Wednesday, December 9, 2015

STEAM Career Pathways https://t.co/qp8QrtRO62 https://t.co/HOIHh4TTYK https://t.co/vnNjNcptft


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December 09, 2015 at 01:02AM
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STEAM Career Pathways https://t.co/qp8QrtRO62 https://t.co/HOIHh4TTYK https://t.co/vnNjNcptft


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 09, 2015 at 01:02AM
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STEAM Career Pathways https://t.co/qp8QrtRO62 https://t.co/HOIHh4TTYK https://t.co/vnNjNcptft


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 09, 2015 at 01:02AM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @hkelleytech: Minecraft @hourofcode They can't wait to continue coding at ho… https://t.co/2fC2IeCOiA


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 09, 2015 at 01:02AM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @DigiLearnSA: Future Coders. Pre-K @E Ethel Little School. @DigiLearnSA @dig… https://t.co/5QXAx3O1S1


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 09, 2015 at 01:02AM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @hkelleytech: Grade 1 using paper to practice for #hourofcode and moving on … https://t.co/omXTIncmi2


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 09, 2015 at 01:02AM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @gmagley: Blended learning: Don’t get fooled. Get schooled. What does 'perso… https://t.co/5lZnf3mBhD


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 09, 2015 at 01:02AM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @DigiLearnSA: Day 2 of #HourOfCode  #nrhourofcode @dianne_maguire @EELittleS… https://t.co/LPssphoy8z


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 09, 2015 at 01:02AM
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RT @hkelleytech: Minecraft @hourofcode They can't wait to continue coding at home! @digitalhornets … … … https://t.co/p3HrffcMg6


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 09, 2015 at 01:02AM
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RT @DigiLearnSA: Future Coders. Pre-K @E Ethel Little School. @DigiLearnSA @digitalhornets #nrhourofcode … … … https://t.co/nDcgDwpUJM


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 09, 2015 at 01:02AM
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NRPS Digital Learning: Hour Of Code Activity List: North Reading Public Schools North Reading, Massachuset... https://t.co/geF5CJE7Sa


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 09, 2015 at 12:19AM
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STEAM Career Pathways https://t.co/qp8QrtRO62 https://t.co/HOIHh4TTYK


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 09, 2015 at 12:02AM
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STEAM Career Pathways https://t.co/qp8QrtRO62 https://t.co/HOIHh4TTYK


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 09, 2015 at 12:02AM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @hkelleytech: Minecraft @hourofcode They can't wait to continue coding at ho… https://t.co/zsEKXaL5he


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 09, 2015 at 12:02AM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @DigiLearnSA: Future Coders. Pre-K @E Ethel Little School. @DigiLearnSA @dig… https://t.co/OOE4yTpdwn


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 09, 2015 at 12:02AM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @hkelleytech: Grade 1 using paper to practice for #hourofcode and moving on … https://t.co/ODXHkJZcL2


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 09, 2015 at 12:02AM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @gmagley: Blended learning: Don’t get fooled. Get schooled. What does 'perso… https://t.co/zPaOSLnhc7


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 09, 2015 at 12:02AM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @DigiLearnSA: Day 2 of #HourOfCode  #nrhourofcode @dianne_maguire @EELittleS… https://t.co/DuRMVzrn8C


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 09, 2015 at 12:02AM
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RT @hkelleytech: Minecraft @hourofcode They can't wait to continue coding at home! @digitalhornets … … https://t.co/mldcipvssK


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 09, 2015 at 12:02AM
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RT @DigiLearnSA: Future Coders. Pre-K @E Ethel Little School. @DigiLearnSA @digitalhornets #nrhourofcode … … https://t.co/iNJpapWOgO


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 09, 2015 at 12:02AM
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RT @hkelleytech: Grade 1 using paper to practice for #hourofcode and moving on to the Cargobots app @digitalhornet… https://t.co/gF73yOTv8I


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 09, 2015 at 12:02AM
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RT @gmagley: Blended learning: Don’t get fooled. Get schooled. What does 'personalized learning' mean?: … … https://t.co/vQH8jBhaTP


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 09, 2015 at 12:02AM
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Tuesday, December 8, 2015

I've just posted on my Blog about: STEAM Career Pathways https://t.co/qp8QrtRO62 https://t.co/HOIHh4TTYK


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 11:44PM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: STEAM Career Pathways https://t.co/qp8QrtRO62 https://t.co/HOIHh4TTYK


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 11:44PM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @hkelleytech: Minecraft @hourofcode They … https://t.co/zsEKXaL5he


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 11:44PM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @DigiLearnSA: Future Coders. Pre-K @E Eth… https://t.co/OOE4yTpdwn


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 11:44PM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @hkelleytech: Grade 1 using paper to prac… https://t.co/ODXHkJZcL2


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 11:44PM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @gmagley: Blended learning: Don’t get foo… https://t.co/zPaOSLnhc7


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 11:44PM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @DigiLearnSA: Day 2 of #HourOfCode  #nrho… https://t.co/DuRMVzrn8C


