All Latest Earning Stuff: Apple iPad

Showing posts with label Apple iPad. Show all posts

eBeam Smartmarker 2- Second Time is a Charm

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaY-rB4P5hrW9wqFmpk7RC8lHBxjYGocJ6fl1bHvAPThyI-QWma-S2-w1sbGyZeOM_jW0kNUlMkv5KHKKmr8_3oi2T0yLW6eNczrEZwO3QNZlQSl9WOTLWfoRjfS7lD52GbVjpRzKWVI/s1600/ebeam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaY-rB4P5hrW9wqFmpk7RC8lHBxjYGocJ6fl1bHvAPThyI-QWma-S2-w1sbGyZeOM_jW0kNUlMkv5KHKKmr8_3oi2T0yLW6eNczrEZwO3QNZlQSl9WOTLWfoRjfS7lD52GbVjpRzKWVI/s1600/ebeam.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eBeam SmartMaker 2</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Two years ago, I did a <a href="http://assistivetek.blogspot.com/2015/06/equil-smartmarker-capturing-and.html" target="_blank">review of the </a><a href="http://assistivetek.blogspot.com/2015/06/equil-smartmarker-capturing-and.html" target="_blank">Equil Smartmarker from Luidia</a> and was impressed with the capabilities. The Equil Smartmarker allows creative groups to capture and share whiteboard drawings and brainstorming sessions with remote groups. Since that time, the product has been re-branded by the parent company as <a href="http://www.e-beam.com/smartmarker.html" target="_blank">eBeam Smartmarker 2</a> with some really outstanding features and capabilities. The hardware which includes an oval capture bar and whiteboard marker in a special housing has remained the same from the users </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>perspective, but under the hood a lot has changed. The Basic eBeam Smartmarker 2 Kit comes packaged in a plastic case that fits the <a href="http://www.e-beam.com/smartmarker.html" target="_blank">eBeam Smartmarker 2</a> and the Marker housing (holds standard dry erase whiteboard marker) which also serves as the charging base station -which is accomplished with a micro usb cable that is included. You will also receive a digital eraser should you want to remove any graphics from your whiteboard session. Everything you need to get started with comes inthe Basic kit. <div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">eBeam Enterprises was good enough to send me the basic eBeam Smartmarker 2 kit to review, which included the capture bar, and whiteboard marker in the special housing, digital eraser, and a Bluetooth receiver for a Windows computer. The eBeam Smartmarker 2 can capture a 16 ft by 5 ft area giving lots of space to draw and sketch. The eBeam Smartmarker 2 has a great look and feel in that classic high gloss white finish. No matter how good tech looks- the out of the box experience is essential for users to want to use the device. In this regards, the eBeam Smartmarker 2 did not let me down. eBeam Enterprises has spent considerable time getting the device to make the Bluetooth pairing child's play. Prior to using the device you will instructed to go to the Apple Store or Google Play to download the Beam Marker app which then is used to pair to the eBeam Smartmarker 2. Windows and Mac users can download the eBeam Marker software app from the <a href="http://www.e-beam.com/smartmarker.html" target="_blank">eBeam Enterprises</a> website. Once you launch the eBeam Marker app it automatically goes out and looks to connect to the eBeam Smartmarker 2 without the need to have to manually pair it using the Bluetooth settings. In every case, I was able to seamlessly pair the eBeam Smartmarker 2 to my IPhone 7S, iPad Air and Surface Pro running Windows 10. In fact eBeam Enterprises went so far to use audio to alert you when the device has paired which is outstanding. eBeam Enterprises did ship me a USB Bluetooth key for use with my Windows 10 computer which made connecting the eBeam Smartmarker 2 a breeze.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Using the eBeam Marker app is rather straightforward and as you write on the whiteboard, eBeam Smartmarker 2 will capture your ideas seamlessly which can be shared out to remote groups for viewing. Once you have captured your first whiteboard, it is easy to erase the contents and pressing on the Add Page button on the eBeam Smartmarker 2 you are now ready to capture additional whiteboard screens during your session. One of the really exciting features from my perspective is the ability to invite others to your whiteboard session. I had the opportunity to trial this feature with my graduate students who installed the eBeam Marker app on their smartphones. From my iPad Air was able to invite them to my whiteboarding session- which enabled them to view the contents on the whiteboard. One of the new and outstanding features available when using the eBeam Smartmarker 2 is being able to give certain students permission to annotate and interact with the whiteboarding session. Using the various tools in the app students could draw and type and actively participate in the whiteboard session which makes this a very powerful team collaboration tool. In the latest version of the eBeam Smartmarker 2 individuals who do not have the  eBeam Marker app installed can access the session via the web which ensures that anyone with a computer or mobile device can jump into your whiteboarding session without the need to install any software. Once the session has ended you can save your session to a PDF file and quickly share it with others. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">For those of you who don't have access to a whiteboard in your school or classroom you may want to try using the <a href="https://www.think-board.com/" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;" target="_blank">Think Board</a>, which is whiteboard film with an adhesive backing that you can adhere to most flat surfaces. For my testing I used a small Think Board which I affixed to a wall in my office to test out the eBeam Smartmarker 2. The Think Board <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGQeE6K48Tyfb-aqLkyYzGuaGkFcT7ual0CkBhWvwfa_nr7sdX7ZzQm5Q8GN3alOZGgS4XQBxJlWE3v2oaf_5g0L1TnECmCtDW6zI3Y9XtFpt0ODkl0uimU8x1aRhF8XmHj3HF0nil8M/s1600/ebeam3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1174" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGQeE6K48Tyfb-aqLkyYzGuaGkFcT7ual0CkBhWvwfa_nr7sdX7ZzQm5Q8GN3alOZGgS4XQBxJlWE3v2oaf_5g0L1TnECmCtDW6zI3Y9XtFpt0ODkl0uimU8x1aRhF8XmHj3HF0nil8M/s320/ebeam3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eBeam SmartMarker 2 with Think Board</td></tr></tbody></table>surface was great to write on and was just as easy to erase the contents, without leaving and residual whiteboard marker ink behind.  The Think Board and eBeam Smartmarker 2 combination worked flawlessly and gave me the freedom to place the whiteboard in a small area in my office. The Think Boards come in various sizes and price points giving educators lots of options. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">In this day and age of STEAM and Makerspaces school districts should definitely consider the eBeam Smartmarker 2 as a means to share and collaborate one another's ideas when using whiteboards. Many schools are redesigning their classroom spaces to include large areas with whiteboard spaces for students to brainstorm and draw. Now imagine being able to take these ideas and capture them in real time with remote groups of students with opportunities for feedback. For school districts who are looking to take whiteboarding to the next level, then having access to a eBeam Smartmarker 2 is essential. With the latest iteration of eBeam Smartmarker 2 you can now have remote groups jump in and provide live feedback and be part of the session. What better way for students to learn about the power of team work and collaboration then by having them have access to real world tools and technologies. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">While the eBeam Smartmarker 2 has a unique space in STEAM and Makerspaces it also could play a critical role when helping teachers to being able to make accommodations for students on home bound instruction or those with visual </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihdrXsYm58-hyeZw9ujplSY47j3zQyM5KW8gi3YeaKirPqDC_uLB3G_mRHykpzwoosttUckgvKIUhIuBt8HS5SkW3qu1U13FRO-8yKvsRtBamT2gGY4NiI_NHxA_goMTQ_nWC1dfWAZc/s1600/ebeamsoftware.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="eBeam Marker Software" border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="1600" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihdrXsYm58-hyeZw9ujplSY47j3zQyM5KW8gi3YeaKirPqDC_uLB3G_mRHykpzwoosttUckgvKIUhIuBt8HS5SkW3qu1U13FRO-8yKvsRtBamT2gGY4NiI_NHxA_goMTQ_nWC1dfWAZc/s320/ebeamsoftware.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eBeam Marker Software</td></tr></tbody></table>impairments, or learning issues. The eBeam Smartmarker 2 gives teachers in classrooms the opportunity to capture notes for students who may have this as an accommodation in their I.E.P. The eBeam Smartmarker 2 does support hand writing recognition which would allow teachers to go from hand written whiteboard notes to traditionally typed notes which can be edited-right within the software. The eBeam Smartmarker 2 is an ideal tool especially in math and science classrooms which rely on numbers and formulas which are much more difficult to access from a keyboard. Similarly, using the <a href="http://www.e-beam.com/smartmarker.html" target="_blank">eBeam Smartmarker 2</a>, teachers could stream the whiteboard notes to students with visual impairments at their desk, which would enable them to enlarge it on their mobile device. Of course this is an ideal tool for students who are on home bound instruction, who could see the contents being written in real time and be able to interact with the contents. For students on home bound instruction the school would just need to add audio  conferencing capabilities.  <div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">The eBeam Smartmarker 2 is a powerful and well implemented technology that has lots of application in the schools. Whether just capturing notes or working with remote teams you will find the eBeam Smartmarker 2 a joy to work with. For more information about the eBeam Smartmarker 2- visit their <a href="http://www.e-beam.com/smartmarker.html" target="_blank">website</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>

