HOMEWORK ASSISTANT

Best Computers, Tablets and eBook Readers

2019-06-29T15:39:00.000-04:00

As September approaches, students and parents are heading to the stores for all their back to school shopping. On the top of many people's lists will be some electronic device: a computer, tablet, or e-book reader. So, this week I am including links to reviews on the best desktops, laptops, tablets, and e-book readers for students.

With the assistance of the links below you should be able to narrow down your options when it comes to selecting the right technology for back to school.

Best Desktop Computers:

http://reviews.cnet.com/best-desktops/

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2372609,00.asp

Best Laptop Computers:

http://reviews.cnet.com/best-laptops/

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2369981,00.asp

Best Tablets:

http://reviews.cnet.com/best-tablets/

Best E-Book Readers:

http://reviews.cnet.com/best-ebook-readers/

If you're on a tight budget and looking to spend as little as possible, consider buying a refurbished computer or tablet by visiting the links below:

http://store.apple.com/ca/browse/home/specialdeals

http://www.dell.com/outlet

Improve Study Skills

2019-01-01T15:03:00.000-05:00

Being successful as a student and as a person requires mastering a variety of different study and life skills. The following list of books will assist students in learning these skills.
As a student, you will find that reading any of the books will be time well spent.

For more information on or to purchase any of these books, you can click on any of the titles. Many of the books are also available at the public library.

- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens Personal Workbook by Sean Covey

- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens Journal Spiral-bound by Stephen R. Covey

- Daily Reflections For Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey

- The 6 Most Important Decisions You'll Ever Make: A Guide for Teens by Sean Covey

- Success Express for Teens: 50 Life-Changing Activities by Roger Leslie

- The Choice Is Yours: The 7 Habits Activity Guide for Teens Spiral-bound by Sean Covey

- Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens: Simple Ways to Keep Your Cool in Stressful Times (Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Series) Paperback by Richard Carlson

- Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: 101 Stories of Life, Love and Learning (Chicken Soup for the Soul) Paperback by Jack Canfield

- Life Strategies for Teens Paperback by Jay McGraw

- Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations Hardcover by Alex Harris

- Life Lists for Teens: Tips, Steps, Hints, and How-Tos for Growing Up, Getting Along, Learning, and Having Fun Paperback by Pamela Espeland

- What Do You Really Want? How to Set a Goal and Go for It! A Guide for Teens Paperback by Beverly K. Bachel

- How to Win Friends and Influence People for Teen Girls Paperback by Donna Dale Carnegie

- The Success Principles for Teens: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be Paperback by Jack Canfield

- Life Strategies for Teens (Workbook) Paperback by Jay McGraw

- Be True to Yourself: A Daily Guide for Teenage Girls Paperback by Amanda Ford

- GirlWise: How to Be Confident, Capable, Cool, and in Control Paperback by Julia DeVillers

- The Anger Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Deal With Anger and Frustration (Instant Help) Paperback by Raychelle Cassada Lohmann

- Teens Can Make It Happen: Nine Steps for Success Paperback by Stedman Graham

- How to Study Paperback by Ron Fry

Stop Procrastinating and Get Your Work Done

2014-12-01T13:50:00.000-05:00

“Most of what we say and do is not essential. If you can eliminate it, you’ll have more time, and more tranquillity. Ask yourself at every moment, ‘Is this necessary?”

– Marcus Aurelius

“Our life is frittered away by detail... simplify, simplify.”

– Henry David Thoreau

Do you procrastinate? We all do it sometimes, put off doing something important because we find it difficult, stressful or unpleasant. But getting things done and on time is the key to being successful at school and at work.

So, how can you change your tendency to procrastinate? The following articles provide valuable advice. Try some of the tips. If they don't work for you, try some of the other tips. Everyone is unique. Eventually you'll find the combination that works best for YOU and you'll find getting your work done will be easier and faster than before.

