Podcasting
Podcasting is posting an audio file online to be downloaded and heard by other Internet users either on a computer or an MP3 player.   A podcast is different from other online audio files because users can subscribe to and download episodes automatically when new content is added. 
One myth about podcasting is that you need an iPod.  This is not true, you can listen to podcasts on any computer using software like iTunes or any MP3 player. 

Teachers Podcasting
The potential impact for classroom educators across the country can be seen throughout the web, where educators are publishing additional classroom material to parents and students on the daily activities within the classroom. College professors are even posting podcasts of their lectures on the web for students to download and listen to again and again. For more information about podcasting in the classroom, check out educational podcasts on the web.  For a large listing of educational podcasts go to: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewGenre?id=1415

Where to Start
There are four steps to podcasting: plan, produce, publish and promote.  Creating a podcast requires the use of recording software.  We recommend using GarageBand, which allows you to create and enhance your podcast.

For a couple of short tutorials on how to produce a podcast visit: http://isite.lps.org/drama/podcasting/

We will also offer GarageBand training on May 8th in lab C113 at 3:15. 

Cable in the Classroom
The Cable in the Classroom mission is to foster the use of cable content and technology to expand and enhance learning for children and youth nationwide. Created in 1989 to help schools take advantage of education cable programming and technology, CIC has become a leading national advocate for media-literacy education and for the use of technology and media for learning. What’s more -  programs are commercial free!

To download a PDF of Monthly Recording Highlights Calendar or to browse the program listing by subject areas, go to http://www.ciconline.org/monthlycalendar.  If you find a program that you would like to record for your class, talk with Mr. O’Neill in the media center before the program airs.

Linkin’ Logs   
Linkin’ Logs is the districts’ version of a social bookmarking site.  Teachers can have folders created for projects by talking to Mrs. Fries or Mr. O’Neill in the media center.

The newest thing with the Linkin’ Logs is the addition of pathfinders.  Pathfinders outline a variety of sources (books, databases, websites, etc.) students may use when researching a given topic.  To view some of these pathfinders, go to the media center page and click on Linkin’ Logs on the left.  Click on Victorian Age, 1920s, 1950s, American Presidents, Health or Decades to find out what a pathfinder looks like.  Pathfinders simplify the time students spend researching because they don’t need to hunt through Google® to find mediocre information.  Pathfinders can also simplify the teacher’s instruction time by giving students additional search terms and places to look.  Talk to Mrs. Fries in the media center if you are interested.

Website
Create any size wall posters from any size images. http://www.blockposters.com/
Thanks to David Travis for sharing this site!

Remote Desktop Tip - Copying Files
If you have a file that you would like each student to have, you can send the file to each computer. First select the computer(s) to send the file to by clicking once on a computer from the list to highlight it.  Hold down the Apple/Command key ð while you click on computers to select more than one, or choose Edit > Select All to highlight all of the computers in the lab.

Click “Copy”

In the window that appears click the plus sign to add the file(s) to send out. 

Check “Open items” to have the file(s) open automatically once it is copied. 

Click “Copy” to send the file(s)

Quick Tip: Copying files and having them open automatically can be an easy way to get all students to a website address.  In Firefox click and drag the icon to the left of the web address to your desktop, and then copy this file to everyone.  Make sure Open items is checked