Really Simple Technologies - Who Knew?

This week we discussed the many "really simple technologies" (RST's) that are often overlooked, yet can simplify our daily use of technology.  Some of these RST's I have previously heard of, and others are new to me, and I'm sure I will make good use of them!  What really simple technologies can you think of that have made your use of technology easier?

One of these RST's that I was not previously aware of is Bitly.  Bitly can be used to shorten, share or track URL addresses.  Many URL addresses are long and difficult to simply paste into a blog or a webpage for a readers convenience.  Bitly is a simple program to use, and can shorten the URL address for simplicity purposes.  (Honestly, I had thought that these shortened links had something to do with Twitter).  Go to Bitly.com and try it out!  This can be very useful when blogging, as well, and can surely be handy for your students, too.

What about keyboard shortcuts?  There are an array of shortcut keys that once learned can eliminate unnecessary steps in many computer programs.  For example, on a PC, pressing Ctrl+Home moves the cursor to the top of the active page.  Alternatively, pressing Ctrl+End moves the cursor to the bottom.  Simple, but useful.  As well, on my Mac I frequently use Command+X, Command+C and Command+V for cutting, copying and pasting text or images.  Many of these shortcuts are second nature for some users, yet others aren't even aware of them.  Feel free to share any shortcuts that you use often.

Some additional useful tools are right at your fingertips, using Google.  Google has many Reference Tools that can be used for quick answers for a variety of inquiries, without requiring a third-party website.  For example, you can find out what time it is in India by simply typing "time India" into the search bar.  You'll get your answer (along with many websites that can do the same thing) right at the top of the results section.  Or if you need a quick measurement of temperature conversion, you can type in your value and conversion type and the conversion will be calculated for you.  It is simple and useful.
 
Have you come across some simple processes, procedures, apps or otherwise that have helped you along in your workday and you don't know how you could live without them?

The next question I suppose, is how can these RST's be incorporated into a classroom setting?  Are these useful to the students and if so, how shall they be taught and used?  A potential class exercise could be for the students to try and think of small processes they use regularly that others may not know of, and outlining them for the other students to use.

Technology Resources

This week marked the beginning of a new phase of learning, new contacts, new methods and new resources.  Although overwhelming at times, it is also very exciting to approach these next steps.  One of the things that surely we are all excited about, are the new resources we will be introduced to and that we will find along the way.

One of these new resources which I have found quite interesting is the National Film Board website and its multitude of resources.  I am really glad that Dr. Hlynka showed us this website as I have had a look over it and there are some pretty amazing things to see.  There are films of all types, from addressing World Issues, to Kids' Movies, to Interactive videos.  There is surely something that would be of interest to all age groups, nationalities, classes, etc.  The ability to have such informative and quality content that can be easily accessed and used (for a small fee) as part of a lesson in the classroom, as a reference point, or simply out of interest is pretty spectacular.  I have even come across some of the old television vignettes that I saw as a child.  Does anyone remember this animated short?  http://www.nfb.ca/film/log_drivers_waltz/

I encourage you all to explore this website as it could really be beneficial to you and your students somewhere along the way.  I know I intend to use it as a fun educational resource and not only in my classroom, but at home for my children as well!

In addition to the NFB website, I would also suggest you visit the TED website, which began as a "nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading" and has grown into something great.  I have known about TED and their infamous Talks for a couple years now, and there are some great videos, podcasts and blogs that at the very least, may motivate and encourage you to pursue some really progressive goals.  Dr. Hlynka gave us some links to TED Talks on his course syllabus, many related to technology, and I hope to find time to view many of them.

All the best for this year, next year and in all your future endeavors.