Audible

Ok, so most of you already know what Audible is, but are you using it?  

Believe me, I love BOOKS!  I love the feel of a book in my hands, turning the pages, seeing it on the shelf, using unique book marks, etc.

I didn't think I would use something like audiobooks much, but I was WRONG!  It is so great to download that baby to your iPod and listen to it while doing mundane tasks that use your eyes, but not your full attention.  Fold laundry and listen to that history book you've been meaning to re-read.  Do dishes while listening to some escapist fiction.

I'm addicted already.  Give Audible a try!

Open Office

Recently I had a student who needed a word processing application, but needed something free.  I recommended the full productivity suite available at OpenOffice.org 

It's FREE and open source.  The products I've used have been able to download and upload windows files without a hitch.  I've liked having it on old machines that I'm unwilling to pay for new software.

The applications include 

     Writer (text document)

     Calc (spreadsheet)

     Draw (drawing - vector graphics)

     Impress (slideshow presentation)

     Base (database)

     Math (formula editor)

Jing

Looking to make a screencast? Try Jing.

A free and paid service that allows you to create screencasts is a major productivity tool, at least for me!  They have great tutorials on how to use the service. 

Smilebox

One new little service I've just loved for education and plain 'ole fun is Smilebox!

What is Smilebox?
Smilebox is a fun and engaging service that connects you with family and friends using your photos and videos. It's free, easy to use, and the results are amazing.

What can I make with Smilebox?
With Smilebox, you can create animated scrapbooks, photobooks, slideshows, postcards, and ecards for any occasion, and email them to anyone.

Is it free?
Yes, you can personalize and email or blog any design for free. You can also do more by purchasing the premium version of a design or joining Club Smilebox. Click here to see what you can do!

We've done some class photos with Smilebox and I used it at Christmas. I love that when I upload pics to iPhoto it automatically opens up Smilebox to use them!

Drop in and check it out!