Tech Tip: Problems viewing Quicktime on Firefox?

During my most recent update of Apple software (which, by the way, I recommend everyone should be doing on their Macs--desktops and laptops), Quicktime was updated. After this update, I noticed in Firefox that I could no longer see Quicktime videos on webpages--I'd get this Q symbol with a question mark). After testing out Safari and finding that I could view Quicktime just fine, I found out that I needed to make a few changes in Quicktime. Here's what to do if you're having that problem:
1. Click on the blue Apple at the top left of your screen.
2. Click on System Preferences, then Quicktime.
3. Click on Advanced tab, then MIME settings.
4. You should see lots of MIME types; click on the arrow next to Images, and make sure that FlashPix image is unchecked. Then click on the arrow next to Miscellaneous and make sure that the Flash media box is unchecked. Finally, click OK.
5. Now, when you're in Firefox, you should be able to see Quicktime video ads, etc., again. If you have any problems or questions, post a comment below. Hope this helps.

Tech Tip: Yes, You Can Right Click on a Mac!

For those of you die-hard Windows users who get frustrated when you try to right-click with the Mac, don't worry, you CAN do it! Just press the Control key while you're clicking, and you get the same result as the right click on a PC mouse. Try it!

Simple Way to Record with Audacity

Remember I talked about how you could record your students' reading fluency using a simple software program? I did this with Room 47 students this year, and it's pretty easy to do. At the end of the year, it's a way for teachers, students, and parents to compare the progress students are making in their fluency (makes those oral fluency numbers mean something). Take a look at this video I found on TeacherTube--see, I told you you don't have to reinvent the wheel--it's a quick tutorial on Audacity, a free downloadable program for recording. The tutorial is using the Windows version, but it's basically the same for the Mac (and your Mac already has a built-in microphone, so you're good to go). Check out the video. If you want to try it out, just go to the free download site.

HUGE Thank You to Brooklyn Staff!

Well, enough time has gone by that I can write this without tearing up--except maybe cybertears! I can't begin to thank everyone at Brooklyn for all that I've learned while teaching there: I think/hope that I became a better teacher over the years, and it's all due to the kids, parents, and the staff at Brooklyn Avenue! It has truly been a pleasure to work with everyone at Brooklyn. You have the kids in mind with everything you do--keep that focus, and everything will be OK.
Speaking of focus, I learned a new concept (well, new to me) this summer at a technology conference: Universal Design of Learning (UDL). To find out more about the principles of UDL, go to the CAST website. But, if you want to just see the practical use of UDL for your kids, then check out A Dance with the Butterflies Project.
The other website to check out is the 90 Days of Summer. This calendar has links to help you learn more about some of the great resources available for teachers on the Web, one a day, so you don't get too overwhelmed. Pick and choose those that interest you, but TeacherTube is a great one to browse. It's like YouTube, but for teachers, and videos are being added daily (and the district doesn't block it!). Also, when you're ready to think about school and lesson plans, don't reinvent the wheel, go to Thinkfinity (used to be MarcoPolo). They have some of the greatest lesson plans, complete with links to appropriate websites. There are indeed, "endless possibilities for learning" (as the definition for Thinkfinity states); don't believe all the hype about there's only one right way for all students to learn (inherent in the often simplistic teachings of "one-size curriculum fits all"). Whoops, I'm starting to get on a soapbox, so I'll stop. Just check them out and you'll see.
Have a great summer, and keep checking back for tips/links and please post comments/questions. I don't know all the answers, but I'll try to find out!