Tech Talk
Seven Tips for Technological Late-Bloomers
By Dr. Patricia MacGregor-Mendoza
Feel like the technology bandwagon is more like a bullet train and it's passing your teachers by at breakneck speeds? Share these tips to get them started.
Tips for Leveraging Web 2.0 in the Classroom
By Glogster
Glogster muses on some top ways schools can get tech moving faster in schools. How to "Think Thin"
By By Matt Brady
Thin clients are quickly proving themselves in many different educational formats as they allow teachers to spend more time with students and less time hovering over a faulty PC. Add to this benefit the reassurance that comes from knowing that students are protected from any unwanted applications or software, and thin clients get an "A." Ten Technologies for Tech-Savvy Teachers to Use in A Laptop/Tablet Classroom
By By Laura Turner
This comprehensive article covers the how-tos of blogs, wikis, digital ink, tablet PCs, online learning, and much more. Many helpful links included. Technology Transitions of a Moderate/Severely Disabled Student: Longitudinal Case Study
By By Peter Dragula, M.Ed.
What are the challenges of using and training a person with technology that has a severe disability? This study takes a hard look at one student’s experiences with technology in the past, present and what his prospects may be for the future. Malware—What It Is and How to Avoid It.
By By Daniel G. James
A Tool For Classroom Connections
By Reggie Ryan
Save Money With Freeware/Open Source Software
By Julia VanderMolen
If free is good then good free software is even better, as this annotated list of free software for every grade level will prove. RateMyProgram.com
By Scott McLeod
A bright idea for students who want to rate college programs. Internet Security – the Threats Are Very Real
By Daniel G. James
The Internet is a great place --- but it can be a very dangerous place, full of SPAM, spyware, malware, hackers, and all sorts of other scary stuff. Do you know how to keep yourself safe? An Open Source Application to Cut Your SIS Costs
By Joseph P. Roadman
Open-source low- or no-cost software that can perform a variety of tasks, including managing your Student Information System (SIS). Learning From Mistakes With School-Based Technology
By Matthew Ohlson
It's not a mistake if it's a learning experience, so here are ten valuable experiences to learn from. Automating Rubrics Breeds Success for Students (and Teachers)
By Michael Perry
Here's a technology solution that can provide customized feedback and simplify the record-keeping and storage chores of today's multi-tasking educators. Improving Your School's Website With PHP/MySQL
By Todd Bryant
Even if your school's Website is already good, here are some ways to make it even better by simply mastering a relatively easy-to-use database. ERS Means No Errors in Student Assessment
By Michael Perry
ERS, the Electronic Rubrics System, allows busy teachers an easy way to assess and keep records for even the most creative student multimedia projects. It's Not Your Father's Telephone: New Ways to Communicate
By Jeff Utrecht
Talk is cheap, especially using these cutting-edge digital communication tools, which can make it easier for teachers and students to work together. Ten Ways to Integrate Technology
By Laura Turner
Ten ways that easy-to-use free technology can make the teacher’s task easier and student learning both more enjoyable and more productive. Free Technical Software
By Richard Williams
The price is right (either free or very inexpensive) for some very interesting and sometimes very esoteric software of great interest to teachers of various technical topics. Open Source in South Korea
By Jeremy Mereness
This article is about the adoption of open source by the South Korean government in a nation-wide project, not just to bring their national education system into the 21st Century, but also to help create a national computing infrastructure that is not dependent, by licensing or expertise, on foreign companies. Encrypt Your Data to Avoid Identity Theft
By Miguel Guhlin
How to safeguard your data to avoid becoming the victim of identity theft. Open Source Network Monitoring
By Todd Bryant and Jeff Bitikofer
The authors show how an exceptional software tool makes network monitoring easy -- even with hundreds of devices. Blogs: Webs of Connected Learning
By Miguel Guhlin
Blogs can help harried educators develop a personal network of expert practitioners who provide insights and examples as well as allow us to vent. An Education in Collaboration
By Harold German
Video-conferencing is an easy way to have geographically distant groups of students work collaboratively. Forklifts for Your Mind
By Miguel Guhlin
A fascinating look at all sorts of software -- from Website managing to podcasting -- that will unleash your inner creative forces. Making the Leap to Linux
By Miguel Guhlin
Knowing how to install and use Linux not only gives you status as a real tech-aware person but rewards you with all sorts of free -- that's free, as in no-cost -- software. Automate Your E-mail Chores
