Courtesy of Apple
Today Apple, Inc introduced the iPad, a 9.7 inch multi-touch screen that runs the same OS as their iPhone and iPod Touch. Will this be the fabled game changer that finally replaces paper textbooks for the masses?
Upload and Open .docx and .xlsx From Google Docs
Support for uploading .docx and .xlsx files in Google Docs
One of the questions with new software in a school environment, or even a corporate one, is how long do you wait before you upgrade? With the 2007 and 2008 release of Microsoft Office System 2007 for Windows and 2008 for OSX respectively came the introduction of the .docx and .xlsx. This was probably the first time a lot of students became aware of file types. The most common issue in a school environment that surfaces was files saved using the new file extension and trying to be opened in older versions of Office that by default didn’t support this file types. The standard solution, at least my solution, was tell the student go back to a machine that had that version of Office installed and re-save the file to .doc for Word documents, or .xls for Excel spreadsheets, and explain files types to them (prime teachable moment). Yes, I’m aware of the compatibility pack for Office that Microsoft has, but that is only for Windows machines. As I write this post there is still no compatibility pack for Office 2008 (Mac version of Office). Yes, I am also aware of services that do the conversion for you, but I have never been comfortable with most of the offerings.
Once again here is Google Docs to save the day. Google has announced at the beginning of this month that they now support .docx and .xlsx files. I should say more specifically that Google Docs now supports the uploading of these files types in addition to all the other file types you can already upload. Now there is no longer the need to get to another machine with the newest office. Just upload that .docx document or .xlsx document, open it up and work on it in the clouds or export it to a .doc file or .xls file. Now if only Google can reduce my daily commute.
Apple Offers Free Recycling for Education
That useless and antiquated computer that you have in the corner of your classroom or in the storage closest can’t stay there forever. It will eventually need to be disposed and done so in the proper manner. You don’t want it to end up like those long forgotten E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Atari video game cartridges buried in the desert. One of the drawbacks of proper disposal sometimes is the cost to the institution or the individual, that’s where the folks at Apple Education come in.
Apple is offering free recycling of computer equipment for “all accredited K-12 and higher education institutions with at least 25 pieces* of recyclables are eligible to participate“. The good thing about this is that it is NOT limited to the recycling of Apple products only. Those old 13 inch CRT monitors, Compaq Presario Towers, the IBM PS2 that doubles as a stools, as well as the other pieces caked with layers of dust can be sent to be recycled. Most of your schools may want to take part in this program. All you have to do is have at least 25 pieces and register before July, 31, 2009. I would recommended doing this sooner than later. All the information and packaging procedures can be found at the link below.
Twitter With Me
We are now on Twitter (@Technodemia). The Technodemia revolution will not be televised…but it can be followed 140 characters at a time. Those who are not familiar with what Twitter is may want to check out “Twitter in Plain English” created by the Common Craft Show. They do a decent job explaining Twitter, but to fully understand why there are millions of users, you may just want to jump in. A good place to start is to follow Technodemia at www.twitter.com/Technodemia.
Changes
Technodemia will be going through some design changes during the next week. Please bear with us as we try to streamline the site and give you a better user experience. Thank you for your patience.
Happy New Year
The entire Technodemia crew would like to wish you a happy and healthy new year. Vacation is coming to an end and most of you should be heading back to classes. Goog luck and go back there with a new vigor. Have fun.
Happy Holidays
Technodemia would like to wish you all happy holidays. Be safe, party hard and have fun.
