Photo Friday: High Speed Shutter

Here is a shot taken with the shutter speed set high. With enough light you can capture millisecond moments. Here the crayons appear to floating under the spell of one of my former students Lauren.

The beauty of the digital DSLR camera is that you can take shot after shot until you get it just right.

[caption id="attachment_632" align="alignleft" width="693"] high speed shutter[/caption]

WOTV: A Unique Preschool - Taking learning out of the classroom

West Michigan ABC affiliate WOTV did a fantastic piece on Hamilton's Little Hawks Preschool. This is just one aspect of why I am so lucky to teach where I do. These kids are getting a great start and getting to spend their days outside in a beautiful preserve. School really is about developing the whole child.

25 words better than "rigorous"

In this age of educational reform, the words "rigor" and "rigorous" get thrown around as a manner of painting a picture of students developing deep knowledge and meeting high expectations. For the most part the words are used with the best of intentions. They are however losing their meaning as they become more and more cliché.

Luckily people in education are starting to re-think our overuse of these words. It is not hard to do when we take a look at their actual meanings.

Take a look at this screenshot from Thesaurus.com for "rigorous".


 

 

Do we really want our schools to be harsh,  brutal, oppressive, and ironhanded? I don't. Here are twenty-five words that I feel paint a much better picture of the kinds of schools we want to lead and have our students experience.

challenging
encompassing
growth-inspiring
robust
enriching
expectation-ladened
vigorous
hearty
dynamic
compelling
highpowered
demanding
engaging
captivating
preparatory
deep
rich
strapping
brawny
stout
percolating
amplifying
enhancing
souped-up
elaborate

We should strive to get the absolute most from our students and develop their talents. That experience doesn't have to be an unpleasant one. It is a safe bet everyone involved will grow even more if we aren't so ironhanded.

Point and Shoot 3D Modeling with 123D Catch

The cat sculpture above was created by one of our third graders in art class. It is a nice piece of work in the style of artist Laurel Burch. After it and others were displayed in the library for a couple of weeks students took them home.

We were able to create a 3D interactive digital replica simply through the iPad's camera and the 123D Catch app from Autodesk.

The app directs the user through a series of shots in order to capture all angles of a 3D object. After some rendering, the app sews together all overlapping images and creates a digital version. It is extremely easy.

The cool thing is that content created in any of the 123D apps can be further edited and developed via a companion Autodesk web app. The cat sculpture had a lot of excess space in the model like bookshelves and background that I was able to remove. Be warned though. Some of the models you send from your mobile device to the app can be pretty big and take significant time and memory to load. Once I cut out the extras, working with model was much smoother.

These models can also be printed at home if you have a compatible 3D printer or 3D prints can be ordered through Autodesk. If you thought the world of Maker Faires and 3D modeling was far beyond your tech savviness, this app makes the process as easy as point and shoot.

10 Seconds from Infotech

Here is a quick peek at the fun we make in Infotech. First Graders were writing and drawing in KidPix about their favorite online activities and then enjoying them. This sing-along broke out in the most impromptu manner.

Demystifying the new iMovie

Jon Corippo and I presented on Advanced iMovie techniques at the 2013 MACUL conference in Detroit. Since then, iMovie has undergone some significant changes.

A number of the old habit workflows no longer work. This was the scene at the Connected Educator Un/conference about a month ago. Several of us were completely stumped at using green screen in the newest version.

How intuitive are the new controls in latest version of iMovie? This easy. Thanks @billvanlooteach pic.twitter.com/e6pTNsJB6q

— Andy Losik (@mrlosik) April 26, 2014

Jon recently overhauled the Advanced iMovie Techniques slide deck for the new version, demystifying all of the changes. Enjoy.
 

Hands on Advanced iMovie techniques 2013 from Jon Corippo

Photo Friday: Market Day

Here is another one from 2007. It is one of my favorite pics to use as a writing prompt because there are so many colors, the danger sign, and interactions happening in it. I took it from the shuttle bus window as my wife and I traveled from our resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic back to the airport.

Photo Friday: Blue Skies

I can't believe it has been seven years since I took this picture. It was one of the first pictures I really liked that I took with my new Nikon D40. It was also the first warm day to be outside shooting that spring.

After thinking the Memorial Day Parade started at 9:30 instead of 9:00 we ventured to the Blue Star Elementary playground to enjoy the great holiday weather. The blue skies had returned and launched another beautiful Michigan summer along the Lake Michigan shore.

The Untapped Power of Apple's Preview

Hands down my favorite feature of Keynote is the Instant Alpha tool. It takes out background color and really makes a huge difference when creating presentations with icons and logos. I also do a ton of creative layout and design work in Keynote. With Instant Alpha it functions just like Photoshop.

My only complaint was that although I could export slides as images, I couldn't export images with transparent backgrounds.

I shared this with my buddy Jon Corippo the other night and he mentioned using Preview to do it. I had really only ever used Preview to view .pdf files on my Mac. Jon explained that he builds in Keynote, saves as an image, and then opens it in Preview. The same Instant Alpha in Keynote exists on the "Edit Toolbar" in Preview (VIEW - Show Edit Toolbar). Once you alpha out your background you can export (under FILE) as a .png.

I had no idea.

The Edit Toolbar also allows you to add text and shapes, as well as crop and adjust your image...all for free.

Fourteen years of handing out superpowers

As the school year winds down it seems like all we do is check off one more task from from a never-ending to-do list. Reflecting is one of those things we need to do but don't always do. This week I submitted my last monthly newsletter for the year. What I teach is called Infotech. It is in the elementary specials rotation with music, art, and phys. ed. Kids come to me for an hour each week. The program is kind of my baby because I was one of the two founding teachers and have been able to mold it pretty much to my wishes along the way. I can't believe it has been fourteen years since we sat down to craft this thing. Below are my reflections that I placed in the specials news section this week.

As I take a second to look back over the last fourteen years of Infotech, it is pretty amazing how much it has changed.

We started out as one of the first school districts in Michigan to have wireless laptops with our blue Apple "clamshell" iBooks. Since then we have moved to being much more web-based and have MacBooks with ten times the capabilities of the original iBooks.

We utilize many of Google's Apps for Education and we have Apple iPads running iOS and Sony tablets that run Android. It seems like we are broadening students' exposure to more and more tools and devices every year.

One thing hasn't changed though. The goal of Infotech has been and always will be to build technology skills that students can use to enhance learning in their regular classroom. I call them "learning superpowers" that allow them to access information in amazing ways and to share what they learn in amazing ways. Here is to many more great years to come in Infotech.

#MichEd Un/Conference Excellent Adventure Keynote

Thanks Brad Wilson and #TeamJXN for polishing up my keynote address from the  Connected Educator Un/Conference. There is a little Easter Egg in this so stick around for the whole thing.

 

 

 

Autodesk offering free software to educators

Autodesk has built itself into a huge force on the industrial design and 3D animation fronts in gaming and entertainment.

Now they are making a big push for education and inviting educators to use all of their software for free.

There are some amazing design apps for as young as 4th grade and some serious high-end tools for computer-aided drafting and video editing projects as well.

For a good place to start, go to the app store and find anything "123d" for your iPad. Let your kids figure out how quickly they can begin molding and modeling. Be warned that you will probably want to get a 3D printer though so you can make their creations a reality .

My favorite so far is the Catch app that lets you shoot panoramic shots of an object and then the apps builds it into a 3D digital model. I showed our art teacher how I created a digital version of one of the 3rd grade sculptures a girl at Blue Star Elementary made. This gives us the ability to save physical creativity in digital portfolios or share it far beyond school walls.

Autodesk is involved in so much. I was surprised to learn they also make the Pixlr online creativity suite, Tinkerbox app (iOS), and the Instructables app (iOS and Android).

Look for what I hear will be an impressive presence at ISTE this summer.

I would bet serious money that this company will become a major, well-known force in education in the next 5 years...if not a lot sooner.

A view from above

Check out the Earth from the International Space Station 230 miles above at a speed up to 17,000 miles per hour. 
Live streaming video by UstreamTo find out where the ISS is use this tracker.

Discovery Communications cans "Bad Teachers"

Designed to expose shocking facts about educators, "Bad Teachers" premiered last week on the Investigation Discovery network. Its run lasted one week after parent company Discovery Communications pulled the plug on the series today.

Steve Dembo, writing for Discovery Education posted the following statement on the organization's blog today.

"Discovery Education’s mission is to celebrate and support the millions of dedicated professionals around the world who have made teaching their life’s work.

As such, we share your concerns with the ID program “Bad Teacher.”

Discovery Communications operates over 200 channels worldwide and 14 in the US, including the entertainment channel ID. The program “Bad Teacher” on ID is not associated with, nor does it reflect the beliefs of, Discovery Education.

