How Podcasting works...

Sphere: Related ContentPodcasting...What's all the Hype? by Tammy Munson Podcasting . . . . What's all the hype? Well, podcasting can get confusing easily, that's for sure. However, really it's a lot simpler than one thinks in the beginning. Podcasting is simply a means by which to distribute audio or video files. Podcasting actually came from the words broadcast and Ipod because of the popularity of the Ipod and this being a new way that information and music was being broadcast to the world. Podcasts are dispensed over the Internet. These can be radio shows or video productions. The podcasts are placed online where they can be downloaded or listened to via a virtual player such as a multimedia player either on the website itself or on a person's personal computer. Many people also download the files and then transfer them to a MP3 player such as an Ipod. It is really quite easy and can be done without your having to do much of anything the computer and the Ipod recognize each other and actually sync up on their own. Podcasts also give you the ability to subscribe to them and in some cases can even be downloaded automatically on a schedule through a podcast feed. One of the ways to do this is with a program such as Itunes. Itunes gives you the ability to search their database of podcasts and find something in your area of interest to download. You then subscribe to the feed and automatically get a new file when the podcast feed is updated. There are podcasts out there on virtually every topic from parenting to car repair. Most podcast are done by ordinary people on topics that they are passionate about, many podcast are talk show style but there are also music podcasts out there as well. Many well-known people are now also using podcasts to advertise and promote themselves, their platform or even their products or services. It is much easier than one might think to record and create your own audio podcast. If you have a low end, inexpensive microphone you can easily record digital audio via your personal computer. A recording software is also useful, and there are free versions such as Audacity available online for download. This software allows you to quite easily edit the audio and then to save it and export it as an MP3 file for use elsewhere. If you already have a website you might also already have server space available or you can purchase space to house your audio files on a website such as Audio Acrobat. Finally, an RSS feed is created for the files and a download link is made available where others can download and/or listen to the audio online. Podcasting a fast growing phenomenon that almost anyone can take advantage of...and that's what all the hype is about! Filed under: Entrepreneurship , Internet Website Profile About Tammy Munson Tammy Munson, owner of New Media VA, is a work at home mom to 2 girls, ages 9 and 6, and proud Army wife to her husband SPC Munson. She and her family reside near Alexandria, VA. She is co-owner of Business and Learning and co-organizer of the WAH Expo. To find out more information about her, please go to www.tammymunson.com

Great Opportunity for Christmas and to Help Your Child

Last Chance 25% Off + Free Shipping = The Gift of Learning

http://shop.knowledgeadventure.com/?EML-2007-12-HS-LAST-HOL-DEL&attr=store_home Click on the above link or the one just below...this is only provided as a way to give your children the opportunity to grow and gain reinforcement which will allow them to achieve great strides that we never thought possible!

Below is the disclaimer from the email I received... * Offer valid at Shop.KnowledgeAdventure.com only. 25% discount good on merchandise total only, including JumpStart World(tm) starter kit but excluding taxes, fees, shipping or recurring JumpStart World(tm) subscription charges. Code KA25OFF must be used to get discount. May not be combined with other offers. Offer good in the US, its territories and possessions, and not valid in Puerto Rico. Free shipping is available for standard shipping only in the continental U.S. Delivery times estimated by shipping carriers. Offer void where prohibited or restricted by law. Expires December 19, 2007.

Technology Opportunities....

Technology Opportunities....

I like to dream, but I like to make things happen." --Heidi Klum,supermodel and TV producer/host

Production begins for schoolkid laptops By BRIAN BERGSTEIN, AP Technology WriterWed Nov 7, 10:55 AM ET The One Laptop Per Child Program, which hopes to spread sub-$200 computers to schoolchildren in developing countries, has reached a milestone with the start of mass production. The nonprofit spinoff from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology said assembly lines for its "XO" laptops were fired up Tuesday at a Chinese factory run by manufacturer Quanta Computer Inc. That means children should begin getting the green-and-white computers this month. One Laptop Per Child did not specify how many computers will be made or how many orders it has received from international buyers. The program's founder, Nicholas Negroponte, said in September that Quanta would build about 250,000 XOs this year, ramping to 1 million a month in 2008. Negroponte originally expected mass production of several million XOs to have begun by now. But he scaled back that goal after encountering reluctance from potential buyers. The computers were dreamed up as $100 laptops but for now cost $188, and buyers are expected to let children keep the computers and tinker with them at home. The initial recipients will be children in Uruguay, Peru and Mongolia. Also, beginning Monday, people in North America will be able to buy one for themselves and donate the other to a child overseas through http://www.laptopgiving.org. Even with mass production beginning later than expected, One Laptop Per Child can claim success on several fronts. The small yet rugged XOs require low power and can be recharged by hand, have a screen that can be read in full sunlight and boast a user interface designed specially for children. And the impending emergence of the XOs awakened other companies to the potential of a low-cost educational market, greatly expanding the choices that international buyers now have. Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

Jump Start.org Tips

How much time is appropriate to play computer games even if they are educational? Experts agree that young children should benefit from a variety of experiences such as physical activity and imaginative play. Computer games, video games and television can all be fun and educational for young children, but should be used wisely so they don't take too much time away from other important activities. All of these activities are more meaningful for children if there is sharing and discussion involved. Although computer games can be played independently, parental involvement makes learning more powerful; imagination and play more fun.As a guideline, children can use the computer to play and learn twice a week at 20 to 30 minutes each session. Of course, when a computer game is first introduced, children may want to play more. They can benefit from the learning and imaginative game play when they play games with friends and family!

