The document introduces pencasting using a smartpen, which is a pen-like device that can record audio and images. It explains that pencasting is the process of sharing uploaded pages and audio recordings with others. The advantages of using a smartpen are described as minimal technology skills required, combining audio and visuals, portability, and inexpensive creation of digital content. Examples are provided of using smartpens in the classroom for personalized communication, enhancing online lectures and discussions, and answering student questions. Contact information is given for learning more about pencasting and smartpens.
Hello Teachers! I want to take this opportunity to introduce a technological tool that may seem at first ordinary but it has enhanced my teaching practice. This tool will not take away much of your time, effort, and money to create and publish digital content and interactive instructional materials. In this presentation, you will become familiar with an emerging technology that could change the way you teach, as I experienced it. Image source: http://www.gadgetytech.com/images/Pulse_pen.jpg
A digital pen capable of performing tasks that would normally requires larger digital devices (Smaldino, Lowther & Russell, 2008). Image source: http://www.trulyobscure.com/images/262.jpg Smaldino, S., Lowther, D.L., & Russell, J. (2008). Instructional technology and media for learning Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
With the power of technology doubling every 18 months (known as Moore’s law), it has become possible to fit a computer in a common pen. Pause this presentation and click the YouTube icon to watch a video from Nevermissaword to find out the power of this pen. Re-start the presentation once you finished watching the video. Video source http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0M7MnR6YOE Image source: http://a5.vox.com/6a00d09e7bc293be2b00fa9698c5750003-320pi
Pencasting is a way of making your natural handwriting digital but with the enhancement of your voice. Image source: http://asia.cnet.com/i/r/2009/crave/gd/63009345/livescribe_440x307.jpg
The recordings made with your pen are just a plug-in away! Pause this presentation and click the YouTube icon to watch a video from Nevermissaword and find out how easy is gaining access to the recordings you made with your pen. Re-start the presentation once you finished watching the video. Video source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvyd8xZHANI Image source: http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo_StoryLevel/080709/080714-Blind1-hmed.300w.jpg
Publishing your pencasts for your students and others does not require specialized training. Just a few clicks of your mouse! Pause this presentation and click the YouTube icon to watch a video from Nevermissaword and find out how easy is sharing your pencasts. Re-start the presentation once you finished watching the video. Video source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5vBpD8Yf0E Image source: http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2008/11/11-17-08-livescribe-pen.jpg
(1) Easy to use…just like regular pen and paper! (2) Information is better processed and stored when received via two sensory channels than from one. (3) Pen fits in one of your pockets. (4) Cost: $150 - $200 Two models: 1 GB – Up to 100 hours of usage & 2 GB – Up to 200 hours of usage. (5) By just using your natural ability to write on paper. (6) You will be an example for your students on how to use technology for productive purposes. Image source: http://blogs.dotnetnerds.com/images/blogs_dotnetnerds_com/steve/WindowsLiveWriter/LiveScribePulse_D409/livescribe_smartpen_2.jpg (edited).
(1) The capability to use your voice and handwriting definitely personalizes communication. (2) Pencasting your lectures will allow students to become familiar with the material before class, to catch up due to absences, and to revisit whole or portions of your lectures by replaying the pencasts as many times as necessary. In addition, pencasts can be re-used for future courses saving prep time for other areas of your course. (3) Ideal to explain abstract concepts (e.g. math) or to provide summaries or new insights to asynchronous discussions. (4) A way to provide quick answers to your students questions without drafting elaborated responses during e-mails or discussion posts. (5) No doubt there will be many instances using the Smartpen will be suitable but I have yet foreseen or experienced.
On this slide you see the description and details of a pencast that I created for an online student, explaining how to find the slope of a line with fractional coordinates. Click the image to access my pencast (It is a link!). Use the full screen option and explore the available features for viewing pencasts.
Click the links on this slide, which are the pencasts’ titles, to view additional examples of pencasting that I found in the Smartpen online community. Remember to use the full screen option and the available features for viewing pencasts.
(1) To find more details about the Smartpen. (2) To view tutorials on how to use the pen. (3) To visit the Smartpen online community and view additional pencasts organized by categories. (4) To participate in discussion forums about innovative uses of the pen.
If you have any questions about the Smartpen or pencasting, please find my contact info on this slide and I will gladly share my experiences using this amazing technological tool in my teaching practice.