Coffee for the Brain

New Coffeechug Website! Please Check It Out!

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 20:37:00 +0000

Alright, this winter break I have decided to take the plunge to moving beyond just a blog. After about a year worth of studying and pondering I am moving on.

I have big goals for 2014. One of them is to really push the Coffeechug Universe to a more professional looking feel and approach. In order to do this I have decided to do the following:

1. Host my own site.
2. Buy my own domain
3. Use an Wordpress theme provided by Michael Hyatt(not cheap)
4. Design a website interface that will allow a professional looking touch.
5. Work on my writing - spelling and grammar
6. Push the boundaries of education and what teachers are doing online

I have several big plans with the whole Coffeechug platform that I will share over on my new site.

Here is the link http://coffeeforthebrain.com/

The website has a TON of work left. I am probably opening this up way too early, but I love to share my struggles and learning processes with the world. You will see this site change a million times over the next few months as I just developed this site YESTERDAY!

So, from now on I will be posting and sharing on my new site http://coffeeforthebrain.com/

Please let everyone know. Nothing much is changing in terms of blogging and what I have always done except hopefully for more clarity, greater focus, and better content.

While I work my way through this world of web design and hosting which I realize I know very little about I would love any feedback about what you like, don't like, things you want, don't want, etc. All this feedback helps me create a site that is worth your time.

Thank you so much for all of you who follow this blog. I hope you follow me over to the new site. I know I will lose some readers, but hopefully not the ones that matter most.

While you are there you can catch a glimpse of my latest education experiment using Google Glass that I just announced today.

Eagle Eye To The World Global Project: Year 2! Sign Up NOW!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 17:42:00 +0000

The second year of the global school project focused around two bald eagles, Liberty and Justice, and their journey surviving, laying eggs, and raising eaglets along the freezing waters of the Mississippi River are about to begin.

We have a few weeks left to get signed up.

Monday, December 30th I will be hosting an online meeting to go over the project and answer any questions. The project is filled with unlimited possibilities.

The goal of the collaboration is to help students and teachers learn how to connect and communicate globally while at the same time sharing out what they are learning at the local level. The project is an ongoing project where we come together to share out ideas and projects. I have many ideas in mind and will share those out soon.

Here is the link to the website - http://eagleeyeproject2.wikispaces.com/

Please check it out. Consider signing up. Last year we had four countries and really some amazing work created and gathered. You can check out work from last year here http://eagleeyecamera.wikispaces.com/

We are in need of some more classes to make this project happen. Spread the word and please sign up. It is a blast to watch nature work and so many learning opportunities exist.

If you have questions let me know. Otherwise I look forward to the registration form filling up.

Coffeechug: Living On The Edge of Chaos Podcast Series wants to know what you THINK!

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Thu, 26 Dec 2013 20:27:00 +0000

As I begin to unplug a bit, do some reflecting, and create a vision for 2014 for the whole Coffeechug concept I would love to hear from you.

In particular I would love to know more about what you would like from me and my online offerings in 2014.

My biggest challenge was kicking off my podcast series: Living on the Edge of Chaos

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/coffeechug-concepts-podcast/id438001112?mt=2

I would love to know what episodes you enjoyed and what things you learned from listening.

The podcast is something I have fallen in love with. I plan to make it more professional and to really create some great conversation in the upcoming year.

If you have listened to any of the episodes I would love to hear from you. You can leave a comment or reach out via Twitter or email.

I will be going offline more than usual to rest, reflect, and design the plans for a bigger 2014.

Any suggestions, feedback, comments, or thoughts will help me deliver more thoughtful and helpful material.

Enjoy the holidays and time with families and friends.

Caffeine Fix For Your Brain Newsletter is out! Read Issue 5 now!

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 19:42:00 +0000

Issue #5 is out! http://eepurl.com/KQSnv

Enjoy the content and have a great holiday.

Book Review: Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 14:29:00 +0000

http://www.amazon.com/Steal-Like-Artist-Things-Creative/dp/0761169253

I am a year behind on this amazing artist/writer and this book, but I am so glad I did not miss it completely. I loved this book. It was the inspiration and thought process I needed. As I am working to write my own book and struggling to do so for the last two years, this book really gave me some shape about how to craft my own story as well as thinking about life in different ways.

