Veterans Day - Activities to Honor Veterans While Teaching Technology Skills in Elementary School

During the first quarter of the school year we get many opportunities to explore our patriotism by celebrating Constitution Day in September, exploring the election process in early November, followed quickly by observing Veterans Day. The world rejoiced at the end of World War I and in 1938 the federal holiday of "Armistice Day" was created. In 1954 the holiday was renamed to "Veterans Day" so that all Veterans could be honored. What types of activities can we do to help children appreciate the Veterans that have served? My goal is twofold: one, to honor the Veterans, and two, to build some technology skills into the process. Some ideas for using technology to honor the Veterans include:

Visiting the websites for children created by the Veteran organizations. Write letters, poems, and create cards for the Veterans and distribute at local Veteran hospitals and homes. These cards can be made in KidPix or any other drawing program. This might include a flag with a note written in the stripes, or word-processed letters with clip art, or computerized drawings of the people of the armed forces (especially well done by kindergarten, first and second grades!) Create a class book of all the pictures created by the class, bind, and give to a local VA hospital or VA home. Podcasting of recorded histories created by interviewing Veterans, either in school or out of school. Podcast by students about why we are grateful for the armed forces. Bring Veterans to school and honor them through songs, skits, and stories from the children. Bring a Veteran to school to share with the students about the history and experiences of being a part of the armed forces.

Around the world this day is celebrated whether it is called Veterans Day, Remembrance Day, or Armistice Day. The idea is to renew our commitment to world peace. The children of our world need to be taught and reminded that world peace is a goal worth achieving. In addition, our children need to take time to connect with adults, learn to listen, and appreciate what the people who have served our country have to teach all of us.

Veterans Day - Activities to Honor Veterans While Teaching Technology Skills in Elementary School

Veterans Day - Activities to Honor Veterans While Teaching Technology Skills in Elementary School
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Download a free detailed activity packet to extend and supplement these ideas (including specific web-based activities) at http://technologylessonsforteachers.com

Kathy Cothran is an elementary media specialist committed to helping teachers use technology in exciting ways with students without spending hours of time planning technology-rich lessons. Her vast teaching experience ranges from preschool through Master's level education classes.

For years Kathy has been a "Gadget Girl." She loves technology! Tie that to her extensive teaching background and she has been able to interest, invigorate, and inspire children and teachers to use technology in a rich, exciting manner.

Interested in ways that toys can become learning tools? Visit http://turningtoysintotools.com

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How Does Podcasting Work?

It has been said that in October of 2004 a Google search returned less than 6,000 results for the term "podcasting". Today, a similar search yields more than 857,000 results. Like the blogging phenomenon, podcasting has come out of nowhere and attracted an enthusiastic following.

While some traditional radio talk shows have begun providing podcasts of their regularly-scheduled broadcasts, the bulk of the podcasts that have cropped up tend to be independent broadcasters who have a fascination with technology. As a result, some podcasts are a little rough around the edges. Nonetheless, it is clear that the technology provides a significant opportunity and potential. Even nay-sayers believe that podcasting is more than a passing fad.

Podcasting is RSS that is used to syndicate and distribute audio files. Podcasting contains an audio file in the RSS feed's enclosure tag. An enclosure tag is used in RSS feeds to include certain types of files. The file contained in an enclosure tag can be: an image, a data file, a video file, or an audio file. Podcasting specifically refers to RSS feeds that contain audio files in their enclosure tag. The RSS version that currently supports enclosure tags is RSS version 2.0. All podcasts are currently created using this specification.

How Does Podcasting Work?

The benefit to podcasting is the fact that users can sync content with their media player and listen at a time and a place of their choosing: radio on demand. And while this technology is not limited to music, it seems to be the area that has received the most attention.

Podcasting is generally inexpensive to implement. Investment in a good quality microphone will ensure that the recording is audible. Depending on knowledge and experience, some podcasters invest in audio conversion, compression and audio editing software applications. Also, web space bandwidth and software to create the feed for the podcast is needed. All in all, the initial expense is relatively small.

Publishing Podcasts
In three simple steps, independent broadcasters can have their voice heard:

1. Publishers create audio content, posting it on a website for listeners.

2. Create or edit an existing RSS feed including a link to the audio file in the "enclosure" field of an RSS 2.0 feed, uploading it to a website.

3. Tell the world that a podcast is available.

Listen to Podcasts:

In three simple steps web surfers can listen to podcasts:

1. Download a news aggregator or RSS reader that supports podcasting or sync a wireless device like an iPod with your computer.

