Podcast

The podcast assignment provided an opportunity for me to experiment with a number of audio production tools. Time was spent setting up Garageband and optimizing my Samson C01U USB condenser microphone. After making the obligatory adjustments to Garageband I made several test recordings in an attempt to balance audio levels. One mono audio narration track was placed over a looped music track in order to reduce file size. Most of the effects on Garageband are pretty cheesy so I decided to record each track dry (i.e. no effects added). This resulted in a fairly clean recording that could be modified at a later date. My podcasting experience was favorable despite the fact I am not a narrator. You can access my Notebook Tablet podcast at the following address:
http://davegraw.podbean.com/

Importing Video to iMovie

This vignette describes how to import video into iMovie.

RSS Assignment 4

Over the past two weeks I've developed a love/ hate relationship with RSS aggregator software tools. Excitement generated by my first download soon dissipated as I began to understand the nature of the beast. I began to experience information overload within hours of setting up my iGoogle and iTunes accounts! I decided it was time to do something about the situation after being inundated by a large number of RSS feeds (328 as of now).

Most of the information I received corresponded to my interest in computers, educational technology, electronic music, and video production. Many of these feeds were quickly analyzed, evaluated, and saved for future reference. Irrelevant information was either ignored or discarded into a virtual trash bin. Confronted with an enormous information management problem I immediately decided to take corrective action. Each of the RSS subscriptions were evaluated in terms of their currency, credibility, reliability, and relevance to my interests. Subscriptions that failed to meet criterion-referenced standards were cancelled. By weeding out a lot of bogus information I was better able to manage my digital assets.

In retrospect I believe this assignment taught me several important lessons. Considering my inexperience using RSS and aggregator software, I felt this activity helped me understand how to locate subject-related information from multiple sources. Lessons learned from this experience could be adapted for use in almost any instructional setting. For example, I could adapt a chord finder/ music theory gadget for use in teaching someone how to play the guitar. Beginning and intermediate level students would really benefit from using music-related gadgets during their practice sessions. Hopefully I will be able to use RSS in the future as a means to achieve personal and professional learning objectives.

RSS Blog Assignment 3

RSS news feeds have provided an opportunity for me to monitor the evolving financial crisis on Wall Street. Figures provided by Dow Jones, Standard and Poors (S & P), and Nasdaq were compared in an attempt to predict how the information would be reported in the mainstream media. Using this data I wanted to see how several news agencies would put their spin on unfolding events. It was an interesting experience and I was somewhat surprised by the results.

News reports filed by The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and The Washington Post indicated that global market conditions were extremely volitile. Each of these newspapers forcast that this dire situation would persist until at least mid- 2009. The newspapers were pretty straightfoward in reporting how the government was considering a second round of rebates for qualified taxpayers. Also, the newspapers were fairly objective in reporting how the proposed rebate initiative would increase the national debt. As a dyed in the wool pessimist, I was expecting these newspapers to be extremely critical of governmental efforts to stabilize the financial crisis, especially when it came to increasing the national debt. Unfortunately this did not happen.

Several reports filed with National Public Radio (NPR) were similar to information posted in the newspapers. NPR reporters seemed to suggest that the Presidential election, and Democratic control of both Houses of Congress, would be catalysts in formulating a concerted response to the financial crisis.



RSS feeds from each of these news services has helped me to understand the complex nature of problems that are confronting us. With RSS I've discovered how to locate and download reliable sources of information. It is my responsibility to analyze and evaluate the information being posted by newsmakers. Being able to compare and contrast conflicting news reports has enabled me to become an independent thinker.

RSS Blog Assignment 2

RSS news feeds taken from multiple sources has enabled me to expand my worldview of current events. I'm amazed by the wide differences of opinions held by journalists on issues associated with the U.S. elections, Russian hegemony, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the depressed economy. I've discovered how world news can be influenced by the political inclinations held by so-called "independent" news reporting agencies. For instance, Fox News appears to be supportive of religious right-wing republican fat cats who espouse conservative ideals, whereas National Public Radio (NPR) kowtows to leftist liberal do-gooders who want "change" from the status quo in Washington.

Many international news services including the Voice of America, Radio Marti, and Aljazeera regularly distribute information dictated by low level bureaucrats as a means of destabilizing enemy governments. These broadcasts are transmitted by people who are intent on changing public opinion and shaping foreign policy. In my opinion there is an absence of truly independent news reporting services in the free world.

