I am sorry about the missing post from March 15. I am not sure what I did, but it disappeared.

Photo Story - Best Kept Secret

Photo Story 3 is easily the simplest photo slide show software I have used. Students can easily create multimedia presentations on their own with the wizard like interface. Despite the ease of use many teachers don't realize that it is available as a free download for Window's users. My students use it quite often. We use it to commemorate classroom events such as debates, student teacher greetings or student goodbyes. We also make photo essay dictionaries. We do this by taking pictures of items such as geometric shapes and angles, adding text and recording voices that define each term.

Here is a quick tutorial:

First you import pictures. When you click on import pictures the program will open your "My Pictures" file.

Select pictures

Add text. Students love to choose from the many colors and fonts.

Record your voice. You can record a different voice on each slide.

Create your own music or import your own. My students love to create their own music. They can choose from several styles, speeds, moods and instruments.

It is easy to use and a great deal of fun. Try for yourself, but be careful you may get hooked. Have fun.

Collaboration with New Zealand

I have been a bit delayed in posting, but have stayed busy learning from my new friends in New Zealand. Thank you Allanah and Rachel for your great blogs and our enlightening Skype conversations. What a great opportunity for my whole class to speak with Allanah through Skype. We all enjoyed the conversation. My class was amazed that it was Fall in New Zealand and the start of Spring here in the U.S. I look forward to continued communication between our classes.

For those of you that think computer users need help desks

This is a really funny video about a man from the middle ages who calls the help desk to learn about this new technology known as a book. It's from a show called Øystein & Meg. It's written by Knut Nærum. The actors are named Øystein Bache and Rune Gokstad. Thanks to YouTube user ZrednaZ for humourous post and backround information.

Web 2.0 Directory

I knew that there were many web 2.0 apps out there, but I don't think I realized that the options were this extensive. Check out this web 2.0 directory. I am sure you will find it quite amazing.