eBeam Smartmarker 2- Second Time is a Charm

eBeam SmartMaker 2 Two years ago, I did a review of the Equil Smartmarker from Luidia and was impressed with the capabilities. The Equil ...

August 22, 2017

Speech Recognition - Coming of Age!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QKZjHvlxFxWIdg-maYzWeVwvBsKhn0tri2kjSkXqyZK8AtZl9OZBV0fRxri2qEmXZ0Um5scUt1qD4udygMKIf8OmcTwXQPyhSadrK7mIWYoBtZ9rCD7KiBtBpAMhDa69qNLfoutHFIA/s1600/megaphone.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QKZjHvlxFxWIdg-maYzWeVwvBsKhn0tri2kjSkXqyZK8AtZl9OZBV0fRxri2qEmXZ0Um5scUt1qD4udygMKIf8OmcTwXQPyhSadrK7mIWYoBtZ9rCD7KiBtBpAMhDa69qNLfoutHFIA/s1600/megaphone.png" /></a>Ever since I've been involved in the field of assistive technology there's always been the hope that speech recognition could assist students with the writing process. While speech recognition has been effective for some of the students we work with, it hasn't always worked out for the majority of the students that we work with. In the last six months there's been some new developments that make speech recognition a reality for many students. For many of us that are using smart phones we find ourselves using speech recognition more and more on daily basis for text messaging and for writing emails. Now students can take advantage of speech recognition on mobile devices such as iPhone's, iPad, Android phones, Windows tablets as well with as within Google Docs. With the advent of machine learning the speech recognition engines keep getting better and better and do not require initial training. This has made it a very easy entry for students to trial speech recognition. Prior to this time, students would have to spend a considerable amount of time training and creating a profile. With the advent of mobile devices this is a thing of the past. Over the last six months I've been using a number of different speech workflows that I wanted to share with you. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKnVUTj22ut3DarPvb4GQmOHXseJPgK0jOOOW9Vyudvyx7uDpoUhQVJjJMbM7UHh_QheB47Pn2D6RG_v6-gT9XGgQaVAvhU0QvrOAzsm-4fcq-w67_58zyL6veH3Yu-niZcU0W-KwlXk/s1600/voicetyping.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKnVUTj22ut3DarPvb4GQmOHXseJPgK0jOOOW9Vyudvyx7uDpoUhQVJjJMbM7UHh_QheB47Pn2D6RG_v6-gT9XGgQaVAvhU0QvrOAzsm-4fcq-w67_58zyL6veH3Yu-niZcU0W-KwlXk/s320/voicetyping.PNG" width="225" /></a>Google recently added Voice Typing to Google Docs which really has taken speech recognition to the next level. By simply plugging in a microphone to a desktop computer students can start to use speech recognition immediately. I have found that the speech recognition that's built into Google Docs to be very accurate and allows students to quickly get their ideas down. Voice Typing opens up all kinds of opportunities for students to quickly get their ideas down on the page. With the advent of this API other companies have been using and integrating the Voice Typing into their apps. You will now find Voice Typing integrated into <a href="http://donjohnston.com/portfolio-item/cowriter-universal/" target="_blank">Co:Writer Universal</a>, <a href="http://www.goqsoftware.com/wordQ4c.php" target="_blank">WordQ</a>, as well as<a href="https://rwchrome.texthelp.com/drive/Support/Home" target="_blank"> Read and Write for Google Chrome</a>. Having Voice Yyping integrated into these applications give students a new way to get their ideas down on the page. It's really exciting to work with students and watch them as the words fly onto the computer screen.  