SketchBook Pro

I love the SketchBook Pro app on my iPad.  I am working with some students on how to use it, so I made a few videos on how to work with it.

Click here to view the videos on YouTube.  As of this posting, there are 4 SBP videos.

SBP01-Getting Started with SketchBook Pro
SBP02-HELP
SBP03-Begin Drawing-Use Layers
SBP04-Add Text

Another Old Video...How Close is the iPad to this?

Watching this old video also reminds me of the iPad and what it can do.  I wonder how crazy they must have felt making this video so long ago.

It truly is an exciting time.

1987 Look Into the Future.

Watching this video, made in 1987, really freaks me out.  How many of these features are present in our world now?  How does the iPad somewhat resemble some of this?  I realize it's not to this level yet, but with Siri and other developing voice technologies, how far off is this?  Just watch...and think.

Khan Academy iPad App

Here's a new app for your iPad.  It's from the Khan Academy.  It has videos for math, science, humanities & other, test prep and talks & interviews.  Link to iTunes

iPad = Learning

Being creative with the iPad.  These young students tell a great story.

Hilbert Center - 'We Create' from Doug Stotts on Vimeo.

Gotta Share! The Musical (Watch it)

This video has meaning because it speaks to the world we live in...a world of sharing.  In many cases, kids are asked on a daily basis, to turn off devices.  Then immediately after school they "power up" and begin to share and collaborate.  Don't ask your students or teachers to "power down" in school.  Learn to use these applications (many of them mentioned in this musical)...

Coach's Eye App

Coach's Eye looks interesting.  For starters, it's only $0.99, which is doable.  This app for your iPhone works with the built in camera to record video of the player.  It then also allows for scrubbing through the recorded video and add audio comments (voice narration) as well as telestration.  I'm going to give it a try.  I'll let you know what I find out.

Autism and the iPad

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/

This segment from 60 minutes demonstrates how the iPad is being used by students with Autism.  It's simply incredible.

THIS is a BIG deal...iOS 5 and Apple TV

http://www.apple.com/appletv/

I often get excited about a lot of things, especially as it relates to technology.  I think, in this case, what I'm about to tell you is a game changer.  I know, I know...these days there are many "game changers" but for teachers and students, it just got better.

This week iOS 5 came out.  What's iOS 5?  The latest update for your Apple devices like the iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone.  The update has many features worth checking out, but one of the biggest and maybe least spoken or tweeted about is how Apple TV now works with all of those devices.

Apple TV is a $99.00 little box that will need to be hooked up to a flat screen OR projector (with HDMI).  The key here is the HDMI.  So in my picture, I have the Apple TV device plugged into the flat screen (via HDMI).

Alright.  Are you with me so far?  The Apple TV is on the same wireless network as my iPad.  I now have the ability to completely mirror my iPad to the flat screen using AirPlay.

So?  Well now the teacher isn't tethered to his/her desk.  The teacher can walk around the room carrying the device, manipulating apps, handing the iPad to a student, making it interactive...just like an interactive white board would, all the while every student can see what's happening.

Oh, but wait.  There's more.

What if each student in the classroom has a device?  Then the teacher asks a question, the students search for the answer and then share it but sending it through the Apple TV...projecting their answer for all to see?!  Any device that's running iOS 5 can be mirrored.

I tell you what...this iOS 5 update paired with Apple TV makes these devices even better.  

It JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER!

Waiting for iOS 5 & Reflecting on Steve Jobs

I am in my office today, working on a presentation...and waiting.  Waiting for iOS 5.  I haven't written much, other than a tweet or Facebook post, about the death of Steve Jobs.  But as I check for the new update to my iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) I can't help but think about his, and Apple's, effect on our daily lives.

I'm looking at my desk, writing this blog entry on my iMac.  My iPad sits, anxiously awaiting the update, plugged into the MacBook Pro (iPhone close by).

I can't help but wonder what device will be on my desk in 2020?  Who knows what I'll have in 2012?!  Shoot, a couple of years ago we didn't even have the iPad.  It didn't exist.  

Technology, in general, has changed and will continue to change how we learn.  I'm excited to be hear...now.  I can't help but think and wonder what he, Steve Jobs, would have guided Apple into creating...with another 30 years.  Nonetheless, he is gone.  Time will tell.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/coreydahl/6228734956/

iPad Apps: What's New (for me)

I am continually amazed at how much I love my iPad.  Almost every day I find a new use, app, or have some fantastic experience.

