In order to track research papers and other scholarly works for our upcoming games bibliography, we've been talking about using a social bookmarking site for citations, but it doesn't appear to be social enough. There's no simple commenting functionality to allow collaborators to comment on the value of the work.
So I imagine we're looking at some locally hosted solutions, unless someone finds some other social bookmarking sites for citations. There are two existing solutions that we could adopt fairly quickly: Document Database and Aigaion.
Unfortunately, they both suffer from a rather unfriendly presentation which does not appear to promote discussion and collaboration on the development of a bibliography. I imagine we're going to end up rolling our own if we want something good. (And we'd have to do that anyway if we wanted to roll it into our site.)
The nice thing is that all of the sites mentioned above can export to BibTEX, the LaTEX standard for marking up bibliographic data. So if we use one of the above systems to start with, we should be able to at least export the references to a custom solution we create (if not the notes) by creating a site that parses BibTEX data (which shouldn't be too difficult to do, considering how simple the format is). We could get started gathering the research this way rather quickly, but a truly social site would take time to develop.
Our department decided to create a digest for tech talk and tracking. If you have new technology to share with the group, add a post here. Maybe you figured out a short cut on production, or discovered some tech trick. If you think it’s techrific please share. Don't forget to use labels it's much easier for sorting. Labels in Blogger=categories. If you need help getting started with Blogger let me know.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
google-toolbox-for-mac - Google Code
google-toolbox-for-mac - Google Code
The code provided is a good start, and the Google Mac Team has said that "more interesting and complex classes" will eventually be added. Sample code is always nice to have, so the Google Toolbox should come in handy. Even better, it's completely free, and has been licensed under the Apache License 2.0.
The code provided is a good start, and the Google Mac Team has said that "more interesting and complex classes" will eventually be added. Sample code is always nice to have, so the Google Toolbox should come in handy. Even better, it's completely free, and has been licensed under the Apache License 2.0.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
TUAW Interviews Mike Lee of Delicious Monster, looks at Delicious Library 2 - The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)
TUAW Interviews Mike Lee of Delicious Monster, looks at Delicious Library 2 - The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)
This looks like it has some of the new features we were after.
This looks like it has some of the new features we were after.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Quick tips for dealing with different document types
Here are a couple of quick tips for those who have to deal with several different document types. These tips mainly apply to different word processing documents.
The first tip should help anyone who has ever had trouble opening a document sent to them by someone else. If that person has a newer version of Microsoft Office than you do and forgot to save down to an older version, then you will not be able to open the file. Uh-oh! Looks like you're going to have to ask for a different version of the file, right? Wrong!
Google has a new service called Google Docs (docs.google.com) that can save you from looking like some un-tech-savvy schmoe who can't even be bothered to upgrade to the newest word processing software. This is a web-based word processing service, allowing you to upload files of numerous file types, edit them online, and save them to your computer's hard drive in your choice of formats - .doc, .pdf, .rtf, and many more.
Obviously, this is still pretty new. It's nice because it accepts several different formats, and it's free. Also, it will automatically save your files every few minutes. And, since your documents are stored on Google's servers, you can access the files from anywhere with an internet connection. However, it's not nearly as functional as traditional word processing software - the interface feels more like a website still than a word processor. If you need a quick fix for an unsupported file type though, this might just save your life. Or job. OK, maybe all it will save you is a few minutes work, but that's still pretty useful.
The second tip has to do with filling out PDF forms on your computer, and is specifically for mac users. I have to fill out PDF forms fairly often, and I am always frustrated when Adobe Reader won't save the data I fill out into the form. Every time I open the form, I have to start from scratch and fill out everything again. However, if you open the PDF using Apple's free preview software (the software that comes with you computer), you can fill out the forms AND save all the data in them! And to think, Adobe wants you to pay for their upgrade in order to do this.
Goodbye laptops!!!!
Check out this link http://361degrees.wordpress.com/2006/10/22/amazing-technology-from-japan-but-can-you-guess-what-it-is/
Whadja think??
Whadja think??
Technology Review: The Authority on the Future of Technology
Technology Review: The Authority on the Future of Technology
Check out MIT's tech review site. Tons of great articles on emerging technology in various fields like: bio, nano, info, etc
Scroll down and you will find a link to their podcasts which uses an interesting technology by itself called Audiodizer.