Once again, this book is not about education, but there is so much to be gained as an educator. As I have stated in previous book reviews this book provides ideas to help us(ourselves) learn to find our voice and ideas. By doing this we can enhance our teaching.

Since reading this book I have continued to push myself by expressing my thoughts via my notebooks and practicing writing #newspaperblackout poems from his other book(review coming).

If you have not checked out his website you need to - http://austinkleon.com/

This book is worth your time to read. It is one to keep at your bedside to revisit from time to time. It is a good book to own because you can go back and read passages over and over again.

For example, one piece does discuss education

School is one thing. Education is another. .......it is always your job to get yourself an education whether in school or not.

I love this! It is so true and something that as an educator we are always trying to help students understand.

To learn more about this amazing book check out the blogger kit

So.... track this book down, read it, buy it, revisit it, and most importantly apply the principles to your life!

Student Voice and Participation in Teacher Project Tuning Session

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 16:27:00 +0000

As our building continues to push forward with Project Based Learning (PBL) and striving to challenge our students and ourselves I have reflected on the many key areas we need to work and develop to make the necessary steps to achievement.

As an instructional coach I have noticed that one of the key elements to developing a quality project for learning that is missing is project tuning.

Project Tuning is a systemic approach to helping a teacher tackle a question or mental block that they have in their development of their project. It is an approach that is very powerful and allows the staff to bond and offer insight. It allows the teacher who is tuning to hear perspectives from outside of their department and/or grade level.

Project Tuning is awesome and is something that we have continued to improve upon as we do more and more of these. The issue is that we don't have enough teachers using this key piece. As we work to provide a structure and schedule for teachers to tune I also started working on another key element to project tuning: STUDENT VOICE

This first semester we had 8th graders work on a Choose2Matter project that we titled #BettPassion. One of the groups, Iowa High Five, is focusing on Student Voice. I brought them in last week to discuss the possibility of branching out student voice to a "behind the scenes" element of project tuning.

Last week we met with them and the principle to discuss this idea. They were excited at the opportunity. We talked about the system and things that need to be worked out.

I typed up two documents for them as well as the teachers to provide them with some structure.

Wednesday we were able to pull four of the girls into my room to do an actual project tuning and give them some practice. We had the opportunity to tune a project for a teacher that has an idea and is able to put his guard down to allow these students to practice.

It was amazing! We had one other teacher show up along with our principle and myself. The students jumped right in and nailed it. They provided some great insight that we don't always think about as teachers and adults. They were open and honest and really provided a lot of great ideas. I was quite impressed by their maturity and honesty. I know it can be tough to really open up as a student to teachers and admin.

We are going to continue to find ways to include at least two students in each project tuning session from here on out. We will have to work on developing a pool of students to use. It really needs to be thought through because you need students who are honest and willing to speak the truth while also having a maturity level to handle this opportunity.

I am so excited to continue this journey and help enhance the power of student voice in our building. I will continue to provide documents, reflections, and hopefully a few video sessions to show how these project tunings operate.

Coffeechug delivers over 40 App Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 15:43:00 +0000

http://coffeechug.postach.io/

To declutter my blog a bit and not bombard the site with app reviews I have created a new system. I am using a template I created that fits perfectly with my Evernote account. From there I can published directly to postach.io.

I will be developing a tutorial of how I did all this, but in the meantime I wanted to share out my latest app reading reviews. I have over 40 apps I have read and reviewed over the last month. My template for review is quick and to the point to not bore readers to death.

Here is the link - http://coffeechug.postach.io/

I would love feedback, comments, suggestions as well as any apps that I should check out. I will be adding many other apps each week. I have hundreds to add.

Enjoy and look forward to hearing from you.

What are your keys to being productive? I want to know!

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 16:10:00 +0000

After reading several profiles of successful people in magazines, books, blogs, websites, and social media I have decided to begin to compile information about trends of people who are productive.

I have created a very short Google Form to gather and compile key aspects of being productive from people in all fields of occupation.

Below you will find seven questions. I will be sharing out what I find. Please help spread the word and have your friends and colleagues complete this as well.