How to Stop Procrastinating

http://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/2006/04/04/how-to-stop-procrastinating/

Find Motivation to Do Homework
http://m.wikihow.com/Find-Motivation-to-Do-Homework

20 Procrastination Hacks

http://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/2007/05/21/20-procrastination-hacks/

My Fav Procrastination Hack – 30-10
http://zenhabits.net/my-fav-procrastination-hack-30-10/

10 Ways To Give Yourself A Procrastination Inoculation
http://zenhabits.net/10-ways-to-give-yourself-a-procrastination-inoculation/

Classroom Presentation Software

2014-08-01T12:41:00.000-04:00

Looking for software to help you create an interesting classroom presentation? Try any of the products below. Remember, your content or information comes first. Then add design elements such as photos, videos and transitions to make the content more interesting. Always keep your audience in mind. Will they be able to see and hear your presentation from across the room? If not, enlarge your font, bring external speakers, and add anything else you'll need to improve the presentation. Finally, add a "Works Cited" that includes all your sources (including photos) and proofread the presentation for any errors.

Popular Presentation Software

Available to all web users:

Prezi - Create and edit your online presentations from any computer (Free). Begin by clicking on the following link:
http://prezi.com/

Google Docs - Create and edit your online documents from any computer (Free).

https://docs.google.com

Open Office - Free to download and use presentation software for your PC computer (Free)

http://why.openoffice.org/

Available on all school computers or to those who have purchased the software:

Microsoft Office PowerPoint is the most popular way to present your research findings for a variety of audiences. For Microsoft Office training visit the following link: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/support/training-FX101782702.aspx?redir=0

Available to Mac users who have purchased the software:

Apple iWork Keynote presentation software allows for additional special effects. Click on the link below for several video tutorials on using Apple's Keynote software.http://www.apple.com/findouthow/iwork/#keynote-intro

With the assistance of the above programs, students will be able to add interest to classroom oral presentations.

Improve Typing Speed & Accuracy on Apple iPad

2014-07-01T11:29:00.000-04:00

As someone who has been using Apple's iOS devices since the beginning of 2008, I am very familiar with the limitations of a virtual keyboard. While it is possible to use your thumbs with the iPhone's keyboard even if it is slower than typing on a physical keyboard, with the iPad this thumb typing method doesn't really work, particularly when the iPad is in landscape mode. So, I decided to explore other options for improving the speed and accuracy of typing on virtual keyboards.

Wireless Bluetooth keyboards

The most obvious solution for the limitations of the virtual keyboard is to purchase Apple's wireless Bluetooth keyboard. Click on the following link for more information. http://www.apple.com/ca/keyboard/ This is a light-weight, elegant looking keyboard that makes typing long documents on an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch faster and easier, but the $69 price tag may be too much for students on a budget.

The Source sells a similar looking Wireless Bluetooth keyboard by Nexxtech for $49.99. For more information, click on the link below. http://www.thesource.ca/estore/product.aspx?language=en-CA&catalog=Online&category=Mice&product=2605028

Another option for those who want to use a physical keyboard with their tablets and smartphones, etc. is the Hip Street Mini Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard with Tablet Stand ($48 at Walmart). Follow the link for more information. http://www.walmart.ca/Electronics/Computers/Tablets/HS-Mini-BT-Keyboard-W-Tablet-StandThe portable Mini Bluetooth V2.0 Keyboard is compatible with BlackBerry PlayBook, Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy, and all tablet PC's.

Voice Recognition

More recently, I've discovered another way to quickly and easily input text into an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch with an app called Dragon Dictation (free from the iTunes app store). Dragon Dictation is an easy to use voice recognition application that allows users to dictate text for emails, tweets, documents, etc. Once you're finished dictating the text, you can email it or copy and paste it into an iOS document of your choice. In my experience, Dragon Dictation is very accurate, but you will need to experiment with it to find what works for you. For example, I've noticed that punctuation needs to be verbally stated for the program to record it.

If you're finding typing on a tablet or smartphone's virtual keyboard slow and inaccurate, you may find that using a wireless Bluetooth keyboard or voice recognition software such as those mentioned above solves your problem.

Movies from the National Film Board (NFB)

2014-06-01T10:05:00.000-04:00

Looking for a school subject specific movie for your next presentation? The National Film Board (NFB) provides thousands of online films including documentaries, alternative dramas and animations that you can view online on the web and are free for personal use. They even have upcoming releases, playlists and trailers.

