want to use the Firewire ports on the front of the PCs instead of the back if you can't get the computer to recognize your video camera when you've plugged it in.

Stanford Wins Robotic Vehicle Race

2005-10-10T09:53:00.000-07:00

This will interest those of you are or who have robotics fans among yours students.

Update: Here is Stanford Report article:
http://news-service.stanford.edu/news/2005/october12/stanleyfinish-100905.html

And the Stanford Racing Team Website:
http://www.stanfordracing.com/

Wildcam at a watering hole in Botswana

2005-10-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth writes, "Hosted by National Geographic, this wildcam is set up at a watering hole in Botswana and yesterday I watched an elephant drink and then bathe for well over an hour! That was during off peak hours. The sounds are incredible, and you never know what you’re going to see."

How to Search the Invisible Web

2005-09-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

"The Web has become a big part of most students’ research processes; in fact, more people look on the Web for answers before checking any other reference. However, merely “Googling” something when it’s an obscure topic or if you need targeted information with a particular focus doesn’t always turn up the best results. That’s where the Invisible, or Deep Web, comes in. " From by Wendy Boswell's excellent article on LifeHacker.com

Record industry sues hundreds for file-sharing

2005-09-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

Mind your Ps and Qs, People!

The Stanford Daily reports that the University has come up with a possible solution for music downloads with Yahoo. See this article:
"Agreement nears with Yahoo! Music"

http://daily.stanford.edu/tempo?page=content&id=17902&repository=0001_article

Teacher Blogs

2005-09-28T08:56:00.000-07:00

Here is an amusing and thoughtful collection of notable new teacher blogs compiled by EdWeek.org.

Where to buy Textbooks

2005-09-21T10:55:00.000-07:00

Colin would like you to purchase your textbook for Classroom Management soon [Building Classroom Discipline (8th Edition)" by Carol M Charles and Gail W Senter]. Christina recommends www.bigwords.com .

Tech, VAIOs and Video Tape - Fall Announcement

2005-09-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

Here is information about checking out equipment, where to buy miniDV cassette tapes and news about other tech resources at STEP.

20 Technology Skills Every Educator Should Have

2005-09-20T16:04:00.000-07:00

Original Article:
http://thejournal.com/magazine/vault/A5387.cfm

Comments by ed tech professionals:
http://davidwarlick.com/2cents/2005/07/05/skills-for-all-teachers/

http://www.educationaltechnology.ca/ross/?p=22

http://jade.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/cdb/2005/08/02/link-a-toriums/

Software for Students

2005-09-20T15:55:00.000-07:00

Students should check out the http://www.Stanfordbookstore.com or wander over to the 2nd floor of the bookstore and ask about software they are interested in. They should also check out the Software Licensing Department on campus. They normally handle large accounts for the various university departments but they also have great deals for students on select software. I think this involves walking over to their building which is called Bambi Modular and they must bring their Stanford ID card. More info here.
http://www.stanford.edu/services/softwarelic/list.html

Access the Video Viewing Room/ Tingey Media Lab

2005-09-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

Get your Stanford ID card updated to gain access to this room.

Notes from Supervisors Camera Workshop

2005-09-19T15:55:00.000-07:00

Here are some basic instructions for using a dv cam in videotaped observation.

Windows XP Backup Made Easy

2005-09-01T13:23:00.000-07:00

Read this today, before you need it:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/bott_03july14.mspx
[note that there is not currently an automated system through Xp that allows you to backup to a CD or DVD]

Not if, but when...

2005-09-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

David Pogue, one of my favorite technology columnists, shares his experience with a failed hard drive. The cost to recover data from his harddrive - anywhere from $500 to $2700. Something like this happens every year to someone in the STEP community. One out of about one hundred people. Will you be next?
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/01/technology/circuits/01POGUE-EMAIL.html

Welcome to the STEP Technology Blog

2005-05-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

This is an experiment in using a blog for sharing questions, experience (good and bad) and expertise about technology in the Stanford Teacher Education Program. Please feel free to respond to any posts or comments you find here.