2. Enter the URL of the podcast feed into the news aggregator or podcast management software.

3. As new items appear in the aggregator, review the podcast's description and listen to those that are of interest.

As popularity increases it is likely many voices will be drowned out, but for now, an independent broadcaster with a microphone and unlimited bandwidth can make a name, create an image and change the world.

Useful Tools for Podcasting:

Create podcast feed - http://www.feedforall.com

News aggregator supporting podcasts - http://www.feeddemon.com or http://www.primetimepodcast.com

See also Podcasting Tools - http://www.small-business-software.net/podcasting-tools.htm

How Does Podcasting Work?
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Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for NotePage http://www.notepage.net a wireless text messaging software company.

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Is The "Long Island Medium" Real? The Truth About Celebrity Psychics

Are TV psychics and mediums real, or just good for entertainment purposes alone? Are the shows scripted in advance.....or are the readings really as impressive as they appear on the show? And what about the most POPULAR medium on TV today - The "Long Island Medium" with Theresa Caputo, is she the real deal......or simply just another person pretending to communicate with spirits for money, fame and celebrity prestige? In this article we are going to take a quick and easy look at the Long Island Medium TV show, and I'll share my personal opinion on whether I believe she is doing something truly extraordinary, or simply makes for good TV instead. Curious to know more? Continue reading as we take a closer look below!

My Personal Psychic Experiences

First, of course ALL of this is just my own personal opinion, and based on many years of research, publishing and adventures in the psychic realm. (as I've written well over 1000 published articles on psychic phenomena and maintain a whole slew of blogs, websites and social communities in the psychic field)

Is The "Long Island Medium" Real? The Truth About Celebrity Psychics

With that said, I've had hundreds of readings myself, and feel like I'm a pretty good judge at who is the real deal....and who is just enjoying a good ride up the totem pole of success!

When I first started watching the show...

I was a bit skeptical, to say the least. While I'm definitely a true blue believer in the authenticity of MANY psychic mediums, (through personal experience and rigorous research) I'm also very well aware that many, especially on TV, are often much more about entertainment, than genuine ethereal enlightenment.

At first, many of Theresa's messages were a bit vague for my tastes and with so much "1 to 1" contact, cold reading.....or picking up non verbal cues from clients, is a HUGE risk as well.

(Note: This is BIG reason most people who study psychic mediums prefer to test them on the phone....with no direct visual contact with the people they're reading. This is often called "blind" readings for that reason)

Over a number of shows, and doing some of my own research by talking to other people in the field, my opinion started to change in her favor.

Watching a few shows this weekend, I was impressed by some of the seemingly spontaneous reactions of people who Theresa "read" in unexpected places, and the super specific information she shared with each of them. (and of course, their reactions to what she shared which is very hard to script, and seemed to reflect genuine amazement and incredulity at the accuracy of what they were told)

At the end of the day, it's VERY difficult to gauge how accurate a medium is on TV. The format makes it very tough to judge.....as it's TV, and designed to entertain us, and keep us coming back. Plus, we have no idea how much is "omitted" as well, and this keeps my skeptical guard up, even today.

That said, I'm impressed with "The Long Island Medium" and it's pretty good TV, too! As someone who has had personal experiences (and readings) with some of the biggest names in celebrity mediumship (people like John Edward and the like, who I believe is 100% authentic) I'm definitely interested in learning more about Theresa Caputo....and when available, would be very interested in seeing her face to face as well!

The only real downside of investigating famous psychics, mediums and clairvoyants?

Cost. Most of the better known celebrity psychics charge such a large amount for a reading, that the general public is priced out of the equation. The good news is, you DON'T have to pay a fortune to a celebrity psychic to get an amazing reading, and often......you can find local or telephone readers who are equally as good, for a fraction, of the fraction of the cost. As I've said many times in the past.....my WORST reading ever cost me over 00 (with a famous psychic who I had to travel to see) and one my best, cost and literally blew me away.....without having to get off my sofa to boot!

Is The "Long Island Medium" Real? The Truth About Celebrity Psychics
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WARNING! Don't get scammed by another "fake" Psychic EVER Again!

Skeptical? Good! Get a Authentic Psychic Reading Right HERE!

(Special Readings Available For Skeptics, the Curious or People Who Just NEED To PROVE Genuine Psychic Abilities are True!)

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How To Choose The Best External Sound Card For Recording and-or Podcasting

The question of choosing the best External Sound Card for a particular use or application gets asked a lot. I have put together this quick guide which highlights the main considerations when choosing the right audio interface for your PC or Mac for recording and/or podcasting.