By Miguel Guhlin
Sending 100 or more e-mails is as easy as sending one. Here's how. Solving Problems with Open Source Solutions
By Miguel Guhlin with Greg Rodriguez
Imagine a course management, content management, and help desk system available at no cost. See how San Antonio Independent School District is making it happen with Moodle. Getting a Handle on District Technology Assets
By Miguel Guhlin
In order to track data about campus equipment, software, and its use, you need a plan, the right software, and a little perseverance. Fight Spam on the Cheap
By John Wheaton
A cash-strapped school turns to open source to combat spam. 8 More Ways to Make Computing Easier
By Miguel Guhlin
Looking for a free graphics editor? Stumped on how to get songs out of your iPod? Instructional technologist Miguel Guhlin answers these and other questions in the second article of a series. The Promise of Social Networks
By Derek E Baird
While not originally developed for education, Flickr and other networking technologies hold great possibilities for teaching and learning 50 Free Tools to Make Computing Easier
By Miguel Guhlin
Download the latest freeware and try-before-you-buy shareware from the Net. Photography is Critical to Learning
By Sheldon Goldstein
Digital photography works well with its power to quickly create a visual impression and promote lasting learning experiences for this "instant results" generation. Design Your School Portal
By Laurie Hazard
It doesn't take a rocket scientist or even a computer science degree to create a dynamic, database-driven Web site for your school. Podcasting
By David Warlick
The world of portable MP3 players such as iPods has created a whole new way to share the learning experience. Remote PC Management
By Jenni Hilton and Patrick Figgatt
Guilford County Schools reduced its IT operational costs and increased support response times with a remote PC management and support system. Find out how. Securing a School Network
By William J. Meador
School networks have risks that many businesses do not. One solution to implementing an information security project may be the application of the Security Systems Development Life Cycle (SecSDLC) coupled with free Open Source software designed with security in mind. Firewall Helps Rural School District
By Robert Cox
The education sector faces the same security challenges as corporations, and network security is no longer a luxury. Here's what one district did. Mopping and Scrubbing Dirty Data
By Neil Mercurius
Well Connected Educator Thin Clients Help Overcome Technology Roadblocks
By Shelly Luke Wille, Karen R. Greenwood, and William Myrhang
San Mateo County created a model classroom to see how thin-client technology could work in a cooperative learning environment and if it would be cost-effective.
Copyright 101 for Educators
By Wesley A. Fryer
Here are updated guidelines on the use of multimedia materials in educational contexts as of the winter of 2003.
Computer Lab Management Software
By Wesley A. Fryer
Computer lab management software refers to programs used by a teacher in the course of a lesson to maintain student attention and enhance instructional delivery. Screen sharing is a typical feature of lab management software, allowing the teacher's computer screen or another student's screen to be shared with every other computer in the lab. Effective use of computer lab management software can make a tremendous, positive difference when teachers use a computer lab for instruction.
Maintaining Email Sanity with Rules and Filters
By Wesley A. Fryer
The growing volume of information available in our twenty-first century networked economy often makes checking Email a chore. This article presents an overview of Email rules or filters available in most Email software to assist in managing wanted as well as unwanted Email.
Wireless Computing: New Opportunities and Challenges in Education
By Wesley A. Fryer
This article examines the reasons educators should be informed about wireless technologies and reviews different wireless standards prevalent today and likely to expand in the future.
Installation Made Simple
By Bill Bateman
It's your turn in the funding cycle and you have new software to install! Following the steps below can help take the frustration out of that sometimes problem-rich process.
Networking Home and School with Thin-Client Technology
By Douglas E. Evilsizor
Rehoboth Christian School in McKinley County, NM, enrolls students from many rural communities on neighboring Indian reservations, where utilities and services often are not available. Rehoboth has a vision for connecting underserved students' rural homes directly with the school network through a thin-client system, which requires new hardware purchases and very little extra tech support to maintain. Douglas shows how this enhanced home-school connection will enable at-risk students to excel more than ever before.