I am excited to find out more as I am sure that there will be something we can all learn from.

This is one of the most exciting things I have decided to do. I thank you in advance for contributing to this little research project.

Loading...

#CoffeechugCAFE Podcast Series: Living on Edge of Chaos - Episode 7: Todd Henry

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 11:47:00 +0000

Todd Henry is the author of two great books - The Accidental Creative and his latest release Die Empty. You can check out his website http://www.accidentalcreative.com/ where you can find his podcasts and all social media links.

I read Accidental Creative a few months back and absolutely fell in love with this book and his work. http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com/search?q=todd+henry

I then pre ordered Die Empty and absorbed that book even more so. I liked it even more than Accidental Creative. The basis of the book is to help people, companies, businesses, and organizations do their most important work. As I read this book I could relate almost all of it to education and to the many ideas that I am striving for within my own job in education.

I sent Todd an email about chatting with me on this podcast and I jumped for joy when he said yes.

Here is the link to his latest book, Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Everyday

Show Notes

Follow this podcast on iTunes and please feedback and ratings.

Listen to podcast on Podomatic.com

If you would like to watch the Google Hangout you can watch it on YouTube

All Social Media for Todd Henry - Please follow and learn from one of the best!

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/toddhenry

Websites

http://www.toddhenry.com/

http://dieempty.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/toddhenry.ac

All Social Media for Coffeechug - I would love to have you join my PLN

MY BLOG http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com/

ABOUT ME http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com/p/coffee-for-brain-book-swap.html

TWITTER https://twitter.com/coffeechugbooks

GOOGLE + https://plus.google.com/u/0/113960577497815089175/posts

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter(right sidebar on blog)

Links to items mentioned in the podcast

Steven Pressfield - War of Art

Alec Baldwin Podcast Here's The Thing

Google Glass for Bettendorf Middle School Students

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/google-glass-for-bms-students-and-teachers/x/5714753

Please help bring #GoogleGlass to Bettendorf Middle School #bettpride

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 13:00:00 +0000

I jumped for joy and spilled my coffee when I finally received an email for Google Glass. This has been the moment I have been waiting for. My students are excited and pumped at this possibility. The problem we have is that I don't have $1500 sitting around to spend.

We have ideas. We have cool ideas. We have ideas in our brains that we have not even developed yet until we have Google Glass.

We would love to have you help us out. The possibilities are endless.

The invite expires in just a few days. Time is short and demand is high. Please consider helping us out. In return we will make you part of our learning journey and make this one amazing learning opportunity.

Book Review: Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Every Day by Todd Henry

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 11:50:00 +0000

Buy the book from Amazon.com

Back in September I came across a book titled Accidental Creative which was a book by Todd Henry. I fell in love with this book and when I finished reading it I became a fan of Todd Henry. When I went to check out his website I noticed at the time that Die Empty was available for pre-order and I bought it right away.

If this book was half as good as Accidental Creative, then I knew it would be worth the money.

I was not left disappointed.

Todd Henry offers another dose of material that is very worthwhile. It is not a tough read, but offers so many great pieces of advice, ideas, and tools to use to really answer the essential question of

"Did the work I did today really matter?"

This is what I believe is at the heart of this book. Ideas and techniques to make sure that that you answer yes to this question.

The one passage that stands out to me over the rest and is one I continue to reflect upon is that idea that if you were videotaped all day for a documentary to showcase your day how would you behave and act? What things would you cut out of your "regular" day? So, with this in mind why do we not live that way and spend time wasting moments?

I think I honestly highlighted more words than words not highlighted. There is just so many great pieces of advice and wisdom laid out.

It does not matter your business, lifestyle, age, or goals in life. This materials applies to all of us and that is why this book is successful. You don't need a successful company, you don't need money, you don't need connections. What you need is a change in your mindset which we are all capable of doing.

I have already begun to test out some small experiments to improve my productivity. The goal is to end each day answering yes to the question above and leaving nothing in my tank! I don't want to be mediocre.

This is a must read to help get your mind right with not being too preachy. Toddy Henry has delivered again! This book is worth your time, your application of the ideas, and money to buy the book.

One of the top 10 reads of the year so far!

