Monday, July 22, 2013

Help Wanted: Tech Tips?

I want to build my student program and I need the following tools and information.  Let me know if you know where they exist and how I access these tools and information.

1. I want to access ebooks with the following attributes:
  • cost efficient for multiple copies.
  • easy to download to Macs, iPads, PCs and/or Chromebooks.
  • Great audio--not a computer voice, but an expressive, wonderful storyteller.
  • Text visible while audio is playing.
  • Internet tools available for note taking, fact finding, and sharing.
  • A device with access to most titles.
  • Ability to manipulate the text by adding comments, pictures, responses right online. 
What's my best option?

2. I want to use music more often to invigorate teaching and projects, and this is what I want to know?
  • What are the copyright rules for using music--whole songs, parts of songs, remixed songs?
  • If I buy a song, can I use it in my video?
  • Is there some freedom with using music for educational purposes?
3. I want to encourage every student to purchase a tech device.  The device needs to do the following:
  • Access the Internet.
  • Create movies, docs, presentations.
What do you recommend?  

4. What's the best device for travel--a simple device that's hand held which I can use for apps, photos, videos, and information?  What's the best source of steady WIFI at the best price?

5. What's the best device for a traveler who will spend considerable time away from WIFI, but will probably have access to electricity and will use offline tools regularly. 

I'm expanding tech use because now I can see that our tech device(s) is our connection to the people, places, objects, and goals that we want to connect with.  The tech device minimizes the space between you and the life you want.  It's an essential tool today, and now, more than ever, it will be embedded into my daily living and teaching.  

Help wanted, and thanks in advance for your guidance in this regard.