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 11:44PM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @hkelleytech: Minecraft @hourofcode They can't wait to continue coding at ho… https://t.co/mldcipvssK


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 11:44PM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @DigiLearnSA: Future Coders. Pre-K @E Ethel Little School. @DigiLearnSA @dig… https://t.co/iNJpapWOgO


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 11:44PM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @hkelleytech: Grade 1 using paper to practice for #hourofcode and moving on … https://t.co/gF73yOTv8I


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 11:44PM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @gmagley: Blended learning: Don’t get fooled. Get schooled. What does 'perso… https://t.co/vQH8jBhaTP


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 11:44PM
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Massachusetts State Symbols 3E- Digital Learning https://t.co/KzzNxs5bU6 via @YouTube


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 11:25PM
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STEAM Career Pathways https://t.co/qp8QrtRO62


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 10:04PM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @hkelleytech: Minecraft @hourofcode They can't wait to continue coding at ho… https://t.co/vr4wlD169b


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 09:43PM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @DigiLearnSA: Future Coders. Pre-K @E Ethel Little School. @DigiLearnSA @dig… https://t.co/dFywZjFDZU


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 09:43PM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @hkelleytech: Grade 1 using paper to practice for #hourofcode and moving on … https://t.co/KjiRZF6i7L


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 09:43PM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @gmagley: Blended learning: Don’t get fooled. Get schooled. What does 'perso… https://t.co/VDOW7rk8e2


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 09:43PM
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I've just posted on my Blog about: RT @DigiLearnSA: Day 2 of #HourOfCode  #nrhourofcode @dianne_maguire @EELittleS… https://t.co/MItOb4rZVC


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 09:43PM
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RT @hkelleytech: Minecraft @hourofcode They can't wait to continue coding at home! @digitalhornets … https://t.co/vr4wlD169b


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 09:01PM
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RT @DigiLearnSA: Future Coders. Pre-K @E Ethel Little School. @DigiLearnSA @digitalhornets #nrhourofcode … https://t.co/dFywZjFDZU


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 09:01PM
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RT @hkelleytech: Grade 1 using paper to practice for #hourofcode and moving on to the Cargobots app @digitalhornet… https://t.co/KjiRZF6i7L


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 09:01PM
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RT @gmagley: Blended learning: Don’t get fooled. Get schooled. What does 'personalized learning' mean?: … https://t.co/VDOW7rk8e2


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 09:01PM
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RT @DigiLearnSA: Day 2 of #HourOfCode  #nrhourofcode @dianne_maguire @EELittleSchool @digitalhornets … https://t.co/MItOb4rZVC


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 09:01PM
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RT @hkelleytech: Minecraft @hourofcode They can't wait to continue coding at home! @digitalhornets https://t.co/MqAhpIanKZ


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 08:04PM
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RT @DigiLearnSA: Future Coders. Pre-K @E Ethel Little School. @DigiLearnSA @digitalhornets #nrhourofcode https://t.co/D2DoGGcA9U


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 08:04PM
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RT @hkelleytech: Grade 1 using paper to practice for #hourofcode and moving on to the Cargobots app @digitalhornets https://t.co/kRrDOopiEI


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 08:04PM
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RT @gmagley: Blended learning: Don’t get fooled. Get schooled. What does 'personalized learning' mean?: https://t.co/ob8eyy7Kq5


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 08:03PM
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RT @DigiLearnSA: Day 2 of #HourOfCode  #nrhourofcode @dianne_maguire @EELittleSchool @digitalhornets https://t.co/65A6c9iXd5


from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 08:03PM
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Friday, May 15, 2015

Why Aren't You Using Google Keep ?






Google Keep is an amazing little web based note taker!

 I can understand now at this point that inviting a new app into your live to keep lists and reminders is a crowded space. But I really want to open your minds to this one. Google Keep has some tremendous benefits for the super busy person who wants labeling in one place.







  • Syncs across Google Accounts, Allows Sharing and Exporting to Google Docs
  • Provides Notifications and Reminders
  • Allows for labeling, labeling
  • creating checkboxes and crossing items off of your list without losing the item.
  • Allows for archiving, changing of list color and email sharing.
  • Has nice smooth web and desktop interface linked with your Google Account.
  • It can also be added as a shortcut to your Google Apps(The same place you find Drive and Docs).


I was slow to start using Google Keep as it was very similar to Evernote in its features but as a dedicated Google Docs user the creation of Docs from my lists was the biggest selling point. Additionally, the ability to have a cross platform application that syncs with my Google Desktop as an option makes efficiency when moving from location to location amazingly simple.

Google Keep Desktop View
I have used this app to share lists which are constantly evolving and changing in real time. I have also used this list maker to more easily enable blogging on the run and turning into a Google Doc in a click of a button.


So go ahead download the "Keep" app from Google Play or find the 3rd party "Go Keep" app from the App Store and test out the sharing of lists,notes,photos and whatever your heart desires across email accounts.