Loogootee School District Puts Thin Client to Innovative Use
By Bob Butcher
When Bob was hired as technology coordinator, his Superintendent charged him upgrading the district's six-year-old technology program. His first step was to research alternative solutions beyond that of a typical desktop replacement plan. His second step was to find funding sources beyond the limited school technology budget to implement this plan. Thus the Loogootee district ended up with thin client solutions. Bob explains what this is and why it works for them.
CCTV Surveillance in Schools
By Jeff Lupinacci
Many schools are installing CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) systems for security surveillance. Unfortunately these systems are being installed without a clear understanding of what benefits the site will receive, and how it will be supported. Mistakenly it is often thought that once cameras are installed all security problems will be eliminated. Jeff suggests that a solid security plan should answer the question of what we are interested in protecting and follow through on implementing a system that meets those needs.
Maximizing Your Hardware Investment
By Bill Bateman
If you let the computer industry lead you around by the nose, you'll be tossing away equipment before it's even out of the box, trying to keep up with the upgrades and power boosts. On the other hand, if you keep computers as long as, say, a Volvo, you'll have software incompatibility issues to deal with and may not even qualify for certain grants, which require an installed base of newer machines.
Fade To Black
By Bill Bateman
In many districts, the IT or technical staff is convinced they are doing a great job. But the teachers are equally convinced that the tech staff is not doing what's needed. Having worked on both sides, Bill takes a look and says that it's a question of perception. He analyzes what's needed, what's being done, and how to bring the two sides closer - and happier.
Flying Monkey Alert
By Bill Bateman
Bill poses the idea that part of the reason why technology isn't working in our schools can be evenly split between lack of or poor training for teachers and technical and system issues. In a survey he conducted on the effectiveness of instructional technology staff, the approval level of their work was low. Bill explores some reasons behind why support and maintenance are so poor.
Wireless as a Networking Solution
By Thomas C. Hashem
About 25 years ago, Tom got interested in amateur radio. It wasn't wireless exactly, but it was close. The signal sent from his home to homes around the world traveled without wires, but his den and backyard were covered with wires - for radio equipment, antennae, speakers, tuners, and many other connected devices. Today, connections are wireless Ethernet and Tom suggests that wireless is a great networking solution for schools.
Wireless vs. Hardwired Networking in Schools
By Jeffrey A. Lupinacci
Within the education community, many districts and planners are trying to
both increase services and reduce costs. As they consider these often
opposing goals, leaders often focus on the relative merits of wireless
versus hard-wired technologies. Which is more efficient? Which is more cost
effective? The answer is that it depends. Read look at wireless and
hardwired technologies to see that each has its place in the educational
environment.
Postcards from Paradise
By Bill Bateman
Bill discusses privacy online ı personal data we enter, cookies, and
information we may not want to share with companies who might purchase this
data. A recent survey shows that nearly half of the top 100 Web sites
collect personal information; yet less than twenty have any hard and fast
privacy policies in place. Bill suggests that you should decide what youıre
comfortable with and take steps to ensure your privacy rights.
Just Who IS on First?
By Bill Bateman
Bill starts with the old Abbott and Costello baseball routine to introduce the topic: What's the best way to set up your computer and connect to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)? Bill says that choosing the right one can be just like trying to figure out that baseball team: increasingly confusing. Call around and obtain prices and plans from some of the ISPs. After a few go-rounds with finding and holding a service provider, "Who" says life doesn't imitate art? It is actually quite possible that some of the direct descendants of that famous baseball team are working at ISPs across America today. But Bill provides sage advice. So read Who's On First AND this article.
Shopping Games
By Bill Bateman
Being Technology Guy, the one question Bill is asked more often than any other is: Did you eat my last donut? The second most asked is a bit more relevant to this month's topic: How do I choose the right computer? The answer to that is simply: it depends on what you plan to do with it. To offer some suggestions, Bill takes you through how he chose a new system. He started by asking himself important questions about his intended purpose and progressed through a total analysis of his needs and wants. He says it was a lot of work. But so is anything worthwhile. Besides, with the money he saved, he can bring the donuts once in a while.
