Programming Handheld Devices to Enhance Learning
Anne L. Bishop, Kriss Dinkins, and James L. Dominick

Software engineers on the information systems research and development team at Wake Forest University have developed an application that turns a Pocket PC into a Web server, a real-time quizzing device, a presentation controller, and a class communications device. Available to other educational institutions for downloading, this application, called ClassInHand, gives faculty powerful tools for enhancing existing instructional methodologies and exploring new pedagogical possibilities.

Read the full article at the EDUCAUSE link below…

Link: http://www.educause.edu/library/EQM0318

Screencast-o-Matic and ScreenToaster are screen capturing utilities that are based on Java and other web-technologies. That means that they can be used from any computer with a Java-enabled browser. Jing is another example of such a tool that can be installed on both Max OSX and Windows.

Screen capturing utilities are most commonly used for narrating over visuals, creating screen casts and tutorials, and sharing them.

Link: http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/
Link: http://www.screentoaster.com/
Link: http://www.jingproject.com/

Zotero is a research tool, developed by the Center for History and New Media at George Mason University, that provides users with automated access to bibliographic information for online resources. Zotero “senses” bibliographic information contained in a web page and—when the user clicks an icon—gathers that information and places it in the user’s library of sources, where users can manage and search those sources. By automating the tasks of gathering, managing, and citing online references, Zotero facilitates a more efficient research process.

Link: http://www.educause.edu/node/163217

In a two part series, Campus Technology looks into using chat as an instructional tool in education:

Using Chat To Move the Thinking Process Forward
Ruth Reynard

In the first installment, chat is discussed in general terms and its abilities for the use of mixed media and synchronous interaction are emphasized.

Link: http://www.campustechnology.com/articles/68502/

Designing a Working Space for Chat

The second installment looks at some of the major concepts in using chat effectively in the process of moving the thinking process forward, like building ideas, constructing media, and establishing which elements are critical to making the environment dynamic and relevant to the student.

Link: http://www.campustechnology.com/articles/68632/

In honor of Charles Darwin, the University of Cincinnati has undertaken a project to recreate the Galapagos Island in the virtual world of Second Life. For those who are unfamiliar, the Galapagos Islands is where Darwin conducted some of his research that led to the famous On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection. When this project is finished, which is currently set at January 2009, all avatars in the virtual world will be able to retrace Darwin’s steps “from his 1832 journey to South America aboard the Beagle to his tours of the islands.” For more information about the University of Cincinnati’s Darwin Sesquicentennial Celebration program Evolution: Evidence and Impact, please see http://www.uc.edu/darwin/.

Link: http://www.educause.edu/library/erm08516

Professors Use Game-Show Format to Help Students Review for Exams
Jeffrey Young

Professors at various community colleges have found that using technologies and software that stimulates game shows in the classroom appears to improve student motivation and participation, given that there are proper incentives. Some of the technological tools being used are: electronic buzzers, Gameshow Prep, and the Angel course-management system.

Link: http://chronicle.com/wiredcampus/article/3408/professors-use-game-show-format-to-help-students-review-for-exams