One of the possible solutions is to use the school’s web site to support the curriculum.  Wouldn’t it be great if we had electronic versions of the textbooks?  Students could leave their textbooks in school and use the eTextbook online at home.  Why aren’t we doing this anyway?  The decisive reason I would imagine would be costs.  Ah, but it good to dream.

The hardware (which includes the software) I have chosen is by Tascam:

Tascam TNT Bundle:

• LD-74 Large Diaphragm Condenser Mic
• US-122L USB interface
• Mini Mic Stand andCable
• Cubase LE Recording Software

I was looking at Audacity but I will try Cubase LE since it is included.  If anyone has advice please pass it along.

While most Canadians receive a solid foundation of formal education, many lack sufficient competencies to succeed in an increasingly complex and uncertain future. Employers seek employees with a more sophisticated array of capabilities, beyond the basic job requirements.These skills include: decision-making, teamwork, problem solving, entrepreneurship, leadership, information and communication technology (ICT) skills, the ability to communicate effectively and a desire to learn (p. 41).

Notice the list of skills?  As a technology teacher, I was struck with how these skills fit so perfectly into the technology curriculum.  I have noticed the last few years a shift in educational priorities away from the technology curriculum.  Recently, a skills-based curriclum (akin to a new and improved industrial arts) has been integrated in the Newfoundland and Labrador school, which is a great start.  My concern is that we may be pushing computer technology skills aside assuming that our students already know the basics.  My question is what are the skills that high school chidren already have?  What are we assuming and is it accurate?  I have my own opinions about this but I would like to hear from you so please comment.

• easy install (never shagged up Vista)
• recognized my wireless connection
• updates automatically
• great 3d effects
• lots of software included (i.e. Open Office)
• iPod works automatically when plugged in
• Live cd allows you to use it without installing (boot from the cd)

The negatives:

• not always easy to install software (I sometimes had to use Terminal)
• did not recognize my built-in web cam
• learning curve for people used to Windows interface
• lots of software and hardware still not supported
• my nVidia graphics card had to use a generic driver (sometimes flaky)

If you are a techie or knowledge geek then go for it, otherwise use with caution.

If you are an experienced podcaster, I would love to hear from you.  Please pass along any advice you may have about podcasting but please keep in mind I work in the public education system so cheap is essential.

The Conference is taking place August 6-8, 2008. For more information please visit this link:

http://www.education.rec.ri.cmu.edu/robots/corridor/main/home_matter/conference.htm

Here are some of the deadlines that teams will need to keep in mind:

May 1, 2008 - Team Registration and Product Sales Open Online (http://www.register4fll.com/)
May - Robot sets, FIRST DVDs and Coaches’ Handbooks Begin to Ship
August 1 - Field Set-up kits Begin to Ship
September 5 - International Challenge Announced
September 30 - Team Registration Closes/Last Day to Order Products
October 1-12 - Tournament Applications Accepted
November - December - NL Intermediate Skills Canada Robotics competition and FLL Tournament
April 2009 - FLL World Festival

Below is a summary of the costs to FLL Teams:

Expenses:

• FLL Registration Fee - $235.00
• FLL Field Setup Kit - $78.00

Optional Robotics Kits:

• MINDSTORMS NXT Robot Set - $435.00

Optional Parts - NXT:

• Rechargeable Battery - $70.00
• Transformer - $25.50
• NXT Interactive Motor - $23.00
• NXT Touch Sensor - $22.00
• NXT Light Sensor - $22.00
• NXT Ultrasonic Sensor - $48.00
• NXT Resource Set - $65.00

Optional Parts - RCX:

• RCX Light Sensor - $18.75
• RCX Rotation Sensor - $21.00
• RCX 9V Gear Motor - $19.75

Registration for FLL 2008 opens May 1, 2008. You can register online on the FLL Registration site (http://www.register4fll.com/).