I just discovered an open source Assistive Technology software called PowerTalk. This automatic speech software comes from Fullmeasure http://fullmeasure.co.uk/PowerTalk/. The cool thing is that once you have downloaded the software, it will automatically speak any slide presentation running in msPowerPoint for Windows. PowerTalk is simple to use and speaks hidden alternative text for pictures and graphics. The instant narration will help students work independently to access presentations when there is no speaker available. The software can be used in a number of creative ways such as reading an original student story or reading directions for an activity. PowerTalk was created in response to an open letter appearing in Ability Magazine.
Archive for April, 2008
PowerTalk
Tuesday, April 15th, 2008To Media or Not to Media
Wednesday, April 9th, 2008Reflect on your own educational process beginning in elementary school and continuing through high school. Think of the moments when your teachers or library media specialists used a form of media to present, to review, or to supplement a concept or concrete skill. What was the type of media used? What was the concept or concrete skill? Is it vivid in your memory?
Now, think about other learning moments that did not use media. Do you remember those moments as clearly?
Erase It
Monday, April 7th, 2008Want to keep those internet marketers out of your mailbox? If so, you need to keep your internet searches to yourself. Search engines track your search queries which can then be used for marketing purposes. AskEraser from Ask.com is a new privacy feature which allows for your search activity to be deleted from Ask.com servers except for legal or critical operation purposes. Search activity includes data on the pages you visit, the search terms you use, the links you click, your IP address, and any session identifiers. It does not delete your identifiable information, such as name or e-mail address you choose to provide to Ask.com. To activate AskEraser, go to http://www.ask.com and click on “AskEraser” at the top of the page, then use Ask.com as your regular search engine.
Go Green
Monday, April 7th, 2008Save your ink and paper by using this free program, GreenPrint World Edition. GreenPrint saves millions of trees (according to their site) by automatically removing blank pages before printing. This program can remove banner ads and other elements as well. You can print from your regular printer or save the file as a PDF. There is a fee for the Home Premium and Enterprise editions. Go to http://printgreener.com/index.html However, if you are unable to download you can still save trees when printing from the Web by using the print preview function and print only the pages you actually need.
EdTech 08
Friday, April 4th, 2008
The Richmond Contingent was out in force at EdTech 08. Our presenters received very high marks. Thank you to all. During one of my sessions, an attendee mentioned this site http://www.jott.com which allows you to use your own voice to send E-mails and text messages. The service is free. So, sign up and you will get a toll free number to call and to record a voice message. Then, the message will be sent to someone as text. Great way to send yourself reminders.