Monday, October 29, 2012

Thinglink

I have just learned about a site called Thinglink. At first, it looked like pinterest. But after playing around with it, I found that it a site to add more information to your pictures. It would save a lot of research time for some students. An example is below....


Tuesday, October 23, 2012

How-to Convert Tapes to iPod files


Audacity (Free Open Source Software)
First you will need to download the Audacity software for free. Next, plug your cassette tape deck or tape player into your computer. Use a RCA to Headphone audio cable for a tape deck. Plug the audio cable into either the Line (blue) input on the computer or if you have a Mic (pink) input on the computer.

Recording
You are ready to begin recording your project by clicking on the red record button. You will also need to push play on the tape player at the same time. This will record your tape into Audacity. When your tape has finished, click on the yellow square display to stop the recording.
Export File as "WAV" File
The FILE, EXPORT as WAV menu is how you save your recording on the Audacity file conversion software. Once you have this WAV file, you can convert it to an mp3 file using iTunes.
Putting Books on iPod
  • After converting your files you can organize the information in iTunes regarding the file.
  • Right click on the file and choose "Get Information"
  • Click on the "Info Tab" and fill in the information. Type the author's name and title of the book.
  • Click on the "Options Tab" and choose the "Media Kind" drop down menu.
  • Choose "Audio Book".
  • Choose the "Artwork Tab" and choose your graphics.
  • Sync your iPod.


I use Google Images to find images of the book and save them in My Pictures. I store them in a folder and that is where I add the graphics using iTunes. Since you save it as an Audiobook, the image is seen on the left side of the screen beside the title of the book when you put it on the iPod. This helps students that can't read the title of the book find it easier.

Monday, September 24, 2012

September meeting (09-24-12)

It ended up just being one of those evenings which something major occurs to disrupt well made plans. My daughter's homework was done, dinner made, ate, and cleaned up, then finally going through the last settling down for the night routine when the unimaginable happened. My daughter's pet hamster, Roseabella, passed away. My daughter cried and cried. We took a picture so she can always remember her first hamster.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Combining TIS work and regular classroom work

I love the fact that I have a responsive class and accepting parents. I have been doing Edmondo and regular work this year. The students seem to get the hang of figuring things out very quickly. Parents have been great in helping their children online at home. I have a small class this year and it  helps to work out the bugs before I try to do this with my fifth grade class in my building.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

New Programs for Future Usage

Beckey Conference at the Tammarack

Intel Assessment Course eLearns 2012

I would recommend this course to anyone who is a teacher. I am glad that our Cohort leader gave us a heads up in taking this course before beginning the actual TIS program.