First, let me tell you about Zite.  This app is by far (right now), my favorite.  It's incredible because it's a magazine, that gets smarter the more it's used.  After reading an article on whatever the topic, I can choose to "Give me more from..." and then voila, the magazine pulls other articles into my magazine.  It's genius. If I choose to share it, built into the app are links to Evernote, Twitter, Facebook, Instapaper, LinkedIn, Delicious, Read it Later, and email.  I have categories like:  Gadgets, Mac News, Photography, Social Media, College Football, Education, Google and more.  It's worth checking out.  Oh, did I tell you the cost?  It's FREE!

If you have attended a webinar on your desktop or laptop, it's time to download this FREE app as well.  It's called Adobe Connect Mobile for iOS.  I experienced using this app today and it was smooth, responsive and worked quite well.  I could type in the chat room, listen to the conversation and I was even able to speak, when the host gave me microphone rights.  I don't know what else it can do, but I loved it.  Like I said in my opening line, each day I experience something new...

Here's an app that will allow me to connect to my computer and control it.  It's called Splashtop.  So basically, whatever is on my computer, I see on my iPad.  I can then use my iPad to control my computer.  It's just like a mouse.  Think of this...I can use an interactive whiteboard application (on my computer) and walk around the room, holding my iPad, because I'm connected.  So I find myself at the back of the room and I don't want to walk up to the front because I'm standing by the student at the back (who needs to be stood by because of behavior or he/she just needs help)...I can still pick my pen, highlighter or whatever and manipulate that whiteboard.  I believe this one had a $4.99 price tag.  But I think it's only on sale (maybe $19.99 regularly).  It works on Macs or PCs.  I also had to download a little application on my computer that allows the iPad to connect.  It wasn't bad setting up, so don't let that scare you.

I am a fan of NPR and I think they have a great app.  I can not only read articles, but listen to the audio (on some)...but not all.  There's a button on the bottom of the app, "Hourly News" where I can just tap and listen.  There's a Directory where I can search by title or topic.  The cost....FREE!

So get that iPad into your hands, search for new apps and enjoy what you find!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/coreydahl/6098159925/in/photostream

Thoughts About iPad 2

I watched the news come out today about the iPad 2.  So, to jump right to it, here's what I took from it that's most meaningful for educators.

1.  Two cameras:  This means creativity.  Students will be able to take this device and create, edit and share a movie.  To add, virtual field trips or video conferencing are much easier now.  GarageBand will also be available...to expand on the creativity.

2.  AirPlay and Video Mirroring:  With video mirroring, whatever the teacher does, the students will be able to see...it's a VGA adapter so it will be plugged in.  So if the teacher is demonstrating an application, the students see what's happening.  Now if it's wireless that your after, AirPlay allows for wireless sharing of video, music, etc. with an HDTV.  So students could create and then send / share their project to the TV without plugging into anything.  I am unsure if AirPlay will allow apps to be shared / shown or not.  We'll see.

3.  The reports say that it's up to 9x faster, 33% thinner and 15 % lighter as well.  So that's good.  Many of us wouldn't mind being 9x faster, 33% thinner and 15% lighter.

I can't wait to see how the iPad 2 changes the teaching and learning process.

I can't wait...well, I'll have to until March 11th.  Now that's when we can order.  But when do they ship?  April?  May?  June?  I want to know!



http://www.apple.com/ipad/

iPads May Take Over Georgia

I saw this today on Twitter.  It was tweeted by Scott McCleod.  I read it and thought it was very interesting.  Georgia state legislators are proposing to go from the usual printed textbooks and go with the iPad as their main source for the classroom text.

It's worth a read...and maybe a thought or discussion with your colleagues, admin and BOE.

http://www.macnn.com/articles/11/02/06/offers.student.engagement/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/coreydahl/4508570097/in/set-72157623131566614/

iPad Reality for Many Adults

iPad Reality for Many Adults
Originally uploaded by Corey Dahl

This cartoon is true for many adults. The adult might struggle with whatever the technology related item might be...and the student is able to help, with ease.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/coreydahl/5388691363/

Have you ever heard the term "digital immigrant" or "digital native"? If not, well...if you are above, let's say, 25 years old, you might be a digital immigrant. You weren't born with all of these awesome technological advancements. You were around maybe when the VCR came out...or when a computer at home meant you had an ATARI. Get the picture.

The digital natives are kids that have grown up with cable, DVRs, internet, cell phones, iPods, iPads, social networking, text messages, etc. They are NATIVES to this world. They don't know it any other way. These natives don't think about using it or "how to use it"...they just do. Where we (the digital immigrants) have had to learn a new language.

