I haven't really done a lot of hard-core reviews, but I thought now was the right time. First, a little background (it's relevant, so we're good):

A co-worker (@kduffek) asked me if I knew of any presentation tools that were different than just the standards, that could make words flash across a screen, other than just what I did for my "Why I Teach" video in iMovie.

My first answer was Prezi, but I would look into it a bit. Before the end of the day, she had contacted me again, but asked if I had ever used (or heard of) PowToon, and I had not.

Boy, was I missing out.

PowToon is an animated presentation tool that gives the feel of those fancy infographic videos (such as "The Internet Statistics" that I'm not going to link to).

The user interface. Simple and easy to navigate.

There is a section geared towards educators and students, but let me tell you about the ease of use:

It's easy to use!

I'm saying that as someone who uses a lot of different software for a variety of things, but this is pretty much just click-and-go; type text; slide a few timing markers and you're done.

I created this video in about 30 minutes from scratch - importing my own photo, and trying different styles, lengths of text/slides, and visuals (while trying to maintain some consistency and continuity). The reason it took me a bit longer than it should have is because I'm a tinkerer, and wanted to keep moving things here and there.

Active vs. Passive Voice 

It was literally within five minutes (no tutorial) that I was able to figure out my groove.

The part I didn't like was a little bit of a lag in the preview mode (I showed to students before I tried uploading to YouTube). I also didn't have a lot of time to get into what else could be purchased: as it is a free site to use, but there are some limitations on graphics and such unless you purchase the packages.

Had I had a little more time, I'm sure I could easily create more. And even better - I think students were intrigued and engaged by the new format of information. A couple of students asked how I did it. My honest guess is they wanted to try, so I plan on letting them.

So, my recommendation is if you're looking for a new way to grab students' attention, try out PowToon.

4 out of 5 peanut butter jars (it's all arbitrary anyway, right?)

If you have tried it, let me know what you thought about it, or link to your projects, in the comments section as well!

This (in reference to the title) is not anything new, but today I think it really made a difference in the lives of a few of my students. And that means something to me. 

Gregg Doyel from CBSsports.com did a Google Hangout with my journalism class and some cross-town journalism students in our district thanks to Devin Schoening setting it up (through Twitter none-the-less). It was an hour conversation, and within the next hour, our school newspaper's Editor-in-Chief had a story ready to publish. 

If you get a chance, watch the whole video. Gregg has a lot of really good things to say to students in general, and what it takes to succeed (the first 10 minutes especially, but it's all good). 

I'm going to link to the (newly redesigned) Signal website for Kelsi's story, because she really got the essence of it I think.

The Signal (the Lead): Doyel Hangs out with TJ (note: that link location changes. I will post when it does.)

The full Google Hangout is featured there as well. Sorry for making you jump sites, but I am proud of what this created. 

I had kids, that I knew were interested in journalism, ask me what their next steps might be. I had students (that I honestly didn't know read our school publication) ask me about how they could get involved. 

Word of mouth is a powerful tool. 

Kids were talking about the conversations my journalism students just had. 

With somebody in Ohio. 

That only knew that Iowa was a wrestling state, and couldn't remember Iowa State men's basketball's head coaches name - only that he liked "The Mayor." (I had to bring it up.) 

*He did help get a previous coach fired, and I was on the Iowa State journalism crew at the same time. We were probably in the same room. 

That's fine to me. 

This was probably the most prominent journalist my students have ever met (and some of them will ever meet). But it's an experience I hope to let them have again. 

So a lot of things were supposed to happen with this blog over the past few weeks:

1) a continuation of weekly Web2.0 usage with my Beginning Journalism class (WTFT)
2) Grad School mumblings
3) my normal teaching duties
4) and anything EdTech or school related

So, that lasted about two weeks. Then real life happened. Every educator knows this. But, I had a student-teacher last year, so I anticipated how much "free" time I might have for the blogging and such.

My wife says I'm very thinned-out. And while I do exercise, I'm pretty sure she means I wear a lot of hats.

In the wake of WTFT, I want to simply what I might focus on. With one of my hats being that of Yearbook Adviser, I am organized in a way only I can decipher. So here's a quick rehash of the first weeks of school:

Week 1: Complete. Blur.

Week 2: Blurry, but I remember blogging. And grad class (STEM Seminar) started. Amazing things we're doing in there right now.

Week 3:  Amazing things are happening in my school. I get distracted by the good. I don't blog. But I started something new (for me):

I'm trying something new, not always school related: at least one Thank You note a week. #StayPositiveMyFriends pic.twitter.com/f1P6llaGFB
— Rob Lindquist (@swift360) September 11, 2013

Week 4: Homecoming Week. I got a pie in my face. My school is working hard in a lot of areas to improve on already positively trending areas.

Week 5: STEM Seminar is still amazing. Some great, innovative thinkers. I really hope I can extract some of that knowledge. Sometimes a grad class can just be something to do to move on the pay scale. This is truly beneficial.

Week 6: Yes, I'm teaching still. And yes, it's still kind of a blur. In my 5th year, I'm able to slow down and not get so distrac

Week 7: I presented at the Green Hills AEA 21st Century Learners Conf. I had a great time, and I learned more than what I spoke about. I hope to continue doing similar things in the future. I'm not pictured because I took these photos. So here is what I saw:

Effective Use of Video in the Classroom presentation.

Week 8: There are so many deadlines in the courses I teach, and we are constantly "working" in "real world" situations. I love deadlines.

Week 9: Today. I blogged. And I also asked a student to step up and be a more visible leader in one of my classrooms. Her response made me proud:

"Thanks. And yes that's okay. I like stepping up in class, it's an honor. 

You're welcome."

That was it, simple and easy.

And remember, this is me simplifying it. I look forward to #ModelTech restarting next week, and the group really implementing what we talk about.

I also look forward to being more innovative, creative, and consistant with my blog. Set the bar high, ya know?