The first question: What are you going to be using an external sound card / audio interface for?
Podcasting Recording simple vocals for presentations Home recording vocals and instruments Recording an entire band or group

Benefits of an External Sound Card
An external sound card or audio interface, often called a "break out" box, has a major advantage over an internal PCI / PCI-Express card when it comes to recording and podcasting. The Analog to Digital (A/D) and Digital to Analog (D/A) conversion engine is located in the external box, therefore, all of the processing that goes on to change the analogue stream into a digital stream and vice versa is undertaken inside the box away from the electrical noise of your computer. The resulting digital signal is sent via cable to an input in your PC or Mac via a USB, Firewire or a dedicated card specifically designed to couple the box to your computer.

How To Choose The Best External Sound Card For Recording and-or Podcasting

Other important advantages include, ease of installation and connectivity; advanced functionality such as pre-amps; Hi-Z inputs; in-built hardware effects; mobility; use with laptops, notebooks and desktops.

Considerations
How many analog inputs do you need? Are you podcasting using one or two microphones (2 inputs)? Do you need inputs for musical instruments such as a guitar and/or keyboards (4 - 8 Inputs)? Or perhaps you want to record your entire band and microphone up the drum kit (20+ simultaneous inputs)?

The more inputs you need, the more you will need to spend. From experience it is advisable to choose an external sound card with a few more inputs, just in case.

Pre-Amps
Pre-amps boost the very low signal input from microphones up to a level that mixers, sound cards, effects, etc can work with. Pre-amps are not optional if you are recording with microphones. You need a pre-amp channel for every microphone you are recording simultaneously. I recommend you get the same amount of pre-amps as you have analog inputs in your external sound card. It doesn't do you any good to have the inputs if you can't use them.

Connecting your external sound card to your PC or Mac
PCI or PCI-Express (Via internal card to "Break out" box) - Desktop only - not easy to install USB 1.1 - Slowest connection speed- only good for one input at a time USB 2.0 - Faster, The standard - better for simultaneously recording up to 8 inputs, Mobile USB 3.0 - NEW, Faster still, awaiting audio peripherals to be released (One to keep an eye on) Firewire - Stable, fast, low latency, preferred solution by seasoned recordists

PC, Mac or both.
Make sure your chosen external sound card works on your machine - the specifications will tell you. There are externals sound cards that work just on PCs and just on Mac's and those that work fine on both.

MIDI
Many external sound cards come with MIDI in and out ports. If you need MIDI or think you may want to experiment with MIDI, I recommend that you purchase a sound card with MIDI already built-in. You'll want to make sure that the sound card uses a standard MIDI jack as some include ports that need adaptors. It is best to avoid adaptors.

MIDI can trigger synthesizers (which essentially shapes and moulds sound electronically to model various instruments) or samplers (which instantaneously play back short recordings of sound files). Because of this, MIDI is used all the time in music ranging from techno to metal to movie scores. With the right samples, it is easy to switch from working on an orchestral score to a rap beat in seconds.

Hi-Z Input
Increase the quality of your direct guitar recordings, by plugging your guitar into a high impedance input. Your standard sound card input was not designed to work with a guitar and therefore, some high frequencies can be lost. Hi-Z input is Included on many audio interfaces.

Monitoring
Do you need to monitor vocals / guitars through headphones, have separate monitoring for each member of the band? Most recording software will allow direct monitoring of the signal through the main outs (which is how you listen on playback through you studio monitors). This is usually satisfactory for a drummer but may not be nearly as useful for the rest of the band.

Do some research before buying an external audio interface to make sure that your monitoring needs are taken care of.

Software
Some sound cards come with recording software included. Make sure you factor this into your decision and into the price as well. Most recording programs bundled with sound cards are the "LE" version which means they generally are lacking some of the features of the given companies flagship model.

With that said, most people do not need the features included in the most high end recording software. You will probably be fine with whatever software that comes with your audio hardware (assuming it comes with any at all). If you find that the program that comes with your sound card is lacking in features, most companies will allow you to upgrade to more high end versions at a discounted price.

A selection of well known software companies that work well with an external sound card include Cakewalk, Cubase Alberton and Pro Tools.

How To Choose The Best External Sound Card For Recording and-or Podcasting
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Dr SGriff has over 25 years of experience in performing and recording live music, he is also a qualified systems engineer and addicted to technology and how it can be used to improve ones quality of life. Dr SGriff, has a particular interest in External Sound Card and audio interfaces and is very happy to share his experiences and knowledge in audio, in order that those with a passion for quality digital sound can make informed decisions when building computer systems for there particular application. Whether your interest be home recording, gaming, home theatre or creating professional presentations, read more about making the right choices here:

http://myexternalsoundcard.com

http://myexternalsoundcard.com/external-sound-card/external-sound-card-solutions

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