App Review: Blue Ocean Bob

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 12:22:00 +0000

Name of App

Blue Ocean Bob

iTunes Link

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/blue-ocean-bob/id611617933?mt=8

Price

$2.99

App Icon

Decent. Main character on display, but nothing special

Ease of Use

Three options - Play to Me, Read to Me, and I Can Read are easy to access and each plays and operates very smoothly without any glitch or confusion.

Overall Feel

Smooth flow. The Play to Me option just takes care of business where all you have to do is just sit and listen. Read to Me highlights the words in red to follow along which is a must in my book. Read on Own allows user to click on red words for definitions. Very nice addition

What is Good?

Good story line and the three reading options.

What is Not Good?

No interactions unless you count the matching game at the end. Perhaps this is not so bad to not be distracted from the goal of reading. Typically, people choose apps for interactions, not just straight reading.

Yahoo or Boo

Yahoo. Enough here to give a plus rating. I like that the app has three reading options based on comforts of child. More apps should have these three options.

Coffeechug Hall of Fame

Use It Again

Weekly Dose of Caffeine #3 Newsletter is Out!

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 17:00:00 +0000

Coffee For The Brain - Weekly Dose of Caffeine #3 - eepurl.com/Jt3bP

App Review: DogCatChicken

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 20:48:00 +0000

Name of App

DogCatChicken

iTunes Link

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dogcatchicken/id692204801

Price

$2.99

App Icon

Okay, would appeal to younger kids

Ease of Use

Simple. Nothing too complicated. My 2 year old could figure it out.

Overall Feel

I tested this app out on my two year old. She likes the interactions, animations, and the pages.

What is Good?

Interactions and easy to manipulate

What is Not Good?

The one thing that I drove me nuts was that there was no built in reader. Many times my kids like to be left alone to read and explore. How is she to learn and hear the story if there is not option to have the words read to them?

Yahoo or Boo

Boo, book apps must have a built in reader.

Coffeechug Hall of Fame

Use It Again

App Review: Carnival of Animals: Music Education for Your Kids

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 16:01:00 +0000

Name of App

Carnival of Animals: Music Education for Your Kids

iTunes Link

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/carnival-animals-music-education/id655525796?mt=8

Price

Free

App Icon

Draws the attention on my 2 year old. Bright and colorful

Ease of Use

Too much upfront info and cut scenes to get to the actual stories. As an adult I liked all the info, but for a kid this would be a distraction and they would just move to another app.

Overall Feel

It was clever how the pop tabs create the animations. Just on the brink of being a bit too cheesy, but I actually liked it as kids can relate to regular books with same format.

What is Good?

I loved the explanation of music and brain development on main screen. Learning objectives are stated.

What is Not Good?

Too clunky and not really smooth to figure out what to do exactly. I cannot see a younger child being able to have fun with this app. The interface is just not that good. Ideas and premise are spot on, but usability is off.

Yahoo or Boo

Boo - lost interest by interface

Coffeechug Hall of Fame

Use It Again

No, will not be keeping on iPad

App Review: Amelia and Terror of the Night - Interactive Story Book for Kids

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 16:37:00 +0000

Name of App

Amelia and Terror of the Night - Interactive Story Book for Kids

iTunes Link

Price

$2.99

App Icon

Love it!

Ease of Use

Very easy to use and nice highlights to find hidden surprises.

Overall Feel

Just loved it! Music was upbeat. Reader voice was perfect for story.

What is Good?

Everything. Outlines of hidden items. Sound effects. Parts of story had no interactions to focus on story line. Other pages were loaded with items to touch, games, and of course trying to find all 60 stars for bonus material.

What is Not Good?

Could not find anything wrong. I really enjoyed this one all the way through.

Yahoo or Boo

Yahoo!

Coffeechug Hall of Fame

We have our first entry into my Hall of Fame. The guitar slaying squirrel is my favorite!

Use It Again

YES! This one is a good one for all of my kids.

You're Not That Innovative(and that's okay) by Adam Bluestein and Converting Ideas to Education

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 12:18:00 +0000

This post is going to be based on the following article written by Adam Bluestein posted in Inc. Magazine in the 9.2013 issue. You might want to read the article first.

