Why Buy?

I just downloaded and tried the most recent release of OpenOffice (Version 3.2.0). Great balls of fire! This version is FAST! It loads so much faster than its predecessor.

I sometimes wonder: With productivity suites such as OpenOffice, Google Apps, and ZOHO, why is it even necessary for cash-strapped customers to buy software of this genre?

As a side-note: I read recently that in 2009 alone, 25 million malware strains were released. I can't say this often enough: Back up your data (documents, presentations,pictures, etc.)!

An antivirus program alone isn't enough to protect you. Neither is the same used in conjunction with a firewall. Seriously consider adding two more layers of protection

1. Antimalware from Malwarebytes.org
2. SUPERAntispyware

Update your antivirus program, update Windows, and update these latter two free applications regularly and conduct full system scans.

Remote Observation of Interns & Student Teachers

Not long ago a supervising faculty member from an institution of higher education contacted me. She indicated that she had over 8 students to observe in our district alone...17 miles from her location...not including those from other districts. Combined with the others she has to observe, that amounts to a LOT of driving.

She asked if there was a way to observe them online in real time so as to cut down on driving time and make the observation process more time and cost-effective. There is! Using Web 2.0 technology, it's entirely possible, low-cost, and easy to implement with a minimum of effort.

Needed:
1. An Internet connection on each end (observer and student at remote location). Wireless will do but wired is preferable.

2. Web cam: Built-in web cams come with most newer laptops. Those in the $25-$40 range should serve this purpose well. Read the user reviews. Buy a recognized name rand. I've used the MACALLY USB 2.0 Video Web Camera with Microphone (http://preview.tinyurl.com/webicecam) with great success. Cost as of this posting: $27.92

3. A headphone with and microscope boom. My personal preference: CYBER ACOUSTICS OEM STEREO HEADSET from http://tinyurl.com/cyberacoustics Cost as of this posting: $6.95.

4. Software: Skype or Oovoo. In our district, we're using Oovoo. Both applications are free.

5. Optional but highly recommended: A USB extension cable enabling the web cam to be manually held and used to track the student teacher as he or she moves throughout the classroom. This can be done by the school classroom's cooperating teacher.

Following the remote observation session, the remote observer and the student can hold a debriefing session using the same videoteleconferencing software. If a "premium" plan is purchased, capabilities exist to record and capture the entire session to be saved as a movie file for inclusion in the student's digital portfolio.

Oovoo has such capabilities.