We appreciate the support of the educational community for bringing this to our attention and we are pleased to share that Discovery Communications has decided to immediately cancel this program, removing it from ID’s on-air and online schedule.

At Discovery Education, we hold teachers and the teaching profession in the highest regard. We remain committed to supporting educators around the world in their tireless efforts to enhance the culture of learning for every child, every day."

Thank you Discovery Communications and Discovery Education for all you do.

Okay CBS, it is time for you to do the same with your new sitcom with a similar name.

Explore The World Of Chromville In Augmented Reality

The developers at Spain's Chromville are busily creating an augmented reality world for users of all ages. By printing and then coloring pages depicting different characters and parts of the Chromville world, "explorers" use the special app available in Android and iOS to make their scenes come to life.



Here is the backstory on this mystical land according to Chromville.com.

"The ancient world Chromville, is well known for its power source of color. It´s placed in a galaxy far, far away and there are at least five villages: Firecity, Stonetown, Greenland, Waterville and Cloudskingdom. Its inhabitants, the Chromers, look like their environment and live in peace thanks to the colorful beauty of their homeland. However, the planet´s color is fading away mysteriously in some regions and they are in danger of losing its power.

Your quest is to help Chromers to discover the enigma and solve the color problem of their planet. Paint and play with your friends and family to discover all the interactive mysteries of this adventure."

The app is still in beta but performance is consistent enough to start using it with students. Chromville is planning on expanding quickly and is currently (April 2014) running a writing contest so students can play a role in developing the narrativesoccurring in the different villages.

As a teacher, my favorite aspect is the open-endedness of the site. The app and coloring pages help bring characters to life...but who these characters are and what makes them special is only limited by the user's imagination.

Hands-down though my favorite feature is the blank character maker. I may...or may not have created my own Mr. T in Chromville. All I can say is, "I pity the fool who doesn't give this site and app a spin."

This instructional video shows how to get started.

 

 

Hangin' with #2GuysShow, Havin' a Daqri, Talkin' #CUERockStar

Great stuff from Drew and Brad as they discuss Augmented Reality creation through Daqri.

I jumped in at the end to talk about #CUERockstar Saugatuck coming up in July as well as a bunch of other awesome things like this performance from Pearl Jam.


Catch the 2 Guys Show every Tuesday night at 9:00 PM EDT.

Congration, you have great voice.

Do you really want to see where our over-emphasis on developing  "voice" in writing and our lack of emphasis on spelling and grammar is taking us?

[caption id="attachment_535" align="alignleft" width="300"] image via @crylenol on Twitter[/caption]

Look no further than the Walmart bakery.  Spelling matters. Grammar matters. This cake artist conveyed a lovely message, a really heartfelt one and even added a new word to the lexicon. Unfortunately that gets lost in the grammar.

I hope it tasted good.  It seems like spelling and grammar ought to garner a deep discount off of the $15 asking price.

Going Big - Caine's Arcade Style

[caption id="attachment_532" align="alignleft" width="225"] Willis Tower, Caine's Arcade Style[/caption]

Inspired by all of the creativity and ingenuity involved in the building of Caine's Arcade, I took our annual research of the World's tallest skyscrapers into the cardboard construction world.

This project with third graders took on many layers.
-Learning to research, looking

[caption id="attachment_545" align="alignleft" width="225"] One World Trade Center Freedom Tower[/caption]

for specific facts
-Manipulating and studying models in Sketchup
-Understanding and calculating scale, 200 feet in real life equaled one foot of cardboard
-Engineering of a free-standing structure
-Creativity and style
-Developing perseverance and stamina when the best laid plans fall flat, literally

Some projects came together much better than others. We are dedicating one final class period to our architecture next week. At that time, we will sit down and take a hard look at what went well and what did not go well. Not all buildings are are going to stand as well as this version of the Willis Tower in Chicago. The biggest challenge will be for the kids to tell me why their building experience went well or what could have gone better. They are just third graders. If we don't give them the chance to try projects like this and experience the trials and tribulations of collaboration then we can't expect it just to naturally happen.

The Joy of Reading: "Happy" by Pharell Williams

I love playing this song for my students. It was only natural to mash up some Discovery Education footage from some of my favorite story videos to demonstrate the true joy that lies in reading.

Be happy my friends.

The Power of Community and a Little Creativity #HTownStrong

[caption id="attachment_525" align="alignleft" width="240"] doodling on the iPad becomes a symbol for galvanizing a community[/caption]

On an early December evening  of last year I plopped emotionally exhausted into the big leather chair I plop into on most evenings.  I fired up the Neu.Draw app on my iPad to unwind and within a few minutes I had crafted a Hamilton Community Schools version of the Boston Strong logo.

You see, it had been a rough few days around the little town in West Michigan where I teach. A few days earlier one of our very best teachers had been taken from us in an auto accident on his way to school. Josh Hoppe was all that is right with teaching and inspiring learners. Kids were hurting. Teachers were hurting. The whole town was hurting.  Josh's funeral would be the next morning and for me personally the logo was just a way of digging for some extra strength to get beyond the sadness and hurt.

Like a lot of things, I posted it to social media and within a few minutes people were asking to borrow it as their avatars. I happily obliged and over the course of the next few days I started to see it more and more. Now, I literally see it everywhere in this community, especially on social media where countless people I know and don't know are using it to represent their pride for a community that has time and time again come together to support each other. Just today I noticed that the parent volunteer office had added it to its letterhead and the Hamilton Baseball team was featuring it on its new shirts.

Pretty cool! I don't care about intellectual royalties. I am just honored a great community finds something it likes in something I created, well borrowed from the Boston community. It has served the same purpose in Beantown.

I am a big fan of irony and here is the funny part. Shortly after I moved to Hamilton in 1997, the University of Iowa told Hamilton we could no longer use the school's stenciled Hawkeye logo. There was a community-wide logo contest. I won $400...for second place. No, I didn't have my design chosen as the community's new rallying point over fifteen years ago. I am glad they like my second attempt.

Stay strong H-Town!

Make the amazing by combining Discovery Education and iMovie.

Here is a step-by-step screencast for using the great footage available from Discovery Education Streaming in conjunction with the superpowers the iMovie trailer feature delivers.

In the video I demonstrate making trailers on a Mac. The same can done with an iOS device as well. The process is similar but varies slightly. One of my edtech pioneer heroes Kathy Schrock offers up this super guide.

Check out additional hints and ideas on this process as I host Discovery's "DENvice" this week on Facebook.

An Ultimate Guide On Aptoide And Its Usability

When it comes to sharing all kind of niceties on your Android phone, it is the Aptiode that you may seek to have. It is easy to download the best kind of games that is tough to find on other play store and enjoy the way your entertainment hits the upper mark. This app is described as an inclusive app through which you may download the games and discover the things that you seek to have.

Aptoide is itself a large digital market which helps you find the best app for your phone. Downloading this app is easier and there are no technological issues involved. This guide describes the features of this app which makes you it downloaded instantly on your system.

Features of the app

While talking about the app features, just have a look below which is as follows:

• No need to sign-up or register on the app store


• Apps downloading can be paused for a later stage with the help of resume and cancel features


• Games can also be downloaded


• Updates are available in an automatic way


• Being a secure app, you can get it downloaded on your phone without any kind of problem


• Users can also upload the apps on their own store which also remains accessible to other people as well

How effective is this app for iOS devices?

For iOS following features can be accessible:

• You can install the apps and games you like for free


• Gets updated quickly so that more apps are available


• Being available in different languages, this app also serves as an alternative to many other applications

This app was developed for android based OS but with the help of Cydia, this app also works on iOS devices.

Following steps help you download Aptoide for iOS devices:

• First of all, install the latest iOS version on your phone to make it safe and secure


• Through safari, you can search for your favorite engine


• Through the download link for Cydia, first, download this app then follow the steps below


• After the pages have been downloaded, go to the bottom of your screen


• New options are opened in the windows from where go to the Add to Home Screen

Safety and security of the device has a lot to do with the way in which any app is being run. Make sure that Cydia is downloaded from the web link which is reliable and safe and this is what makes this app truly desirable in terms of entertainment it provides.

The major USP of this app is that this app works well in case of slow net connections thus saving your mobile data too. Usability of the app lies in making it more workable and providing to you the facility to have an access to large numbers games and other apps right there. Aptoide for iPhone is highly efficient and has proved its mettle to the world when it comes to providing a flawless entertainment experience.

 

Shazam for PC Download – Free on Windows(7/8.1/10) Using Bluestacks

Shazam for PC is the thing that I am will talk about in this post. Shazam is extraordinary compared to other approaches to distinguish the music that is being played in your environment. You can know the name of the melody inside the portion of seconds. It likewise distinguishes what you are viewing on TV. You can find out about the shows you are viewing on TV. It turned out to be exceptionally prominent lately.

