04 Jun
With all of the apps, websites, and gadgets available to us today, there truly is something for everyone out there within the Web 2.0. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming with all of the resources now that are available. Rest assured that technology is here to make your life easier and to help you to achieve your goals. Here are a few recent tech tips that I’ve come up with to help simplify your life and give you an idea of what’s out there.
Tip #1
Advance your Searches – Have you ever been frustrated with the amount of information that you get when you search on Google? Try going into the advanced search and specify the file type you are looking for. You will be amazed at how many lessons have been created for you. Search for PowerPoint. You can also do this with an iPad. There is a built in PowerPoint viewer in the iPad that will allow you to see all of the lessons you discover.
Tip #2
Speech-to-Text Technology – There have been some great advancements with gadgets being able to hear what you say and converting it to text. Many times though, especially when trying to verbalize a text message, one or more words will not come out correctly which completely changes the meaning of what you said. That is why I have really enjoyed using the Dragon Dictation app. I have never seen any software translate so perfectly what I’ve said with almost flawless punctuation and spelling. The next time you have to write an essay or just simply need to email somebody, try Dragon Dictation and you will see how this app is far superior to any other in its class and it’s free!
Tip #3
Communicate with Everyone, Everyday – Life gets busy and we just don’t have time to call our friends, colleagues, and loved ones everyday. Thankfully, there are some apps that will turn your phone or tablet into a walkie-talkie and allow you to send a short message without the formalities of a phone call. The two most popular apps that I see people using are Voxer and Hey Tell. Both are the same concept and they have opened up communication for me on a daily basis with people I may only speak to monthly. It’s just too easy to hit the Hey Tell or Voxer app and say a quick hello while on an elevator or waiting in line for lunch. Your friends and colleagues will be impressed with how well you keep on top of things and how much you care!
Tip #4
District Embraces Social Media – As some districts continue to block social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, District 300 in Carpentersville, IL is taking advantage of the amazing opportunity to communicate with their students, parents, and community. Right on the front page of their district site you have the opportunity to click on either their Facebook or Twitter icons and see what’s going on. You can also subscribe to their feeds so you are updated daily. They have over 2,000 followers and the pages are well kept and frequently updated. Think about how often your students, parents, or staff connect to Facebook. This is a district to look at if you are exploring productive uses of Facebook.
Conclusion – It really is an exciting time to be in education with the tools, apps, and resources that are available to you with the Web 2.0. You won’t break anything, but you will discover the ability to communicate and collaborate with each other has never been easier. Have fun and happy surfing!
Leave a Comment