I had not heard of TweetBinder until recently, but this looks to be a good service for Twitter tracking for events. No idea on pricing, because they don’t publish this on their website.
Shindig
Shindig
I (and two of my work colleagues) got a chance to see Shindig in practice last Friday. Shindig is a video collaboration service that is currently in beta. The user interface is particularly impressive – at work we use tools like this on a regular basis, and typically students and faculty need significant assistance to collaborate. Shindig was something that “just worked.”
However, Shindig is still in beta. I get the impression that the company is still trying to find its way, and work out the best way to make money. Thus, the company is now reaching out to education. This could be a tough sell – education does not have money to spare. There a some important features that Shindig does not have just yet, such as:
- Native recording of video events.
- Native recording of text-chat.
- Polling / quizzing functionality.
- Mobile client (service only works on desktop browsers).
- LTI (Learning Tool Interoperability) API (Application Programming Interface)- i.e. works with all the major LMS ( Learning Management System) platforms.
Additionally, some of the ways that the company markets itself via the website and YouTube sends the wrong message. I get the impression that the company is in a somewhat precarious position.
I hope they make it. I really liked the user interface and basic functionality. Shindig felt like a product where I did not need to crack open the manual.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JwZoQYnnKc&list=PLRhWiq5YAdTtyuCgLxq0-08jxrm1To-NM
http://youtu.be/ICsNKttfsOE
Sheaves Of Wheat
Sunflowers Bring Bees
Narrow Boat
Morton Wing Staircase
Finding The Perfect Folding/Travel Keyboard for My iPhone
The Three Folding Keyboards
Much as I like my iPhone, I miss having an actual keyboard – something that I can actually type on and see the full screen. Something that I can use my than just one finger to type with. For the past few years I have waited for what I thought would be the perfect folding keyboard…
http://youtu.be/Ss9Vd4lukDs
This could have been the Jorno. A folding Blutooth keyboard with an engaging design. However, the keyboard is still in prototype stage even though it was fully funded on Kickstarter back in October of 2012. Many of the backers are irate, and asking for refunds. The original design (which was the most exciting feature) has been greatly simplified. If it ever gets shipped I doubt that this will work terribly well.
iGo Stowaway Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard
So I have been looking at alternatives. I still have my old iGo Stowaway Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard that I bought back in 2006. This works well, but is not entirely ideal – it does not lie entirely flat on a table, and the number keys require pressing the function key to work. The technology is impressive, but using it can be painful. I wanted to see if there was something better out there.
GEYES GK108 Folding Keyboard
On Amazon, I found the GEYES GK108 Folding Keyboard. This is essentially the old Targus PA830U Stowaway Portable Keyboard, but with a USB cable interface. This will work with an iPhone 5 providing I use an Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit and a Lightning to 30-pin Adapter. The GEYES GK108 uses a proprietary USB cable which I worry about losing. This is by far my favorite keyboard to type on, but having to carry the cable and adapters makes this an option I am less likely to use.
Reudo Folding Keyboard
This is going to be my keyboard of choice. The Reudo Folding Keyboard is not quite as pleasant to type on as the GK108, but it is almost as good. The Reudo Folding Keyboard is not quite as compact as the Stowaway, but it is almost as good. It comes in a little case, with a folding stand for iPhones and small tablets. The notable ways in which it is clearly better than the competition are the shortcut keys on the keyboard that work extremely well on the iPhone, and the fact is uses Bluetooth 3 and did not need a PIN. This will be coming with me everywhere I take the iPhone (or a tablet).
Folded, Bagged and Tagged
Update: Geyes Bluetooth 3.0 Triple Folding Wireless Keyboard
Geyes Bluetooth 3.0 Triple Folding Wireless Keyboard
Brandon Davis emailed me to say that he had found a Bluetooth version of the GK108 Folding Keyboard on Amazon. This looks like it comes with a pouch and a phone stand as well. This could be a better option than the Reudo for my uses. Thanks Brandon!
Brandon also suggested the Vivitar 60316 Compatible USB Cable as a replacement cable for the one that comes with the GEYES GK108 Folding Keyboard.
Like Tears In The Rain
Blue Buildings
UW-Madison Online Learning Jobs
Kimary Peterson just shared information about these three positions with me:
1) Online Instructor in Distance Education (DEPD position)
UW-Madison, Division of Continuing Studies (DCS)
We are working to fill a vacancy for an Online Instructor in Distance Education in our Continuing Studies Distance Education and Professional Development department.
The application deadline is Aug. 22nd, 2014.
For a full description of the position and how to apply, please go to: http://go.wisc.edu/59374a
2) Instructional Designer/Instructional Technologist (DEPD position)
UW-Madison, Division of Continuing Studies (DCS)
Are you interested in joining a team of outstanding professionals to engage lifelong learners through high-quality and innovative programs and services? We are seeking an instructional designer/technologist to work with faculty and staff developing blended and online courses primarily within the Distance Education Professional Development (DEPD) unit. DEPD prepares educators for online teaching and leadership roles through online courses, certificates, and participation in the Annual Conference on Distance Teaching & Learning. You would also develop online/blended courses for a variety of other units in the DCS Department of Liberal Arts and Applied Studies (LAAS).
The ideal candidate will have at least three (3) years of demonstrated experience in instructional design and instructional materials development. A Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree in educational technology, instructional design, education/curriculum development or related discipline preferred.
This position is based in Madison, WI. Applications are due by September 2nd,, 2014.
For a full description of the position and how to apply, please go to: http://go.wisc.edu/mg7tc5
3) Professor of Adult Teaching & Learning (Division position)
UW-Madison, Division of Continuing Studies
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public, land-grant institution that exemplifies the “Wisconsin Idea” – that the boundaries of the university are the boundaries of the state and beyond. We seek two tenurable or tenure track faculty to provide leadership and contribute to the department’s expertise in adult teaching and learning, continuing education, and distance learning. These individuals will enhance the department’s capacity to conduct research related to continuing education, including distance education. Applicants must show evidence of the ability to develop an excellent research program in adult teaching & learning, and/or continuing education, as well as evidence of knowledge and demonstrated excellence in distance education and teaching adults. An earned Ph.D. in education or related field is required.
Applications are due October 8th, 2014.
For a full description of the position and how to apply, please go to: http://go.wisc.edu/n03l2d