With the advent of so many stews students using iPads and the new system IOS 9, SIRI has become a better contender in the area of speech recognition. Anytime student see the microphone at the bottom of the keyboard they can click and speak and the text gets immediately transcribed. Although it's not perfect it certainly is a very fast way to input text on the iPhone or  iPad. SIRI is wonderful in that it works throughout the operating system giving students access to it from wherever application they are using. I am working with many students that are currently using SIRI instead of writing which has worked out really well. Another interesting application that I came across is called <a href="http://myechoapp.com/" target="_blank">myEcho</a> and it's an app that you can install on your iPhone and takes advantage of the SIRI technology. This workflow is great if a student has an iPhone and is working on the Windows platform. The student can first purchase <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/myecho-dictation/id870120293?mt=8" target="_blank">myEcho aoo for IOS</a> for a $1.99 and then install the companion app on their Windows desktop, laptop or tablet. Once the iPhone and the computer had been <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_pZ8CKa9hfQlObnEExCkNaQCZoZ5-urfDlUfJRxta54UI3WfEBEDUepOQvw3TSHk4c-4CMxw_2xtP1XcOZ7CZi6SoHmN9IDAi5pNHAxcrS1V9shZqh7XbeCc6alJBch2nezTuO6m-rI/s1600/myecho.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_pZ8CKa9hfQlObnEExCkNaQCZoZ5-urfDlUfJRxta54UI3WfEBEDUepOQvw3TSHk4c-4CMxw_2xtP1XcOZ7CZi6SoHmN9IDAi5pNHAxcrS1V9shZqh7XbeCc6alJBch2nezTuO6m-rI/s200/myecho.png" width="198" /></a></div>paired up, the students simply brings up the myEcho app- clicks on the microphone and begins to dictate. When when you click on the done button the text automatically gets sent to whatever application is open. This would allow a student to use speech recognition using their iPhone as the input mechanism and would allow them to type text directly into an application like Microsoft Word or any application that can accept text. Just like SIRI there is about a 15 second limit but you can continue to add text to your document by clicking on the microphone button. This application is not limited to one computer which would enable a student to  have the <a href="http://myechoapp.com/download" target="_blank">myEcho companion</a> installed on his many computers as they have access to. This is a great solution for students that have an iPhone but are still using a Windows computer at school or at home for productivity <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdfC-dwA10nHyhB53Ttj0rgJcLpbk1sTTufTdIgDtAZzDDnh53CDezlfLpWhvBRACdjRrJ_JQMf9fBg1rlSmUZSVYfspj2dT9dksWU3TirnnR7smX1o2-0ql8VZWxg6hP3-EGCPTZxSg/s1600/IMG_0912.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdfC-dwA10nHyhB53Ttj0rgJcLpbk1sTTufTdIgDtAZzDDnh53CDezlfLpWhvBRACdjRrJ_JQMf9fBg1rlSmUZSVYfspj2dT9dksWU3TirnnR7smX1o2-0ql8VZWxg6hP3-EGCPTZxSg/s320/IMG_0912.PNG" width="180" /></a>This past week Nuance the developers of Dragon NaturallySpeaking released a new app for Android and IOS called <a href="http://www.nuance.com/for-business/by-product/dragon/dragon-anywhere/index.htm" target="_blank">Dragon Anywhere</a>. Dragon Anywhere is a mobile solution with hands-free use while doing speech recognition. Dragon Anywhere allows the student to dictate for as long as they need without having to tap on the microphone button on the keyboard. Dragon Anywhere allows the students to use voice commands to select text, export text and to move the cursor around the document totally hands-free. This power it has been unprecedented until the release of Dragon Anywhere. Once the student has done the dictation it's easy to export the text via email it or even place it in Drop Box.The one downside to <a href="http://www.nuance.com/for-business/by-product/dragon/dragon-anywhere/index.htm" target="_blank">Dragon Anywhere </a>is that there is a monthly subscription fee of $15 to use the app. It really would be great if  Nuance had an educational pricing schedule for students to that schools could begin to pay for this service. Certainly you can see a lot has changed over the last couple of years with regards to speech recognition- making it a much more viable alternative for students that have difficulty in the area of written language. With a little practice these tools can become an invaluable part of their assistive technology toolkit.

Speech Recognition - Coming of Age!

Ever since I've been involved in the field of assistive technology there's always been the hope that speech recognition could assist...

