MrPeabody's Thoughts on Classroom Tech

OLPC XO Boots Both Sugar and Windows XP

noreply@blogger.com (Bjorn Pederson) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:40:00 +0000

First Footage: Same OLPC XO Boots Both Sugar and Windows XP

I guess I never thought I would see this happening. There are some interesting comments about the XO and how long it takes for Windows to boot. I did put XP SP2 on my eee pc for the time being and with the help a nice N-lite tutorial. The load time on my machine is roughly 45 secs, but that is with 512mb RAM.

I think the XO is going through a weird growth and development at this point. Does running XP on a 2GB machine with only 256 ram seem worth it other than to say that XP can run on a machine that small? Are really that many more people (countries / Dept of Education) going to buy the green machines?

EEE pc review - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Bjorn Pederson) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:15:00 +0000

Time is always a funny thing. It just goes and goes and goes. With all the work this semester between subbing, teaching, and working in the class, my time has been pretty short.

Through out most of the semester, I have been using the EEE pc by ASUS. Through my work on the Adventures in Classroom Tech website and dummy class, I have been able to get a feel for what this little machine can do. The screen takes a little bit to get used to with only 7 inches or so of viewable space. I have found that I get a feel for it pretty fast. The same goes with the keyboard size. However, I was the proud owner of a hand-me-down Phillips Velo 500, and a Dell Axim, so the keyboard feels like a extra handheld keyboard, with the same kind of "little click" response and common "fat-finger" key mashing problems. The Shift key on the right side is in a funny feeling place, squished in below the enter key. The space on the hard drive is okay, at about 4 GB with half of that used up by the rescue OS.

There are plenty of options for customization for the machine. I did a live CD run of eeeXbuntu which run well. I wanted to still play around the stock OS, so I didn't commit to the install. As for the options for the stock OS (Xandros), there are plenty and the forums have been a great resource to answer questions.

Through the forums, I was able to locate the information on how to install other programs that are distributed through the regular repositories. Audacity, VLC, and a few screen capture programs were located. As well as a few tweaks for not having the machine shutdown when the lid is closed and allowing the USB and SD cards have executable programs and letting the system automatically write to those drives and not only the main drive. That was a big help, as with recording, the raw sound files can get pretty big.

Recording was nice. I liked having this little machine and a little mic in my bag ready to go when I needed it. Being able to just grab it all when a teacher had a minute to talk was great. For editing and production, the EEE handled everything fine. While I wouldn't recommend recording your mix album with it, having Audacity in the machine did save a lot of the hassle of transporting the files over to another machine and doing the work there.

The WiFi works great. Once a signal is locked into, the signal is not dropped. Using the security passwords is not an issue either, once the profile is saved, connecting doesn't require entering in the hex-code again.

New semester, new focus

noreply@blogger.com (Bjorn Pederson) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 22:01:00 +0000

The new semester has started and with that a new area of exploration that I am figuring out. The main focus the last few months has been actual classroom technology that can be used in the hands of students, as well as teachers. I will still address some of those areas, as I am now the proud owner of a EEE pc. My wife was nice enough to get me one for my birthday this past January. So far so good with the little machine. I will write a more comprehensive review later in the semester as I am using the machine for a number of different tasks. Mostly school work and planning for the class that I am teaching this semester.

This semester I am focusing on content management systems, mostly Joomla. We are using that CMS as a gateway for the Adventure Learning project I am working on in a group. Our focus is using the content presented in a pre-service teacher class and moving it into a hybrid on-line, classroom environment. Working with Joomla is proving to be quite a challenge for me. I think I really need more of a plan for the whats and the hows of the project. I need to formulate a better plan for the lessons and see how the technology can better enhance what it is that we are trying to teach to the pre-service teachers and give them an experience that they haven't been through before.

I have also started a twitter feed. It is integrated underneath my profile.

District response to last posting

noreply@blogger.com (Bjorn Pederson) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 02:12:00 +0000

Big Spring School District

Just put a stamp of sucker across my forehead.

(directed to from Digg)

Mark one for the closed-source (minded)

noreply@blogger.com (Bjorn Pederson) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 13:18:00 +0000

Ha: High Schooler Gets Detention for Using Firefox?