An amalgam of information taken from multiple sources is necessary to extract reliable and credible information concerning global events. There are always at least two sides to every story and the truth seems to fall somewhere in the middle. As a result my quest for accurate data involves sifting through a lot of garbage. However, RSS subscriptions to several news organizations have enabled me to organize this search process. Rather than proceeding with a time-consuming search process I can now subscribe to news organizations that are objective and unbiased in their reporting practices.

Recently I've been following news reports that have chronicled the $750 billion dollar bailout of several Wall Street financial concerns. Fox News has been very supportive of governmental efforts to stabilize the situation through an infusion of taxpayer monies. Several reports broadcast by National Public Radio (NPR) suggest that the financial collapse of Wall Street was a manufactured event designed by corporate executives to recuse themselves from their own miscalculation of market conditions. The British Broadcasting Company (BBC) has filed a comprehensive series of reports detailing root causes that precipitated the global financial collapse. In my opinion these reports have offered a more balanced and objective view of the problem. Despite the conflicting views taken by corporate or government owned news agencies, I remain steadfast in my determination to seek out truthful answers to difficult questions.

RSS Blog Assignment 1

The most difficult part of this assignment was finding instructional materials that related to my personal and professional interests. However, the search process was expedited through the use of aggregator software tools provided by Google Reader, iGoogle, and Apple iTunes. Using descriptive RSS tags I was able to conduct a comprehensive search of information relating to photography, audio/ video editing, and electronic music production.


Google Reader was designated as the main repository for blogs that I subscribed to. Informative blogs generated by Emerging Technology classmates, Steve Hargadon, Cool Cat Teacher, Weblogg-edu, Two Cents Worth, Edu Blogs, and The Apple Blog were selected for inclusion on my site. Site management tools embedded in Google reader enabled me to find blog- related sites created by friends, classmates, colleagues, and practitioners in my field of study. Having these sites in one location enabled quick access to a myriad of information from multiple sources.


The iGoogle site was customized to my specifications and populated with a variety of news, technology, consumer, and music-related resources. In an effort to streamline operations, I spent several hours locating and organizing digital resources related to my interests. Although this process was very time-consuming, I felt the effort would help me with subsequent searches for up to date information. Category tabs for news, technology, jobs, education, podcast, and music related sites were created in order to
organize my data. Using embedded tools I was able to subscribe to RSS feeds from the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, CNN, Fox News, BBC News, Reuters, National Public Radio (NPR), Apple Computer, MacWorld, Canon, Sony, Nikon,
FLOSS Weekly, TEDTalks, Jazz Guitar, and Harmony Central.


In addition, these efforts led me to a search of audio and video-based podcasts that could be downloaded into my iTunes directory. My search produced feeds from EdTechLive (Steve Hargadon), David Warlick, and Howard Reingold's Vlog site. Using RSS descriptive tags I was able to locate video podcast tutorials related to Adobe Captivate and Acoustic Guitar techniques. These tutorials will be invaluable in helping me understand computer processes and guitar-based instructional techniques. The most significant find in my search was an audio podcast series produced by jazz guitarist Pat Metheny. Each of these podcast recordings were immediately downloaded to my iPod. Way Cool!

RSS

I'm beginning to realize the power of RSS in harnessing my digital assets. Before taking the Emerging Tech class I would download digital materials to my computer without any concerns whatsoever. Often these downloads were conducted in an unsystematic and haphazard manner. However, by using RSS tools, I've been able to locate resources by entering descriptive tags that are relevant to the topic of interest. Rather than conducting a time-consuming internet search I've been able to use descriptive tags to do the work for me! This process has enabled me to become more organized in finding, storing, and accessing digital materials. It took a while, but I've discovered that RSS is becoming a very good friend.

(RSS logo by www.firstalert.com)

Second Life Tour- Podcasting

Podcast Island
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Podcast%20Island/103/54/26
Podcast Island was explored in an attempt to find educational resources for this assignment. The site was populated with storefronts, kiosks, and billboards that provided a lot of dubious information to viewers. Several storefronts such as Destination Station, Wizzard Media, and I Love Talking Books provided commercial services of limited interest to educational podcasters. DVD/ CD disc duplication services, podcast downloads, and audio books were available for visitors willing to spend their Linden dollars. Although Podcast Island is a commercial site I feel it has some socially redeeming qualities. Many of the services offered can be used by educators in disseminating information to learners of all ages. Despite the presence of some questionable storefronts, I feel this site has many resources that might help visitors understand the nature of educational podcasting.

