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.

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 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

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!

I Love the New iPod Touch...oh yah, and FLAT STANLEY (ALLIE)

I love the new iPod Touch.  There, I said it.  I'm not afraid!

As you may recall, after receiving the new iPod Touch I fired my Flip video camera.

Well, I had the chance to use it to help out a classroom that my daughter is in.  They are doing the ever-popular Flat Stanley project.  If you aren't familiar with Flat Stanley, he's shipped around the world and it's a lot of fun.  My daughter's class are using themselves for the project.  So "Flat Allie" made the trip with me to a conference I was presenting at in Savannah, GA.

I used the iPod Touch to record some of the various places I visited.  Next I used the iMovie app to edit and share the video.

I couldn't get over how easy it was to record, edit, and share...using this tiny device.  I think about what the process used to be:  Drag around a camera, battery might be charged...and it might not, find a tape, upon filming I had to get the chord, upload it to my computer, edit on the computer...then share.

NOW I do all of this with ONE TINY DEVICE.  Not to mention I have access to my email, photos, apps, music, internet (in a wireless environment).

My mind goes to the classroom.  How easy it would be for students to record and share their learning...if they have access to these devices.

The last video is Flat Allie with Eric Crouch, former Nebraska Heisman Trophy winner.  He was really a great sport to participate.  He understood...he said his daughter did this too.

I had a blast taking Flat Allie everywhere I went.  

In this video...Horseshoe Crab, Miley Cyrus Movie Pier


In this video...Seagulls, Seashells


In this video...Tugboat, Cargo Ship and Bridge


In this video...Ferry Boat Ride


In this video...Eric Crouch

Google Docs...on my iPad, iPod, and Droid is HERE!

Here's another early Christmas present!  You can now officially EDIT your Google Docs from your iPad, iPod, and Droid!

I immediately hopped on my iPad and logged into Google Docs...and YES!!!!!  It worked!

My iPad just got better!

Here's the announcement from the Google Docs Blog.

Skyfire App will bring Flash video to iPhone / iPad

I find this very interesting.  If you are an iPod Touch / iPad / iPhone user, you already know that Flash video is an issue.  I'll say it's an issue...we can't view ANY Flash video.

Well, this app promises to solve that issue:  Skyfire

Actually, I think it's a "browser"...like Safari.  So Flash hasn't been allowed, this browser apparently changes or translates the video so that we, the user, can view it.

Here's a link to the article.

Oh...it's not available until Thursday!  (It's only Tuesday today...don't worry, I already looked in the iTunes Store...it's not there).

I will probably pay the $2.99 to get the app / browser.  Who am I kidding, did I say "probably"???  Of course I will.

Apple's Volume Purchasing Program

If you and or your school has an iPod or an iPad and you're beginning to purchase apps, it would be to your benefit to attend this free webinar on their new Volume Purchasing Program.  The webinar is every Tuesday and Thursday, but only until the end of this month!

Firing the Flip Video (it had to be done)

Well, I guess it had to happen.  I had to fire my Flip Video camera today.  I didn't want to do it, but the new iPod Touch can do so much more than just shoot video.

I know that my Flip and my Kodak Zi8 are friends...so I'm sure the news will get out.  I should have probably brought them both in at the same time.  Oh well...it's too late now.

This footage of the actual event was obtained as it transpired.  Security eventually had to be called as Flip was...well... "flipping out" after the news had a chance to sink in.  It was not pretty.


Note: This is the same video, posted twice - 1 on TeacherTube, the other on YouTube. They are the same video. I put it on TeacherTube as well because YouTube is blocked in many schools.


TeacherTube



YouTube

Dual Cameras

This new iPod Touch has a 1-click button that allow for the user to quickly change from one camera to the next.  So often I see people holding a camera out and pressing the button hoping to get themselves in the shot.  Well, now it's easy to do because you have the ability to see what you are shooting!  Genius.

My First 10 Minutes

After getting my hands on that new iPod Touch...here's what I did those first few moments (other than taking it out of the box).

I did try the camera.  I found it funny that for some reason, I only thought it would shoot video.  But it does also take still pictures.  Here's a couple I took.  I'm holding one iPod and taking the picture with it with the other iPod in my other hand.  So these pictures are actually taken with the iPod.

Picture 1

Picture 2

In picture one...I'm holding the iPod, which I consider normal, and it takes (skinny or portrait pics).  For some reason I want to hold it that way.  But, as you see in pic 2, it also works in landscape mode.

OK.  Now for video.  Again, I first shot the video holding the iPod in portrait mode...or, I think, how one might naturally hold it.  I immediately shared the video to YouTube.  I wanted to see how quick, smooth and easy it was.  I'm here to tell you...it was very easy.  I'm amazed at how, well, EASY it was.  I shot the video, didn't edit any of it, clicked "Send to YouTube"...and off it went!  

Do you see how it looks "skinny" on the screen (above)?  It's because I was holding it up and down.  In the next video (below), I simply turned it sideways.  It looks much better, don't you think?



I'll continue to experiment with this new, incredible device...and post them here on my blog.