This is a sad day for the open-source movement in the classroom. Well, not only for open-source, but for allowing the student's to use tools to get work completed. What ever happened to meaningful learning and an engaged classroom/student.

FresnoBee.com: Local: Kid-size computers

noreply@blogger.com (Bjorn Pederson) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 12:46:00 +0000

Apparently, I was on to something with my tech purchase ideas.

FresnoBee.com: Local: Kid-size computers

Actually there has been a lot of items from gizmondo about the Eee pc and XO laptop. I guess an article in the Wall Street Journal just slammed the XO. It sounds like the power of the purchase will determine the winner. At this point, with the XO only available to the US and other "developed" nations for another month, the little Asus machine will win.

Source Material and the "Remix"

noreply@blogger.com (Bjorn Pederson) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 17:12:00 +0000

I was subbing the other day and one of the English teachers was talking about how to convey mood and setting in his film and media class. About that time I was setting up my Youtube account so I could embed my "How to request a Sub" video. I came across the "Scary Mary" Mary Poppins trailer. At first, I thought, "That is so neat." I then thought about the mood that had to be set up in order for the video to be effective. In the school all of the students are taught about using iMovie, so couldn't creating a new trailer for a movie be away to show how well the students understand creating mood and even evoking emotion. The other video clip is a remix of The Incredibles, which I think is even better than the Mary Poppins.

The Incredibles Recut (sorry, the person turned off embedding)

Scary Mary

From the Youtube Description:

This contains the musical piece "A Violent Attack" composed by Caine Davidson for the film 'An American Haunting,' "Stay Awake" written by Richard and Robert Sherman for Disney's 'Mary Poppins,' and stock sounds from iMovie.

Photo Video Movie

noreply@blogger.com (Bjorn Pederson) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 15:54:00 +0000

So here is my photo video for the class assignment. I had a different version that I turned in with a different picture in place for "Step 3," but I didn't like it so much. I found a clip from the Internet Archive that I was able to use and add in to the video. I actually quite enjoyed making the video. I used Audacity for the audio to combine all of the pieces that I recorded and the background music. I wish I had more time to work on other little projects, maybe over the holiday break.

How to Request a Substitute

Open Source Options for Eee PC

noreply@blogger.com (Bjorn Pederson) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:47:00 +0000

Ubuntu 7.10 Gibbon swings on the Asus Eee >> Mixed Signals >> Rupert Goodwins's Blog at ZDNet UK Community

This guy put Ubuntu on an Eee Pc. Some issues did need to be resolved with the wireless and what not, nothing more than what would happen on a "normal" computer when loading up Ubuntu.

Eee PC interface review

noreply@blogger.com (Bjorn Pederson) — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 14:00:00 +0000

I thought I would give equal time to the Eee PC. The guys over at Download Squad did a great overview of what is available when the little bugger is turned on. Someday I will get a chance to look at the system and I will write my thoughts down about that.

The use of a Web 2.0 app

noreply@blogger.com (Bjorn Pederson) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:47:00 +0000

So, I tired to use another Web 2.0 app. I have mostly been using office-type applications in the past such as Zoho and Google Doc. The piece that appears to really be missing from those apps is some kind of reliable task-manager. I tried RemembertheMilk.com.The app functions nicely and has a very clear and intuitive interface. I entered in some items that needed to get done and their due dates. My problem was/is that I never go back to the site to get the information to keep it up to date. It becomes lost in the file of "yet-another-website-to-log-in-to." I know that you can set your web browser to remember website log-ins and passwords, but I am not around the same computer all day. There is the option of portable browsers on a USB thunbdrive, but that doesn't really work across Windows, Macs, and Linux. In the end, the site was nice, but I didn't think that it worked well for me.

Web 2.0 - Next big thing for the classroom?

noreply@blogger.com (Bjorn Pederson) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 16:46:00 +0000

So, in class we are talking about Web 2.0. I thought I would post this video from the guy at TechCrunch. This more or less gives a definition of what Web 2.0 from more of a business stand point. The question arises about is this a "bubble" or is this here to stay? So, then that leads me to the next question...How is this going to impact education and the learning environment and how is this going to effect teaching?

One piece that worries me a bit is all of the "movable" content. Are the student's thoughts going to be individual or just a compilation of other people's web content that is pieced together and looks nice. At what point does the technology start to have too much of an influence on how people have thoughts.