Hints to improve study time at home!

1. Establish a regular study time. Find a schedule that works for your child and your family, but avoid late-night study times. If the schedule varies from day to day because of extracurricular activities, write it out and post it prominently. 2. Be available during study time. Children like to have someone on hand who can answer questions if they come up. If no one is around to help your child, have him or her save questions for when you get home. 3. Look over completed assignments. Check each day to see that your child¹s homework has been completed. When your child¹s teacher returns completed assignments, look them over to see if your child is having any problems. 4. Figure out how your child learns best. Does he work better alone or with others? Does she learn more easily when she can see things, touch them, or hear them? Maybe you can help by finding a study group, by providing visual aids, or by reading materials and directions aloud. 5. Help your child prepare for tests. Review with your child what he needs to study for upcoming tests, and create a study schedule. Create a practice test you can give at home, and talk about test-taking skills such as making sure to read directions thoroughly.

______________________________ This is from an email I got from Knowledge Adventure.com. They have some of the best software for your children and I know that it would benefit them if you would work through it until they became comfortable with it . Notice the offer below! I get nothing from this monetarily except for the satisfaction of knowing that my students are making progress! http://www.knowledgeadventure.com/ *Offer only available online at Shop.KnowledgeAdventure.com. Free standard USPS shipping to continental US destinations. Free workbook available with each JumpStart World Starter Kit purchased. Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires 11/14/2007. Knowledge Adventure sent this e-mail to you because you signed up to receive the Knowledge Adventure e-Newsletter. Knowledge Adventure will not request personal data (password, credit card/bank numbers) in an e-mail.

Technology used correctly is a great opportunity!

Many Parents fear the internet and technology when really with the needed safeguards implemented it can spur a student to heights never imagined. I can recommend software f0r practice in reading, writing and math which will not seem like homework but will increase over time your childs academic levels if they find that the computer is more than just a toy! Below is an article that reinforces this idea!

____________________________________

This is a printer friendly version of an article from hattiesburgamerican.com

Article published Oct 29, 2007

New technology helps students teach each other algebra

Special to the American POPLARVILLE - Imagine a seemingly endless supply of algebra problems. And an instantaneous explanation of why you got them wrong. It's not a nightmare but the latest way to learn and teach math: the Math Power Laboratory. "There is an increased community atmosphere gained in the lab," instructor Kelly Tucker said. "Students are discussing and teaching each other, and we all know the best way to learn is to teach." Pearl River Community College began using MyMathLab software in college algebra classes a year ago on the Poplarville campus. This year, it is being used in college and intermediate algebra classes in Poplarville and in college algebra classes at the Forrest County Center in Hattiesburg. "It helps you out a lot," said Laiken Swilley of Hattiesburg, who is taking intermediate algebra on the Poplarville campus. "It gives examples and helps you step-by-step all the way through." Feedback from students and teachers has been positive, said Jennifer Seal, director of the PRCC Quality Enhancement Plan. "It has allowed the instructors to provide more in-depth explanations of mathematical concepts and a wide variety of teaching tools to meet students' needs on a lot of different levels," she said. "As far as students are concerned, they're able to practice an unlimited number of problems. If they've missed a problem, they can see why they've missed it. It's immediate feedback." Instructors or student peers tutor students as they learn to use the program and the various tools it provides. The resources include a video on each topic, examples of every question, PowerPoint lectures and audio examples. The software lets students work homework problems until they are correct or until the student understands the concept. "Not having to address homework problems in class frees up so much more time," said instructor Jacki Runnels at the Forrest County Center. "I feel I can present the new information more thoroughly and the students have a better understanding of the topics prior to attempting the homework themselves." Math students are also using software that gives them real-world laboratory exercises, and the classrooms are equipped with an interactive whiteboard, wireless slate, wireless Internet access and an electronic document display unit. The interactive whiteboard technology allows instructors to post each day's notes onto the class Blackboard site and students can access and download the notes at their convenience. The technology allows students to listen and observe as the instructor teaches the concept and not be distracted by taking notes. "On their initial use, some students are resistant to using the technology," said Judy Roane, chair of the PRCC Science, Mathematics and Business Department. "But, after the first few homework assignments, students begin to realize the benefits of MyMathLab and their confidence in their ability to do mathematics increases. With increased confidence, students have a higher level of success." The Math Power Laboratories are open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday on both the Poplarville and Hattiesburg campuses. Both have extended hours on some days, based on student need. Each lab contains 30 desktop computers and a laser printer and is staffed with an instructor, laboratory document assistant and student tutor.