Those people at MIT are too derned SMRT!
Check out MIT's tech review site. Tons of great articles on emerging technology in various fields like: bio, nano, info, etc
Scroll down and you will find a link to their podcasts which uses an interesting technology by itself called Audiodizer.
Those people at MIT are too derned SMRT!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Influencing perception and communicating value.....
So what does that mean ?
It's all over the web. It's all over tv and radio. It's here there and everywhere.
Your thoughts....
It's all over the web. It's all over tv and radio. It's here there and everywhere.
Your thoughts....
Flip Ultra Digital Camcorder
I received my Flip Ultra last night, but didn't have time to play with it. I brought it in to work today for show and tell. We played with it in the multimedia area this morning and the video quality was amazingly good. I was hoping for that so it wouldn't have to go back.
I am calling it my mommy cam. I bought it so that I can upload video for my family to view since we are in different cities. Another plus for me my daughter loves snorkeling and there will be an underwater case available shortly. She has also been wanting her own video camera and this is a great starter cam. I will test it through the rest of the week and let you know how it goes.
The camera itself is for basic video. You know those, I wish I had a video camera moment (for me a.k.a. mommy cam). Although, I am sure sports enthusiasts, YouTubers and other hobbyists will enjoy the ease of use and the quality.
Features:
• 2GB drive that holds an hour of video.
• USB Flip plugs directly into your computer. (640x480)
• Editing software on the camera incase you don't have access to video editing software
• Uploads directly to YouTube or AOL Video
• Loads directly into iDVD
• You can grab clips, but quality is not that of a high pixel still.
Cons:
• No expansion memory slots
• So far I have not been able to put the clip directly into iMovie. You can however open up QuickTime Pro and export to Mov and then bring it into iMovie.
• 2X zoom
If you are interested in buying one make sure it is the Ultra series, which has better audio and video according to the reports and reviews I have read.
Flip Ultra Amazon Link
TheFlip.com
Connie adds that they are available at the big electronic places like BestBuy and Circuit City the list is on the company site.
I am calling it my mommy cam. I bought it so that I can upload video for my family to view since we are in different cities. Another plus for me my daughter loves snorkeling and there will be an underwater case available shortly. She has also been wanting her own video camera and this is a great starter cam. I will test it through the rest of the week and let you know how it goes.
The camera itself is for basic video. You know those, I wish I had a video camera moment (for me a.k.a. mommy cam). Although, I am sure sports enthusiasts, YouTubers and other hobbyists will enjoy the ease of use and the quality.
Features:
• 2GB drive that holds an hour of video.
• USB Flip plugs directly into your computer. (640x480)
• Editing software on the camera incase you don't have access to video editing software
• Uploads directly to YouTube or AOL Video
• Loads directly into iDVD
• You can grab clips, but quality is not that of a high pixel still.
Cons:
• No expansion memory slots
• So far I have not been able to put the clip directly into iMovie. You can however open up QuickTime Pro and export to Mov and then bring it into iMovie.
• 2X zoom
If you are interested in buying one make sure it is the Ultra series, which has better audio and video according to the reports and reviews I have read.
Flip Ultra Amazon Link
TheFlip.com
Connie adds that they are available at the big electronic places like BestBuy and Circuit City the list is on the company site.
Education Wikis - Engage, Collaborate & Educate | PBwiki.com
Education Wikis - Engage, Collaborate & Educate | PBwiki.com
I have not used it yet but i was thinking of testing it out for one of my classes.
I have not used it yet but i was thinking of testing it out for one of my classes.
plasq.com - Doozla - Play to Learn
plasq.com - Doozla - Play to Learn
I really like the look of this new drawing application for kids.
"Doozla is the new paper and crayon. But digitized! Start from a blank canvas or use one of the included color-in images, back- grounds or use your iSight to capture an image!"
I really like the look of this new drawing application for kids.
"Doozla is the new paper and crayon. But digitized! Start from a blank canvas or use one of the included color-in images, back- grounds or use your iSight to capture an image!"
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Zooming In and Out on your desktop for Mac
Barb mentioned the zoom feature for your Mac Desktop. I found it by accident and it was quite annoying, because I didn't know how to zoom out. You know how hard it is to search the web or help at 300% +? Ok, maybe it wasn't that high, but it sure seemed like it. I found it in help after some major eye strain and returned it to normal.