Servitude...

noreply@blogger.com (Bjorn Pederson) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 16:39:00 +0000

For the past week, I have been looking at different systems to purchase for my classroom tech budgeting assignment. Initially, I was thinking this would be a great way to introduce Linux to the classroom. However, what I would like to do and the cost are two different realities. I thought about looking a server set-up, but the functionality of a server is so huge, meaning what can be done with it, that the price point is beyond the set budget of $1500. So, I got to thinking what is it we are trying to accomplish. The answer comes with a how lot of learning theory and other issues that are many in number and few in words. I think the answer comes in the form the XO laptop. The functionality of the computer is really key in getting students to not worry about the computer it's self. With the option of storage expansion through the USB ports, the little flash drive that's built in isn't really a set back for the students. The key thing that I like is the MESH networking piece as well as the comments that people can share while exploring the web and/or collaborating is key. With this option, I can still introduce people to Linux and the positive side of open-source options.

...OK...Wait, what about this "eee pc" from Asustek? Why do I feel like I am the last find out about this stuff?

Behavior Cycle Powerpoint

noreply@blogger.com (Bjorn Pederson) — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 13:20:00 +0000

Here is a Powerpoint that I have made for class. The intent was to create a nonlinear presentation. However, I have come to the realization that MS Powerpoint is not a good option for creating a nonlinear presentation for outside the Powerpoint environment. Thus, I fall back on Zoho to present an embedded version for me. It does run in a linear fashion, but the user does have some control which slides to view. The last slide did end up cutting off the PACER center link and the CCBD link

Inspiration Outcome

noreply@blogger.com (Bjorn Pederson) — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 18:24:00 +0000

Here is the outcome of the Inspiration concept map concerning coffee. Pretty basic, but it gets the points across.

Click on picture for full size view.

A True Paper-less System

noreply@blogger.com (Bjorn Pederson) — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 19:45:00 +0000

We had a rather interesting discussion about hypertext during the last class session. While I don't really think too much about hypertext and the weather or not students would prefer to read that over printed text, I do know that I have been trying to make the switch from reading print-based to screen based text, esp. for class assignments and the like. Last year, I had a paper to write for one last class in connection with my time at UNL. I had found about 92 articles related to the topic of my readings (computers and EBD, LD and the like). I had printed out about 50 or so, but I ran out of toner and paper. This more or less forced me to read all the pdf files off the screen. At first it was hard, but gradually it was easier to manage. I found that it helped in entering my notes into the databased that I had constructed for the various areas I was focusing on in my mini-lit review.

Now, I find that the skill didn't generalize to when I am simply reading an assignment with out the purpose of formulating a paper. I have found that using Google Notebook is a great help in taking notes and practicing "active reading" without trying to write on the screen or have a mess of sticky notes around the edge of the computer. In my previous post, I linked to a video review of the XO laptop. I liked the function of how the screen rotated around and you could hold it like a piece of paper. That would definitely help with the reading of electronic documents, but I don't know about the how taking notes aspect of it. I would really like to purchase one of those. It would make a great introductory computer and the MESH networking seems like a great tool.

Review of the $100 Laptop

noreply@blogger.com (Bjorn Pederson) — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 15:39:00 +0000

I don't about you but this would be awesome to have in my backpack.

Discussion and other throughts

noreply@blogger.com (Bjorn Pederson) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:47:00 +0000

In the last class, we had our first classroom discussion about what we had been reading. Sometimes class discussion can go nowhere fast and the whole thing ends up going in a big circle. However, I think the variety of different cultural and personal perspectives really added to the quality of the discussion.

One of the items that we ended on was the basic issue of connectivity that the students have outside of the buildings that we teach in. I remember a few years ago this was also discussed in the district that I was working. A computer connection/mentor/mentee was starting up and they needed to figure out how to get affordable access to the students. The program ended up providing computers to students (and their families) for about $20 a month with unlimited dial-up. I guess previously, the program just handed the computers to the students without any monetary commitment and some of the computers walked away to the pawn shop. The program lasted few years with the grant that it was under with some positive results for the students that were motivated to understand and use the technology. That program supplied (relatively) hugh eMacs to the students. Now there are a few grade level programs in the district that use MacBooks. I don't believe those come with any kind of internet access for the home, but with the wireless cards, there are more spots available for connectivity to some kind of network.