Podhead Center
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Larkspur/147/204/34
From all indications a diverse group of people are active on this site. Danish, Finnish, Italian, and Chinese proprietors operate storefronts that sell knockoff products relating to American pop culture. Products such as baseball memorabilia, popular movies, music, and images of scantily clad women are available to visitors for a nominal fee. Many sites on this island offer products designed to help visitors change the look of their avatar. Patrons willing to spend Linden dollars can reconfigure their avatar to resemble a scary monster, an underworld sentinel, or the devil himself. This site is really creepy and not for the timid. Upon arrival I viewed images such as a dismembered corpse lying in the street, satanic pentagrams, confederate battle flags (Stars and Bars), gang related graffiti, and communist propaganda. In my opinion images of this type are disturbing and compromise the integrity of the entire site. Despite these disturbing images I feel it is worthwhile to visit this site in order to understand the seamy underbelly of Second Life. A group visit might prompt a discussion about ethics and freedom of expression in the virtual world.

Audio Island
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Audio/200/128/37
My visit to this site was a pleasant surprise-
a futuristic auditorium, and an ultra-modern HDTV theater, were designed to provide instruction to students enrolled in Audio courses.com. Audiocourses.com is an online audio production and music technology school designed for professional podcasters. Educational coursework in audio production, music, television, and graphic arts is available to registered student users. This site would be beneficial for students interested in the creation and distribution of podcast materials.

ASTD Island
http://slurl.com/secondlife/ASTD%20Island/110/87/23
ASTD (American Society for Training and Development) is an organization that promotes the benefits of instructional technology in educational settings. A resource center on ASTD Island provides information and professional assistance for educators interested in using instructional technology in their classrooms. This site provides a comprehensive look at emerging technologies and research for applicable practices in educational settings. The site is designed for novice and professional educators.

AECT Island
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Eduisland/119/118/23
According to their website AECT (Association for Educational Communications and Technology) is a professional association of thousands of educators whose activities are directed towards improving instruction through technology. This site provides access to a clearinghouse of information based on research theory and practice. Divisions representing school media, multi-media production, distance learning, performance and training have designed easy to use informational kiosks on this site.

University of Missouri School of journalism
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Teaching%204/50/39/24
The University of Missouri School of Journalism, in conjunction with Apple computers, has been involved in the design, development, and distribution of educational podcasts for student users. Riding the wave of a growing trend in distance education, the University of Missouri has been actively converting its curriculum for use in an online virtual environment. Digital media assets designed for online courses is being distributed via podcasts, streaming video, teleconferences, and other delivery modalities. This innovative approach has enabled the University of Missouri to deliver asynchronous coursework to registered student users. The University of Missouri has realized significant cost savings by leveraging multi-media based technologies in the distribution of online coursework.

ISTE Island
http://slurl.com/secondlife/ISTE%201Island/49/122/23
According to its website ISTE (The International Society for Technology in Education) is a source for professional development, knowledge generation, advocacy, and leadership for innovation. ISTE provides leadership and service to improve teaching, learning, and school leadership by advancing the effective use of technology in K–12 education. Several informational resources were identified during a visit to Podcast Place on ISTE Island. Placards posted on a resource wall enabled me to download podcast materials from the ISTE Necc 2008 Conference, Second Life, Rezz Ed, and Podcast.com. The ISTE site is an important resource for educators who are interested in using podcast materials for instructional purposes. Georgia Tech, SIG, and the Queensland Society for informational Technology in Education are active members on this site.

Podcast.com
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nooribeom/146/137/23

This site provides user access to materials posted on Podcast.com. Over 60,000 podcast recordings are available to users on this site. Topical subjects such as education, technology, foreign language, politics, religion, music, sports, et.al. are available to registered users. Educational podcasts hosted on this site are designed for K-12 students and adult learners. Its user friendly navigational interface allows easy access for students of all ages.