You're Not That Innovative(and that's okay) by Adam Bluestein - http://www.inc.com/magazine/201309/less-innovation-is-better.html

Below are excerpts from the article in bold with my thoughts applied to education. Always open for your thoughts.

What if innovation is not the panacea it's said to be?

Innovation and Creativity is a huge push in education right now. I push it more than anyone and live my life on the Edge of Chaos continually trying to come up with new ways of doing things. However, not everyone is like me. And that is okay. Do we need every educator to be this way? I don't think so. Schools need a wide flavor of teaching styles and mindsets. I did not always think this way, but am starting to realize the importance of variety of a staff to ensure quality education.

How much disruptive innovation do you really need to advance your business goals?"

Schools need disruptive innovation. You need educators pushing the boundaries to make new things happen. BUT, you don't need your entire staff. You need a few out exploring the new frontiers. Much like history. Countries did not send their entire population to new uncharted territories. They sent a few to figure things out and once established sent more. Education and schools need to be the same way with new crazy ideas.

On average, the most successful companies devoted about 70 percent of their innovation assets (time and money) to "safe" core initiatives; 20 percent to slightly more risky adjacent ones; and just 10 percent to transformational, or disruptive, ones.

I love this excerpt. Perhaps schools should be the same. A majority of the staff should be "safe" and tweak existing practices in small steps, but nothing too crazy. 1/4 or so of staff should be a bit more risky taking on new ideas to see what happens that eventually the "safe" group could adapt once things are worked out. You need just a small group to be the crazy disruptive ones. They are the ones that are way out there doing things that challenge the status quo and things that have never been done. They are two steps ahead. Then the next group adapts their ideas over time and the safe group implements.

This seems like a safer approach to ensuring quality education while still pushing the frontiers of education. I think this keeps teachers grounded without feeling like a failure while still challenging everyone within the confines of where their comfort zones exist. Schools cannot be too overboard with disruptive innovation, but on the flip side schools cannot just sit back and be happy with how things are going.

Core innovation involves making incremental changes to improve existing products for existing customers

We don't always have to be drastic in decisions. Look at any successful company or product and it is just a minor tweak on existing platforms. Education should be the same. Educators should never be satisfied, but we cannot lose our focus on what we need to accomplish.

Transformational (a.k.a. disruptive) innovations involve inventing things for markets that don't exist yet--say, iTunes or Starbucks. Of course, when a disruptive innovation succeeds, the returns can be enormous.

Love this passage as well. When the educators who are way out there do get a hold of something special it is going to be awesome. Yet we cannot expect all teachers to be out there hoping for their ideas to be the next greatest thing. Students lose out in the end. Consistency is still a must for their day to day routines.

Coming up with ideas isn't nearly as hard as determining which ones are any good and figuring out what to do with them.

Educators are just like students and we don't like to be criticized. Sometimes we have to put our big boy pants on and accept that our ideas are not the best. That is life. We adapt and learn. We adjust. We learn from the ideas and tweak them to make them better. Don't get pouty and give up. Be open and honest and adapt to make the ideas good. Feedback is essential. Have a backbone. Be ready for criticism. If you never get any feedback, then you really know your idea is bad.

A cool idea that excites your engineers should never become a working project until someone can articulate how it actually solves a pressing problem that your customers have.

When we come up with ideas we must have time to have conversation about the idea. We need feedback and suggestions. Educators should project tune. They should also do the project or idea before implementing with students. We have to ensure the idea is a good one before entering the classroom and impacting student learning.

"You never have enough resources and time to attack all your opportunities," says Sher. "You want to focus on the best ones, so you can finish them first. Two nonessential ones get done, the important ones don't, and there's no value created."

Time is always a complaint in education. It is a complaint in all aspects of life. The goal should be to figure what is the most important idea to tackle and tackle it. We cannot spread ourselves so thin that we never really get anything accomplished. This is a major flaw of mine that I am working on currently.

Doblin found, companies get the highest return on investment when they focus on things such as improving business models, internal processes, and customer experience.

Education for students will increase when schools focus on their education models and organization, communication among staff and taking care of their educators, and ensuring the students have opportunities to learn.