I have added the Teachers Teaching Teachers podcast link on the Personal Links sections. The listing of the topics appears to be much like what we talk about in class and in our discussions. The neat piece is these are teachers that are in the trenches working with the students and applying the technology to learning.

With a sniffle and a cough

noreply@blogger.com (Bjorn Pederson) — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 20:51:00 +0000

Class yesterday was about the hardest thing that I have done in a while. My nose continues to run a marathon down my face and coming to a rest in my chest. Fortunately, the walk to the bus-stop after was not as wet as it was the web-site presentations. Anyway, I was able to finish up up my Inspiration yesterday before class. I centered mine around coffee and a few aspects about the production, history, and social arena. The concept map was a bit bigger than the writing space provided by Blogger, so I don't know what I will try and do. The answer might be to use Picasa and link to the picture, as I don't really feel like messing around with the code anymore. Getting the title of the blog was hard enough. What would be cool would to have a mouse-over and the picture would just pop-up. kind of like how Netflix does it with their movies synopsis.

I have a plan in mind for the Powerpoint, which should go fine. Speaking of Powerpoint, I did find one of the shortcomings to the Google Presenter and Zoho Show. They don't export into the ppt format. You are able to download the presentation into an HTML document and view it through a web-browser, but not through Powerpoint (or at least, I have not found a way to do so).

Example for Zoho Notebook

noreply@blogger.com (Bjorn Pederson) — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 22:05:00 +0000

View the notes here

My life with Inspiration(tm)

noreply@blogger.com (Bjorn Pederson) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:33:00 +0000

The assignments from this past class are two that have been plaguing me for quite sometime. Not just in the sense that these are assignment for a class, but these are two pieces of work that I have been meaning to experiement with for a while.

Finishing and finalizing a blogging site... I have had a blog on blogger for about two years now. I started it with the best of intentions, as would be evident from the frequent postings. I had read somewhere that a regular posting schedule would help bring in readers. Not that I was looking for readers, but it would have been nice. I thought it would be neat to chronical the events of moving the middle of the US, starting a Phd program, and getting married. To me that sounded like a good source of writable and readable material. Well, all of those pieces happened and they were quite eventful, except for the chronicalling. The events got the better of me and the writing never happened. So the blog just sat there with no postings for a long time...and pretty much still does to this day. Although, I did just add to it with bigger update and a few links.

Inspiration has been talked around me for a few years when I was a teacher. I saw it used, and I always had good intentions of using it in the classroom. Much like the blog, a survival mode of simply getting through life as a Jr. High Special Education teacher took over. The use of technology as a tool in the classroom was more of "if I can pick it up and use it right now, then I will try it." I didn't have time to play around and work out a plan for teaching the tool or even intengrating it into my presentations for class.

I guess now is the time to finally cross off some of good intentions of the past.

Using Technology in the Classroom

noreply@blogger.com (Bjorn Pederson) — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 23:42:00 +0000

Using technology in the classroom. This topic is a that sometimes has teachers, students, parents, and administrators up in arms. Why can't we have the latest and greatest technology in our classroom? Just because a kind of technology (computers, calculators, paper, pencils...) might be new and ready for public consumption doesn't mean that it is automatically ready to used in the schools and in the classroom. A question has to be asked, "What is the educational benefit of having this new piece of technology and what is it going to provide that isn't being provided now?"

Teachers trying to answer the questions for themselves have brought into the classroom a use for publishing blogs, making a use of iPods other than a distraction in the classroom, and making the Internet more of a class wide presentation tool than a passive means of searching for information. Blogs provide a space for teachers to post lesson plans, process about the school day, and communicate with other like (or un-like minded) people. Blogs can also provide a place for student work to be published and shared to the community of students and staff or the world. Podcasts, an audio version of blogging, can give the auditory cues and voice inflection that isn't sometimes carried through the written word.

While this isn't necessarily the latest technology be invented, it is an effective means of using new technology and providing some kind of educational benefit to the students or professional who read or listen. I don't think the schools are ready for nanobots to be used to help students not fall asleep in class.