bill itsco

JD Reading

2010-02-02T20:37:00.000-08:00

Here is a video of my son JD reading.

eTech 2010 Day 2

2010-02-02T11:41:00.000-08:00

Was able to watch an exciting presentation on QR technology for phones also a little information about Google Goggles.

2009-12-14T09:34:00.000-08:00

[url=http://www.divshare.com/download/9758

2009-10-28T08:24:00.000-07:00

Will spend the next couple of weeks working on Digital Storytelling and with Photoshop Elements. I have two classes on using Flip Camera's for Digital Storytelling in school and then two classes on Photoshop Elements in Schools. If you are reading this and would like to loan me a "good camera" for a couple of months feel free to send me an email. bill@itsco.org.

Digital Books

2009-10-21T10:04:00.001-07:00

As a true "Book Nut" I am always on the look out for the end of book culture. Are products like iPhones,Kindles, and Sony Reader going to take away the pleasure of reading? I just discovered the new "Vooks" these are a mixture of Books and Video. There are a couple of books out now under the iTunes __Applications___ Vook. I just purchases one, something about exercise and nutrition, to give it a try. Here is the link to Vooks

ITSCO Busy Season

2009-10-06T05:39:00.000-07:00

Our season at ITSCO is starting to get busy. With SMART Boards, Netbooks, and Podcasting still on the top of our list we are always on the run.

GPS and Google Earth

2008-05-28T11:20:00.000-07:00

I have spent a couple hours over the last week getting to know GPS systems and Geocaching and Google Earth. It is a fun to play with all three. I am going to need teachers to give me ideas of practical uses in classrooms.

YOU TUBE.

2008-05-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

OLN Conference Monday

2008-05-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

I am excited about the OLN Teaching and Learning Conference on Monday, May 19. One of the topics I hope to learn more about is the Open Source called Class In Hand. (follow link to learn more)
That allows mobile phones to become classroom tools.

Geocaching

2008-05-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

Trying to learn the hobby of Geocaching. Had to venture out of the office to find a few chaches.

OSU Digital Union

2008-05-08T12:43:00.001-07:00

This is a link to a group at Ohio State whose purpose is to facilitate access to new media technologies for use in teaching, learning, research, and outreach. Check them out.
Ohio State Digital Union.

Governor at COSI

2008-05-07T10:35:00.000-07:00

Went to see Ted Strickland take part in the "At Your Service: How Government Works" presentation. The five high schools that were involved had an opportunity to ask questions and I think this gave them the opportunity to feel like the had a private audience with the Governor of Ohio.

Economic Book: Nudge

2008-04-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

My latest book on economics is "Nudge" by Richard Thaler. It is a book that looks at the choices people make. The old addage of economics has always been indivdiulas make choices based on incetives that are in their best interest. "Nudge" is part of the new movement of Social Scientist who belive individuals in a number of cases will make poor decisions and if that is the case how can governments, schools, etc help people make decisions that will be the best...I know this sounds like communism/socialism but the research and the questions raised do hit home to people like me who procrasnate or taking the easy route when faced with multiple decisions. Presdential Canidates like Barak are looking at some of this research and you can bet this thinking will back some policies of a Democratic Canidate.

Technology-Hip Hop- School

2008-04-08T08:44:00.001-07:00

Today I was at Linden Elementary for an EETT Grant meeting. Some of the teachers at this building are interested in mixing hip-hop, technology, and class lessons with the idea to create student projects. I believe that this collaboration with all of these fields will create an exciting opportunity for students over the next couple of years. Using products like Garage Band on Apple or like software.

Circuit Bending

2008-04-03T08:42:00.000-07:00

Last night went the the presentation on "Circuit Bending". It was a great example of how I feel "technology" should be taught in schools. Here is a link with more about "circuit bending"..http://www.anti-theory.com/soundart/circuitbend/ In the class last night we opened up old musical keybords and played with the wiring to make new sounds. It provided me with an introduction to circuits and wiring in a fun way.

I think the idea of taking "technology" (computers, smartboards,calculators) and starting to break them down to their essence and understand a little about how they work will help all of us in world where our jobs, finaces, and education depend on this "technology".

Art & Education

2008-04-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

Tonight I am attending a class on "circuit bending" aat the Wexner Center about a music form using recycled electronic toys. The teachers are a performance group called "Beatrix Jar" from Minnosota. I have included the link about the group below. I will be back tomorrow with more information:

http://www.some-assembly-required.net/blog/2007/07/beatrixjar.html

Back from Spring Break

2008-03-31T11:28:00.000-07:00

I am back to work after a wonderful week off. Did not accomplish any items on my to do list but I did get through a number of books. I stayed up until 1:00 or 2:00 a.m. almost every night.

Credit Crisis

2008-03-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

Macroeconomics:

With the news full of information about the recent "Credit Crisis" I have been glued to my favorite Blogs (Marginal Revolution & Greg Mankiw's Blog) and reading some of the new books on the topic:
"The Mighty Dollar:
" The Trillion Dollar Meltdown"
If there was a time to learn Macroeconmics now is it!

ITSCO- 2/26/08

2008-02-26T11:28:00.000-08:00

I am currently working on WEB 2.0. The idea of Wiki's, Blogs, Social Networking., etc. I have to complete a couple of workshops on the topic and in connection I have an Etech course that is wraping up on this same topic. I am going to make sure this Blog keeps up to date on these topics with links and suggested reading for people who are interested.

Books I am reading

2008-02-25T13:22:00.001-08:00

I am one of those people who is a bibliophile. I love book stores, libraries, used books.etc. I am also somebody who has ten books going but only can finish two of ten. On my nightstand currently are the following:

1. Beautiful Children- A novel about Las Vegas and some of the characters who live there.
2. Reinventing the Bazzar- An economic look at Markets.
3. Good Poems year 2006
4. The Best Comics of 2007

Post some of the books you are reading. I about guarantee I will try at least 80 pages.