App Review: Axel Scheffler's Flip Flap Farm

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 18:49:00 +0000

Name of App

Axel Scheffler's Flip Flap Farm

iTunes Link

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/axel-schefflers-flip-flap/id681875831

Price

$.99

App Icon

Like it as it generates interest in animal combos, but does not stand out to me on full display of apps

Ease of Use

Took me a minute to figure out what to do, but once I realized you just make animal combos it was super easy to figure out. A kid probably would have figured it out right away.

Overall Feel

Interesting. Many animal combos. Each combo has an individual story/poem. Fun and creative

What is Good?

All the combos.Pretty cool and something I have not seen before.

What is Not Good?

Don't have much, but my adult mind falls guilty of bad thoughts. Be aware of when you mix a dog and chicken. Just saying! (check out my Instagram account to find out!)

Yahoo or Boo

Yahoo

Coffeechug Hall of Fame

Use It Again

Yes, my kids get a kick out of this one.

I want to drink coffee with @alexisohanian ! Book Review Without Their Permission

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 12:24:00 +0000

Buy the book on Amazon

This is a light read. It is not intense. It comes across like a conversation with Alexis. I think many people were hoping for a clear cut path of lists and bullet points to plot out how to do "X".

Instead this is far from this. What I took away from this book is more of the style and personality of Alexis that has allowed him to be successful.

As always I took down notes into Evernote that I found interesting and tried to convert the ideas to the platform of education.

Reading many reviews online I think that had Alexis crafted a plan on how to live without permission would go against the grain of the essence of the book. The idea is go for it and had he laid out a plan, then you would have received permission.

Here are some key parts of the book that stood out to me.

1. Global connectivity is not just changing the way we do business, it is changing the way we think of value.

This holds true even more so after watching the 60 Minutes segment on Amazon.com and Amazon Air and their drones.

2. You have go to be willing to disrupt and be disrupted.

We have to remember that once we make statement people will disagree. This is what causes a lot of fear in people. We have to be strong and believe in our change.

3. These three questions are perfect for education and the classroom. When we talk with students about their work/projects these are great conversation pieces to have.

1. Why is your idea something that people want?

2. How will you sell it to your intended audience?

3. How you will do this better than your competitors?

4. When I find myself doing something that I know the normal person is not doing, then I know I am on to something.

In education we cannot all be alike. Teachers must develop projects and learning opportunities for students to shine and students must embrace the chance to celebrate who they are. We don't need test taking robots. We need innovators and creators. Time to celebrate the disruptors.

5. "The only advice that I can give that I guarantee is true is that you will never succeed unless you try. Just please start. You don't need anyone's permission."

This is my mantra for life. Ask for forgiveness, not permission.

6. Here is the thing about ideas: ideas are worthless. Execution is everything.

This is something I am working on along with helping educators and students. We must begin to act. Talking is no longer enough. Discover, develop, and dive in to make ideas happen.

I liked this book. After reading this book I really want to meet Alexis. I would love to have him on my podcast. I look forward to following his journey. The book is one you can read quickly and take away some key tips. Don't expect a game changer and don't expect specific strategies. That is for you to develop and create!

App Review: Fine Feathered Friends (Dr. Seuss/Cat in the Hat)

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 12:24:00 +0000

App Review Here

Name of App

Fine Feathered Friends (Dr. Seuss/Cat in the Hat)

iTunes Link

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fine-feathered-friends-dr./id659622052

Price

$5.99

App Icon

Ease of Use

Simple interface, easy to figure out. Lots to touch and interaction

Overall Feel

Everything you touch gives a name. Lot of words to hear and learn.

What is Good?

Everything you touch a word pops up. Even the individual text words. Bold words give a definition. Structure of Dr. Seuss is always a favorite. A lot of content to this app. Many pages and interactions.

What is Not Good?

Does the name of the boy really need to be Dick?

Yahoo or Boo

Yahoo, even though the name of the boy really bothered me. Seriously, call him any other name.

Coffeechug Hall of Fame

Use It Again

App Review: A Word's a Bird

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 14:35:00 +0000

App Review is Here

Prototype of App Review Template. Seeking Feedback and Logo Design

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 14:06:00 +0000

I am in the midst of adding reviews for apps that I am testing out, reading, evaluating, using, etc.