To check out the National Film Board's selection, follow the links below. You can search by school subject or by title, genre, format, etc.

NFB Films - School Subject Index
http://www.nfb.ca/subjects/

NFB - Search for a Specific Film
http://www.nfb.ca/explore-all-films/

Backpack Too Heavy? Try an eReader.

2013-08-18T10:37:00.000-04:00

When it comes to students carrying large, heavy backpacks to and from school, it looks like not much has changed since I was a student. However, as digital book readers or eReaders become less expensive and widely available, the prospect of a lighter, even smaller backpack is no longer a dream.

While there are many other eReaders on the market, technology reviewers have identified the best models in the link below, all of which can carry thousands of books on a device that is thinner and lighter than a paperback.

Best E-Book Readers:

http://reviews.cnet.com/best-ebook-readers/

If you prefer a device that does more than read digital books but is still lighter than a laptop, then a tablet computer may be just what you are looking for. While devices such as the iPad are more expensive and heavier than an eReader, they will allow students to also do things like deliver presentations or take notes (albeit on a virtual keyboard, unless they are paired with a Bluetooth keyboard). For more on this subject see my blog post: "Improve Typing Speed and Accuracy on iPad and iPhone".

Best Tablets:

http://reviews.cnet.com/best-tablets/

If want an Apple iPad but you're on a tight budget, you can save money by purchasing from Apple's refurbished store through the link below.

Apple Store - Refurbished iPad:

http://store.apple.com/ca/browse/home/specialdeals

By using any of the recommended eReaders or tablets above, students can enjoy the benefits of a lighter backpack.

Avoid iPhone or Video Game Addiction to Focus

2013-07-28T13:12:00.000-04:00

“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand.

The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.”

– Alexander Graham Bell

In today's classroom there is a growing number of students with smart phones and other hand held gadgets. Because of the addictive nature of these devices, it is becoming increasingly difficult for teachers to compete for attention with these colourful, glowing devices. Yet, students aren't the only ones whose attention is being held captive by these gadgets. Adults too have become vulnerable.

So, what is it about iPhones and video games that makes them so addictive?
The article below explains.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/addiction-in-society/201204/iphones-games-and-the-addictive-experience

Here is another article on how to keep these gadgets under control and regain your concentration.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/people-in-nature/201204/the-sirens-technology

Forest of Reading Recommended Books

2012-12-01T15:03:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for a good book to read for class or leisure, here are some suggestions from the Forest of Reading, a Project of the Ontario Library Association (OLA).

Here is a description of the program from OLA:

"The Forest of Reading® is Canada's largest recreational reading program! This initiative of the Ontario Library Association (OLA) offers eight reading programs to encourage a love of reading in people of all ages. The Forest® helps celebrate Canadian books, publishers, authors and illustrators. More than 250,000 readers participate annually from their School and/or Public Library. All Ontarians/Canadians are invited to participate via their local public library, school library, or individually."

For more information on the program, click on the link below:

http://www.accessola.org/ola_prod/OLAWEB/Forest_of_Reading/Welcome/OLAWEB/Forest_of_Reading/Welcome.aspx

Archive of the Winners and Nominees:
https://www.accessola.org/OLAWEB/Forest_of_Reading/Awards_Winners.aspx?&WebsiteKey=397368c8-7910-4dfe-807f-9eeb1068be31&hkey=44e84890-3e3b-474b-996a-f4e9b5c6fcff

Forest of Reading books are available from the school library and/or the Toronto Public Library.

Enjoy!

Publish an eBook for Amazon Kindle or Apple iPad

2012-11-01T09:39:00.000-04:00

“If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” ~ Toni Morrison

Looking to publish your own eBook?

Modern advances in technology have made self publishing an eBook easier than ever before. Most readers are familiar with the Amazon Kindle eReader or the Apple iPad tablet. Amazon allows writers to self publish to its Kindle eBook store by following the instructions on its Kindle Direct Publishing page (see link below).

If you own an Apple Mac computer, you can download the free iBooks Author app from the Mac App Store which allows you to self publish an eBook formatted for the iPad.

For more information, check out the resources below.

