Tech. Talk

It's been a while since I have posted, so this post will be a mixed bag of tips and suggestions I have come across in the last few weeks.

Myscript Calculator
I stumbled across this iPad/iPhone app recently.  In a nutshell, Myscript Calculator is a free app that enables you to hand write a math problem and then the app converts it to text and solves it for you.  It certainly has its pros and cons in the academic world, but it might be worth taking a look at for your own purposes or for specific classroom tasks.



I have this app on my iPad and iPhone, so stop by if you would like to try it out.

Haiku Deck
This handy free app helps users create visual presentations in a snap.  Presentation creators can search for images from within the app and embed them immediately or they can upload from the iPad camera roll or from Facebook, and other online accounts.  Furthermore, students and teachers can access Haiku Deck presentations directly from the app and via the web as embedded video or play their presentations directly from the iPad, email them, or share with Facebook and Twitter.
Check out this quick presentation that I created in about 2 minutes.





iBooks Author
I am most excited about this find!!!  iBooks Author is an application for your Mac (from the Mac App Store) that enables you to create amazing iBooks that your students can use on iPads.  With this "drag and drop" it is simple to add text, graphics, movies, etc. to your book.  You can also import files.   "Drag and drop a Pages or Microsoft Word document to the Book pane to add it as a new section. Then, when you drag and drop in images, your text automatically flows around them."  You can also add text, shapes, charts, tables, Multi-Touch widgets and videos to enrich the user's learning experience.  When you are finished creating your book, the program will walk you through the steps to upload it to the iBookstore so that your students can access it.  Books can be submitted as free or for purchase downloads.  Just keep in mind that the iBooks can only be used on Apple products at this time.

Check out this video about iBooks Author



If you would like to try your hand at making an iBook for your class, I would love to help you with it!