Podcasting

A podcast is a software that allows the automatic downloading of audio and video files for listening and viewing. First, a "podcatcher" has to be downloaded and installed to the user's computer. Then, programs such as Itunes will automaticaly subscribe to new material that you have selected and have it waiting for you to veiw when you get back on. Teachers can use podcasting in the following ways: curriculum, professional development, presenting material, and communicating with parents and the community.One of the main uses for podcasting is downloading material to be put on MP3 players such as Ipods. The only podcasting that I have really done is putting music on my Ipod from itunes, but it can be a great tool for students and teachers to get information to each other via the internet.


http://www.apple.com/itunes/
I chose this because I was familiar with this certain podcast and have used it before. I like using itunes because its not that difficult to use and it gives someone the steps needed to put information on devices such as an ipod.

AVL

AVL or "the Alabama Virtual Library" is online tool used for finding different types of information through search engines, such as Britannica. The best thing about AVL is that its free. Its also not just for people in school, it can be used by the general public if they have a public library card. Someone could get on AVL and not only try to find material but they can narrow the search down by what grade level the material deals with. AVL offers different searches in the following: Elementary, Middle, High schools, Colleges, and the general public.
I was introduced to AVL in high school so I was kinda familiar with it. I really think that AVL is a very useful tool for any student and/or teacher that is trying to find important information. I will definitely use AVL in the future because it is really easy to use and of course its free.

Mr. Sullivan

I really enjoyed the presentation by Mr.Sullivan last week. My fiance's cousin is legally blind so I was familiar with some of the things that he was talking about. I thought it was really neat that he brought the Braille keyboard and let everyone get a feel for it. What I thought was interesting was the two computer programs that he sampled for us especially the one that read the material that was on the screen so that someone who was blind could still know what was on the screen. I think that the material learned from the presentation will help me in my teaching career.