I have just found a product that might help me learn how to play the piano. I might as well do that in my spare time because it is important to learn new things (creating new neural connections?). I have been reading that in order to keep one's brain healthy, one has to learn new things, especially challenging tasks. Playing the piano will be quite challenging for me as I have no aptitude for music. This is the product:

Stephanie's presentation was very successful. She introduced her color-coded model for teaching the five paragraph essay that is motivated by recent findings in cognitive linguistics and psychology. There were several questions immediately following the presentation, which indicates that the audience was interested in her topic. In addition, Stephanie showed everyone how to use the QR reader-scanner, which they could install on their iPads or iPhones. Great job!

Here is the first of three photographs I took with my iPad on April 16th. This was a wonderful session and I truly appreciate everyone's helpful suggestions for Stephanie. I know Stephanie is going to do a great job at the Research Forum this Sunday. I hope to see some of you there. Enjoy your weekend.

Folks, this is the App Stephanie mentioned last night during our BB Collaborate session. I believe you have to purchase it, but it appears to be very useful. Please remember to post to your blogs and describe what you have done so far with your iPads. Was it helpful to have an iPad for reading articles, communicating with others, or trying out new Apps? Give specific examples and let everyone know your own suggestions for using iPads in seminars or for specific courses. What works? What does not work? Your input is very important. QR app By Block5 Open iTunes to buy and download apps.

Reading and Sharing

The semester is almost over and I hope everyone in this class is keeping track of their iPad usage. I have used my iPad for reading articles, taking down notes at faculty meetings, reading and analyzing new course proposals submitted to the CHSS Graduate Curriculum Committee, and reviewing PP slides.

Everyone should have a minimum of 19 blog entries as of Monday, April 16th. If you want credit for your blog posts you will need to have a minimum of 20 informative entries.

Today we have an invited speaker in LNGN 245. She is a regional specialist for the U.S. Census. We will discuss the changing face of America and issues of equity and equality.

New Apps for Your iPads

I have spent the past two days getting all my receipts and documents together in order to start the tedious process of filing one's return. I was shocked to see how much money I have spent on software, office supplies, books, and journals. I have also given a significant amount of money to various charitable organizations. No wonder I never have any money left!

Here is a free App Jae recommends for displaying PP slides via our iPads: SlideShark

Another one I would like to try is iAnnotate:

My Own SMS Network

I am not in touch with many of those who formed my SMS network last year or two years ago. My niece, with whom I exchanged text messages, is now an extremely busy medical student. My next door neighbor moved to another county and I rarely hear from him. My SMS network is shrinking. I will have to update the size of my SMS network.