Amazon - Kindle Direct Publishing

https://kdp.amazon.com/self-publishing/signin/175-1305480-5192611

How to Create an E-book for the Kindle Reader

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/how_create_e-book_kindle_reader

Self Publishing on Amazon: Kindle Direct Publishing

http://blog.karenwoodward.org/2012/04/self-publishing-on-amazon-kindle-direct.html

Apple iBooks Author

http://www.apple.com/ibooks-author/

How to Publish Your Book in the iBookstore

http://www.copyblogger.com/publish-in-ibookstore/

How To Get A Free Canadian ISBN Number

http://blog.karenwoodward.org/2011/07/how-to-get-free-canadian-isbn-number.html

Sources of Free eBooks, Newspapers and Magazines

2012-09-01T21:30:00.000-04:00

Today, most of the popular eReaders provide access to a dedicated store from which you can purchase and download books, magazines and newspapers. While the cost of these eBooks can quickly add up, there are many ways that students on a budget can add FREE content to their eReaders.

1. Download Free Classics from the Amazon Kindle, Kobo or Apple iBooks store.

The classics are free because they are out of copyright and in the public domain.

2. Borrow eBooks that are still copyrighted from the Public Library's site.

Download the Overdrive App from the Apple App Store to access your local public library's eBooks. For more information, visit this link:

http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/books-video-music/downloads-ebooks/

3. Download Free Newspapers and Magazines in ePub format with Calibre.

Once you have downloaded all your course readings using the above sources, you can manage your eBook collection with Calibre. Calibre is free, open source eBook management software. You can also add some FREE electronic newspapers and magazines to the mix. After searching through the hundreds of Canadian news sources (Calibre provides sources from many countries) and setting up your subscriptions, Calibre downloads the latest news each time you open the program on your computer. You can then transfer the content to an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch.

To view a demo video of Calibre, visit the following link: http://calibre-ebook.com/demo

So there you have it, three sources of free electronic reading material to complete all your English course readings and even some pleasure reading. Enjoy!

Free eBooks and Audiobooks

2012-09-01T20:17:00.000-04:00

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

http://shakespeare.mit.edu/

Project Gutenberg

Project Gutenberg, the first producer of free electronic books (eBooks), has over 30,000 FREE ebooks that you can download and read on your PC, Mac, iPhone, Kindle, Sony Reader or other portable device. No fee or registration is required. The books are all out of copyright and in the public domain. Click on the link below for more information or to read and download the eBooks.
http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page

Amazon.com - Free eBook Collections

http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=amb_link_353485762_3?ie=UTF8&node=2245146011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=auto-sparkle&pf_rd_r=1PE5DBNJY63A2EQ9TM4X&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_p=1274711562&pf_rd_i=free

Google Books

Google offers, for free, over half a million public domain books published before 1923, including many classics, as electronic books (or eBooks) which you can read on your computer. Click on the link below to search for a particular title.

http://books.google.com/books

Toronto Public Library

The TPL allows users to download free electronic books and audiobooks for a 3 week loan period. Click on the link below to search the TPL catalogue for electronic books and audiobooks that you can download to your computer and sync to a variety of electronic devices including iPods. A Toronto Public Library card is required, but the downloads are free. Downloaded items expire after the three week loan period, just like a regular library loan.http://toronto.lib.overdrive.com/B572FFE2-6567-44B1-B07A-D970E89FD589/10/416/en/default.htm

Free Audiobooks

Librivox.org allows you to download free audiobooks for your computer or mp3 player. Here you'll find an extensive collection of audiobooks read by volunteers. The goal is to record every book that is out of copyright and in the public domain. Search for the audiobook you want to listen to, download it to your computer and then sync it to your iPod or another mp3 player.http://librivox.org/newcatalog/

Create a Photo Collage or Slide Show

2012-09-01T08:46:00.000-04:00

Sometimes a classroom presentation requires that students display a photo collage or Slide show. Many people are familiar with Flickr, http://www.flickr.com/tour/, but today I'm going to focus on two photo related programs that I use and am familiar with: Google's Picasa (a free download) and Apple's iPhoto (included with all Mac purchases).