This Shazam Online PC was established in 1999. More than 100 million clients downloaded this application in play store. It just uses your versatile or PC's receiver to perceive the music. In the event that the music playing in your surroundings coordinated with any of the tunes in Shazam's database, it will disclose to you the melody that is playing in your close-by.

Shazam for Computer Free Download:

As I said over, this application is solely created to use on advanced cells. Shockingly, there is no official application to download and introduce Shazam for the PC. Try not to Worry; Where there is a will, there is a way. Like that, there is likewise an approach to introduce Shazam for PC Windows 8.1/8/7 and Mac.

Here, you require an android emulator to utilize Shazam on Laptop. Android emulator causes you to play android applications on your Windows and Mac working frameworks. Along these lines, in the first place, you need to download an android emulator or application player on your PC.

• The best android emulator is bluestacks.

Essentially, there are two forms of bluestacks. One is the web based introducing emulator and other is Offline installer emulator.

• You require the web association with introduce Bluestacks online installer record. In this way, ensure you have legitimate web association while introducing it.


• Presently, Bluestacks disconnected installer, you require not have any web association with finish the establishment, dissimilar to bluestacks online installer.

In the event that you need Bluestacks Offline Installer, you can download it from the connection given underneath. Establishment direction is additionally given.

Shazam for PC or Laptop Windows 8.1,8,7 and Mac:

• Dispatch bluestacks application from your desktop.


• It might take few moments to open.


• You can discover "seek box" on the landing page of bluestacks programming.


• Tap on the hunt box to look what you need.


• Sort "Shazam" in the hunt box and don't press enter.


• You will see a few outcomes underneath the inquiry box in regards to your hunt question.


• Tap on the one you need to introduce and the present window explores to Google Play Store.


• You can see Install choice there and tap on it.


• Your Shazam for PC download begins instantly and establishment will be done consequently after got done with downloading.

You can see the introduced applications in landing page or My applications segment.

In the event that Shazam application is recorded there implies you introduced Shazam for Windows effectively.

That is it. Make the most of your new involvement with Shazam on your PC. In the event that you have any inquiries with respect to the establishment or use, you can ask us utilizing the remark box gave beneath. We react as quickly as time permits.

[Fix] Showbox App Update Not Working, Server Not Available

Showbox Apk is the latest Android application which has made a lot of buzz in incitement piece. With the tremendous database of Movies, TV Series, and Anime, one can stream and download every single substance available. Showbox App is committed to Android arrange and if you wish tantamount kind of App then MovieBox For iOS is the best duplicate which you can download for iPads and iPhones. As Showbox Apk is for the most part looked and used Movie App, I get it's optimal and most surely understood of its kind.

We all in all are especially mindful of the way that it's not open at Google Play Store and could be downloaded from outside sources. Here, I've been reviving this post as often as possible with the true objective that you can get Showbox Apk Download guaranteed. Honestly, in case you are looking for a greater number of options than these Top Movie Apps For Android is the best place in any case.

If you've been using Showbox for long at that point bumbles like Showbox apk not working or Stopped working, Screen cement with complete power blackout is unreasonably ordinary and every one of us confronts these sorts of issues. Nonetheless, don't worry, here you will get a starting late revived record. So instantly we should make sense of how to download Showbox apk for Android.

Download Showbox Apk | Latest Showbox Version 4.91

Showbox Apk interpretation 4.91 is out now and faultlessly working now. Regardless, in light of huge development and customer activity all over application goes detached. This I figure is an occasion of server stack. Essentially as with each bug settle, execution is also growing, we in general will'be seeing an all the more effective shape in best in class days.

For the latest adjustment, which is Showbox apk 4.91, take a gander at underneath coordinate download interface. Essentially hit "Tail Me" and get invigorated copy of your best film App.

Invigorate: Showbox is back and this time it's working outstandingly. Showbox Not Working 4.91 latest variation is open now. For each one of those going up against issues, we have attempted and endeavored terrarium App. Terrarium requires VPN applications to get the opportunity to content. You can get free VPN programming here. It will be significantly more easy to movies using these free film goals.

So resulting to downloading Showbox for Android now its turn for Blackberry users.Why should we persist, if all People are getting a charge out of App on their propelled cell phones by then we ought to get in our Blackberry too.

The working course of action of blackberry is Android based so there is no issue, you can without a lot of an extend download and present Show box on Blackberry also.

Mobdro for Android | Install Mobdro App (Apk) on Android

Clients hunting down a video spilling application can discover a considerable measure of such applications over the Internet. In any case, it is exceptionally troublesome for the greater part of them to choose a decent one from that gigantic gathering of applications. Be that as it may, today we will help those clients with the survey of a decent video gushing application which can give all the expected highlights to the clients. Indeed, I am discussing the Mobdro App, which is found to have a decent client base crosswise over different parts of the World. In this way, would could it be that caused the expanded Mobdro download among the clients. Give us a chance to observe this. Download Mobdro APK for android and ios should be possible today.

Contrasting with the other prevalent video spilling applications, which requires the clients to pay for viewing their most loved shows, the Mobdro APK is totally not quite the same as them. In this application, you can watch your TV appears for nothing as well as select and view a great deal of motion pictures, sports channels, news channels and so forth. All that you get in the Mobdro App is free and that makes it so extraordinary for the clients.

You Must likewise observe the Mobdro For iOS manage in which we gave guidelines about how to utilize it on iphone and Apple iOS gadgets. This application will enable you to observe every one of your shows without missing any points of interest.

The quantity of fulfilled Android clients of this application is expanding step by step. It can be introduced in the PCs moreover. In any case, as of now the Mobdro APK download is not accessible for the iOS gadgets and they can't utilize it until further notice. Two distinct adaptations of the Mobdro App download are accessible, the free form and the top notch variant. For a typical client who needs to utilize this application sometimes can proceed with the free form. A consistent client can strive for the exceptional variant with extra highlights. Its truly simple to utilize.

WHY MOBDRO APP FOR ANDROID?

On the off chance that you need to choose the Mobdro App as the spilling application for your cell phones, there ought to be some purpose behind it. Here I can give you a considerable measure of reasons which will help you to comprehend the contrast between the Mobdro App and the others. The most vital motivation to choose the Mobdro for Android is the accessibility of free recordings for gushing. All your most loved TV indicates are accessible here in this application alongside an enormous accumulation of motion pictures of all circumstances. It likewise incorporates Sports Channels and News Channels too. This application can without much of a stretch supplant the necessity of a Television for these reasons. What's more, the most recognizable thing is that not at all like the Television all these are accessible for nothing in the Mobdro App. Mobdro Download should be possible in the wake of perusing all the data about it here. Mobdro APK can be truly useful for fulfilling your children as well.

The interface of the Mobdro App is additionally outlined in an extremely easy to understand way and there are segments where clients can without much of a stretch locate the most slanting recordings. The Mobdro application free form permits bookmarking of your most loved recordings which will be useful to check them again when required. The Mobdro for Android premium adaptation is more valuable for this reason with the alternative to download the recordings on the web and view them regardless of the possibility that you are disconnected. We prescribe this application to every one of the perusers of our site.

The Mobdro for Android additionally incorporates a sharing alternative in this application which can be useful in offering your most loved recordings to others. Coordination with Chromecast is another great component of this App. It can help the clients to cast the recordings into a greater screen and have the most extreme pleasure. Clients are likewise observed suspecting if the Mobdro APK Download is sheltered or not. Since the time it was discharged, no issues are accounted for with respect to this application that can bring up issues about the wellbeing of this application. Henceforth you can download and utilize the Mobdro App with no stresses of security.

Understanding Mobdro for iPhone and How To Download The App

Almost half of the world has heard of mobdro application but most of them are unaware of the true meaning and application of it. This application used to be maximum used in UK and US, but today the app is used all across the world. This app primarily is meant for android users. Today while designing an app, it is seen that developers designs app for android users and later think about the accessibility on PC and IOS. All the features that this app involves are user friendly and quite easy to understand and handle. With this app you can easily watch all the online TV shows and movies while on the go. This app is also available for Kodi, iPhone/iPad and Mobdro For Chromecaste.

Knowing about the app

When you are thinking about downloading this application then first you have to make sure that on your device you are having Mobdro APK file. Primarily you need to install the Mobdro APK file on your device. For flawless glitch free operation, you need to follow the instruction systematically, then you will certainly be able to install the file. Today you will come across number of sites where you will come across direct link to download the app. So it’s not like you have to search a lot but right before downloading make sure you have chosen the right resource.

App for IOS

Today for iOS this innovative application can be downloaded. The app is known to be as Mobdro For iPhone is mostly downloaded by iPhone users, Mac users and iPad users, while going through the instructions and following you have to make sure first, you have understood everything properly. As if you haven’t clearly understood then it may happen that you make a mistake and you have to resume everything again.

Safety standards

Now number of individuals ponder seriously about the safety standards of Mobdro and how far it is secure and legal to download and utilize. Such concerns are unavoidable as when it comes to downloading an app with bigger claims safety and legality comes to mind, as none would love to run through the risk. This app is practically a media gushing app bent on offering good measure of media substance. The app does not have its own substance rather it is known to import substances from varying other sources and offers the same to the clients. The app imports item from those sources, which intend to operate safely securely, without compromising at any point.

Downloading the app

It’s always recommended to download the app from its official site, as downloading same from its actual site would keep you safe from all your tensions, worries and concerns. Then there are other locales from where this app can be downloaded. But downloading this app from any locale comes with a little possibility that you may attract malware and infection together with the APK record. So eventually, your system may suffer. Hence, right before downloading the app, make sure you are downloading the app from a reliable site.

 

Thank You Michael - a Video Response

Way back in January, my fellow nerdy friend Rushton Hurley shared with me a fabulous video posted on his NextVista.org site called "My Name is Michael" and I subsequently shared it here on this blog.

The video is by a California middle schooler who has Autism and with the help of his teacher, Michael shares his daily struggles and desire to be included by his peers. It is powerfully honest and as I began to show it my upper elementary students I could tell they really "got" his message. The response on this site was great too and Michael's mom actually took time to leave a little thank you in the comments.

To harness some of the energy generated from our discussions in the classroom, the kids and I began to brainstorm what we might be able to do in order to let Michael know we appreciate the courage it took to make his video and that we all deepened our awareness of Autism from his work. What follows is a student-created video response.

This one is for you Michael!

Thank You Michael from Andy Losik on Vimeo.

 

Best of MACUL presents #CueRockStar Saugatuck Updates

A lot of progress has been made on this summer's CUE Rock Star Camp Saugatuck  since we first announced it back in February.

We have assembled an absolute All-Star faculty made up of several Apple Distinguished Educators, Google Certified Teachers, a recent tech director of the year, the current MACUL Tech Educator of the Year, and California's "Oustanding Emerging Teacher" for 2014. Not only are these people "kind of a big deal" in the educational technology world, they were all hand selected because they possess the uncanny ability to work with teachers in a fun way.

We have also begun to solidify what will be offered each day. Check out our growing list of sessions to see the wide variety of offerings.

The Rock Star format is all about allowing attendees to build relationships and have tons of fun. Here is our daily schedule.

Daily Schedule:

9:00      Coffee

9:30      Shred Sessions - Presenters hype their daily sessions

10:00    Session 1 - Hands on learning

12:00    Lunch/Networking

2:00      Session 2 (with ice cream break) - Hands on learning

4:00      Closing

Optional "After party" - Cut loose with your fellow Rock Stars for a couple of evening excursions to the Saugatuck Dune Rides and Fenn Valley Winery.

Camp will be held on July 23-25th at Douglas Elementary and Hamilton High School.

So...I am hoping lots of our local educators will take advantage of this professional learning opportunity. Register today at cue.org/rscamp.

Join the #MichEd movement. Share great teaching in Michigan.

Great things are happening in the classrooms across Michigan and many educators are realizing they have the tools to tell their own stories. We are no longer at the mercy of how politicians or portray us or what stories the media chooses to tell.

The #MichEd Video Challenge is aimed at collecting all of the awesomeness in one spot. Please consider sharing the great things you are doing with your students. We must tell our own stories. We are the only ones who really know how they go.

Update: #FlippedClassroom Flop

Mako by Emma from Andy Losik on Vimeo.

So it has been three weeks since my attempt to get second graders making movies crashed and burned right before my principal's eyes for my formal observation.

I can't tell you how much support my sharing that experience generated from readers of my blog and friends on social media. I stated then that it was actually an experience I needed because I was bound to grow from it and see this project through to completion.

Now three weeks later I am proud to share that over half of the second graders have successfully completed their projects. Check out Emma's above.

Along the way the kids began to express their frustration over the amount of background noise that kept interfering with their voiceover work. Others simply struggled with using that specific feature in iMovie. To assist in this step, I slowed down the process and worked one-on-one with them on this part. One kid would record at a time with me away from where the rest were working quietly. To provide help to those still just trying to reach this step, I set up a Genius Bar just like at the Apple store. Kids who had mastered the process set up shop to help other students. Those completely done or waiting to record voice could select from a handful of problem solving games like Tinkerball and Tumble Town.

Projects are getting done with quality. Kids are getting one-on-one time with me. Kids are helping kids while others build additional skills...and I got better as a teacher. It just took a few lumps getting to this point. As far as the observation goes, my principal came back yesterday and liked the progress. He even spent a little time working at the Genius Bar helping kids with their videos.

Before you post... T.H.I.N.K!

Here is a great tool for building digital citizenship. It was originally posted at Edutopia.org and reminds us all to think before we post something online. This acronym isn't just good for kids but is a reminder for adults as well.

Is your Teaching an Excellent Adventure or Bogus Journey?

On April 26th I will be delivering the Un/Keynote at the Connected Educator Un/Conference in Jackson, Michigan.

I posted earlier about the hands-on session I will be leading but here is a peek at the opening address I am hammering out down in the basement.

Un-Keynote Opening: Never before in history have educators had more amazing tools to bring learning to life. Even better is that we don't have to take this journey alone. Let's explore ways to engage learners and find amazing traveling partners close to home and around the globe. Let's crank up the energy and recharge as we push to make the most of every second we have left in 2014.

Come on out to Jackson in late April...unless you are just going to be hanging around a Circle K trying to figure out how to do your history report.

 

---

"Happy" Wednesday!

It's a rainy Wednesday with the threat of snow showers this afternoon in Michigan. Yuck! Luckily when I checked Facebook this morning, Patti Harju had posted this fabulous video from a group of Michigan kids.

I hope it adds as much "Happy" to your day as it did mine!

#MACUL14 Lightining Talk: 15 seconds with 15 great Michigan Educators

Today I had the honor to present a Lightning Talk at Michigan's MACUL Conference. The concept is to tell a story in twenty slides in five minutes. Quick math reveals that each slide only lasts on the screen for fifteen seconds.

I chose to take my five minutes and salute fifteen amazing Michigan educators whose contribution to my personal learning network have allowed me to learn all that I have and keep me going in my daily teaching life. It was a live version of the Twitter #FollowFriday hashtag.

Here they are. I could easily produce a list of fifteen more over and over again. I learn from hundreds of great people constantly.

 


Ben Rimes: @techsavvyed
Kristi Zoerhof: @kristizoerhof
Brad Wilson: @dreambition
Rebecca Wildman: @rebeccawildman
Brad Waid: @techbradwaid
Drew Minock: @techminock
John Sowash: @jrsowash
Karen Bosch: @karlyb
Mark Behnke: @mbanksvid
Amber Kowatch: @amberkowatch
Tony Dilaura: @anthonydilaura
David Prindlw: @dprindle
Kelly Kermode: @coachk
Dave Tebo: @tebotweets
Dan Spencer: @runfardvs

There are so many more and I will salute them periodically throughout the months to come. Thanks to all of these great people.

 

#FlippedClassroom Flop

Yesterday I had my announced teacher observation for my overall performance evaluation and....well, let's just say the hour could have gone a lot better.

Second graders were beginning the process of creating their first iMovies, ones that will involve the reporting of animal facts in a voice-over with stunning images from Arkive.org. I had taught this lesson twice in the last week and it had been a great experience. I figured it would be a home run for the evaluation. I however, fell victim to a trap I was consciously avoiding...trying to put on a good show instead of just good teaching.

In retrospect, I was really just trying to do too much. I wanted to show my ability to screencast or "DVR my teaching" so I prerecorded the steps kids would need to follow in order to make the movie. We would focus mainly on Day 1's task of collecting three images and organizing them in iPhoto. I have the video posted at MrLosik.Blogspot.com and now as they work on the project, they can review the steps instead of me repeating myself.

Things started to unravel when I fired up the screencast as the introduction. I have done this before in other lessons and it allows me to "co-teach" with my own instructions. The problem this time was that I had no sound coming from my speakers. All the kids could hear was the laptop and it was too faint, even as I tried to explain things along with the video.

That was the "I do it" portion. Next we did a "We do it" where the kids helped me go through the process. By the time we were ready to send them to the "You do it" independent portion they were squirrelly from me keeping them on the floor for too long.

In retrospect, the screencast should have been held back until next time. It still have a lot of merit and when we revisit this activity. Showing it off to have it included in the observation clouded the educational benefit of it and caused the kids to be on the floor too long. I am also questioning when the right age is to use principles of the flipped classroom is with students. Second Grade might be a little young. That is the learning I took away from it.

As for the rest of the period, it took some work and individualized attention but all students completed their Day 1 task of collecting the images and organizing them. A number of them began to research their animal facts as well. Next time will go better I promised them and told them that their hard work will pay off in the end.

My principal was understanding and commented that he liked my ability to make adjustments. He says that he is looking forward to coming back and seeing the finished product. That is fair. I trust the projects will be amazing.

Disclaimer: No, this is not a flipped classroom in the truest sense but uses principles of the flipped classroom. It was still a flop.

Sub plans from the snowbank, thanks to Google Drive

I have been a Google Docs guys since before there were Google Docs. We used "Writely" in my online graduate classes back in 2005. On Friday, Google Docs got me out of a real pickle...well partially.

When I left my house for the typical 30 minute commute to Bentheim Elementary School there were strong winds and a little light snow was falling.  All area schools were open because when officials had made their early morning checks conditions were good with what forecasters called "light snow" slowly making its way to the Eastern shore of Lake Michigan. As I got closer to the open farmland to the east, those winds had kicked up the worst white-out conditions I have experienced during my thirty-plus years of living in Michigan. When I got to M-40 I witnessed a jack-knifed semi and cars plowing into each other. After some of the chaos cleared I continued my journey and made harrowing crossing after crossing through intersections with no visibility and no stop signs for cross-traffic. Two miles later I would find myself smacked up against a snowbank, having been clipped by a Ford F-150 that was completely invisible in the storm until I was in the middle of the intersection and it was approaching from 10 yards to my right.

First thought: I am okay.

Second thought: What about the other driver? As I got out to check on him, he and his wife were headed my way to see how I was. Luckily we had all come through the collision physically unscathed.

Third thought: Uh...those emergency sub plans I have been meaning to get to since September sure would be nice to have sitting on my desk right about now.

After calling police, my wife, and school to inform them of the incident and that we were all unharmed I went into McGyver-mode and started digging into the Google Drive app on my iPhone. Within just a few minutes, I was able to cobble together enough activities to keep 5 grade levels of kids engaged for the rest of the day. I emailed them to our fabulous librarian who helped set up the substitute they were able to secure for me.

Google Drive does so much for me as a teacher. I know some people can't get beyond how sterile the documents are (Foof them up with fonts and borders in Word later.) but  I never worry about work not being saved. Students share with me to turn in documents. We have classes collaborating on presentations and the list goes on and on. On Friday, Google Docs kept the learning going even when my Ford Escape and I weren't able to go anywhere.

Now if Google could somehow figure out how to do extensive body work with just a few keystrokes....

The Connected Educator Un/Conference: April 26th Preview

I am looking forward to April for so many reasons and one of them is the  Connected Educator Un/Conference in Jackson on April 26th.

I will be delivering the opening address (Wow, what an honor!) and then doing a session entitled "If you can't build it in Keynote, you don't need it."

I sat down Wednesday with un/conference coordinator Dan Spencer to talk about the conference and what attendees can expect from the "learn by doing" session.

 

Fix your grammar

From the geniuses who brought us the best tool ever for stamping out vertical video syndrome comes "Fix your grammar."

We can make all of the excuses we want for why such terrible grammar is perpetuated not only across the Internet but by an alarming amount of of our society. Here are a handful of funny reminders for all of us and especially our older students.

Enjoy...and hope with me a sequel is in the works directed at knocking "I seen" from the world's lexicon for good.

Elementary Market Day: A great 'maker' experience

Two  of the really cool events that happen at the elementary school where I teach and the elementary school where my daughter attends are the student-led market days.  The two schools put their own spin on market day, but the premise is the same.

It is a mini maker faire, DIY entrepreneurial experience where students develop, market, and then sell handmade wares to classmates. My daughter used unwanted upholstery samples to create microfiber computer/smart phone screen cleaners and cloth book marks. Other projects kids made included root beer floats, pvc pipe marshmallow shooters, and laser cut metal letters painted in popular university colors glued on a magnet. I have even seen a massage booth and a miniature golf hole complete with volcano.

What an amazing outpouring of creativity was on display in those gymnasiums!

Products have to be pre-approved by staff but created primarily by the students themselves. Each school has students advertise during the days leading up to the big sales day either via poster or promotional spots they deliver live during morning announcements.

At Douglas Elementary, Market Day works as a fundraiser where proceeds go toward the end of the year 5th grade celebration at a local fun spot. Raising money this way gives the kids a stake in the efforts and builds a sense of giving and working toward a shared cause. Items are sold to other kids and nobody ends up with ugly wrapping paper and overpriced cheese logs like the average fund raiser.

At Blue Star Elementary, teachers use Market Day to build meaning around economic concepts like operating costs and profit. Students have to use their own money or seek a loan from family members. All costs have to be detailed and recorded. These students get to keep all of the money from their sales but must re-pay any loans immediately.

Talk about authentic assessment when it comes to whether kids developed and marketed a successful product.

The thing I like most about the Market Day concept is that it lets each kid develop something they enjoy from their own interests and background. These are just a couple of ways to hold Market Day. I am sure with a little more creativity, there are lots of other ways too.

Life is Too Short for $#%++% Professional Development

Life is too short for crappy professional development and on Saturday February 8, several of us at the inaugural Nova Now Conference had a great conversation about where professional development in education often comes up short.

This wasn't just a gripe session but one where we discussed what works well in professional development and what we as teacher-leaders can do to help foster better learning experiences for all of our colleagues in association with our admin teams.

The following slides were the collaborative effort and summary of our conversation.

Dean Shareski: What ever happened to joy in Education?

Last summer I had to pleasure to finally meet Dean Shareski, someone whose tweets have informed me and entertained me for years and whose "EdTech Posse" show was one of the first podcasts I ever listened to.

In addition to his duties teaching at the University of Saskatchewan, Dean is also the Canadian community manager for Discovery Education. Dean capped a fabulous week for me at the  Discovery Educator Network Summer Institute with a version of the following talk. As those of in most of North America slug through this endless winter it is important to reflect on Dean's essential question: "Whatever happened to joy in Education?"  I think most of us could use a little joy right now.

I am excited that Dean will be here in Michigan next month sharing this presentation at MACUL.


Enjoy and spread a little joy today as well.

Autism really speaks in student-made video

"Autism Speaks" is a slogan used by those working hard to raise awareness for the genetic disorder. Their efforts must be applauded but nothing I have seen about life with autism has struck me like the student-made video below.

Rushton Hurley, the undisputed nicest guy in educational technology shared this link from his NextVista.org website with me a couple of weeks ago. What struck me was that this young man, Michael, was sharing his deepest feelings. People with autism struggle mightily understanding emotions and have an even harder time communicating them. In the footnotes, Rushton shares that this 3 and a half minute video took more than seven months for Michael and his teacher Mr. Lozano to produce. This truly is autism speaking.

I have shown this video to a number of third and fourth grade classes. Each time their is pin-drop silence and very thoughtful reflections on Michael's words. One student stated, "You don't have to have autism to feel like Michael." No buddy, you don't.

Take a few minutes to listen to Michael and please share his great message.

Keynote beyond Presentations

Apple's Keynote is great for presentations but the tool can be used for so much more. In this screencast I explain diagramming, employing advanced photo editing techniques, and creating high-end looking video production. Created with Camtasia 2 for Mac.

2 Guys Show: Jon Corippo talks all things CUE Rock Star Teacher Camp

The founder of CUE Rock Star Jon Corippo hung out with Drew Minock and Brad Waid on the 2 Guys Show Tuesday night and talked about the evolution of one of the coolest professional development franchises ever. Jon will be here in West Michigan this summer co-directing Rock Star Teacher Camp Saugatuck with me.

Jon and I connected in 2011 when we became Apple Distinguished Educators in Arizona. We've been friends and even co-presenters ever since and it's been all leading up to this summer adventure we are hosting.

Get the inside story on Rock Star and  a little glimpse into what is coming to Saugatuck in July.

EducationAmbassador.com: Five Ways To Protect Your Sony Xperia Tablet Z Out On A Winter Adventure

The Sony Xperia tablet Z has some amazing dust and water resistant qualities, but the device isn't invincible. With a little care, you can capture great adventure shots and insure the device has a long and productive life.

I love bundling up in a Michigan winter and spending as much time as possible outside. Whether it is sledding, snow shoeing, playing pond hockey or ice fishing I try to take advantage of the chance to break free from cabin fever and also capture some photos or video of my time outside. Here are some tips to insure your Sony Xperia tablet Z is a dependable hearty companion but don't let the elements get to it too much.

Close your ports. Check and periodically re-check that the power, SD card, and headphone ports are securely closed. These provide the most protection against any moisture from snow or ice that might enter your devise and cause corrosion or a short circuit.

Bring a towel. Even though the "Z" is water resistent to a meter deep, bring a towel along to wipe it off when not using it. That will prevent any excess moisture or condensation from somehow sneaking into the device. It will also reduce the chance of ice forming which could be harmful to the body or screen of the tablet.

Fresh water only. If you are trekking out onto the Polar Ice, you are probably going to be bringing fancier equipment than a Sony Xperia tablet Z. Anyway, it is important to remember that the tablet is only fresh water resistant so avoiding salt water in any season is a must.

Put it in a cooler. By bringing a small cooler like an Igloo Playmate (without ice of course) you can prevent the tablet from getting too cold. Sony doesn't really state a minimum temperature for it, but in the users' manual it states to prevent the device from being in extreme heat or cold for prolonged periods of time. I would err on the side of caution if the Polar Vortex returns and you are tempted to go out and capture images when the temps are below zero. The little cooler also provides a dry place for the tablet to rest while you are showing off for your kids riding boogie board down the sledding hill.

Avoid impact. It is better to be the person at the bottom of the hill capturing the sledders whizzing by you than trying to get that wicked point of view shot using your tablet while barreling down the slopes yourself. Invest in Sony's Action Cam if that is the shot you must have. The tablet can get some great shots but not designed to go hurling down any hills.

Taking advantage of this device's great features can help you create some great captures. With a little care you can make sure it lasts many many seasons to come.

Don't let educational technology become the NBA

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="525"] Let's not all be like Mike.[/caption]

Blame it on Sportscenter and ESPN. Blame it on YouTube. Whatever the cause, the National Basketball Association has seen its game change drastically over the years. Players are great at flashy dunks and great at raining in long-range three pointers. Very few are good at the 10-18 foot jump shot, playing sound defense, and dribbling through traffic. A number of experts will tell you it is because dunks and threes make the highlight reels. Nobody is going to upload a mix tape of a guy hitting mid-range shots. That is boring. Players want to get noticed, go viral.

My fear in education is that if we are not careful, our use of technology has the potential to be just like the NBA. Augmented reality (AR) is amazing. Spreadsheets? Hmm...not so much. Let's not ignore what tech is really for, to enhance great teaching and learning. If AR helps kids understand and explore deeper like the setting in a novel, then use. Just don't use it just to use it. Make it impactful.

Don't let edtech become the NBA; nothing but dunks and threes with no time for the fundamentals. Make more impact and not just flashy magic tricks.

Welcome

You've landed at the new Internet home of Hamilton Community Schools (Michigan) elementary infotech teacher, integration specialist, consultant, presenter, helpful guy, and all-around techno-geek Andy Losik.

This space is designed to be a one-stop-shopping spot all of my many Internet and educational technology related pursuits.

You're a Mean One, Microsoft. You Really are a Heel.

I have really had it with Microsoft and its ad agency. I mean, who do they have running the show? The Grinch and Ebenezer Scrooge with Oscar the Grouch on retainer as a special consultant?

It started with the Windows tablet ads that mocked Apple's Siri and the capabilities of the iPad. You can call me a fanboy of the fruit pushers, but I would be pretty disappointed with Apple if Cupertino was taking the same approach. Not only did the Windows tablet campaign have some major holes, it was just plain mean.

Now this morning I caught my first glimpse of Microsoft's latest similar assault. Now they are knocking the Google Chromebook with the help of the Pawn Stars gang. They warn you not to get "Scroogled". Well, tactics like this just make me feel like we are all getting "Scrooged" this holiday season by Microsoft.



To quote one of my Twitter buddies, "This makes me want a Chromebook more and watch Pawn Stars even less." I completely agree. I will take it a step further. These ads make Microsoft look like the typical middle school mean kids who constantly  put down others to hide their own set of insecurities.

One of my favorite Christmas commercials this season is where Santa is at the post office filling the flat rate box with coal. I almost guarantee that eventually that box is going to get slapped with a label reading

One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052-7329
USA.

 

The Bar, The Beer Store, and Bacon: an Analogy for Education

During John U. Bacon's Tedx Ann Arbor talk he makes a great analogy that makes the case for the importance of brick and mortar, face-to-face education. In his talk he notes that on Michigan's campus there is a pub right next to the convenience store. Both sell beer. Even though the convenience store is far cheaper, people still go to the bar. They pay more because they have a an entirely different experience around their beer. They socialize . They discuss. They commiserate. There is context around their beer. Knowledge-only sources like Khan Academy or other online education offerings are like the beer at the convenience store. You can consume the same substance but you don't have the same context or atmosphere that the bar provides. You can however take it to a party or host your own, building your own context if you will. To get the most out of online education, you have to do the same thing.

Personally, I think there is a place for both. Beer is in both bars and beer stores. There is knowledge to be had on campuses and online.

Here is John's talk. He is a favorite sports author of mine. He loves Michigan Football and the liberal arts....a couple of my favorite things too. Beer and bacon aren't bad either...in context of course.

Mr. Losik’s 2013 Holiday Tablet Buying Guide Part 3: Cyber Monday

It is a whole lot harder to predict what retailers might offer online for Cyber Monday but there should be at least a few deals to be had today. If you were able to get the devices you wanted over the weekend, now is also a great time to get cases and accessories.

Rule #1. Figure tax and shipping into the price. One of the big advantages of this day is the free shipping many sites offer.
Rule #2. Check back throughout the day. Sometimes new sales pop up during the day.

Below I have simply linked to lots of destinations so you can click away. If I find bargains at those sites, I will highlight them. If you find great deals, please share by posting a comment or tweeting at me (@mrlosik).

Here is a list of "regular prices" on the tablets I reviewed so you can compare as you shop.

Samsung Tab 3 7.0 $159
Samsung Tab 3 7.0 Kids edition with carrying case $209
Nexus 7 $229
Samsung Tab 3 8.0 $249
iPad Mini $299
Samsung Tab 3 10.1 $299
Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 $349
iPad Mini with Retina Display $399
iPad 2 $399
Sony Xperia Tablet Z $449
iPad Air $499
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 $599

Amazon - Tons of deals, especially on the Samsung line of tablets. Nothing spectacular, but money saved is money saved.
Apple.com - No real sales except free shipping or in store pick up at Woodland Mall store.
Best Buy - $10 savings code for every $100 spent. Dig around
Google Play Store - Free shipping on Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 + $25 in credit at Play Store for apps and movies.
Samsung - Black Friday prices still in effect
Sony - Xperia Tablet Z holding at $449 but other good deals on Sony stuff.
Staples - $30-$50 off Nexus 7 and Galaxy Tab 3 8.0
Target - A few deals
Walmart - Looks like about $10-$20 off regular prices,

All in all, it doesn't seem to be a spectacular Cyber Monday in terms of blockbuster tablet deals. Keep looking and enjoy.

Make a Powerful Point: Pixar's 22 Rules to Phenomenal Storytelling

Check out the fabulous work of Emma Coats, Gavin McMahon, and Ben Bassak at Make A Powerful Point.

Pixar's 22 Rules to Phenomenal Storytelling from @powerfulpoint

Mr. Losik's 2013 Holiday Tablet Buying Guide Part 2: Bargains

 



Link to Part 1: Sorting through the options 

Update: New Samsung prices. Deals ranked by device. Store hours listed.

Tracking the deals for you!

Below are all of the bargains to the best of my sleuthing. The vast majority will only be available on Thanksgiving evening. Only one deal, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 at Meijer is an actual Friday morning deal....unless you count the Gamestop offer at midnight/Friday AM.

Be very leery of super cheap tablets you’ve never heard of. It’s best to stay with a trusted brand. Also, I would stay away from brands that were big back in the day that are still sort of around. Sorry Polaroid and RCA. They still make some decent stuff but I don’t really trust them in this market.

(Disclaimer: Please confirm or double check with actual ads or store sites before running out Thanksgiving Weekend.)

"Regular Price"
Samsung Tab 3 7.0 $159
Samsung Tab 3 7.0 Kids edition with carrying case $209
Nexus 7 $229
Samsung Tab 3 8.0 $249
iPad Mini $299
Samsung Tab 3 10.1 $299
Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 $349
iPad Mini with Retina Display $399
iPad 2 $399
Sony Xperia Tablet Z $449
iPad Air $499
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 $599

The Deals:

Best Buy - Opening at 6:00 PM Thanksgiving
Samsung Tab 3 10.1 $359  $299 – Best Buy – Thanksgivng
Samsung Tab 3 7.0 $179 $149 – Best Buy – Thanksgiving
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 $529 $399 – Best Buy – Thanksgiving
Samsung Tab 3 7.0 $179 $149 – Best Buy – Thanksgiving
iPad 2 $399 $299 – Best Buy – Thanksgiving
iPad Air $499 $449 – Best Buy – Thanksgiving


GameStop - Opening Thursday Midnight/Black Friday Morning
Samsung Tab 3 7.0 $179 $169

Meijer - Deals vary for Thanksgiving and Friday - Stores open at 6:00 AM both days.
iPad Air, iPad with Retina Display, iPad 2 “starting at $379″ (Expect typical Apple prices as listed below) but get $100 off next shopping trip. – Meijer – Thanksgiving
iPad Mini $299 Still $299 but $80 off next shopping trip – Meijer – Thanksgiving
Samsung Tab 3 7.0 $179 $159 plus $30 off next shopping trip – Meijer –  Friday

Target - Opening at 8:00 PM Thanksgiving
iPad Air $499 $479 + $100 gift card – Target – Thanksgiving
iPad Mini $299 – Still $299 but you get a $75 gift card – Target – Thanksgiving

Toys R Us - Opening 5:00 PM Thanksgiving
Samsung Tab 3 8.0 $279 $249 + $20 gift card – Toys R Us - Thanksgiving
Samsung Tab 3 7.0 Kids  $209 $189 + $20 gift card – Toys R Us – Thanksgiving (This kid edition does not have the carrying case mentioned below.)
Samsung Tab 3 7.0 $179 $159 + $20 gift card – Toys R Us – Thanksgiving
Samsung Tab 3 10.1 $359 $299 - Thanksgiving


Walmart - If in line between 6:00-7:00 PM Thanksgiving, item is guaranteed.
iPad Mini $299 – Still $299 but you get a $100 gift card -Walmart -Thanksgiving

 Best Deals Sorted by Device

iPad Mini
iPad Mini $299 – Still $299 but you get a $100 gift card -Walmart -Thanksgiving
iPad Mini $299 Still $299 but $80 off next shopping trip – Meijer – Thanksgiving
iPad Mini $299 – Still $299 but you get a $75 gift card – Target – Thanksgiving


iPad Air
iPad Air $499 $479 + $100 gift card – Target – Thanksgiving
iPad Air $499 + $100 off next shopping trip - Meijer - Thanksgiving
iPad Air $499 $449 – Best Buy – Thanksgiving

iPad 2
iPad 2 $399 $379 + $100 off next shopping trip - Meijer - Thanksgiving
iPad 2 $399 $299 – Best Buy – Thanksgiving

Samsung Tab 3 7.o
Samsung Tab 3 7.0 $179 $159 plus $30 off next shopping trip – Meijer –  Friday
Samsung Tab 3 7.0 $179 $159 + $20 gift card – Toys R Us – Thanksgiving
Samsung Tab 3 7.0 $179 $149 – Best Buy – Thanksgiving
Samsung Tab 3 7.0 $179$159 Samsung.com - On Sale Now
Samsung Tab 3 7.0 $179 $169 - GameStop-Midnight Thanksgiving/Black Friday Morning

Samsung Tab 3 10.1
Samsung Tab 3 10.1 $359  $299 – Samsung.com - On Sale Now
Samsung Tab 3 10.1 $359  $299 – Best Buy – Thanksgiving
Samsung Tab 3 10.1 $359 $299 - Toys R Us - Thanksgiving

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 $599 $399 – Best Buy – Thanksgiving


 

Mr. Losik's 2013 Holiday Tablet Buying Guide Part 1: Sorting Through the Options

Never before have families had so many options available when it comes to holiday tablet buying. All kinds of Android based devices are trying to give Apple and its new line of iPads a run for their money.  This holiday gift guide is aimed not at naming a best tablet but highlighting what makes each unique and sharing some recommendations for kids.

This is Part 1, a kind of a "getting acquainted" post. Check out Part 2 to find the bargains. For each grouping, I have listed some places for you to start scouting where potential deals may lie. My biggest piece of advice is shop early. Last year my wife and I found out just  how scarce some of these devices can be once Christmas starts getting nearer.

Apple has been the king of the tablet market ever since the first iPad was introduced by Steve Jobs in 2010. The iPad has become so ubiquitous it’s hard to believe it has only been part of our lives for three years. Aside from now coming in three sizes, the device really hasn’t changed a lot except the front and back facing cameras that were added to the 2nd generation model.  This feature took away a lot of the criticism that the iPad was only a device for consuming content and not making and sharing content.

The iPad 2 is really on its 4th makeover but remains Apple’s model closest to the original introduced in 2010. Apple offers it only now in a 16 GB model that retails for $399. iPad 2 is the largest of the iPads at a pound and a third, measuring 9 ½ by 7 ⅓ inches.

The iPad Air is new this year and is slightly smaller than iPad 2. It is the same height but roughly ¾ of an inch skinnier. There is a noticeable weight difference as the Air comes in a ⅓ of a pound lighter. The Air comes with Apple’s stunning Retina Display which packs in double the resolution that the 2 does. The device also features a faster processing chip and has upgraded to a 1.2 MP camera and shoots 720p high definition video. With the upgrades iPad Air also comes with a $100 higher price tag at $499 for a 16 GB model.

The iPad Mini was introduced last Fall and was virtually impossible to find in stock last Christmas season. Weighing in at just under 11 ounces, measuring 7.8 x 5.3 inches, and being only slightly over ¼ inch thick the Mini really is a marvel to hold. My fifth grade daughter has had hers for almost a year and loves the size. It seems to be the perfect bridge between the iPod Touch and the full iPad 2. She watches Netflix, produces slideshows in Keynote, and plays with a number of apps so the screen size doesn’t hinder use at all. The Mini has the same resolution as the iPad 2, comes in one 16 GB model and is Apple’s least expensive iPad on the market at $299.

Joining the iPad Air as one of Apple’s newest products comes the iPad Mini with Retina Display. Almost, identical to the iPad Mini, this one doubles the screen resolution and has the same processor and camera upgrades that the iPad Air has. The iPad Mini with Retina Display starts at $399 for the 16 GB  model.

 

What these do best: Since 2011, the iPad and its brothers and sisters below have set the bar for tablet-based creativity. Bolstering their lead in the creativity race, Apple announced in October that until further notice, all new iOS devices (iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPads) would come with iMovie, Garage Band, iPhoto, Pages, Numbers,  and Keynote free. These are  powerful apps that used to run $5 each. iMovie is great for assembling short clips or for going cinematic with its easy to use trailer-making feature. Garage Band is a fabulous music creation app. Pages will not only allow students to word process, but produce electronic books as well. Keynote is great for slide show presentations, but its image editing and layout design make it what I call the Swiss Army knife of iOS creativity.

Mr. Losik’s recommendation for kids: As a dad, I have been thrilled with the amount of use and durability my daughter’s iPad Mini has delivered over the course of the last year. It has been great in the car, used to help her learn new concepts, and provided endless creative expression. At $299 the non-retina display Mini  is a tremendous value. I really don’t think that on a device this size that the resolution is going to make that big of an impact...at least not a $100 difference.

Where to get them: Apple.com, Apple Store in Woodland Mall, Walmart, Walmart.com, Best Buy (Check BestBuy.com for store availabilty.)

Android Tablets

The remaining tablets all run on Google’s Android operating system. I had been a dyed in the wool Apple iOS user until last year when I tried my first Android device and was pleasantly surprised. Probably the coolest thing I found is that since the operating system is built by Google then lots of applications I use daily like Google Drive work seamlessly with the Android mobile devices. Connecting to external storage like usb drives is also an option Apple products don’t offer. I was always skeptical of the Android side of things because of the idea that there was a significant shortage of apps compared to what is available on the iOS side. Yes, there are fewer but there are still plenty of great Android apps, especially for learning. Google recently launched an initiative in education and that is driving more and more developers to create educational titles for Android and there are plenty available.

Samsung is definitely one of the top forces in the Android-based tablet market and offers several models to consider. Unlike Apple that essentially offers the same product just in varying sizes or with a few upgrades , Samsung’s tablets differ in size and a number of features.

The Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 is Samsung’s mid-size option that like the iPad Mini bridges the gap between smartphone and full-size tablet. It comes in as the buying guide's least expensive option at $159. This tablet measures 7.4 inches tall and is 4.37 inches wide. It weighs about 10 ¾ ounces and is about ⅜ inch thick. The Tab 3 7.0 only comes with 8 GB of internal storage but like many Android tablets, it has an SD card slot which lets you easily and quite cheaply expand your memory. To bring the device up to the “standard” 16 GB only costs about $10 for an 8 GB card. The Tab 3 7.0 has cameras comparable to the iPad Air and iPad Mini with Retina Display. What is interesting is that Apple actually uses chips built by Samsung in their iPads. The one in the Tab 3 7.0 is just a little zippier and comparable to the upgraded chip in the Retina Mini and Air.

Also available is a version for young kids called the Tab 3 7.0 Kids, Yellow with Blue Carrying Case. For $50 more than original 7.0 ($209), the kids version uses a simplified interface, offers more parental controls, and comes equipped in a hard-sided case with handle.

The Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 is available for $249. As the name implies, it has an 8” screen. This model comes with 16 GB of internal memory and a little bit faster processor than the 7.0.

The Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 bumps the Tab line out to full size with  16 GB of space and a price tag of $299. Its processor bumps up to almost 1 ½ times faster than the iPad 2. Its screen resolution though is still a little less than the Apple offerings. Like the other Tab 3’s, the inclusion of an SD slot is nice for expanding memory but also for transferring files between the device and a computer or an additional camera.

Samsung spent a lot of money on last year’s Super Bowl ad proclaiming “The Next Big Thing is Here.” when it launched its “Note” line of tablets. The company offers an 8 inch 16 GB model called the Galaxy Note 8.0 for $349. The “Big Thing” about the Note series is that it comes with the “integrated S pen” and “Office Suite”. The pen combines with handwriting detection software so you can just write in cursive and the device will digitize it to text. The Office Suite aids in getting documents and spreadsheets done on a tablet. The rear facing camera goes to 5 MP on the Note and it has twice the working memory or RAM of the Tab series allowing for more multitasking.

The Galaxy Note 10.1 is the full size version of the Note and packs a $599 price tag. It has all of the features of the 8.0 but with the 10 inch screen. The 10.1 also lets you have multiple windows open side-by-side, something few tablets offer. This model also delivers more creativity software like Adobe Photoshop Touch and takes advantage of the S-Pen’s pressure sensitvity. Painting and drawing on this tablet resembles painting and drawing with real brushes and pencils because of that feature. Its 16 GB internal memory can also be expanded to 64 through the SD slot. This tablet provides the highest definition and best sound quality and actually comes with $50 free dollars worth of Movies and TV shows. Buyers also get a $25 credit at the Google Play Store for buying additional apps.

What these do best: Samsung makes solid products that can handle the Android platform very well. There are plenty of games and apps available for learning and all of these will handle games and entertainment options like Netflix well. The prices for the Tab series are pretty hard to beat, especially if you are considering buying your child their first tablet. The S-Pen with the Note took some criticism as being too much like the circa 2004 Palm handhelds, but it really provides a unique tool for creating visual art and annotating photos or drawings. The iPad will still handle video production better, but there is plenty of creativity to be expressed with either the 8 or 10 inch Note.

Mr. Losik’s recommendation for kids: As I just mentioned, the price on the Tab 3 7.0 can’t be beaten, especially if this is a first tablet. Personally I would shy away from the Kid version of the Tab 3 7.0. It can be really limiting. I would buy the original version and then just take a little time to help your really young ones navigate. They can handle it. An additional feature to mention of the Note 10.1 is that it has Android 4.3 as its operating system. This version allows for multiple sign-ins so each member of the family can have his or her own account and everything is walled-off from all of the other users. There are many pluses to this feature.

Where to get them: Samsung.com, Walmart.com is currently offering refurbished units for $159., Best Buy, RadioShack.com

[caption id="attachment_330" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Google Nexus 10[/caption]

According to Google its Nexus 7 “features the world’s sharpest 7" tablet screen”. Starting at $229 for 16GB, the tablet is actually made by Asus and features some pretty impressive specs. Its processor is going to run faster than the iPad options and right in the middle of the pack with the Samsung models. Being from Google, the Nexus doesn’t build in lots of extra features like the Note. Instead, the devices lead the Android pack with the latest updates and really let the operating system speak for itself. The cameras are fairly stout with a 5 megapixel one built into the back and a decent one in the front for selfies and Skype.

The Nexus 10 follows the same streamlined approach and comes with a similar stunning display that the 7 does. Actually manufactured by Samsung, 16 GB models are $399. Most of the user experience is quite similar to 7, but this device has one of the most powerful processors available in any tablet. Its front facing camera is almost at 2 megapixels, so those 400 selfies your kid is sure to take with this will look extra special.

What these do best: All Android devices will play nicely with other services Google offers but the Nexus line really seems to do them a little better. Plus, the Nexus will always get the updates from Google fastest. The way system updates on the Android side work is that Google creates the new version and then ships it out to other manufacturers like Samsung or Sony. Those companies then adapt the system by placing their own “wrap” or tailored user interface on it. Updates can take up to six months for some tablets and many times companies will decide not to make the updates available on certain models. With a Nexus, there is no interfering wrap and users can utilize the system as it was designed. Multiple sign-ins are now part of any device that is running version 4.2.2 or higher.

Mr. Losik’s recommendation for kids: The following commercial about says it all for the Nexus.



I am also a big fan of the one where the little girl is dreaming of being an astronaut with Curious George. In my classes I teach the kids that technology is really “learning superpowers” and if the real-life user experience is anything like the ads then this can be a great device for learning. I have always been a big fan of Google’s less-is-more approach and the Nexus tablets just kind of get out of your way. The Nexus won’t be able to do as much on the creativity side as the Note or the iPad Mini, but at $70 cheaper than the Mini it is a trade-off to definitely consider.

Where to get them: Google Play Store, Walmart, Gamestop, and lots of other online spots.

[caption id="attachment_331" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Xperia Tablet Z from Sony[/caption]

The Sony Xperia Tablet Z is the Android tablet I use the most. The third generation tablet from the legendary Japanese electronics maker starts at $499 for the 16 GB model. The Z is a full-size 10 inch tablet that boasts being the thinnest full-size tablet, even beating the iPad Air. Several ounces lighter than some of the other comparables, the Z is also a little more rectangular, lending an ultralight widescreen television feel to it. Being from Sony, the screen resolution and sound are spectacular and it has a processor strong enough at 1.5 GHz to push all of it. Supporting multiple users is a helpful perk for families, but the fact that the Z is water resistant to 1 meter might be the most practical. The 8 megapixel camera is another one of those high quality components that comes from it being a Sony. Sony doesn’t put a lot into its wrap so the experience is fairly close to the Nexus.

What it does best: This is an absolutely gorgeous piece of hardware and the fact that you could conceivably watch Netflix while washing your car can’t be overlooked either, but what I love about this device is the resources available from Sony’s commitment to improving life in classrooms.

Jamie Marsh was working on the tablet team at the company’s American headquarters in San Diego when he got to thinking that it would be great if kids could use the devices to help them in school. That initial thought led to the development of the Sony Education Ambassador program which is a small group of educators from around the country who work with Sony on finding real, working solutions for getting these tablets into more students’ hands. I was lucky enough to be invited as an inaugural ambassador. Besides sharing strategies and insight with the company, we blog and contribute resources at EducationAmbassador.com, a free site where any educator or parent can go to find apps and techniques for utilizing the Z or any other Android device in education.

Mr. Losik’s recommendation for kids: The Xperia Tablet Z can be a great all-around family tablet. It even has a universal remote built-in so you can check your fantasy football scores and flip between the games on the TV all with the same device. Initially designed with entertainment in mind by Sony, the tablet works great for watching movies, playing games, oh and also practicing math. You can even take a few pictures in the pool with it. At $499, the tablet isn’t cheap so if you are buying for individual kids, the price tag might get in the way. If it is being shared by the whole family, it is worth considering and offers a little something for everyone.

Where to get it: Sony Store (currently on sale for $449, free shipping, $170 worth of music, movies, and games free), BestBuy.com (also on sale for $449, check for store pick-up), BuyDig.com (offering $449 price plus a 16 GB memory card, neoprene sleeve, ear buds, and stylus bundle)
A few final thoughts: There are many, many options available and I didn't even tackle the Microsoft Surface 2 that runs the latest version of Windows that is another option. Be a careful shopper as you wade through all of these devices and beware of going too far "off-brand". I guarantee on Thanksgiving morning the paper will advertise an ultra-cheap Android tablet "doorbuster". Just because it runs Android doesn't mean it will run it well or for very long. The adage of "you get what you pay for" is often true on the "too good to be true" deals. I have a lot of confidence in the products I described above and would have few worries about their performance or durability. To wrap things up I will list all of the tablets one more time in order of price.

Samsung Tab 3 7.0 $159
Samsung Tab 3 7.0 Kids edition with carrying case $209
Nexus 7 $229
Samsung Tab 3 8.0 $249
iPad Mini $299
Samsung Tab 3 10.1 $299
Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 $349
iPad Mini with Retina Display $399
iPad 2 $399
Sony Xperia Tablet Z $449
iPad Air $499
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 $599

Look for Part 2 early next week. Happy shopping!