Here's an example of something my second grade daughter and fourth grade son did the other day. They are natives of course. I walked into our living room where I have an Apple TV hooked up to my television. So they were able to change the input on the regular television, browse through the Apple TV, find Netflix, browse to their show, read about the episode, then play it. I knew how to do this, so I had them explain what they did. They explained it in a very "matter of fact" tone...like, it was easy. What's the big deal? Then when they were done with that show, they browsed the Apple TV, found my computer, picked a movie that I'd purchased and had in my iTunes...and began to watch. Digital Natives.

Here's another example: I was teaching some students and teachers how to use their iPod Touch, shoot and edit video, then upload it. I (the digital immigrant) was whining about the only two choices I have to export (wirelessly)...or at least I thought.  Those choices were: Email or Send to YouTube. I broke into my story about how I wish I could post this video to FaceBook.  How annoyed I was that I couldn't do this. About this time a digital native (student) said, "You can post it FaceBook." She quickly said, do this, this and this. Voila. She was right! I was very excited.

I work with technology every day...IT'S MY JOB. But on my passport or birth certificate it must say "Digital Immigrant"???  Right?!

The moral of the story. If you're really stuck, had your device to a "Native"...and have them show you how to do it!  But don't give up!  Keep trying.

Here's a YouTube video...an old Atari commercial.



The Today Show discusses the internet...from 1994.  They are immigrants!

8th Grader Makes #1 FREE App for Apple

Robert Nay, a Utah 8th grade student...with some help from his mom, now has the #1 FREE app in Apple's App Store.  He has developed a physics game that is pretty straight forward in that, the goal is to get the ball to the flag.  Each level becomes increasingly more difficult.  Nice job Robert!  Not bad for 14!  Not bad for any age!



UPI.com

Video



More Video

A Few iPad Links

I was sorting through a few of my saved links and thought that I might share a few.  I'm always on the lookout for a list that's been created or a blog or website that is covering "the best" apps.  You'll have to be the judge as to whether or not the Apps are great or not, but it's somewhere to start.

So...here you go!

iPad Resources for Admin

Top 200 Ed Apps

Best Media Apps for the iPad

Best Note-Taking Apps:  Look at SimpleNote and EverNote

iPod / iPad SPED Ideas


36 Interesting Ways to Use an iPad in the Classroom


A Principal's List...for the iPad


iDeas for iPads


iPads in Schools LiveBinder


More iPod / iPad Resources

That should keep you busy for awhile!

Cartoon:  Winter Teacher Prayer

To Wait...or NOT To Wait?

If you've ever looked at technology...in any form, be it software, hardware, phone or whatever the case...and think, "Maybe I'll wait for the next version to come out before I'll buy it."  I'd recommend going for it.  Here's why.

Technology seemingly changes every minute.  It's no doubt changing as I type this blog entry.  Think of it like this.  The iPad came out last April, 2010.  In the last year millions have been sold.  So many have been sold because it's such a friendly and useful tool.  But this entry isn't about the iPad, it's about what I wouldn't have learned if I decided to "wait" for the next iPad to come out.

If I'd waited, I would know how the apps are changing the way we work, live and learn.  Sure I could read about it in a blog or in the paper, but why not change myself.  Shouldn't I, an educator, instructional technologist and parent begin to understand where technology is headed?

As a parent, I feel it's important to understand the world that my children are growing up in.  What's funny is that the iPad will seem like a dinosaur when my youngest gets into college...or gets to be my age.  I have no doubt she'll say, "Remember when we thought the iPad was cool?"  We'll all laugh as we continue using whatever is in our hands at that moment.

I think about how when as young newlyweds, we were discussing starting a family.  We thought we'd maybe wait until we "had money" and how our older more experienced couples said if you wait until you have money, you'll never have children.  I see technology similarly.  If you always want to "wait for the next version...the next iPad..." you'll only be farther behind!

It's exciting to learn new things.  It's fun to try out the latest and greatest.  In my case, I love to see it, use it, find out how it would work in the classroom for teachers, students and administrators.  That's why I love my job.  I get to do that.  It's what makes my job interesting.  I know I'll never know it all and I also know that it's forever changing...

...and it's changing as we speak.

I've heard and read the argument that the iPad doesn't do anything different than what laptop already does.  I'd have to disagree.  The iPad is changing classrooms...when used correctly.  With the right app, we save paper.  With the right app students can be more engaged because that app might make learning more fun.  I'm also hear to tell you that when I only use my fingers to use an app, it's quite interesting.  No doubt my brain is growing as I do so.