Google's Picasa

I discovered Picasa when I first began to use Google services. With Picasa you can design and print photo collages, create video slide shows, add photo text or view your favorite photos on your computer desktop. You can also use Picasa for creative photo collages and slide shows to enhance your classroom presentations. Picasa is free to download, and Picasa Web Albums provides free online storage for your photos. In fact, all the photo slide shows on this Blog have been created with Picasa Web Albums. For more information follow this link: http://picasa.google.com/mac/features.html

For a video introduction to Picasa click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rskC6c_5L1M&feature=youtube_gdata_player

To view a online Webinar on Picasa click on this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hajN-4Rcc8&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Apple's iPhoto

For students who own a Mac, Apple includes iPhoto, part of the iLife software, with the purchase of each new Mac. iPhoto will also allow you to create great looking slide shows and collages. Although it lacks the online storage of Flickr or Picasa, unless you have a Mobile Me subscription which Apple has recently discontinued, you can email or post your photos to other online sites like Facebook.

For several video tutorials on using Apple's iPhoto software, click on the following link:

http://www.apple.com/ilife/iphoto/what-is.html

By using the above software, students will be able to create a variety of great looking slide shows and collages that will capture and hold the attention of their teachers and classmates.

Produce Your Own Podcast

2012-08-04T19:39:00.000-04:00

Apple's iTunes Podcasts

You are probably familiar with listening to or watching Podcasts from Apple's iTunes Store, but did you know that you can use free software to make your own Podcasts? Check out the links below for resources that will assist you in the creation of your very own Podcast. See the following iTunes Podcasts for some inspiration before creating your own:

- Classical Mythology Podcast (Grade 9 English)
- The History of Rome (Grade 10 English, Julius Caesar)
- History 5: European Civilization from the Renaissance to the Present (Grade 11 English)
- Rick Steeves' Europe Video (all English courses)

More good Podcasts are available at:

http://www.learnoutloud.com/contents/LearnOutLoud.com-Podcasts/9/21

Creating Your Own Podcasts

For Windows and Mac:

Audacity - Free audio editor and recorder
Audacity will allow you to create audio podcasts regardless of the type of computer you have. You can download Audacity from the following link: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

For Apple Macs:

GarageBand (part of iLife, included with the purchase of all Mac computers) - Creating a Podcast - Video Tutorial
http://www.apple.com/ca/ilife/garageband/what-is.html

iTunes - Podcasting Resources - Making a Podcast
http://www.apple.com/ca/itunes/podcasts/specs.html

With the assistance of the above resources, students will be able to plan, produce and publish their own original podcasts.

Create an Original Crossword Puzzle

2012-08-04T09:43:00.000-04:00

Eclipse Crossword Puzzle Creator

Crossword puzzles are a great way to review content and engage audience members at the end of presentations.

Click on the link to download the FREE Eclipse Crossword puzzle creator: http://www.eclipsecrossword.com//

To learn how to make an Eclipse Crossword puzzle you can watch a video tutorial by clicking on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMQqwlJ0e78&feature=player_embedded

Make an Original Movie or Movie Trailer

2012-08-04T07:20:00.000-04:00

1. Creating the Movie

If you have a Mac computer, you can use Apple's iMovie, part of the pre-installed iLife software, to turn video you have already recorded with a video camera or smartphone into an original movie suitable for classroom presentations.
Click on the link below for several video tutorials on using Apple's iMovie software
http://www.apple.com/findouthow/movies/#intro

2. Burning the Movie to DVD

Once you have created your movie, you can use Apple's iDVD, also pre-installed on all new Macs, to burn your movie onto a blank DVD disc that will play on a DVD player. Click on the link below for several video tutorials on using Apple's iDVD software

http://www.apple.com/findouthow/movies/idvd.html

3. Uploading the Movie to YouTube

Another way to share your finished movie is by uploading the movie to YouTube, the online video sharing site. For a video tutorial on how to upload video to YouTube, click on the following link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O7iUiftbKU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Publish Your Own Picture Book or Graphic Novel

2012-07-07T17:45:00.000-04:00

Big Universe - Publish Online Picture Books

Would you like to create, print and publish your own original children's picture books? Big Universe's goal is to inspire students to write through the use of an engaging online tool. The web program can be used for creative writing, book reports and other writing tasks. To begin creating your own children's picture books using Big Universe visit the following link: http://www.biguniverse.com/createkidsbooks

Comic Life - Create Graphic Novels

If you prefer writing graphic novels then Comic Life is for you. Comic Life Deluxe is available on many school computers and it allows students to tell a story with digital photos, and to create graphic novels, comic books, and children's story books.