December 17, 2015

Lapworks Adds Two Great Tablet Accessories for the Teacher

Over the years I have reviewed several products from <a href="http://www.laptopdesk.net/gripzilla-omni.html" target="_blank">LapWorks</a>, who has been manufacturing and selling fine accessories for laptops and tablets, but had not heard from them in years. But just last week, I received and email from them announcing some new products for iPads and tablets that I just had to take a look at. Lapworks has just recently released two products that really make a huge difference when you want to use an iPad or Tablet for instruction in the classroom. If you have ever tried to balance or <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEile6zRtGee7akHDZWdL5QkDnlAo_SzlFUYxENT3DXR90EsNIbZqCmYgW6-9BWXx0vpihsqiErwi9XkLvzEmHzbT3YE5ZMPwQfRgVMS8LAIRk1zneIBzImGcXg1oYQk8YtSRZpfPWeCsiM/s1600/gripzilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEile6zRtGee7akHDZWdL5QkDnlAo_SzlFUYxENT3DXR90EsNIbZqCmYgW6-9BWXx0vpihsqiErwi9XkLvzEmHzbT3YE5ZMPwQfRgVMS8LAIRk1zneIBzImGcXg1oYQk8YtSRZpfPWeCsiM/s1600/gripzilla.jpg" /></a></div>hold an iPad or tablet in your hand as you move about the classroom-then you know just how challenging it can be. In today's classroom being able to hold and move about the classroom using your iPad or tablet is important, but the risk of dropping it can be a real concern. This is where the<a href="http://www.laptopdesk.net/gripzilla-omni.html" target="_blank"> Lapworks Gripzilla Omni Soft Neoprene Handle</a> for 7" to 10.5" tablets comes into play.  In class this week I used the <a href="http://www.laptopdesk.net/gripzilla-omni.html" target="_blank">Lapworks Gripzilla Omni Soft Neoprene Handle</a> with my Surface 3 and it worked like a charm. The extensible bracket is spring loaded and held the Surface 3 securely. What I really liked about the accessory was just how quick I could position it into the bracket and be up and running. The soft neoprene strap felt good against my hand and allowed me to securely hold the Surface 3, as I walked across the room. The Lapworks Gripzilla Omni Soft Neoprene Handle allows for up to 360 degree rotation of your tablet which makes it easy to hold, in portrait or landscape mode. The Lapworks Gripzilla Omni Soft Neoprene Handle is lightweight and easy to carry in your knapsack or brief case. If you are a teacher then you need to take a look at the Lapworks Gripzilla Omni Soft Neoprene Handle-it will give you the freedom and confidence to walk around your classroom and use your tablet in the best possible way to teach your students. If you have a larger tablet, then you should take a look at the <a href="http://www.laptopdesk.net/gripzilla-max.html" target="_blank">Lapworks Gripzilla Max for 9.5" to 10.5" tablets </a>Soft Neoprene Handle with the same great design as its smaller brother. You can't go wrong with either one, and I for one will keep the <a href="http://www.laptopdesk.net/gripzilla-omni.html" target="_blank">Lapworks Gripzilla Omni Soft Neoprene</a> Handle in my bag so that I can use it in my classroom.

Lapworks Adds Two Great Tablet Accessories for the Teacher

Over the years I have reviewed several products from LapWorks , who has been manufacturing and selling fine accessories for laptops and tabl...

