Thing 7: Podcasting and Screencasting

This is the last Cool Tool for me. 

Audioboo is the easiest podcasting tool I've ever used.  You just download the app on your Smartphone and record.  I love the feature that provides you with a countdown (of 3) before it begins recording.  You then have the option to preview and re-record your message.   You can personalize your account an add a photo, notifications, location, etc.  to your profile.   It is a very handy tool for people who enjoy podcasting.   Also, you can search other people's "Boos" (podcasts), and surf podcast channels.  Your podcasts are all listed in the "My Boos" section and you can include contacts and receive messages.  All in all Audioboo is a cool tool indeed.

I left it purposely for the end because I don't particularly like to hear myself talk.  However, through Cool Tools I found the awesomest, if this can be counted as a word, app for podcasting. 

Listen to my podcast at

http://audioboo.fm/boos/1333152

Thing 10: Productivity Tools

Just as our rooster friend is being productive by pouring a hot cup of coffee as a wake up call, so are all of the tools we've used so far.   As I finish this project I am left wondering how to integrate all of these great Web 2.0 tools into my lessons.  We don't have access to iPads, iPods, tablets or hand held devices in my library as learning devices, but I would still like for my students to be aware of the versatility of these devices.

Our Smartphones can be much more than just texting and gaming devices.  We can use apps that help us to safe guard our devices and information.  One such app is Lookout.  This is one of the apps I am using for my phone.  It backs up important data and protects my device form security breaches and loss.  I like the screaming feature that allows your device to scream if lost.  I also like the back up of my contacts.  One time our computer crashed and my daughter and I lost everything from our phones.  (We did not have any other form of back up for our mobile devices).  It was horrible for me trying to remember all of my contacts.  LOL

Another great tool is Dropbox.  I use it on my Smartphone to keep my documents and photos neatly tucked away.  It's free just like Lookout and provides you with 2 GBs of free storage.  I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to download a PDF and did not have a place to store it.   So awesome.
A handy tool for people who don't want walk around with external drives or don't have them.

The only complain I have is not being able to download any of these tools onto my district laptop.  (The school district won't allow it).  Such a shame, because many of these tools help keep me sane online.   Happy online travels :)

Thing 9: Databases & Searches

Teaching students how to properly use search engines can be challenging.   Most people have become so used to Google, that it is difficult to use anything else.  However, for young students it is vital that they learn to properly use search engines.  The addition of "kid friendly" search engines is a great way of teaching searching skills without accidentaly accessing inappropriate material. 

One of the search engines I selected to explore was KidRex .   This search engine while geared to younger children is an excellent choice for kids of all ages.  I am going to begin using it with my students.