As I continue to write up my reviews I feel like a broken record spewing the same phrases over and over.

Nobody has time to read these phrases and descriptions.

This weekend I came up with a new plan. This plan will be simple, easy to read, easy to digest, and take little time while providing honest feedback.

I sketched out a basic template in my Stimulus Queue book that I was going to share for feedback, but my 2 year old decided to do some of her own artwork.

I am in the process of developing an icon for each category. Each category will then have a very short description of honest feedback. Simple phrases and words.

Here are the categories

1. App Icon
2. Color/Layout of book/app/design
3. Ease of use
4. Overall Feel
5. Good
6. Not So Good
7.Yahoo or Boo
8. Hall of Fame
9. Price
10. Use It Again

Each one will be graded on my own biased feedback.

What do you think? Thoughts on these categories. Do you think this will be helpful? Should I eliminate or add?

I will be sampling these 10 categories with the next few app reviews. In the meantime I will be working on designing a logo icon for each category. If you want to create one and submit it to me I will gladly use it and make sure you are given credit.

Carry on my coffee consuming legion!

I Lied! I am sharing Caffeine For The Brain Issue 2

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 16:15:00 +0000

So, last Saturday I shared out via blog post my first issue of my newsletter that I have created to share out every Saturday morning.

In that post I said I would not blog about future issues, but today I have decided to lie and share out my second issue.

Why? Because it is loaded with some good tidbits for thinking as we wrap up this holiday weekend.

I just did not want you miss out on the goodies shared in the newsletter.

Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss out on future issues.

Enjoy http://eepurl.com/Jp91f

App Review: A to Sea Alphabet App

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 13:38:00 +0000

A to Sea

I liked this app. The pages are full of color. Animations are good. It keeps the eyes busy. What I liked best are the really interesting facts that pop up at the bottom of the screen. I learned many new things as I checked this app out with my kids.

The app basically teaches the alphabet with each letter being an animal. My kids really got a kick out of the flying fish page.

What impressed me most is that it did not come across as cheesy. Too many apps look cheaply made and constructed. This one is simple, easy to navigate, and can hold the attention of a 2-3 year old.

Another app at the $4.99 price range which must be the norm. Not bad if looking for an alphabet book. The option to go to specific page is a nice addition as well.

Drinking my coffee, I am sure glad I am not the icefish for letter I as it is much too cold for me to go for a swim!

Living on Edge of Chaos Podcast - Episode 6 - Clive Thompson

noreply@blogger.com (coffeechug) — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:16:00 +0000

Holy Cow! Did I just type in the title that I chatted with the writer and author Clive Thompson? The writer for New York Times, my favorite article in every issue of Wired magazine, and the author of my favorite read of the year Smarter Than You Think: How Technology is Changing Our Minds For The Better (click the book icon below to buy)

Yes, I did just name drop that. Clive took time out of his busy schedule to chat with me for about 45 minutes to talk about how the new literacies and emerging technologies are shaping our world with a lens on education.

I feel quite honored to be able to present this podcast.

It was a chat that left me tweeting

Just had a great conversation with @pomeranian99 for upcoming podcast. He melted my brain and has opened my eye to new thought.
— Aaron Maurer (@coffeechugbooks) November 26, 2013

Go ahead and give it a listen, leave me some feedback on iTunes and let me know what you thought of the conversation. I did have some audio recording issues so my last question where I ask Clive to speak about predictive technologies was lost. That is a bummer as he gave such an awesome answer. I think the rest of the podcast will leave your brain full and you will finish listening excited to know more.

Show Notes

Follow and listen to this podcast on iTunes and please feedback and ratings. I would love it if you listened to it on iTunes also. Don't just follow, but listen as that is more important than anything!

iTunes link to the show

Listen to podcast on Podomatic.com below

ABOUT ME http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com/p/coffee-for-brain-book-swap.html

TWITTER https://twitter.com/coffeechugbooks

GOOGLE + https://plus.google.com/u/0/113960577497815089175/posts

All Social Media for Clive Thompson

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pomeranian99

Websites

http://www.collisiondetection.net/

http://clivethompson.tumblr.com/

Please let me know what you thought. Any questions, feedback, suggestions, etc.