Gerritt knew of this right off the bat. He's so tech savvy. : )
Hold the Control key down and with two fingers on the track pad slide up to zoom in and slide down to zoom out. Must use two fingers and must keep control held down.
You can use the scroll wheel on the mouse for the same effect. Hold control and use the scroll wheel up or down.
It is a pretty cool feature when you don't find it by accident. I thought my screen went out of commission. : )
Gerritt knew of this right off the bat. He's so tech savvy. : )
Hold the Control key down and with two fingers on the track pad slide up to zoom in and slide down to zoom out. Must use two fingers and must keep control held down.
You can use the scroll wheel on the mouse for the same effect. Hold control and use the scroll wheel up or down.
It is a pretty cool feature when you don't find it by accident. I thought my screen went out of commission. : )
What am I to do with my social network?
Examples of how they are being used.
1. Social Networking with friends and family. Still by far the largest use.
2. Professional networking and promotion of expertise.
3. University are using it as a recruiting and admissions tool and it's gaining popularity.
4. Organizations within universities are using them to promote themselves.
5. Professional organizations are using them.
How am I using it? Well, since it was a requirement I am leaning more toward a professional tool. I haven't done anything major so far and probably won't. I have been connecting old Ag Commers mainly students who are now in professional ranks. Just connected with Tim last night. They are all doing great by the way and some thank Ag Comm tremendously for their success. Of course all my professors are on it and I am building my NMSU community slowly. Will it last after graduate school? I don't know. Maybe it's something that can kind of live on it's own and be attended occasionally. I know that is not the intended use, but I can't tell it is too early for me. Check back in 2012. LOL.
1. Social Networking with friends and family. Still by far the largest use.
2. Professional networking and promotion of expertise.
3. University are using it as a recruiting and admissions tool and it's gaining popularity.
4. Organizations within universities are using them to promote themselves.
5. Professional organizations are using them.
How am I using it? Well, since it was a requirement I am leaning more toward a professional tool. I haven't done anything major so far and probably won't. I have been connecting old Ag Commers mainly students who are now in professional ranks. Just connected with Tim last night. They are all doing great by the way and some thank Ag Comm tremendously for their success. Of course all my professors are on it and I am building my NMSU community slowly. Will it last after graduate school? I don't know. Maybe it's something that can kind of live on it's own and be attended occasionally. I know that is not the intended use, but I can't tell it is too early for me. Check back in 2012. LOL.
Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn and the new contender Orkut
Email is for old people and MySpace is so yesterday
Wait a minute, I use email on a daily basis it's how I work. That was my response in class when we were told email is for old people. The response I got from the twenty year olds, was yeah that is understandable. What! Wait a minute are you saying I am old? They said, not extremely, but you are using old technology. If you want to connect with us you have to use what we know and use. They even had the nerve to ask if I knew how to text message. Thank goodness I have a thirteen year old, I was able to say yes. I upped them with my Wii. Then they upped me with their iPhones and well you get the picture.
I had to bite the bullet and create a Facebook page, it was something I have been avoiding. One, I didn't feel as a 30 something that it was a place for me. You hear about teenagers and college students using them daily. Secondly, it was just another online mechanism that I wouldn't maintain properly and I don't.
MySpace has always been a space with Advertising associated with it, it probably is the largest space for teenagers.
Facebook does have a huge college following it was after all started specifically for the college community by a couple of college kids. Facebook just started advertising and it received a huge backlash from its users, so much so that people bailed the network all together in protest. Facebook quickly fixed that with an option to stop the advertising on your page. I have yet to find that button. Tells you how much time I spend on it.
The next big thing on the horizon is Orkut by Google. This network is exploding and is massive in Brazil where it is being tested.
LinkedIn is the professional community. Want to network on a professional level without all the music, hoopla, games and advertising. This is the place for you, it's all about credentials here.
By the way if you don't want people on your personal site set it to private. If you are trying to promote yourself professionally then I would suggest leaving it open or create a group rather than a personal space. An open space means dealing with all the riffraff that comes your way. Just decline no one knows who you are declining.
I have to mention most people trying to create a web presence have more than one social networking space. One thing we have been asked repeatedly in class is, How can you call yourself an ed technologist if you don't use the technology that students are using to communicate with? They have a point. So start text messaging and check out the social networking sites experiment with it. You'll be surprised with the professional connections and who in your profession is already connected.
Wait a minute, I use email on a daily basis it's how I work. That was my response in class when we were told email is for old people. The response I got from the twenty year olds, was yeah that is understandable. What! Wait a minute are you saying I am old? They said, not extremely, but you are using old technology. If you want to connect with us you have to use what we know and use. They even had the nerve to ask if I knew how to text message. Thank goodness I have a thirteen year old, I was able to say yes. I upped them with my Wii. Then they upped me with their iPhones and well you get the picture.
I had to bite the bullet and create a Facebook page, it was something I have been avoiding. One, I didn't feel as a 30 something that it was a place for me. You hear about teenagers and college students using them daily. Secondly, it was just another online mechanism that I wouldn't maintain properly and I don't.
MySpace has always been a space with Advertising associated with it, it probably is the largest space for teenagers.
Facebook does have a huge college following it was after all started specifically for the college community by a couple of college kids. Facebook just started advertising and it received a huge backlash from its users, so much so that people bailed the network all together in protest. Facebook quickly fixed that with an option to stop the advertising on your page. I have yet to find that button. Tells you how much time I spend on it.
The next big thing on the horizon is Orkut by Google. This network is exploding and is massive in Brazil where it is being tested.
LinkedIn is the professional community. Want to network on a professional level without all the music, hoopla, games and advertising. This is the place for you, it's all about credentials here.
By the way if you don't want people on your personal site set it to private. If you are trying to promote yourself professionally then I would suggest leaving it open or create a group rather than a personal space. An open space means dealing with all the riffraff that comes your way. Just decline no one knows who you are declining.
I have to mention most people trying to create a web presence have more than one social networking space. One thing we have been asked repeatedly in class is, How can you call yourself an ed technologist if you don't use the technology that students are using to communicate with? They have a point. So start text messaging and check out the social networking sites experiment with it. You'll be surprised with the professional connections and who in your profession is already connected.
What up with Social Networking?
Jeanne asked what up with social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook. She's skeptical about their uses. I thought I would start with a brief explanation of where social networking is going and why. We are studying and creating global networks through my doc program, it's a requirement.
The big thing in business and education currently are communities of practice. I will give you the most widely used definition of it introduced by modern social learning theorist Lave & Wenger. These are the social learning guru's of today who believe in situated learning by actively being involved through a community environment (co-participation).
According to Etienne Wenger (1998), a community of practice defines itself along three dimensions:
What it is about – its joint enterprise as understood and continually renegotiated by its members.
How it functions - mutual engagement that bind members together into a social entity.
What capability it has produced – the shared repertoire of communal resources (routines, sensibilities, artefacts, vocabulary, styles, etc.) that members have developed over time. (see, also Wenger 1999: 73-84)
So the social networking sites are way of building a community of practice (interests). It's a tool (artifact) used in the practice. These people do meet up or collaborate in real life at conferences, through grants, research and projects. These networks and collaborative efforts may have been a result of joining an online community. It's having a global presence that is important and the web is the best way for reaching beyond the immediate realm of your workplace. Going beyond your workplace to a national or even international presence. By doing this you are not limiting your expertise you are expanding your possibilities for greater success.
The big thing in business and education currently are communities of practice. I will give you the most widely used definition of it introduced by modern social learning theorist Lave & Wenger. These are the social learning guru's of today who believe in situated learning by actively being involved through a community environment (co-participation).
According to Etienne Wenger (1998), a community of practice defines itself along three dimensions:
What it is about – its joint enterprise as understood and continually renegotiated by its members.
How it functions - mutual engagement that bind members together into a social entity.
What capability it has produced – the shared repertoire of communal resources (routines, sensibilities, artefacts, vocabulary, styles, etc.) that members have developed over time. (see, also Wenger 1999: 73-84)
So the social networking sites are way of building a community of practice (interests). It's a tool (artifact) used in the practice. These people do meet up or collaborate in real life at conferences, through grants, research and projects. These networks and collaborative efforts may have been a result of joining an online community. It's having a global presence that is important and the web is the best way for reaching beyond the immediate realm of your workplace. Going beyond your workplace to a national or even international presence. By doing this you are not limiting your expertise you are expanding your possibilities for greater success.