Also be sure to view your synced desktop version when logged into your Google Account.


https://keep.google.com/

I think may find yourself returning to it before you know it as your go to list maker/ creative space.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

What is the New "Hacker Culture" In High Schools


In September of 2013 I initiated work at Andover High School in Andover, Massachusetts with a program called the Andover Innovation Lab & Student Help Desk. Students who participate in the Andover Innovation Lab & Student Run Help desk have an opportunity to explore the programming languages, software, business project or technology driven project of their choice. We also encourage the entrepreneurial spirit with students and seek to engage their desire to start something new and exciting.




In this environment we nurture the "hacker culture" of students who want to learn new programming languages and platforms. We also support their interest in becoming more fluent with the use of technology which will hopefully inspire them to  look more closely at careers related to technology. We also use this students participation as an opportunity for them to share their skills with the greater community by having them assist students and teachers with the use of their technology tools and instructional technology needs.

Many students now have a range of new options for courses related to technology in their schools. In addition to the Andover Innovation Lab & Help Desk at Andover High School in the Digital Learning Department we have focused our energies on developing a meaning full track for students to enter courses such as Web Design and Development,Web & Native Applications and in the near future explore technology driven learning within a "Makerspace" culture. Course development and updating is changing at a rapid pace as is student skill development. It is not uncommon for students to explore "Hackathons" on the weekends and engage in a variety of web based code repositories such as Git Hub or learn to trouble shoot on StackOverflow online to support their independent projects.

What has inspired me as I work with these students is their engagement with the ever changing world of technology which often frustrates their older teachers and in some cases their parents as well. Students have also described to me the connections they make in this course as an opportunity to discuss with their parents the role of technology in their lives.  In some cases these parents have connected in meaningful ways with their sons and daughters about technology advancements and their roles in fields related to programming or entrepreneurial endeavors.

The term "Hacker" does not have the negative connotation it once had. Many more high school, middle school and even elementary level students are exposed to programming, technology skill development and the experience of creating, learning and decoding their world with technology. We are currently crossing a bridge of understanding and communication about how technology enables us to create, build, problem solve and "hack" a future.

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Adventures In Cable Cutting: Getting Real Time Live TV For The NFL & Network Television Using Roku & Chromecast

One of the largest challenges since I have dropped my cable is the ability to watch NFL games and real time news or tv shows that run on network television or are not available on HULU or Netflix. I will preface this post that I keep a HULU  account at 7.99 a month and a Netflix streaming only account at 7.99 as well. I consider this affordable for what the cost to simply rent a cable box or pay taxes on the cable or Directv costs on a monthly basis. I also use a Roku streaming player and a Chromecast.


For my live tv I use a Roku Channel called USTVNow. This is a great free channel which streams local television from a channels in Pennsylvania. Even though it does not give me my local news it gives me a chance to watch the weekly telecasts of the NFL  games and whatever maybe on the networks nationally. You can upgrade for more channels but that really kind of defeats the purpose of saving the money from cable. The quality is decent and starts with HD for the forst 45 days.


For local news I use Fox 25 Boston Roku app which has a consistent stream of video on their app and also has the weather and major news events. CNBC and CNN also have high quality apps for national news. Channel 7 in Boston also has a stream on one of the NowhereTV apps available from Roku but it only streams during live broadcasts.


My Chromecast has been very useful at streaming NFL games from my laptop to my television. The link I have been using comes from a USlivestream webpage. Just be sure to search using the 2 teams you want to watch. This site has been relatively consistent.


A helpful tip is to let the Flash ads expire before attempting to go full screen. Overall the quality is not great but doable especially as you get used to going cable free.

Roku offers a variety of public and private channels which stream live content but none will truly replicate your cable or satellite service. There are compromises but as a whole it is great not to get that bill!

Adventures In Cutting Cable: Using PLEX for Videos and Media & Watching Local Video Files On Your Television




One of the cooler things I have begun experimenting with since i have cut cable is the use of the PLEX media server in order to view my videos from a variety of different devices. PLEX requires that you have one main computer connected to the internet(the server) which holds all of your video content and you view the content throught the app on other devices. PLEX assists in helping you organize and view this content.


This has been helpful to me since I own a Roku streaming player and a Chromecast. Now all I need to do is access this application to view videos on these players through my tv is to add the PLEX app. Through the App I have access to the  saved files on my server computer. PLEX makes the setup relatively painless with good directions and you have alot of options through their free account. This service is great if you have a ton off downloaded videos that you would like to watch on your tv.




Beyond the download of the server and adding files you will also need to synch your device with the server through a simple 4 letter code combination. I needed to do this to use my Roku account with PLEX. I guess the final hurdle of having PLEX as your go to is the 4.99 monthly charge for the use of the app which is how most people will use this service.

Watching Local Files Through Chromecast With Videostream App on Chrome Web Store


On my Chromecast one challenge is the streaming of local video files to my television set. I was able to solve this with the use of the with the Videostrem Chrome Application. This app has performed well at allowing me to stream a local file off my computer to my television.


This application performs well and so far no surpises with available length of stream or reasons for the premium account. The Premium account offers addtion smartphone capability and ad free experiences none of which have really been a major benefit in the current use of a cable cutter.


Found Here: