Monday, July 28, 2014
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
View Pure
I attended the iPad workshop last week and I wanted to mention one of my favorite (of many things) that I learned at the workshop. One of the most irritating aspects to showing videos in classes are the ads that surround YouTube videos. Greg, the speaker from the CTLT event a couple of weeks ago mentioned a website called ViewPure which is a service that shows videos from other services without the clutter.
Check out the link here: http://viewpure.com/ You can take videos that you like and remove the surrounding ads. I feel that this is a huge boon especially when I think some of the ads are distracting to the students.
While this is a very simple suggestion I think it has major implications in how I teach and how I will use the iPad. Now the iPad can help me show instructional videos in class that students can access. I can also provide the ViewPure link to them through Angel.
Check out the link here: http://viewpure.com/ You can take videos that you like and remove the surrounding ads. I feel that this is a huge boon especially when I think some of the ads are distracting to the students.
While this is a very simple suggestion I think it has major implications in how I teach and how I will use the iPad. Now the iPad can help me show instructional videos in class that students can access. I can also provide the ViewPure link to them through Angel.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
One cool thing and one not so cool thing
I've been using the iPad in some out of class contexts that I think are particularly helpful. First, I've discovered Greenley Library's e-brary function. I learned about the e-brary function along with Noodle tools when I invited Prof. Theresa Zahor to speak to my Research Methods class about using the library. She did a terrific job and I encourage any instructor on campus who teaches research or has a course that involves heavy library use to ask one of the librarians to speak about the library's resources. Your students will learn quite a bit about the library's resources and so will you!
The e-brary offers trusted books in an electronic format that you can access using your iPad. I've found that its easy to read books using this method. I have been reading quite a few texts on Bayesian statistics and organizational psychology. Our library has a nice collection of these types of texts.
One thing that I've found in using the iPad that hasn't been very cool is the ability to enter attendance or give feedback through Angel. I've found that accessing information through the Safari or Firefox web browser has proven difficult. Are there any suggestions on how to approach using these browsers? Or should I just download the Angel app? I'm open to any suggestions that anyone might have.
The e-brary offers trusted books in an electronic format that you can access using your iPad. I've found that its easy to read books using this method. I have been reading quite a few texts on Bayesian statistics and organizational psychology. Our library has a nice collection of these types of texts.
One thing that I've found in using the iPad that hasn't been very cool is the ability to enter attendance or give feedback through Angel. I've found that accessing information through the Safari or Firefox web browser has proven difficult. Are there any suggestions on how to approach using these browsers? Or should I just download the Angel app? I'm open to any suggestions that anyone might have.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Increased usage
Despite the weather-related, slow start to the semester, I've been better able to use the iPad for my classes. The Anatomy app has allowed me to readily show examples and I can now use the Pad if the computer in my room is down. Looking forward to merging my iTunes accounts so that I can access music & my other apps though the Pad rather than bringing a separate device to class.
For my Independent Study, the iPad has been particularly great sine we can quickly access and exchange clips, charts, and sites, going back & forth quickly and with great graphics.
Learning some new tricks that I hope to share with you soon.
Anjana
For my Independent Study, the iPad has been particularly great sine we can quickly access and exchange clips, charts, and sites, going back & forth quickly and with great graphics.
Learning some new tricks that I hope to share with you soon.
Anjana
Monday, February 17, 2014
One of the best reasons to have the iPad
Technology has affected every aspect of teaching. As technology infuses all aspects of education it becomes a more essential ingredient to all teaching. When the technology doesn't work it becomes a burden because students have come to expect that instruction will be delivered in a specific way (usually via a PowerPoint presentation) or as the instructor you have developed a method of delivering instruction that requires the technology.
As the semester has progressed I have faced this type of issue. One of the rooms that I teach in has frequently had some technological issue relating to the desktop. This means that the PowerPoint presentation that I've developed cannot be displayed on the screen clearly. Normally, this might not be a major issue because in the past I have given students my complete slides for each lecture. However, in an attempt to add value to the classroom experience I've recently provided the students with the PowerPoint outlines without all the notes included. This has lead to students spending more time taking notes rigorously in class and has made the clear presentation of those notes much more important.
The iPad has proven to be a useful back up solution to the desktop in many of the classrooms. When the desktop computer in any of the classrooms isn't working I just take out my iPad with the special connector and plug it in just like a laptop. I store all my complete PowerPoint presentations on Dropbox. With remote access from anywhere, its made my presentation of the material very easy even when the desktop in the classroom hasn't worked.
Ultimately technology can be a part of the problem or it can be a part of the solution. Its up to instructors to develop skills using all of these tools.
As the semester has progressed I have faced this type of issue. One of the rooms that I teach in has frequently had some technological issue relating to the desktop. This means that the PowerPoint presentation that I've developed cannot be displayed on the screen clearly. Normally, this might not be a major issue because in the past I have given students my complete slides for each lecture. However, in an attempt to add value to the classroom experience I've recently provided the students with the PowerPoint outlines without all the notes included. This has lead to students spending more time taking notes rigorously in class and has made the clear presentation of those notes much more important.
The iPad has proven to be a useful back up solution to the desktop in many of the classrooms. When the desktop computer in any of the classrooms isn't working I just take out my iPad with the special connector and plug it in just like a laptop. I store all my complete PowerPoint presentations on Dropbox. With remote access from anywhere, its made my presentation of the material very easy even when the desktop in the classroom hasn't worked.
Ultimately technology can be a part of the problem or it can be a part of the solution. Its up to instructors to develop skills using all of these tools.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
A security issue
This semester, I am teaching in a traditional classroom where I used to use
an overhead projector to display my teaching materials to the class. This is
where I decided to start my iPad classroom experience. When I was practicing
the presentation in my office with a projector, I found that presentations of
class materials from the iPad can be very dynamic, real-time zoom makes the
presentations clear to the students, and switching between pages on the iPad is
quick and easy.
When I was teaching with the iPad for the very first time, I was presenting the class materials with all these excellent features of the iPad to the class. Everything worked well until there was a page where I had to stay there for more than five minutes for detailed explanation. The iPad automatically turned off after this 5 minutes because of the unchangeable security setting. I had to turn the iPad on again to show the class materials. When I entered the passcode on the iPad, the number actually lit up and the whole class was watching me entering the passcode on the iPad. I ended up changing my code after the class.
This was where I found the security flaw when using our iPad to display the class materials. Do you have this problem? How do you solve it?
When I was teaching with the iPad for the very first time, I was presenting the class materials with all these excellent features of the iPad to the class. Everything worked well until there was a page where I had to stay there for more than five minutes for detailed explanation. The iPad automatically turned off after this 5 minutes because of the unchangeable security setting. I had to turn the iPad on again to show the class materials. When I entered the passcode on the iPad, the number actually lit up and the whole class was watching me entering the passcode on the iPad. I ended up changing my code after the class.
This was where I found the security flaw when using our iPad to display the class materials. Do you have this problem? How do you solve it?
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
SUNY 2020
During the month of November 2013, I was tasked with working with a group of faculty and staff to put together the SUNY 2020 proposal. My main use for the iPad during the writing was for presentation in the President's Board Room. I was able to use the cables provided and show on the screen the Request for Proposal and the websites that were pertinent for the proposal. The cables can get in the way though. The other issue I had was the timeout is too quick so I had to unlock it every few minutes so that we could see the screen because I was not actively swiping my fingers on the screen. I am going to look into the wireless apps that some of the other faculty mentioned during the meeting we had last month. I am also going to see if there is a longer timeout option.
During the meeting we had some brainstorming and I was able to go to specific pages in the RFP to get information to the faculty and others in the meeting so that we knew what was required of us. It worked effectively. I was also able to zoom in an out much easier just by a swipe of my fingers if the text was too small which you cannot easily do when you are using a laptop and a powerpoint.
I wanted to use one of the whiteboard apps but at this time I did not need one.
During the meeting we had some brainstorming and I was able to go to specific pages in the RFP to get information to the faculty and others in the meeting so that we knew what was required of us. It worked effectively. I was also able to zoom in an out much easier just by a swipe of my fingers if the text was too small which you cannot easily do when you are using a laptop and a powerpoint.
I wanted to use one of the whiteboard apps but at this time I did not need one.
Friday, February 7, 2014
iPad and street maps
I found using map apps incredibly useful when recently traveling with the iPad in tow.
The ability to zoom in and use maps to navigate in a foreign city is not only helpful, but if you happen to be connected to wifi, gps finds where you are anywhere on the map.
I've been to Venice many times but have always found new ways to get lost trying to navigate the serpentine streets in search of an obscure church or site. Twisting canals turn and lead the tourist in an unexpected direction where maps are helpful.
As luck would have it, we rarely are connected to wifi when really lost and most cities will not give you a constant nor reliable wifi for your iPad. I found downloading a few maps in advance of my daily walking tours was very useful. You can save a few snapshots of street maps in the Photos file and then zoom in when walking through unfamiliar streets.
The streetwise maps purchase for major cities worldwide is:
http://www.languagequest.com/traveler/home/publisher_maps.php?publisher=Streetwise&gclid=CPbsoMXJu7wCFW1nOgodxRQAAg
Perhaps the college can purchase the Florence streetwise map and share it with all of our Farmingdale Students studying abroad in Florence this summer? I'll be sure to mention it to Lorraine and Jessica. I'm more familiar with Florence but the map will be a great compendium for any study abroad class in an unfamiliar city.
-Thomas Germano
February 5 (+2), 2014
The ability to zoom in and use maps to navigate in a foreign city is not only helpful, but if you happen to be connected to wifi, gps finds where you are anywhere on the map.
I've been to Venice many times but have always found new ways to get lost trying to navigate the serpentine streets in search of an obscure church or site. Twisting canals turn and lead the tourist in an unexpected direction where maps are helpful.
As luck would have it, we rarely are connected to wifi when really lost and most cities will not give you a constant nor reliable wifi for your iPad. I found downloading a few maps in advance of my daily walking tours was very useful. You can save a few snapshots of street maps in the Photos file and then zoom in when walking through unfamiliar streets.
The streetwise maps purchase for major cities worldwide is:
http://www.languagequest.com/traveler/home/publisher_maps.php?publisher=Streetwise&gclid=CPbsoMXJu7wCFW1nOgodxRQAAg
Perhaps the college can purchase the Florence streetwise map and share it with all of our Farmingdale Students studying abroad in Florence this summer? I'll be sure to mention it to Lorraine and Jessica. I'm more familiar with Florence but the map will be a great compendium for any study abroad class in an unfamiliar city.
-Thomas Germano
February 5 (+2), 2014
Friday, January 24, 2014
Monday, January 20, 2014
Interesting paper about Mobile learning
I don't have much to say about using the iPad in the classroom this month. However, I did want to share this article I found that talks about authentic learning using mobile technologies like the iPad. Check out the link and post your comments below about the nature of authentic learning.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Getting lost in the technology
I use the ipad for the course content in VIS 332 (Graphic Design 3) and VIS 334 (Design Production 3) which just wrapped up. The students spent the semester learning the skills to create websites. The last project was a responsive design that would change layouts for desktop, tablet and mobile. This involved fluid grids, flexible images, media queries, and dynamic content. It was challenging for them especially since the content had to be the same but the layout changed with the different device. It requires more project planning (sketching, wireframing and prototyping) than students like to do and working with HTML as early as possible (using Photoshop for creating assets rather than full layouts) something students also don't like doing.
The projects were submitted the first week of December and were disappointing. The layouts were incomplete, unbalanced and didn't function properly. The next class, I gave them a 4 hour assignment to use all the content they had amassed for the website and create a collateral print product. It was quite surprising. They came up with better print layouts in 4 hours then the 12 hours of class time they had for the websites. Many of the print designs appeared to have more design elements and layout strategies then their websites. The following class I did a critique showing them the print designs and the web designs side by side. When I asked them why they were different, they said that they were more comfortable designing for print. They thought better in print. They got lost in the technology.
"So use that. Start with what you know."
With every new design project that is assigned, I told them to start with what they know. Design a collateral product for print before starting the web design project. Have an interactive experience to design? Just make up a "fake" collateral print product, then use those design elements and decisions made for the print project in the the project planning, wireframes and prototyping for the website design and construction. Don't design the layout for the website, Start with what you know. I actually think I saw some lightbulbs.
The tablet was useful for this project because the students got to see the site they were constructing on the device. We also viewed them on some phones. But this project was not just about the use of technology because it is easy to get lost in technology. I found that this is true and not only applies to my design lesson but could be applied to a lot of situations and circumstances. The answer? Start with what we know and then use technology to enhance the experience.
The projects were submitted the first week of December and were disappointing. The layouts were incomplete, unbalanced and didn't function properly. The next class, I gave them a 4 hour assignment to use all the content they had amassed for the website and create a collateral print product. It was quite surprising. They came up with better print layouts in 4 hours then the 12 hours of class time they had for the websites. Many of the print designs appeared to have more design elements and layout strategies then their websites. The following class I did a critique showing them the print designs and the web designs side by side. When I asked them why they were different, they said that they were more comfortable designing for print. They thought better in print. They got lost in the technology.
"So use that. Start with what you know."
With every new design project that is assigned, I told them to start with what they know. Design a collateral product for print before starting the web design project. Have an interactive experience to design? Just make up a "fake" collateral print product, then use those design elements and decisions made for the print project in the the project planning, wireframes and prototyping for the website design and construction. Don't design the layout for the website, Start with what you know. I actually think I saw some lightbulbs.
The tablet was useful for this project because the students got to see the site they were constructing on the device. We also viewed them on some phones. But this project was not just about the use of technology because it is easy to get lost in technology. I found that this is true and not only applies to my design lesson but could be applied to a lot of situations and circumstances. The answer? Start with what we know and then use technology to enhance the experience.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Free Apple's apps
I recently upgraded my iPhone to iPhone 5c when I saw a deal from Bestbuy plus I wanted to give myself an early Christmas gift. I had to do the regular routine to transfer all my data and apps to the new phone. When I updated the apps from the iPhone, there was a message asking do you want to download Page, Number, iPhoto, Keynote, iTune U, Podcasts, GarageBand, and iMovie for free? I said yes of course. 15 mins later, I did get those apps on my iPhone. I immediately got my iPad to see if those apps were available too. Yes, I was able to download them on the iPad for free too with the exception on Page because it requires a password from IT. I guess it is because I have a new apple device or it is just a special day. I hope all of you get this free-apps message when you update your apps next time. Wish you all have a happy holiday and a happy new year.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Semester End
Well, the semester is coming to an end- classes and exams are over, and for many of us, the grades are in. This has been a challenging semester for incorporating the iPod into my courses, but I'm looking forward to using the Human Anatomy app in my Medical Anthropology course and am testing geography based apps for the Globalization course.
Have a wonderful Winter Break- see you all in 2014.
Have a wonderful Winter Break- see you all in 2014.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
End of the iPad Semester
After attending the CTLT iPad grant meeting from November I decided to deeply reflect on what was discussed. The discussion reminded me of similar discussions that I've had with training professionals about the use of technology in their organizational education initiatives. In many cases, training and development professionals try to use technology to create better organizational learning amongst employees only to find that the technology wasn't the solution they were looking for. I've gone through this example simply to show that technology is a tool that needs to be used judiciously. These past few months of using the iPad in the classroom have been very informative. The iPad is a tool that's extremely useful in the development of course material however my usage of it in class has been limited at best.
One issue that arose during the CTLT iPad grant meeting was how the iPad changes your presentation style. I wanted to talk about an issue that I've had with using the iPad in the classroom. When I first got the iPad I imagined that it would help me be more mobile in the classroom. I tend to move around the classroom as a way of engaging students. I use PowerPoint in the classroom and I find that I am constantly moving back to the podium to move to my next slide.
I imagined that the iPad would solve this situation. That I would be able to move freely while using the iPad. Without the correct attachment though you're not going to get that kind of result so through most of this semester I've been doing my little dance back and forth between the audience and the podium. I'm looking forward to using the iPad and having it serve as an accessory that serves me as I move between the screen and the audience.
That idea of the iPad as an accessory to my teaching is what I want to highlight in today's post. The idea that I've read in some education blogs that the iPad by itself will revolutionize teaching seems far fetched to me. PowerPoint didn't revolutionize teaching it just added another tool in our arsenal. When we consider the use of technology we need to be more judicious in how we envision the technology as a tool for our teaching style and approach. Too often we're caught up in the glitz and glamor or a shiny new object. We are the instructors not the device.
I'll be designing some additional methods to use the iPad more judiciously in my classes next semester. I plan on using it to help me move with a purpose. Rather than aimlessly moving back and forth I'd like to use my physical movements (coupled with the iPad) to engage my students in a more active learning process. Stay tuned to this blog to find out how that works out!
I hope everyone has a great end of semester and that we continue to work together and share our best practices for this cool piece of technology.
One issue that arose during the CTLT iPad grant meeting was how the iPad changes your presentation style. I wanted to talk about an issue that I've had with using the iPad in the classroom. When I first got the iPad I imagined that it would help me be more mobile in the classroom. I tend to move around the classroom as a way of engaging students. I use PowerPoint in the classroom and I find that I am constantly moving back to the podium to move to my next slide.
I imagined that the iPad would solve this situation. That I would be able to move freely while using the iPad. Without the correct attachment though you're not going to get that kind of result so through most of this semester I've been doing my little dance back and forth between the audience and the podium. I'm looking forward to using the iPad and having it serve as an accessory that serves me as I move between the screen and the audience.
That idea of the iPad as an accessory to my teaching is what I want to highlight in today's post. The idea that I've read in some education blogs that the iPad by itself will revolutionize teaching seems far fetched to me. PowerPoint didn't revolutionize teaching it just added another tool in our arsenal. When we consider the use of technology we need to be more judicious in how we envision the technology as a tool for our teaching style and approach. Too often we're caught up in the glitz and glamor or a shiny new object. We are the instructors not the device.
I'll be designing some additional methods to use the iPad more judiciously in my classes next semester. I plan on using it to help me move with a purpose. Rather than aimlessly moving back and forth I'd like to use my physical movements (coupled with the iPad) to engage my students in a more active learning process. Stay tuned to this blog to find out how that works out!
I hope everyone has a great end of semester and that we continue to work together and share our best practices for this cool piece of technology.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
I'm a few days late, but I was waiting on purpose so that I could make an eve-of-Thanksgiving posting. I'm thankful that I have a career that keeps me in the forefront of technology, and that I work with people who encourage and support our efforts to bring the best to our students. For example, Kenny Tax has kindly offered to help me install a new ap, which we've scheduled for next week.
A happy and healthy Thanksgiving to one and all!
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Operational at last
Nice to be back on-line, but not much to report. My classroom was converted into a tech room but wasn't fully operational for the first month of class and of course, we were unable to hook up even then.
However, I'm looking forward to utilizing the iPad in my next Intro to Medical Anthropology using the Anatomy Atlas Visible Body app, among others. I'm still exploring possibilities for other courses, so if anyone has suggestions for global mapping, please let me know.
Should be able to blog at the appropriate time next month, and I hope to have more to report by then.
However, I'm looking forward to utilizing the iPad in my next Intro to Medical Anthropology using the Anatomy Atlas Visible Body app, among others. I'm still exploring possibilities for other courses, so if anyone has suggestions for global mapping, please let me know.
Should be able to blog at the appropriate time next month, and I hope to have more to report by then.
Monday, November 18, 2013
iPad Testing and Prototyping
Interaction Design is a new class in the Visual Communications curriculum that deals with the design of interfaces (digital and otherwise) that are user-centric. This project was to create a "Flat" design for a digital calendar. This was designed and prototyped on the site www.proto.io and then tested and debugged using the iPad, as well as student iPhones and Android devices. Testing can be done on the site, but it's no replacement for testing on the device.
Friday, November 15, 2013
ARTstor
Thanks for hosting the seminar this morning. I found it very useful.
With the distribution of the VGA cables and adapter, I can finally put the iPad to full use in the classroom and begin to employ what I proposed to do. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to experiment and I welcome any app recommendations for visual presentations to complement the ARTstor software.
If you're not familiar with ARTstor, it is a visual image bank licensed by the FSC library. It runs on it's own platform and will take the place of a PowerPoint presentation. Most of the Art history professors currently use ARTstor but I'm certain many other disciplines would find it very useful for image based presentations and art image folder sharing with students. For instance, required material can be placed in a virtual file share with your classes.
ARTstor has a mobile device app for iPad. Find it at <www.Artstor.org.> You can get a password from Karen Gelles to log in.
I'm looking forward to the next info Seminar and I'm holding the last three Fridays in January open until I hear back from Michael Knauth with a confirmation.
If anyone attends the University Club Luncheon on Wednesday, 11/20, you may just witness the first iPad presentation by this blogger. The food being prepared by Dr. Elgart is Mexican, in observance of Dia de la Revolucíon (Day of the Revolution.) The subject of the lecture will be, "Diego Rivera and the Mexican Revolution."
Please note, my iPad experimentation on my colleagues before presenting to our students reflects my awareness and appreciation of all of your kind patience and understanding.
-T Germano
With the distribution of the VGA cables and adapter, I can finally put the iPad to full use in the classroom and begin to employ what I proposed to do. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to experiment and I welcome any app recommendations for visual presentations to complement the ARTstor software.
If you're not familiar with ARTstor, it is a visual image bank licensed by the FSC library. It runs on it's own platform and will take the place of a PowerPoint presentation. Most of the Art history professors currently use ARTstor but I'm certain many other disciplines would find it very useful for image based presentations and art image folder sharing with students. For instance, required material can be placed in a virtual file share with your classes.
ARTstor has a mobile device app for iPad. Find it at <www.Artstor.org.> You can get a password from Karen Gelles to log in.
I'm looking forward to the next info Seminar and I'm holding the last three Fridays in January open until I hear back from Michael Knauth with a confirmation.
If anyone attends the University Club Luncheon on Wednesday, 11/20, you may just witness the first iPad presentation by this blogger. The food being prepared by Dr. Elgart is Mexican, in observance of Dia de la Revolucíon (Day of the Revolution.) The subject of the lecture will be, "Diego Rivera and the Mexican Revolution."
Please note, my iPad experimentation on my colleagues before presenting to our students reflects my awareness and appreciation of all of your kind patience and understanding.
-T Germano
I thought today's seminar was extremely useful and want to offer my thanks to one and all for sharing their ideas. A special shout-out to Matthew for emailing me about the revision program after the seminar and to Kenny for telling me about the phone ap and his willingness to help instal it on my I-pad on Monday. More colleagues deserve thanks, but I only met some of you today, so forgive me for not thanking you by name. Nonetheless, I do appreciate your generosity in sharing your expertise.
Power Point in iPad
I was trying to use Power Point presentation from the iPad. Though they claim Mac system to run MS software, but they are not fully compatible. When I open my presentation, the font and,especially, the graphics, get messed up.
iPad might have a similar tool named Keynote, which I have not used yet. I am wondering if there is a way to convert the Power Point file to Keynote file.
iPad might have a similar tool named Keynote, which I have not used yet. I am wondering if there is a way to convert the Power Point file to Keynote file.
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