August 27, 2015

Vernier Go Wireless Link: Creating New Opportunities for Mobile Data Collection

It certainly is exciting times to be involved in the field of educational technology and if your are a science teacher there is even more opportunities with your existing classroom technology to take advantage of using science probeware in your classroom. If you have been following my<a href="http://assistivetek.blogspot.com/2015/04/using-vernier-go-wireless-sensors-in.html" target="_blank"> blog</a>, you know how passionate I am about teachers using <a href="http://assistivetek.blogspot.com/2015/04/using-vernier-go-wireless-sensors-in.html" target="_blank">probeware </a>in the classroom to give students the capability of collecting data in real time. This is an especially important tool if you are supporting students with special needs-in that these tools provide students with a way to see data represented in many different types of ways. Students can view the incoming data in a graph format, table and as a meter.  In July, Vernier Software released the <a href="http://www.vernier.com/products/interfaces/gw-link/" target="_blank">Vernier Go Wireless Link</a> which opens up all kinds of opportunities for students collecting real time data with mobile devices. The <a href="http://www.vernier.com/products/interfaces/gw-link/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Vernier Go Wireless Link</a> is a very small data collection interface that allows you to plug in over 35 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfTyeJmbB3sWSpuN-DOGwSnQ8K-cytVKEgqBRAhQ3XOGf6Klu6kJQgUistPJp_cRBhth6HP188IgmDkhNrA-22LGb0ojDH3QhDog-MFSf1zUVg7xS3BMnRqwXtx_SzEstLNWS4mm-FUU/s1600/vernierwireless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfTyeJmbB3sWSpuN-DOGwSnQ8K-cytVKEgqBRAhQ3XOGf6Klu6kJQgUistPJp_cRBhth6HP188IgmDkhNrA-22LGb0ojDH3QhDog-MFSf1zUVg7xS3BMnRqwXtx_SzEstLNWS4mm-FUU/s200/vernierwireless.jpg" width="147" /></a></div>different Vernier sensors and begin to collect data wirelessly to your iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Later this summer, Vernier will also support Android devices and the LabQuest 2. The diminutive size of the  <a href="http://www.vernier.com/products/interfaces/gw-link/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Vernier Go Wireless Link</a>  makes it an ideal tool for collecting data in the classroom as well as when you are in the field. The  <a href="http://www.vernier.com/products/interfaces/gw-link/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Vernier Go Wireless Link</a>  uses Bluetooth LE and once turned on it will automatically connect to you device without the need to do any configuration. Simply charge the  <a href="http://www.vernier.com/products/interfaces/gw-link/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Vernier Go Wireless Link</a> with the USB cable provided and then you are ready to begin collecting data.  Using the  <a href="http://www.vernier.com/products/interfaces/gw-link/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Vernier Go Wireless Link</a>, to collect real time data is a breeze. Simply turn on the Go Wirelss Link, connect a compatible sensor, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZ-pL8ZVPbtC4JHjkMs752xHf0NGjxBHUAmTlW1R2t8CntUWDohHBSh9nTJJ3zGWAimGBAjLmIHtybwyywwFTyhMVuoXxOeK8vHsoAwWJa1oKAd8VbkSl8Gf5oH0_ZgPMBpspNtrS9hI/s1600/handstrength.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZ-pL8ZVPbtC4JHjkMs752xHf0NGjxBHUAmTlW1R2t8CntUWDohHBSh9nTJJ3zGWAimGBAjLmIHtybwyywwFTyhMVuoXxOeK8vHsoAwWJa1oKAd8VbkSl8Gf5oH0_ZgPMBpspNtrS9hI/s320/handstrength.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right Hand Strength</td></tr></tbody></table>launch Graphical Analysis, tap create experiment, choose Wireless Sensor, choose Go Wireless Link and begin your data collection. I have to say that using the  <a href="http://www.vernier.com/products/interfaces/gw-link/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Vernier Go Wireless Link</a> was very straight forward and easy to use. I connected the  <a href="http://www.vernier.com/products/interfaces/gw-link/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Vernier Go Wireless Link</a>  to a Hand Dynamometer and clicked on the Connect button to start my data collection. Within seconds the data was being graphed on the screen as I squeezed the sensor with my right hand.  Using the  <a href="http://www.vernier.com/products/interfaces/gw-link/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Vernier Go Wireless Link</a>  gives students the opportunity to collect data quickly and accurately and because of the size of the interface they can easily use it in the field away from the iPad. The  <a href="http://www.vernier.com/products/interfaces/gw-link/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Vernier Go Wireless Link</a>  has a range of 30 m which would enable teachers and students to keep the device away from water or other hazards when collecting the data.  So if you have existing <a href="http://www.vernier.com/products/interfaces/gw-link/" target="_blank">compatible </a>Vernier sensors and are looking for a great way to connect them to your IOS or Android devices look no further, the  <a href="http://www.vernier.com/products/interfaces/gw-link/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Vernier Go Wireless Link</a>  is the perfect interface for getting your students collecting data with mobile devices!

Vernier Go Wireless Link: Creating New Opportunities for Mobile Data Collection

It certainly is exciting times to be involved in the field of educational technology and if your are a science teacher there is even more op...

