sugar!

[Amity Beane]

Has anyone used Sugar and had success with it? I am trying to get into it....first I am learning Python.

And, I have a live interview coming up with Ivan Krstic....I want to be able to record the Skype call. Can anyone help?

This is my first forum discussion, sorry it is disjointed. I teach using a wiki-centric approach a la Vicki Davis. My wiki is closed but if anyone wants to see how it works (I think it functions beautifully) go to http://msad21spanish.wikispaces.com and leave me a note, I will let you in for a spell.

One of the best things about web 2.0 in my field is the power of immersion. I can change the platform language to Spanish on so many apps. My kids learn by doing.

We use Wordles and Glogster...fun fun....we have forum discussions....we make movies (http://amiguitos.wikispaces.com). We cook, we sing, we dance. We make tutorials. (http://msad21tutorials.wikispaces.com). I do not use a textbook. I am launching Spanish twitter quarter 3....cannot wait! Can anyone recommend a similar platform that may be better?

We do the hard work of systematic de-coding in groups. The kids are able to learn patterns without tedious lectures and rote drill. Just lots and lots and lots of practice.

I'd like to get my storytlr site up and running so you all can tap into my edustream better.

I want to be a Google teacher. I need more info.

I am originally from Washington County Maine.

Would love to start a conversation here about all this stuff.....would love to meet more of you in Maine in person.


Currently I am a grad student at UMF, will be presenting in February there "Teaching in a Diverse World" on immersive web 2.0 tools as well as digital literacy and security. Come one come all.

[Ernie Easter]

Maybe if I'd had you for a French teacher I would not have bailed out on it instead of flunking out. Your post is very refreshing vs the --- via oral dictation, write the 10 sentences and correctly respond to them and by they way if you have one misspelling the sentence is wrong. I could go on a rant, but I won't.

You've got so much going and I'm sure your students are learning lots.

[Bob Sprankle]

Amity,

How's the Python learning coming? I'm just starting to climb aboard with that (have never programmed before). Any tips?

Thanks,

Bob

[Amity Beane]

Not into it yet. I think this summer...my adviser told me I could do an ind. study and learn it. The whole constructionist concept amazes me. Seymour had it right. I found a prof. at USM but it was a physics course and let's face it, physics is fun but I am not going to do a physics course. I want to find a little geeky Python community and hang out in a non-classroom environment. If you find one let me know. :)

[Bob Sprankle]

I will! That's what I'm looking for 2 :)

bob

[Jeff Bailey]

Amity,

It's funny how we live in the same town but we end up seeing more of each other online than in person.

As far as recording a Skype call, on my podcast we purchased "Power Gramo" for the PC but I'm not sure I would do that again. I have downloaded Call Graph for the PC (free although there's a premium for $1/month) Since our tech department doesn't allow us to install apps on our Macbooks I haven't looked around for a Mac equivalent yet. I'm told that we may end up loosening the tech reigns a bit in former SAD #43 under the direction of Dr. Tom of SAD # 21! Yay!

-Jeff
Your RSU partner

[Amity Beane]

If your tech policies don't change, Jeff, I'd be surprised. Over in my school many of us have the password to get past the blocks as well as the admin password to install necessary software (grad school requirements). I have a lot of freedom which I try to use as wisely as possible.

As for the same town....no more....I am closer to Rangeley these days.

My Skype calls so far have been recorded with a video recorder so a video of a video. Not the best but ok for reference.

[Jeff Bailey]

I'm not familiar with a video call recorder for Skype. What video recorder are you currently using?

Jeff

[Amity Beane]

I mean I checked out a camera and tripod and set it up to record my projector which projected the Skype call.

Poor visual, fine audio.

[Jeff Bailey]

Maybe trying a screen capture program would help. www.screencast-o-matic.com is a free online one, but you are limited to 5 minutes. Most free ones do limit you but maybe the paid version of Jing at www.jingproject.com would be the best choice.

Jeff

[Amity Beane]

I tried Jing, it is 5 minute limit.

I love Jing!! I use it all the time. I wish Skype had a built in recorder.

[Cheryl Oakes]

This is a great thread going on. Jeff and Amity, you may want to look at one more "course", the webcast academy at webcastacademy.net It is where Alice and I learned to webcast.
I record in Nicecast on Skype, in order to record and broadcast on the web at the same time. It is a program that costs about 29.00, 5 years ago. I can webcast with it, and also record right to my computer, sometimes my macbook or my imac/ both intel.
At one point the Seedlings tried out Gizmo and ooVoo, but I am not sure about recording capabilities. If yo u want to chat about this on skype maybe this could be a topic we discuss. Cheryl

[Amity Beane]

What a great tip. Thank you Cheryl. My Skype name is AlitasAir, feel free to add me!

On a side note: Jeff, did your school get your Tandberg unit yet? I think at our Tech Camp this summer we should definitely have a Tandberg session and try some RSU -wide collabs.