So if you're thinking about waiting...on whatever the device is, or if it's software, kids, taking a class, skydiving...whatever.  Don't.  Just do it.  Life's short.  Have some fun.

A Techy Christmas...and a Happy New Year!

So how was your holiday break?  Great I hope!  Did Santa visit your house?  If so, what did he bring you? Any new "tech stuff" to play with or just puppies and pajamas?  Well, let me tell you about mine.

Apple TV...I'm loving it.  It's been around for awhile, but I was hesitant at first...but now that it's in round 2 and it's smaller, sleeker, and less expensive, I went for it.  I think it was $99.00.  Yes, I bought it for myself and told my wife that she bought it for me for Christmas.

whatis_gallery_slide120100901.jpg

So here's what it is.  It's a little box, you can hold it in the palm of your hand.  This little box can connect, wirelessly, to your computer.  I do have wireless in my house so you'll have to connect to your own wireless network.  Once you plug the Apple TV (box) into your tv, assuming you have a newer tv with and HDMI port...whatever movies, music, and pictures you have on your computer, you can now watch on your tv!  (I use iTunes for downloading music and movies.)

Here's an example:  I have downloaded Toy Story 3 on my computer, through iTunes.  So it's sitting on my computer, in iTunes.  Now with Apple TV, I can go upstairs to the tv with the Apple TV (box) plugged into the back and watch the movie on the large screen!

But wait, there's more!

Over the Christmas break, we also looked at the many pictures on my computer while sitting in the comfort of my living room.  The old way might have been standing or sitting around my small crowded home office...(not as fun).  So these "slideshows" we can now watch on our big screen can be manipulated to play music (from my Mac), change transitions, etc. etc.  Awesome!  While sitting and watching last year's pictures, I did realize that I need to clean up my pictures.  I many blurry and poor pics.  That's the beauty of digital cameras.  I can take hundreds of pictures and it doesn't cost me any more...but I do need to delete that poor ones.

But wait...there's even more!

I can also rent tv shows and movies!

But wait...there's EVEN MORE!

I can use this Apple TV to connect to NETFLIX and YouTube!


OK...I'll try and calm down, but it's difficult.


Educational Value:

Here's a PRICELESS educational spin for Apple TV.  It's called AirPlay.  Imagine this.  A student has an iPod Touch in their hands...the latest version, the iPod with two cameras.  The student has an assignment to explain, to the class, how to solve a math problem.  The student uses the iPod Touch to record him or herself solving the problem and explaining their thought process as they solve it.  Then quickly edit the movie, on the iPod Touch, then by using AirPlay, send it the tv right in the classroom.  All without connecting a cord, without burning a cd or emailing it.  The students and teacher watch the video in amazement.  They cheer when it's completed.  The student creator is proud and engaged!  Wow.

How would that differ that the typical..."Take out your books, do problems 1-45 and turn it in."  Then, a few days later, the teacher finally hands it back to you.  No cheering.  No clapping for your grade (like they would have clapped after your video).

I think this Apple TV has a TON of educational potential.  Sure, I love it for home...that's beside the point.  I use it at home but in the classroom, if I were still teaching, this would be a dream!

Tech Specs:  Oh by the way, you can do this from a PC as well.

Happy New Year!

A Conversation with Eric Crouch - Part 2

So earlier, I told you about my conversation with Eric Crouch about the iPad.  Now I'd like to share some other thoughts about what I found interesting as well.

Somewhere in our discussion, Eric asked about whether or not the iPad would be good for his children to use in a variety of ways.  Specifically, he said he'd like to have the kids be able to see a shared calendar and know, for instance, that practice was after school...or whatever.  So I mentioned, iCal, and Google Calendar and said that was possible.

At some point he noticed the Netflix icon and asked, "What's Netflix?"  I told him.  I was chuckling to myself because as I was explaining it, I thought I sounded like I worked for them.  I had a similar feeling as I was "selling" the iPad!

I also asked about the XM / Sirius radio show.  He said he does almost all of it from his house.  They (XM / Sirius) set him up with, what he described, was a little box...and a microphone.  He is able to "do the show" from his house.  He said it sounds great, "...just like being in a studio...".  I thought to myself, I'd like to see this setup.  I am constantly amazed at "technology" and what we can do...without "being in a studio" or having to travel.

