Moving At the Speed of Creativity
Episode #144
April 9, 2007
Free online videos for learning from Next Vista

Next Vista.org for learning - new site - video collections divided into three sections - lightbulbs - intro to different topics, global views for teenagers, seeing service - site to remind us that there are good people all around us.

Interview with Rushton Hurley, creator of Next Vista which is an online library for teachers and students and is free to help teachers and students - videos are 5 minutes or less - are readily available at the students fingertips - example - a short clip on fractions, a short clip on a specific subject - soliciting teachers that are passionate about a subject to make a short video to contribute.

U-tube is everything - Next Vista is not!! They follow 4 rules - 5 minutes or less, factually accurate, no copyright, appropriate for kids - these are submitted - They check resources before putting them on site. Do this so schools will permit this site into their schools. Free access - no log in required. He suggests making videos to help others and anyone can make a video but he checks the piece before putting it on the site. Non for profit organization.

Curriki.org free log in registration - site put together by teachers for other teachers and students. Similar site?

I really like sites put together by teachers for students and other teachers - these sites I have found very useful for school projects and lesson plans.I can't wait to check this one out!



Money Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for a Richer Life
Tips for protecting you Credit.
Episode #14, 1-16-07

How to improve your credit score?
How do you find out if you have good credit?
Information found on credit report - Amount of money you owe, how much is on your credit cards, if you pay on time, outstanding balances.
3 major credit reporting agencies - all three reports are complied into one and get a Fico scores 300 -850 , 700 and above is very good. Check with all agencies if something is not right because different companies use different agencies. - I learned something new - I didn't know there were three different agencies and that they compile all three reports for one score. I have only seen a Dun and Bradstreet report and they are interesting to look at the different information they compile about you.
Boost score by lowering credit card balances, keeping number of credit cards - 4 or less, mix of debt loans - better to have home, car, and credit card balances verses only four credit card balances.
Was advised to Check credit report before applying for a loan because sometimes information is not accurate.
Should check credit report one time a year.


The TechTeacher Podcast
April 15, 2007
Episode #160
Protect your Investment

Districts that are moving to one to one laptop to student should consider a durable case for students to carry and protect the investment.
Cases purchased to protect investment - student cases to protect the district laptops. Cases must be functional and fashionable - something the students will want to use - want students to protect the laptops - change in dimensions - something made to fit students hands and their needs. Wesley suggests The Higher Ground Shuttle - a laptop case that is rugged enough to protect the laptop, weather proof, multiple handles, can carry like backpack and can keep in case, extra padding, 5 colors, 4 sizes, and affordable. He suggests that districts should invest in good cases to protect their investment. I don't know - does District 489 buy cases for the laptops? This podcast made sense - I immediately went and checked out the case - they are cool, I would own one and I know my daughter would own one.