July 23, 2015

Science Under the Lens: ProScope Micro Mobile from Vernier

<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>Getting students engaged in the learning process is paramount these days and what better way to do this than with computer technology. As our American education is going through a transformation there is an understanding that the students in our classrooms today need to become well versed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Looking at the <a href="http://www.nextgenscience.org/" target="_blank">Next Generation Science Standards </a>it is clear that this document is a real paradigm shift in how we deliver instruction in the classroom in these areas. It is clear that the shift <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6w1XRnNctMAtaDF1-OfeqIRJx1fWTH1g8_E-XfbePHrGeNU293qcAMfxrgbcibyAw9QGeWJ-a93ohcstyYylINcV5wZfxLagP3NoDqHtAScJYQgLfU40aAJRt_azVUM47mH6U3PVmv_s/s1600/Proscope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6w1XRnNctMAtaDF1-OfeqIRJx1fWTH1g8_E-XfbePHrGeNU293qcAMfxrgbcibyAw9QGeWJ-a93ohcstyYylINcV5wZfxLagP3NoDqHtAScJYQgLfU40aAJRt_azVUM47mH6U3PVmv_s/s1600/Proscope.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ProScope Micro Mobile</td></tr></tbody></table>is a move away from rote memory to a performance based model of students demonstrating their knowledge by doing and showing their conceptual understanding of the material. It is in this context that <a href="http://www.vernier.com/" target="_blank">Vernier Software and Technology</a> has been providing educators and students with sensors and probes to provide students with the opportunity to perform scientific inquiry. It is clear from the <a href="http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/pdf/main2000/2002452.pdf" target="_blank">research</a>, that giving students hands-on experience with the tools that scientists use is one way for students to develop a deeper understanding of scientific processes and concepts. With many schools adapting the iPad for instruction it is exciting to see how many companies have begun developing accessories that can transpose the device into a tool that students can use for scientific inquiry. It is in this light that V<a href="http://www.vernier.com/" target="_blank">ernier Software and Technology</a> just released the <a href="http://www.vernier.com/products/lab-equipment/proscope/proscope-micro-mobile/" target="_blank">ProScope Micro Mobile</a> which turns the IOS devices and Samsung Galaxy S4 into a digital microscope with 20x-80x magnification utilizing an Edmund high quality glass optic lens. The ProScope Micro Mobile has a built-in lithium battery which keeps its charge for up to 5 hours and has a fast 2 hour charging cycle via a USB cable. The out of box experience was very positive and the Quick Start Guide got me up and running quickly, once I had fully charged the ProScope Micro Mobile.  When you purchase the ProScope Micro Mobile you will need to decide which device you will be using it so that you get buy the proper housing for the lens. The lens can be used with many devices as long as you buy the appropriate housing for your device. Having said this, I fit the lens assembly into the housing and snapped it onto my iPad Air. The lens fits over the camera on the iPad and has a ring of LED's which can be adjusted for the best lighting effect and to reduce surface reflection. At this point you can open your Camera app on your iPad, turn on your ProScope Micro Mobile, adjust the LED's, and adjust the magnification to see what is under your microscope. I placed a strand of my hair under the ProScope Micro Mobile and was amazed at what I was able to see. To capture the strand  <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncetgBjekWWKKi_PnCwDP0ST_zYWsAHd8CxnG0d06MJgTOJRFDqgefzlpGYO-UEYErZEJVlm3PRAocwX6aidyTh2Nmb8OM2xlkpHdNIKn-cFknBKpJcx_MJJIghyphenhyphenbgxaoNJiYom_22Zk/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncetgBjekWWKKi_PnCwDP0ST_zYWsAHd8CxnG0d06MJgTOJRFDqgefzlpGYO-UEYErZEJVlm3PRAocwX6aidyTh2Nmb8OM2xlkpHdNIKn-cFknBKpJcx_MJJIghyphenhyphenbgxaoNJiYom_22Zk/s1600/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captured with IPEVO Whiteboard aa on iPad Air</td></tr></tbody></table>of hair under the ProScope Micro Mobile you simply click on the Camera button to capture the image. The ProScope Micro Mobile allows you to use whichever camera app you elect, which gives you a wide range of options.  Teachers in the classroom may want to consider using the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ipevo-whiteboard/id594766738?mt=8" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 23px;" target="_blank">IPEVO WhiteBoard</a> or the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/stage-interactive-whiteboard/id584574701?mt=8" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 23px;" target="_blank">Belkin Stage app</a> with the ProScope Micro Mobile to give students more options for capturing and annotating what they capture under the microscope. Using the included built-in hands free stand, teachers have the capability of capturing and saving video as well that is under the microscope that they can share with students. For <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCX4Uaq6zzo4BAWEduSbfeFJzeZFopvTFqWDnVC8_kv6bRCro4bGsjKaHQ8rff9KaBXHkNy1N35GW22bBVhkt9qJsYiGclEI1giIZ7UKhSED6XH5erS54Phf3QnyuI7cEZsLxONbR_gJo/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCX4Uaq6zzo4BAWEduSbfeFJzeZFopvTFqWDnVC8_kv6bRCro4bGsjKaHQ8rff9KaBXHkNy1N35GW22bBVhkt9qJsYiGclEI1giIZ7UKhSED6XH5erS54Phf3QnyuI7cEZsLxONbR_gJo/s1600/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaf Under Microsocope</td></tr></tbody></table>$149 dollars the ProScope Micro Mobile is a high quality iPad accessory that can bring science to life for students in the classroom. I for one know that students will get really excited about using this tool in the classroom or in the field to bring science to life. If you are looking for ways to bring excitement back into science and engaging your students in the process then look no further and consider requisitioning the <a href="http://www.vernier.com/products/lab-equipment/proscope/proscope-micro-mobile/?search=mi&category=autosuggest" target="_blank">ProScope Micro Mobile</a>.

