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Where does time and energy go?

It is hard to believe that it has been over a year since I decided to start a blog and as much time since I’ve posted anything new. I want to blog everyday and I want to read all the good blogs everyday but time, work, and family all too often seems to zap my energy and my drive. As we near the New Year one of my resolutions is to do more of both reading and posting.

Yesterday I spoke with a colleague about how important this side of our work is but she too struggles with finding the time. We brainstormed ways to stay more connected and are both going to make a concerted effort to do so.

One new technique I’m going to explore is using voice to text dictation which has come a long way since its inception. I’m hoping while I can’t always sit down and post when inspiration hits, perhaps capturing those thoughts on the go will help turn those thoughts into posts.

Another technique is to actually schedule into my calendar times to blog and tweet. We set time to meet, to plan, to workout why not schedule times to stay engaged with our virtual communities?

I’m curious, how do you find time to do both? I welcome all suggestions!

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Explain Everything

I was lucky enough to see the Explain Everything iPad App  in action this week. I am super excited about this app and my mind is racing with all of the possibilities! I can especially see the potential for a flipped classroom project. I love screencasting but some of the free software is very limiting. Not Explain Everything, though- you can complete detailed presentations with numerous tools from which to choose.

I viewed some Explain Everything presentations compiled by first grade students recording their Spanish language speaking skills. They were beautiful! This app is easy enough for a primary student and advanced enough for a teacher.

I’m currently working on my first library tutorial video with Explain Everything. I’ve made a few tutorials in the past using a free version of Jing, but this is a completely different interface and a much more robust tool. I’ll post when it is done.