For more information on Comic Life or to download a free 30 day trial, visit the following link: http://plasq.com/education/

For a Comic Life Introduction and Video Tutorial click on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_83FgdOlM0

Classical Comics - Graphic Novels of Classic Literature

For some previews of graphic novel adaptations of classic literature to inspire your own creations click on the following link: http://www.classicalcomics.com/previews.html

Templates to begin planning your own graphic novel or picture book:

graphicnovels1.pdf - 3325k View Download
graphicnovels2.pdf - 3869k View Download
graphicnovels3.pdf - 59k View Download
graphicnovels4.pdf - 221k View Download
storyboard_template.pdf - 1021k View Download
storyboard_template2.pdf - 1021k View Download
storyboards.pdf - 184k View Download

Netflix Movies Based on Books

2012-07-07T14:46:00.000-04:00

If you’re looking to relax with a movie and subscribe to the Netflix video streaming service, you can enjoy one of the many movies based on books that Netflix has to offer.

Follow the links below for links to specific movies. Use the next button at the bottom of each page to scroll through the selections. Remember to check the movie ratings to ensure that the movie is suitable for any younger audience.

Netflix movies based on Books:

http://www.onnetflix.ca/category/dramas-based-on-books

Best Apple iPhone Apps for Students

2012-07-01T20:06:00.000-04:00

With the vast number of apps available on Apple's App Store it can be difficult to weed through and find the best ones that will help students succeed in school. So, here are some recommendations including some of my personal favourites.

My own favourite iPhone Apps for Students:

Books - Audible, Audiobooks, iBooks, Kindle, Kobo, OverDrive Media Console

Business - Audio Memos, Box, Doc Scan, Dragon Dictation

Education - Art HD, EasyBib, iTunes U, Musee du Louvre, NASA App, Shakespeare, Star & Planet Finder

Productivity - Calculator, CloudOn, Do It (Tomorrow), Dropbox, FileApp, Keynote, Microsoft OneNote, Pages, Prezi Viewer, SkyDrive, SlideShark PowerPoint Presentations, Vlingo - Voice App

Social Networking - Blogger, BlogPress, Twitter, Wordpress

For more Apps for Students check out the links below.

10 great iOS apps for students:

http://www.phonearena.com/news/10-great-iOS-apps-for-students_id24623

7 Best Apple iPhone Apps for Students:

http://www.webestigate.com/2011/06/25/7-best-apple-iphone-apps-for-students/

Back to School: Top 10 iPhone Apps for Students

http://mashable.com/2009/08/25/back-to-school-iphone/

Find or Create Your Dream Job

2012-06-02T17:08:00.000-04:00

“You’ve got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers … If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” - Steve Jobs in a Stanford commencement speech

"The best way to predict your future is to create it." ~ Peter Drucker

When it comes to a job or career, finding what you are passionate about and then earning a living at it is not easy. Of course, some people discover what they love early in life and are able to pursue it, but for others it takes years of trial and error. So, how can you narrow down your options now and find a career that you will truly love? The articles below provide some valuable advice.

Finding Your Passion
http://zenhabits.net/the-short-but-powerful-guide-to-finding-your-passion/

Earning a Living from Your Passion
http://zenhabits.net/passionguide/

Create Your Own Dream Job
http://zenhabits.net/job/

How to Do What You Love
http://www.paulgraham.com/love.html

Write a Newsletter or Brochure

2012-01-07T19:43:00.000-05:00

In many classes students are often asked to write newsletters or brochures to demonstrate that they have mastered the content of a particular unit. While any word processing program will allow you to create the required document, the following two popular programs provide students with more customization options.