Science Under the Lens: ProScope Micro Mobile from Vernier

Getting students engaged in the learning process is paramount these days and what better way to do this than with computer technology. As ou...

September 07, 2014

Belkin Portable Tablet Stage-Right for Any Tablet

It was great having a chance to visit with so many vendors while I attended ISTE 2014 Conference a couple of weeks ago. Walking through the Exhibitors Hall, I was struck by just how much "stuff" is out there that educators need to vet. As I walked the Exhibit Hall I came across some unique products that I know will finds its place into the classroom. One of favorite new products is from Belkin and it is the <a href="http://www.belkin.com/us/p/P-B2B118/" target="_blank">Portable Tablet Stage</a>, a light weight and portable stand for your tablet that can turn it into a great presentation stage. When you pair up the Belkin Portable Tablet Stage with the free Belkin Stage app (Available in Apple App Store & Google Play) you have a wonderful tool for making the classroom come alive. I had reviewed the Belkin <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpEU5tm4vCdxAWZP0VrH72W1F7jjS5mDL89Tj0dp0MsBnuSSoGbrsF3DeY4ZRGyLEQd411NRdgxTGp_hK4HuXDlxil_r2W-rGDS6vEPsL_h3N0_PZRXPBe3Dt1fPbvMAYkW0HHTZrVWQ/s1600/untitled+(6).png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpEU5tm4vCdxAWZP0VrH72W1F7jjS5mDL89Tj0dp0MsBnuSSoGbrsF3DeY4ZRGyLEQd411NRdgxTGp_hK4HuXDlxil_r2W-rGDS6vEPsL_h3N0_PZRXPBe3Dt1fPbvMAYkW0HHTZrVWQ/s1600/untitled+(6).png" /></a></div>Stage app earlier this year and it affords teachers a rich set of tools for turning an IOS or Android device into a great teaching tool. With your tablet set on the Belkin Portable Tablet Stage you can utilize your tablet's camera and turn it into a document camera which you can then annotate on top of. The <a href="http://www.belkin.com/us/p/P-B2B118/" target="_blank">Belkin Portable Tablet Stage</a>  and accompanying Stage app takes your tablet to the interactive whiteboard arena at a fraction of the cost. You can add labels, audio, draw and interact with images right on your tablet using the Stage app. If you like you can record your sessions and email them to your students for later use. The Belkin Portable Tablet Stage is a portable solution for teachers who find that they are moving from classroom to classroom and need a platform to deliver their content. The Belkin Portable Tablet Stage folds up into a small package and should store easily in a backpack or briefcase. At around $99.99 dollars this is great value and one gadget that I'm know I will use in my classroom this fall. For more information about how to purchase this product contact me.

Belkin Portable Tablet Stage-Right for Any Tablet

It was great having a chance to visit with so many vendors while I attended ISTE 2014 Conference a couple of weeks ago. Walking through the ...

July 12, 2014