Kindle: Amazon's Wireless Reading Device

The Kindle is a portable reading device with the ability to wirelessly download books, blogs, magazines, and newspapers. Amazon introduced the Kindle just last year. It is designed to provide an exceptional reading experience. Thanks to electronic paper, a revolutionary new display technology, reading Kindle’s screen is as sharp and natural as reading ink on paper—and nothing like the strain and glare of a computer screen. Kindle is also easy on the fingertips. It never becomes hot and is designed for ambidextrous use so both "lefties" and "righties" can read comfortably at any angle for long periods of time. Kindle is completely mobile and simple to use for everyone, it is wireless. No PC and no syncing needed. Using the same 3G network as advanced cell phones, it delivers your content using Amazon’s own wireless delivery system, called Whispernet. Unlike WiFi, you’ll never need to locate a hotspot. There are no confusing service plans, yearly contracts, or monthly wireless bills—no hassles so you can just read. With Whispernet, you can be anywhere, think of a book, and get it in one minute. Similarly, your content automatically comes to you, wherever you are. Newspaper subscriptions are delivered wirelessly each morning. Most magazines arrive before they hit newsstands. Haven’t read the book for tomorrow night’s book club? Get it in a minute. Finished your book in the airport? Download the sequel while you board the plane. Whether you’re in the mood for something serious or hilarious, lighthearted or studious, Kindle delivers your spontaneous reading choices on demand. Kindle lets you download and read the beginning of books for free. This way, you can try it out—if you like it, simply buy and download with 1-Click, right from your Kindle, and continue reading. Want to try a newspaper as well? All newspaper subscriptions start with a risk-free two-week trial. Kindle’s paperback size and expandable memory let you travel light with your library. With the freedom to download what you want, when you want, you’ll never again find yourself stuck without a great read. Read about the Kindle on the Amazon website http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Amazons-Wireless-Reading-Device/dp/B000FI73MA, watch the videos and look at what’s available and the pricing. Do you think this technology might be useful in the classroom or other educational setting? How would you use it both personally and professionally?

SMART Table

Meet the world’s first multitouch, multiuser table for primary education. The SMART Table interactive learning center lets students get hands-on with collaborative activities – and the more hands the merrier.
The SMART Table is a versatile learning center where groups of students can create, explore and discover together on the durable screen. The interface is so intuitive that even the youngest child can play games and plunge into learning activities in no time.

Use this link to explore the SMART Table: http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-US/Products/SMART+Table/default.htm?WT.mc_id=Table_spotlight

Watch the video to get some ideas about how the SMART Table could be used in the classroom. How long do you think it will take for this technology to be integrated into classrooms? How would you use this with your students?

Special Needs Guide to Tech Products

Go to the Technology & Learning website to read about the latest software and hardware that can aid educators in both classroom instruction and assessment for any sort of learning challenge http://www.techlearning.com/showArticle.php?articleID=196605474 . This article will be helpful when integrating adaptive and assistive technology tools into planning for instruction in inclusive classrooms. What tools do you think you would use and how would you integrate them into your lesson plans and unit plans?

Web 2.0 . . . The Machine is Us/ing Us

Michael Wesch is a cultural anthropologist and media ecologist exploring the impacts of new media on human interaction. Wesch is launching the Digital Ethnography Working Group, a team exploring human uses of digital technology. Coinciding with the launch of this group, Wesch created a short video, "Web 2.0 ... The Machine is Us/ing Us." Released on YouTube on January 31st 2007, it quickly became the most popular video in the blogosphere and has now been viewed over 3 million times. Wesch's videos are part of his broader efforts to pursue the possibilities of digital media to extend and transform the way ethnographies are presented. Wesch is also a multiple award-winning teacher active in the development of innovative teaching techniques. Most notably, Wesch has developed a highly-acclaimed "World Simulation" for large introductory classes in cultural anthropology. Currently he is the coordinator for the Peer Review of Teaching Project at Kansas State University, part of a broader nation-wide consortium of universities pursuing new ways to improve and evaluate student learning. He is also working with the Educause Center for Applied Research on "The Tower and the Cloud" project, examining "the question of how higher education institutions (The Tower) may interoperate with the emerging network-based business and social paradigm (The Cloud)."

Watch the video on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gmP4nk0EOE and decide if the machine is using us?

Microsoft Surface - A Tabletop Computer

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates unveiled the Microsoft Surface, a tabletop computer that reacts to touch.The 30-inch display screen is mounted under a plastic tabletop and will initially cost $5,000 to $10,000. It will, at first, only be available in select hotels, casinos, and T-Mobile stores in November. View the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFhxV3rvW0k to learn about this exciting concept. Then go to the company's website to see a simulation of the Surface experience http://www.microsoft.com/surface/index.html In what ways do you think you could adapt a concept like this in your classroom? What are some other ways this technology could be re-purposed for the educational community?

Back to School Convocation Keynote Address

Watch this Back to School Convocation Keynote Address to the teachers and staff of the Dallas Independent School District at http://www.dallasisd.org/keynote.htm. What did you think of the speaker? How were you affected by his address? How will you bring what you learned from him to your students? Do you think you will look at your students differently? Will you change the way you interact with them?

Class, Open Your Phones

Trends suggest that mobile phones have educational potential. Read the article "Class, Open Your Phones," at http://www.schoolcio.com/showArticle.php?articleID=193003986 to spot a future trend. Did the ideas mentioned in the article spark your interest? Would you consider incorporating this mobile technology into your classroom? How would you use cell phones with your students?