Google Field Trip

Google Field Trip is an iDevice App and Android App that allows users to discover the hidden things around you while you travel around our world.  Field Trip runs in the background of a phone and when a user gets close to something interesting it will notify them.  If a headset or bluetooth is connected, the app will even read the information to the users.  For education purposes, the app will help users learn about the local history and even provide other information like eating options.  The information feeds that users choose will help determine the information that the app provides.  To see a promotional video for the app, see the video below.




Word of caution...it currently is quite the drain on the battery according to some reviews.  However, I could see how this app could be utilized for classroom field trips.  

eyeReport - PIP Videos for iDevices

eyeReport is currently an Apple Device App that allows users to use both of their cameras on their iDevices at the same time.  Through the software users can do a picture in picture video and capture facial expressions, thoughts, and ideas while making a video.  Once the videos have been created users can email them or upload to various social networks.  Teachers could use the software to add their voice and face to a lesson while filming the blackboard.  I could see this app increasing the video capabilities on mobile devices in the classroom.

The app will let users record a clip from the rear camera and then when you finish it will flip to the front camera and let users record from that camera.  eyeReport will then create a PIP box so users can see what was recorded from the front and rear camera.  If you already have a video on your camera, you can add the PIP feature to it.

Here are some of the features:
+ Overlays a second video captured by the front camera on a first video captured by the back camera, while the first video is being played.
+ Produces composite video from both front and back cameras of your iPhone.
+ Superimposes the user's face as picture-in-picture on your video.
+ Saves and stores your composite videos for future sharing.
+ Takes an old video stored in your iPhone and opens a window for overlaying as picture-in-picture a new recording of front camera.
+ One-click sharing of your composite video on facebook, Twitter, YouTube and mail.
+ Turns your old movies into composite videos featuring you as observer, commentator or participant.
+ A way to create dedicated communities for news reports, entertainment information or educational online networks. 

10 Wikis Worth Checking Out

Last school year I would dedicate Wednesday's to sharing a Wiki or a few Wikis that I thought were of value.  Looking back, it has been almost 11 months since I did a Wiki Wednesday post, so I guess I have a lot of catching up to do.  So I present 10 Wikis that I have recently discovered that I think are worth sharing.

1.) First Day - We all have our First Day of School routines.  The question is how many have activities for the content area that they teach?  This wiki provides some interesting ideas for First Day of School Activities.  Worth looking at.

2.) Project Elite Wiki is specific for Librarians.  With the advances in technology there is a fear (and in some states a reality) that librarians will soon be removed or replaced in schools.  The purpose of this Wiki is to encourage technology use by Librarians.  It is important to be able to present yourself with additionally abilities, and this Wiki is a great starting point for Librarians. 

3.) iPods, iPhones, and iPads in Education is a great homepage for all you need to know about integrating iTechnology into the classroom.  Several resources as well as descriptions of apps for various subject matter. 

4.) Open Source Graphics and Visualization Tools is a wiki providing links to web based resources that provides ways to create, share, and edit graphics and visuals.  Very well organized. 

5.) Paperless Posters is a wiki all about Glogster.  You will find helpful tips, samples, and ideas for using Glogster in the classroom.  A helpful link for learning how to use the website and worth sharing with teachers who are interested in using the site. 

6.) Backchanneling Wiki is a one stop shop for all things backchanneling.  The idea of communicating with students through a backchannel is gaining a lot of steam.  This wiki provides links to web-based applications, ideas for use, and links to other resources about backchanneling.

7.) Educational Wikis is all about how to use Wikis in education and it provides various links to articles, tips, ideas, and other resources for using Wiki's in education.  You will also find 100's of examples of educational wikis being used by teachers across the world.  They are listed in alphabetical order.....wow!

8.) Cool Tools for Schools is a great starting point for finding Web 2.0 based resources to use in the classroom.  Each resource is linked by category and provides a short description for them all.

9.) Book Leads is a Wiki all about books.  There is information about authors, information for librarians, information about eBooks, as well as Young Authors.  A valuable resource for Librarians and English teachers.

10.) Student Innovation is a wiki that has the single purpose of sharing how students are using technology to create innovative projects and how as teachers, we need to be sharing what our students are doing with others.  Although this Wiki is still a work in progress; I believe with all the great things that teachers are doing out there, that this will grow rather fast.