The Question from Oz
By Bill Bateman
This month, Bill needs your help. Over the past few years, he has noticed a trend relating to Information Technology (IT) or technical support people and how they interact with the system users. He wants to define the problem, and then get your input. If it turns out that it is just his perception, all well and good. But if it isn't, Bill hopes to produce some suggestions on how to deal effectively with the issue. Read the question, think about his perspective, and let him know what you think.
Loose Ends, "Bad Users," and Printer Troubleshooting 1A
By Bill Bateman
Looking back over the past six months, Bill finds a few loose ends to clear up. He begins with concerns about policies and districts, moves on to security questions, and then ends up tackling pesky printer problems.
Talking Tech: Security & Passw***s
By Bill Bateman
Bill takes a fresh look at the way we deal with security and passwords. He starts with a dose of reality-that some students are able to figure out simple passwords. Normally Bill makes suggestions on what to do. This time he tells you what not to do. And he cautions us to be careful. Mistakes can be serious in the security department.
The Right Click
By Bill Bateman
Bill offers to help you right click. You'll reduce your keystrokes. Make friends with your computer. Discover secrets and shortcuts in your programs. Then share what you've learned with co-workers. You'll find it's almost like being in the "right clique," even if you didn't belong when you were in school the first time. What can you do with that mouse button? Depending on the application, you can copy a graphic, adjust your font, format the A drive, and more. Check out Bill's instructions and join the Right Clique - of people who use their computers efficiently.
Backup Plans
By Bill Bateman
Bill's third article tackles Web Whacking, a solution to fickle Internet connections. You select the material from the Web site you plan to present, such as a map, chart, or photo, and then save it to a disk. When it is time to present your lesson, use your browser to open the file from the disk (rather than the Internet) and display your material. Follow this great advice, including Billıs caution about copyright.
Summer Fun
By Bill Bateman
In Billıs second article about basic computer upkeep, youıll learn about defragging your hard drive. Thereıs advice on how to gather items that belong together electronically and put them together on the disk. The result is a well-organized hard drive and speedier access, and youıll never regret the effort.
Making the Most of a Bad Situation: System Down Time
By Bill Bateman
In this first in a series of articles about basic computer upkeep, Bill discusses how to make the most of disaster. If you counted on using the Web and the Internet connection is down, it's really an opportunity for you to do some basic housecleaning that will help keep your machine running smoothly and clutter-free.
Technology Design Options for School Projects
By Jeffrey A. Lupinacci
When a school district seeks to address the technology needs of its staff,
faculty, and students, many systems must be investigated, including voice,
data, video, paging, and security. Each system has many types of products
that have been designed to meet a specific situation. The best way to
protect your limited funding is to understand the options available to you.
So Jeffrey offers some of the technology needs and common solutions that
face school districts today. A basic understanding of the systems allows you
to select the right size and type of products for your individual operation.
Why Use a Consulting Engineering Service?
By Jeffrey A. Lupinacci
Why use consulting engineering services? This is a question that many
technology coordinators and district superintendents ask. Often it seems
that someone in the district- a fellow teacher, a parent, an equipment
vendor, or a service provider- will do all the design work and strategic
planning at no cost to the district. There's a flaw in this type of
thinking, cautions Jeffrey. The problem is that the district, limits itself
in the long run based on the knowledge and experience that this person
possesses and the products he or she knows. Jeffrey presents the reasons why
experts are needed to do the job right.
Cookies and The Web: The Goal is Rich Interactivity
By Dave Evans and Heidi Johnson
"Don't take cookies from strangers!" is a standard piece of parental advice, but what should we do about "cookies" on the Web? Are they part of a nefarious plot to violate our privacy, as some claim, or are they merely a harmless technological innovation? In an article, a set of Frequently Asked Questions, and a detailed technical paper Dave and Heidi explain all about cookies. You'll learn: what cookies are, why they exist, and most importantly, how to protect your privacy while browsing the Web.
Real Audio: Putting the Power of the Human Voice on the Web
By Phil Shapiro
A new channel of communications has opened up on the web, and the voices filling that channel are telling stories that need to be told, saying things that need to be said, speaking truths that have for too long gone unspoken. The software that is making all this happen is called RealAudio, Phil explains what it is, how to get it (for free) and how to use it.
Unification
By Jake Schlumpf
Isn't technology wonderful? Find out the latest from Jake and impress friends and family with your knowledge of what's coming to a classroom nearby.
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