Microsoft Office Publisher

Publisher, which is installed on many school computers, can be used to create professional looking newsletters and brochures to present your research and information to a reader. Publisher 2003 is available on computers in the Toronto District School Board. For a video tutorial on using Microsoft Publisher, click on the following link.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SN8dDf6_9I0&feature=player_embedded

Apple's Pages

Pages for Mac, part of Apple's iWork software, also provides many customization options beyond the basic word processing program. For several video tutorials on using Pages, click on the following link.http://www.apple.com/findouthow/iwork/

By using these two popular programs, students will be able to create professionally looking newsletters and brochures that are sure to impress their teachers.

Steve Job's Commencement Address (2005)

2011-10-01T12:11:00.000-04:00

“Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living the result of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition, they somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” ~ Steve Jobs

This month, to commemorate both our school's Commencement and the passing of Steve Jobs, I have included a link to a copy of his 2005 Commencement address to the students of Stanford University.

Having first read the speech a few years ago, it gave me a new perspective on life and I will always treasure it. I hope that you too will benefit from reading it.

http://news.stanford.edu/news/2005/june15/jobs-061505.html

- RIP Steve Jobs
Posted from an Apple Mac

Organize Your Computer Files with Folders

2011-10-01T09:44:00.000-04:00

In my daily interactions with students and teachers, I have noticed that many people save files to a hard drive or USB drive without any thought to organizing the files for later access. This seems to be the equivalent of merely tossing one's clothes in a closet with the result that it takes much longer to later find a given item, especially if you have hundreds. So today, I will write a short post on how to organize your computer files.

Steps to Organizing Your Files

To organize your files (documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDFs, etc.), complete the following steps:

1. Right click with your mouse on your desktop or inside another folder if that's where you want the new folder.

2. Select New.

3. Select Folder.

4. Name your Folder - Examples: English, History, French, Math, Science, etc.

5. Repeat the process to create sub-folders inside the main folders listed above. For example: Inside the English folder you might have another folder named "Short Stories" or "Poetry".

6. Open a second window that displays your individual, unorganized files.

7. Drag your individual files from the second window to the first window where you created the folders.

This process of organizing your files will take a bit of time, but once it's completed you'll be able to quickly and easily find all your files. As a result, it will reduce the amount of frustration many people experience when they are unable to find an important item.

Teachers' Guides and Resources

2011-09-01T19:35:00.000-04:00

"A teacher affects eternity: he can never tell where his influence stops."
~ Henry Adams

Teachers, this page is for you. Explore the links below for useful documents, software, and video tutorials to support your teaching.

17 Ways to Enhance Your Teaching
http://professionallyspeaking.oct.ca/september_2012/features/17ways.aspx

91 Ways to Respond to Literature

http://www.psis104.com/download.axd?file=e92b9b1e-2db1-4d0b-a26f-0f320f098454&dnldType=Resource

Growing Success: Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting in Ontario's Schools:
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/policyfunding/success.html

Ontario Ministry of Education - Secondary Curriculum:
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/secondary/subjects.html

OSAPAC - Ministry Licensed Software:
http://www.osapac.org/db/software_search.php?lang=en

Paper Grading with Microsoft Office Word:

http://www.wpunj.edu/irt/docs/Paper_Grading_with_MS_Word.pdf

Penguin Signet Classic - Teachers' Guides:
http://us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/signetclassics/teachersguides.html

QuestGarden - Create Guided Inquiry WebQuests:
http://questgarden.com/

Rubistar - Rubric Creator:
http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php?screen=NewRubric&module=Rubistar

Teacher Librarian - The Journal for School Library Professionals:
http://www.teacherlibrarian.com/

Teachers' Media

http://www.teachersmedia.co.uk/subjects/secondary/english

The High-Tech Class

"...find out how some leading-edge teachers are using technology in fun, creative ways to better engage students, solve particular problems or enhance curriculum materials."

http://professionallyspeaking.oct.ca/march_2012/features/tech_class.aspx

TDSB Professional Library:
http://ramott.wordpress.com/

Using Microsoft Office Track Changes to Correct Student Work:
http://contribute.alfred.edu/its/it/docs/TrackChange-Comments.pdf

Web English Teacher - Teachers' Guides:
http://www.webenglishteacher.com/litmain.html