Past times with old friends

On Thursday night I had an opportunity to work for ESPN at the UNI/ Nicholls State football game. Although my job assignment was pretty mundane (walking the sideline with a parabolic microphone), I had the chance to reconnect with several former colleagues who are still in the video production business. Many of these individuals spend approximately 40 weeks a year traveling to stadiums and arenas around the country. Living out of a suitcase in nondescript hotel rooms, hanging out at seedy bars, eating bad food, and keeping irregular hours is the modus operandi of itinerant video professonals. We laughed about "the circus coming to town" and shared war stories of video productions gone bad. What a long strange trip...........

Second Life

After a recent visit to Second Life I thought about various ways it could be used to promote educational initiatives designed for adult learners (i.e. over 25 years old). It was disconcerting to see all of the available educational resources on Second Life, while realizing that many older students do not have the computer hardware/software tools, ISP connectivity, and technical skills needed to access valuable informational assets. Mesmerized by all of the possible uses I found myself wondering how I might be able to exploit Second Life to achieve personal and professional learning objectives.

Second Life

Yesterday I spent most of the afternoon on Second Life. It was fun to open up the program and experiment with my avatar. After walking around Orientation Island I was able to teleport my avatar to other sites. On Education Island I found that many academic institutions have set up sites designed for registered users. It disconcerting to discover that some of these sites are locked to casual viewers. Out of curiosity I visited several islands to see if there was anything of interest. This adventure produced mixed results- some of the sites were private, restricted, and/ or reserved for mature audiences. After a two hour excursion I decided to log out and do my homework. My trip to Second Life was entertaining.

Survey Monkey

Recently I started collaborating with a student who is completing work on her doctoral thesis. She was in a quandry and requested my assistance in the creation of an online survey. My advisor suggested that I experiment with a software program called Survey Monkey. This program is an intuitive tool that is user-friendly, customizable, and fun to use. Currently I'm in the process of structuring, formatting, and entering the survey data. Upon completion of this task I will place the survey on a server for online access. By keeping the survey clean, simple, and easy to use we should be able to receive at least a 90% response rate.

Recently I read a newspaper article in the Waterloo Courier that described a pilot program being implemented by the school district. Here is a link to the story: http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2008/09/21/news/metro/10623959.txt
According to the article "Officials propose installing 129 Promethean Activboards in district classrooms, libraries and administrative buildings at a total cost of $883,660. That cost would include equipment, installation and training".
In my opinion this proposal represents a giant step towards integrating interactive technology into schools serving a disadvantaged student population. Kudos to the Waterloo School District for taking an initial step in bridging the "digital divide".

Wow!

Despite having extensive experience with educational technology I felt like a kid in the candy store when I enrolled in the Emerging Tech class. At first I was overwhelmed by the number of social networking sites that are available for online users. After exploring sites like Blogger, Google, Twitter, Facebook, and Classroom 2.0 I've come to realize their potential use for like minded individuals. For instance, by performing a keyword search I can find a number of sites &/ or people who share my interests. This feature has provided me with access to a number of valuable assets related to my vocation and hobby. Wow!

Music software

I'm amazed by the variety of audio and music production software tools available. Inexpensive
programs such as Propellerhead Reason, Peak Bias, Apple Logic Express, and Sony Acid have enabled fledgling music producers to create professional sounding materials. Many of these user friendly tools have multiple audio tracks, virtual multi-channel mixers, user definable controllers, MIDI control, and a myriad of sound effect capabilities. Professional software tools such as Apple Logic Studio, Avid/ Digidesign Pro Tools, Cakewalk Sonar 8, Steinberg Cubase, and Ableton Live are used by recording engineers to create materials for musicians and film producers. All of the aforementioned audio software programs are powerful tools that have been used to optimize and edit professional sound recordings.

Dave's Blog

Tommy Bolin was an self taught guitar player from Sioux City, Iowa who helped transform the jazz rock idiom. He was Influenced by diverse performers such as Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, and the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Drawing upon these influences Tommy Bolin developed a style of music that has been emulated by a host of influential musicians including Jeff Beck, John McLaughlin, and Steve Vai. In his short prolific career Tommy Bolin performed with Zephyr, Energy, the James Gang, Billy Cobham, Alphonse Mouzon, Moxy, and Deep Purple. Tragically, Bolin died of a drug overdose on December 4, 1976.