If you need to buy cables or other home-theatre (or classroom) related items, I recommend monoprice.com. Cheap, but good quality, and fairly good shipping (about two weeks for the cheap shipping). That's always my first place to look.
As well, I've heard good things about Blue Jeans Cable. Haven't ordered anything from them myself, though.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
wireless presenters
A question I'm often asked is how do I control presentations, i.e. how do I advance slides in PowerPoint, without having to sit at the computer.
You can, of course, use a wireless keyboard and/or mouse, but I usually use a Targus Wireless Presenter. It seems that the model I have (AMP02CA) has been discontinued, but the new one has most of the same functions. Other companies make similar products, but I haven't used them. I have used one with a voice recorder, but the audio quality is terrible.
A number of people like the Microsoft Presenter Mouse, but it is a little more expensive and requires a bluetooth receiver.
Most data projectors also come with "Page Up" and "Page Down" buttons, all you have to do is connect a USB cable between the projector and the computer. This does require you to point the remote at the projector, but if it's in the ceiling that shouldn't be a problem.
Another option is to use a tablet, either wired or wireless, which I'll write more about in a future post.
If you want to get creative, you can use a Wii Remote, iPhone/iPod Touch, PDA, or a mobile phone headset. I'll have to try the Wiimote one.
You can, of course, use a wireless keyboard and/or mouse, but I usually use a Targus Wireless Presenter. It seems that the model I have (AMP02CA) has been discontinued, but the new one has most of the same functions. Other companies make similar products, but I haven't used them. I have used one with a voice recorder, but the audio quality is terrible.
A number of people like the Microsoft Presenter Mouse, but it is a little more expensive and requires a bluetooth receiver.
Most data projectors also come with "Page Up" and "Page Down" buttons, all you have to do is connect a USB cable between the projector and the computer. This does require you to point the remote at the projector, but if it's in the ceiling that shouldn't be a problem.
Another option is to use a tablet, either wired or wireless, which I'll write more about in a future post.
If you want to get creative, you can use a Wii Remote, iPhone/iPod Touch, PDA, or a mobile phone headset. I'll have to try the Wiimote one.
Monday, May 19, 2008
introduction
This the the requisite introduction post, where I say that I'll be writing about how I use and/or recommend using technology in the practice of teaching. I intend to write about gadgets, software, and websites, and hopefully provide useful information.
I should also provide some disclaimers:
I should also provide some disclaimers:
- I'm not affiliated with any company other than my school board.
- Views expressed are my own and do not necessarily represent those of my employer, or anyone else for that matter.
- When evaluating gadgets, my opinions are most influenced by price and usability.
- Talking about a product does not necessarily consitute an endorsement of that particular product, there may be better or cheaper options that I don't know about.
- Wherever possible, I recommend free and/or open source software. I think that's important.
- I will try to have up-to-date information, but let me know if there are things I should change, update, or re-evaluate.
- I'm very open to feedback, please comment.
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