I asked him if he travels much for the satellite radio job.  He said no, only a couple of times.  One of which is how I bumped into him.  He was coming home from the SEC Championship game, where he'd been the night before.

Well?  So what?  I guess I loved hearing about the satellite radio show.  I thought it sounded really glamorous.  To have a radio show with Eddie George.  I pictured them in a fancy studio, earphones on, talking football at some really shiny monster desk (I had an ESPN studio in my head). But in fact, almost all of it is done in his house...only traveling on occasion.

Technology amazes me.

Since I mentioned he liked the Madden 11 game on my iPad.  I do remember that he plays "Playstation" with his son...football no doubt.

I wonder who wins?

Again, thanks Eric Crouch...for humoring a dad by playing along with the "Flat Allie"...humoring a Husker fan....and humoring a tech fan by allowing me to be a geek and tell you about all that's cool with the iPad, Netflix...and tech stuff in general.

By having this time with...well, a celebrity.  Now who?  Who's next on the interview list?

Do I need to hang out in airports waiting for the odd chance to get a seat next to a celebrity or should I just move on with my life?

Better move on...  Sigh.

Impromptu Conversation with Eric Crouch

I happened to be on a plane coming home from Georgia last weekend and was fortunate enough to be seated next to Eric Crouch, former Husker quarterback standout and Heisman Trophy winner in 2001.  So, as the plane takes off and reaches the height where the pilot tells us that we can turn on our electronics again, I take out my iPad and continue reading my book.

Me, Flat Allie, and Eric Crouch

After awhile Eric asked if I liked the iPad.  I said of course, "Yah.  I really do."  I ask, "Have you ever messed with one?"  Eric says, "No."  I think to myself, ever-so-briefly, "Gee, should I talk to him about this?"  I did.

I showed him several of the educational games that I think are fun.  Since I was reading a book, I demonstrated how you can highlight sections in iBooks, define words using the built in dictionary, etc.  Next, I showed him the pictures, how I can watch videos, like "A Charlie Brown Christmas" (which I was watching in the airport terminal).  I had to do something during the 6 hours I sat waiting for the plane!

Anyway, back to the iPad.  I continued to show him the new features like the fast-app-swiching and now wanted him to try a game.  I handed him my iPad.  He took it cautiously and sat it down on the tray in front of him.

I thought about having him try "Flight Control HD".  It's a game where the player pretends to be an air traffic controller.  Of course the main job is to get the planes on the ground safely.  Well, of course the game ends when the airport gets busy and the planes crash.  I didn't really want him or myself to play a "Plane Crashing" game in the air...so I thought maybe that wasn't the right choice.

I decided on "Cut the Rope".  It's really a fun game where the goal is to get the candy into Nom (the creature).  To do so, the player has to cut ropes, use balloons, pulleys, etc.  So it's a thinking game with each level getting more difficult.  He guardedly cut the rope and it fell into the mouth of the creature.  He tried a few levels and we discussed how kids really thrive on games like this.  I shared how my kids absolutely love this game and finished all of the levels.

Next I showed him "Madden NFL HD".  Now I have not played this game at all.  I've seen my kids play it, so wasn't much help other than to show him where I see my boys put their thumbs. to control it.  I noticed the team he wanted to be.  He picked the Green Bay Packers.  I said, "You like the Pack?" He said, "Yep."

Here's what's funny.  I was telling him how I see my boys playing this game.  As I'm doing this I'm thinking to myself...(I'm telling Eric Crouch how to play a football game!)  I say this is funny because, ME...telling ERIC CROUCH, a Heisman Trophy winner, football analyst for Versus, XM and Sirius radio...how to play a football game.  That would be like giving advice to Warren Buffet about money right?  So I closed my mouth.

It was interesting next as he was telling me what he was looking at and why he picked a certain play.  I was thinking this was pretty cool.

I think at some point we stopped because the snacks came around.  Little tiny bags of pretzels (I ate his)...and he ordered the "Snack Box" or whatever they call them.  He opened the tuna, or whatever it was, took a bite, said it was not good and that he couldn't eat anymore of that.  Put it back in the box.

I've got to say he was a very down-to-earth, friendly, and cordial person.  Not that I expected him not to be....I'm just stating his demeanor and that people like myself probably love talking to him.  I wouldn't blame him if would have liked to just sit quietly on the plane.

I want to share more of our conversation in my next blog entry.  We talked about whether or not the iPad would be something for his kids, his need for a shared calendar for his family, and his XM / Sirius radio show, my job, his job...and more.