An RSS Button

RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is becoming more and more popular. Why? RSS allows you to subscribe to content, like news, blogs, and podcasts. As you might already know, my preferred method of reading my RSS feeds is the free Bloglines web service. I can check on updated feeds on any computer with a web browser, including my handheld and mobile phone. Bloglines senses which web browser I am using and formats itself accordingly. Check out my public subscriptions if you want to see the RSS feeds I subscribe to.

RSS is an important part of what's called Web 2.0. What's Web 2.0 all about? The amazing video, Web 2.0...The Machine is Us/ing Us, by Michael Wesch at Kansas State University, does a great job explaining the new ways the web is being used. RSS is dubbed as a way to "describe the content, not the form. So the data can be exported, free of formatting constraints." Content without form is perfect for small screens as information can be formatted in ways that work best for the tiny computer you're using.

Here's proof of RSS's significance in mobile devices: Samsung's new WiBro SPH-M8100 Smartphone (running Windows Mobile) sports a dedicated RSS button (here are some photos). The button launches an RSS reader application. I wonder if you could remap that button to launch Explorer Mobile and go to Bloglines. I also wonder if this is the first of many phones to have an RSS button.

iPod Shuffle

Despite its lack of display screen, Apple's $79 iPod shuffle can be more useful than you might think. I recently grew my iPod collection to include a 1GB shuffle. The iPod shuffle's memory can store more than 12 hours of audio, which means the battery will need to be recharged before I've listened to all of the audio. Since I'm always near a computer for syncing and charging, the 1GB of memory (compared to my 60GB iPod) isn't as limiting as I thought it would be.

To sort an iTunes playlist by date, right-click the Name column header and select Date Added. Then click the newly displayed Date Added header to sort newest-to-oldest. Click again to sort oldest-to-newest.

In classrooms where students are listening to a limited number of podcasts, the shuffle could be useful. Students could check out the shuffle (perhaps for a center activity). They can even clip the shuffle to their clothing so they don't drop the device. Now that the iPod shuffle comes in five different colors, they make handy additions to classrooms; content on the iPods could be color-coded. For example, the orange iPod is loaded with history podcasts while the the green one has episodes about volcanoes.

With a name like shuffle, you might think that the player would only be good for listening to music in a random order. But, the iPod shuffle has a switch to toggle between random order and going in the order synced from iTunes. While you can't navigate playlists on the iPod shuffle, in iTunes you can create a playlist for the shuffle and move the audio around in any order you want before syncing. You can even create a Smart Playlist in iTunes that automatically places certain podcasts on the iPod. Another tip for listening to podcasts on an iPod shuffle is to organize your iTunes playlist by Date Added. That way the newest (or oldest--your pick) episodes are played first.

And a note for podcasters: Without a screen, it's important for audio to be immediately recognizable. It's always nice when podcasts identify themselves within the first 10 seconds so you know which podcast and which episode you're listening to.

Learning2Go Phase 2 Report

There's more evidence that handhelds improve student learning. Wolverhampton's Learning 2 Go partnership in the United Kingdom released a report at the end of 2006. The 46-page End of Phase 2 Report is full of notable facts, figures, charts, and recommendations:

• The number of schools in the Learning 2 Go project expanded dramatically in Phase 2, the academic year 2005-2006, from approximately ninety handheld devices in use to over a thousand.
• Handhelds are not the not 'magic answer' but effective use is conditional on other aspects of effective teaching, class management, as well as school culture.
• In general progress is not so good [in secondary schools] and baseline achievement has not yet been established by all schools.
• There is almost no evidence of distraction from established learning approaches caused by devices as feared by some teachers.
• Attendance at school appears to be significantly improved, certainly in Primary schools, which was notable against the general trend across the Authority [school district]. Attendance for boys was shown to be more improved than for girls.
• There was evidence that a school's ability to manage innovation and change at the highest levels was critical to success.
• Year 6 students achieved 5 percentage point increase in science, 3.5 increase in math, and -1 point increase in English. No explanation is available for the English outcomes, but the report offers further insights.
• Mini-Computers Bring Test Boost was published by BBC News and briefly shares some of the report's results. Dave Whyley from the project is quoted, "Attendance figures have gone up. We're also seeing boys switched on to reading. They like e-books. One boy read his e-book until his battery went flat on his PDA at night."
• The report includes lots more information, including examples of what students and teachers are doing with their handhelds, parent reactions, technical issues, and much data analysis.
• The key message for all audiences remains that unless current PDAs and software are implemented with a well prepared and structured support framework; then the successes seen in the Wolverhampton project will not be realised.

With the success of the partnership, we can look forward to more reports and resources from Learning 2 Go. Something we do know from research is that achievement gains do not come until a teacher's second year of handheld implementation. For more sources of research and studies, visit the Research Web Links page.

Making Technology Work for You Workshop

I spent today at Wisconsin's CESA #4 with about 30 school administrators in a workshop called Making Technology Work for You, the Administrative Leader. Here's the description:

As a classroom teacher and technology specialist, Tony Vincent propelled his school, Willowdale Elementary, to a leadership role in educational technology. Tony has valuable tips and advice for administrators for encouraging the use of technology for teaching and learning. Experience the latest technologies like handheld computing, blogging, podcasting, and RSS. Find out how administrators can use these new tools to do their jobs and to set an example for teachers and students. Discover practical, doable, and engaging ways these new technologies and method of communication are being used in classrooms. You'll leave with solid examples to inspire teachers! Bring your laptop and Palm handheld if you got one because there will be hands-on activities!

It was a pleasure to sharing my favorite tools: handheld computers, iPods, blogs, RSS, social bookmarks, and podcasting. If you would like to see more of what I covered in the workshop, check out the links we used today and/or download the handout. I like to make my handouts so that workshop participants have room to take their own notes, although I've already filled in some notes, specifically web addresses.

One look at the agenda and you can see that it was a fast-paced day. The 30 administrators have a lot to digest. In fact, as a reflection activity, participants are writing comments to this post to share what they have learned and what they plan to do about it.

ArithmeTick

Here's a new freeware math game for Palm and Windows Mobile users: ArithmeTick. The game helps student become faster at addition, subtract, multiplication, and division. Players can choose which operations will be used and the skill level. Once the game begins, it's a race to get as many problems correct as possible. Players are awarded up to 10 points for each problem depending on how quickly the problem was answered. Also, players are awarded extra time for each problem solved correctly. Challenge problems worth 50 points are offered at the end of each level. Since there is no erase button, you should know that if you enter a wrong number by mistake you can clear your current guess by tapping on the problem.

Let's see how high those scores can go! Offer this game to students and post their high scores in a comment to this post.

Download the Palm version.
Download the Windows Mobile version.

Video Podcast: CNN News for Students

You might be familiar with CNN Student News. It's a daily, ten-minute, commercial-free broadcast of the day's news geared for middle and high school students. It airs on CNN between 3:12 and 3:22 am. Don't want to set a VCR? You can also watch online.

As of last week, CNN Student News is also a podcast. You can get the video episodes delivered to computers automatically each day in iTunes. Every edition of CNN Student News has a transcript, quick guide, and ten questions posted here. Read more about CNN Students News podcasts in this article by Craig Nansen.

CNN Student News Podcast: -

Podcasts for Student Listening

Jason Jaffe, 6th grade teacher at Mill Creek Elementary School, writes this question:

Tony, do you have a list of some good educational podcasts that can be used to integrate with elementary students. Sites such as NASA, National Geographic...etc?

With over 30,000 podcasts out there today, it might be hard to find quality podcasts that you can actually use with students. Here are some podcasts that could be put to good use in classrooms:

Grammar Girl -
"Short, friendly tips for better writing. Whether English is your first language, these grammar, punctuation, style, and business tips will make you a better and more successful writer."

English Idioms and Slang -
"English idioms and slang lessons and study for those learning English. Learn by listening to these short podcasts."

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day -
"Build your vocabulary with Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day! Each day a Merriam-Webster editor offers insight into a fascinating new word; explaining its meaning, current use, and little-known details about its origin."

Space.com Universal Space Podcast -
"Space.com's podcast features deep auditory examinations of topics and phenomena in the universe of space science and technology."

Dr. Carlson's Science Theater -
"Video podcast of cool science demonstrations. Join Dr. Matt Carlson as he risks life, limb, and dignity to bring you the finest science videos on Earth."

Mr. Wizard's Fun Science Facts -
"Mr. Wizard is here to provide you with Ten Minute Lessons on everyday science From physics to chemistry, biology to geology, the team behind Mr. Wizard is here to answer all of your tough questions."

PRI's The World - Geo Quiz -
"The World's Geo Quiz tests your knowledge of world geography and introduces you to the fascinating people and places around the globe."

Earthwatch Radio -
"Earthwatch Radio is produces by the staff and students at the Sea Grant Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The podcast covers a wide range of subjects that concern science and the environment."

History Podcast -
"History Podcast is a show simply devoted to history. Anything and everything related to history will be covered. Topics include historical figures and events."

National Geographic Magazine -
"Explore Earth's deepest trench. Discover Africa on foot. Go inside your DNA. Get the best of 118 years of adventure, meet the cultures and creatures that inhabit our globe in this series of podcasts."

Also check out iTunes' section Kids and Family. It has fun storytelling and comedy podcasts for younger listeners like Storynory and The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd.

The listing above is just a start and doesn't include my favorite kind: podcasts by kids. Periodically I'll post new podcasts that I think would be great for student listening. If you, dear readers, have podcasts you would like to suggest, please leave it in a comment!

iPods for Teachers & Students

With nearly 100 million iPods sold, Apple's digital media player can be found everywhere. iPods are showing up in schools and they can be used as engaging learning tools. Teachers and students may already have their own iPods, just waiting to be used for teaching and learning. Some schools are spending money on these devices but may not be using them to their full potential. Sure, most people know iPods can be used for listening to audio and watching video, but there are many more features that educators can use.

I've added an iPod section to learninginhand.com that demonstrates the uses of iPods in education. Learn about functionality like syncing calendars and address book contacts, dictionaries, text files, PowerPoint slides, multiple choice quizzes, and other interactive content.

Unfortunately, iPods don't have the ability to run software applications like Palm handhelds and Pocket PCs. While this limits their usefulness, iPods can still do quite a bit to help teachers and students. Check out iPods in Education to see what iPods can do.

Soft Reset #18: Quizzler

Soft Reset #18 is online! The episode is about Quizzler, software that works with Palm handhelds, Pocket PCs, Windows, Macintosh, iPods, and the web—so just about everyone can put Quizzler to good use. John Covele, the developer of Quizzler, joins Tony and Mike to tell about Quizzler's new features.

Show Notes:

• Tony's Tip: When making eBooks and quizzes for handhelds, keep all of the files you used to create your content. You never know when you need to make changes to the original.
• Mike's Tip: Rename Palm .prc files to indicate different versions of applications. Also, backup your files online for free at at AOL's Xdrive.
• Palm users can make quizzes on their handhelds using Quizzler 4. Here's a handout to help.
• Learn about Quizzler 5's new features.
• Quizzler Maker for Mac & Windows. Create quizzes with 10 questions or less for free. Export quizzes to Palm handhelds, Pocket PCs, iPods, and the web pages. Here's a screenshot.
• Quizzler Pro Website from Pocket Mobility, Inc.
• Quizzler Server: Collect scores wirelessly & turn your handhelds into a set of clickers.
• Free Quizzler Quiz Library.
• Download Quizzler software.
• Visit Soft Reset's Discussion Forum to discuss the show!
• Leave a voicemail for us to play on the show! 206-333-1942
• Email Tony and Mike at softresetpodcast@gmail.com.

Enjoy the show! Click an icon below to listen or subscribe.

SolarWars High Scores

On a recent road trip, I enjoyed one of my favorite Palm games: SolarWars. The object of SolarWars is to make money by buying and selling cargo while warping around the solar system. (You might have heard of SolarWars in Soft Reset #6.) You have 60 days (that's 60 different visits to planets) to make as much money as you can.

I was very proud of myself when I achieved my highest SolarWars score yet: $442 million. I retired a millionaire! Although $442 million is a decent score, the highest recorded score on the internet I found was $4,355,154,944 near the bottom of this PalmGear page. SolarWar's documentation points to http://cronus.cnicinc.com/solarwars for a high score list. However, that site is no longer available. I searched for that address on Archive.org's Wayback Machine and found this page from April 2003 with 75 scores (all of which are higher than mine).

Players can achieve a higher score by examining the SolarWars Cargo Chart. I made an overhead transparency of this chart so that my fifth graders could refer to it when buying and selling cargo. Also, be sure to read the documentation in the Readme.htm file that is included when you download SolarWars. It gives valuable game play information and offers this strategy:

Diversify your investments. Start by visiting Earth and borrowing the maximum amount you can. Buy water, food, meds, and weapons on Mars and Earth, and sell them on Saturn, Neptune, and Pluto. Buy ore and dilithum on Saturn, Neptune, and Pluto and sell on Earth, Mars, and Jupiter.

Learning with Handheld Technologies Handbook

Futurelab is a nonprofit U.K. organization committed to sharing the lessons learned from research and development in order to inform positive change to educational policy and practice. Last month Futurelab published the handbook Learning with Handheld Technologies. The 35 page PDF has implementation ideas and detailed case reports. This handheld book is useful for schools just starting to explore handheld computing and for schools who want to improve their current program. It's based on two years of research from the University of Bristol, which observed and interviewed some of the leading practitioners of handheld learning in the UK.

The second page of the handbook lists the key recommendations from the research.

• There should be an authentic purpose with clear learning goals.
• It is harder and takes more time to manage a small set of devices than it is to manage models of use where each learner "owns" their own.
• Professional development is very important. A collaborative community of practice that involves the whole school will help embed handheld technologies in the curriculum.
• Wireless internet connectivity is preferred because it makes the devices much more useful.
• Schools need to figure out long term storage of students' data as they will produce so much work it won't all fit on the devices.
• Spare handhelds should be on-hand for quick replacement of broken units.
• Teaching styles must accommodate personal ownership of learning.
• Successful projects used handhelds for accessing content and for producing projects.
• Adoption of handhelds goes smoothly when integrated with with existing technologies like interactive whiteboards, software, and data projectors.

All of the recommendations in Learning with Handheld Technologies seem to apply to all school technologies, not just handheld devices. The handbook also contains a listing of many handheld learning projects from around the globe. The projects include all kinds of devices like Palm handhelds, Pocket PCs, and iPods. You can download the PDF or request a free hard copy of Futurelab's handbook.

Five Things

Educational bloggers are playing a game where they "tag" other bloggers. If you are tagged, then you must tell about five things others may not know about you and tag five more bloggers. Kathy Schrock tagged me, so here are five things about Tony Vincent you may not know:

• Each year I taught fifth grade I would throw a "News Year's" party on the first day of school. In fact, this is a great time of year to buy discounted New Year's party supplies for next school year. During my first day of teaching, I was so nervous that during the News Year's party, I left the classroom, vomited, and came back. Not a single student noticed that I was gone as they were busy eating snack cakes and drinking 7-Up.
• In seventh grade I had the option of going to Washington D.C. on a class trip for $500. Instead, I used my hard-earned money to buy a pre-owned Apple IIc computer that I used all of the way through my sophomore year of college.
• When I was a kid, my friends and I would ride with our backs on our skateboards up a sewer drain near my house. Up the tunnel about 30 yards was a manhole. It served as a fun "fort." Down a few feet from the hole was a gutter, out of which we'd stick out our hands and have people think we were trapped in the gutter.
• One of my two cats, Tucker, has to be in the bathroom each time I shower. If I lock him out of the bathroom, he urinates on the door. So, in the interest of cleanliness, I have an audience when I shower.
• In high school I prided myself on earning straight As. Much to my disappointment, I did earn one B. The class? Computers! The teacher would give quizzes that were only three questions long. If you missed one question, you'd fail. This experience really affected how I graded my own students--which was hopefully more fair.

I'm "tagging" these bloggers to tell five things in their blogs and tag five more bloggers: Rolly Maiquez, Karen Fasimpaur, Dale Ehrhart, Lynne Wolters, and Debbie Lyles.