John Sklar's Office

The Netbook Effect: How Cheap Little Laptops Hit the Big Time

2009-04-07T14:07:00.000-05:00

I love my netbook. why? Read this little article in Wired magazine.

The Netbook Effect: How Cheap Little Laptops Hit the Big Time

Posted using ShareThis

CEDo510 - Welcome to My World

2009-03-23T19:38:00.008-05:00

Welcome to my blog. I find this a great place to "put stuff" that others can look at. I also want please fill out the class information form on our WIKI. I will be sending you an invititation to join the wiki, you may have received it already. I know you've filled out a lot of forms but this one will help me keep track of you folks on paper. (Yes, I will probably print the results out.)

You may have asked why I didn't have some kind of ice breaker or meet and greet session. My answer is that you know each other and I'm the outsider. I will use the information sheets to get to know you a little better.

Link to the above presentation

CSI - Milwaukee

2009-02-19T10:56:00.011-06:00

Welcome, I have assembled some materials that you might want to review after we are done or share with colleagues and students. These will be here because blogs don't go away. In fact, you can look back to July of 2008 when I did a presentation much like this. I recycled some of the materials and added a few new pieces.

Here is a flash version of my presentation:

Thinkfree is an online office app and here is a pep talk about online apps you can look at: Use Online Apps (From Thinkfree) Getting started with Web 2.0:

Here are some interesting Web 2.0 links:

A Web 2.0 Directory - http://www.go2web20.net/
Blogger (Google blogs) - http://www.blogger.com/
PBWIKI - http://www.pbwiki.com/
GMAIL - http://gmail.google.com/
ImageChef - http://www.imagechef.com/
ZoHo - http://www.zoho.com/
Thinkfree - http://www.thinkfree.com/

What's an application? Where does collaboration and composition collide? Why use online apps?

Using Google Docs - An Adobe Publication which is a tutorial of sorts and quite professional.

Another Google app is the Google Notebook. I put one together, for you about Jewish Blog Sites.

Phyllis, my daughter and favorite rabbi, said I should include two additional items:
So does one keep track of all these great blogs? Here is a video that will describe a program, Web 2.0 App that will organize this for you.

Need a nice description of Social Media? Try this!

A Vista Solution

2008-12-01T09:30:00.004-06:00

One problem that I have had with Window's Vista OS is that software publishers do not create installers that are Vista compatible. That means that programs don't install correctly and then, don't uninstall. This leaves pieces of programs all over the computer, especially in the registry.

One of my Vista machines has had several programs that just would not uninstall. What to do? Yesterday I did a search on this problem and I found a new tool for users that will uninstall completely. It is easy to use and best of all, there is a portable version that you can use with no installation and even on a portable drive or flash drive.

It is called Revounistaller and is freeware!

On The Road!

2008-10-27T17:43:00.001-05:00

We will be traveling to Israel this week. If you want to follow us, and if I have time to blog, check out:

Blogger in Draft

2008-10-17T11:22:00.001-05:00

If you have blogged for a while and with to experiment with some new "stuff" why not try Blogger in Draft.

Just log into blogger with http://draft.blogger.com to see it. This is where the smart people who work on the blogger software experiment and have fun. For more info go to the Blogger in Draft info page.

Meca Presentation

2008-10-14T15:24:00.014-05:00

Links to note:

Here is another public presentation on Web 2 from a poster at Slikeboom named Anarchyandy. No, I don't pal around with anarchists but it is a great presentation!

If you have blogged for a while and with to experiment with some new "stuff" why not try Blogger in Draft.
Just log into blogger with http://draft.blogger.com to see it. This is where the smart people who work on the blogger software experiment and have fun. For more info go to the Blogger in Draft info page.

MECA ReBorn Join US!

2008-10-10T16:24:00.016-05:00

MECA Meeting Schedule:

Join us from 8:30—9:00AM for coffee, juice, treats and conbersationSaturday, October 18th, 2008 (Newsletter and directions)

Session I: 9:00—10:00

“Managing Digital Photos / Slide- Shows“ – learn how to organize your pictures with Louis Loeffler Web 2.0 applications allow you to share, edit and create pictures. This workshop will discuss photo sharing with Flickr, Image Editors as well as Visual Literacy and 21st Century Skills.
“What is all this Web 2 Fuss?” with John Sklar Is Web 2.0 something educator’s should look at? Anyone can BLOG right now. We will create a blog and update a new MECA Blog.

10:05-10:35—Gathering and discussion. Please join us for a general Q & A about MECA and Web 2.0.

Session II: 10:45—11:45

“Internet and Technology Projects That Support Differentiated Instruction." with Lisa Gokey Are you wondering what you can do to incorporate technology into your differentiated classroom? We'll discover Internet resources that offer independent, self-guided learning for students of all abilities and learning styles.
“Wikis and Other Web 2.0 Delights” with Jim Kasum Web 2.0 is all about collaboration and sharing. Wikis and other tools are simple to use and, in many cases, free to use. Come and see how to build and use a wiki along with, time permitting, other tools for conferencing, meeting and collaboration.

Class 5 & 6 Resources

2008-10-06T17:22:00.002-05:00

Use the button on the left to access the files for the last 2 classes. If you have any problem getting the files please contact me ASAP.

Class 4 - Resources

2008-09-26T10:46:00.001-05:00

Please click on the 516 files button on the left to access the files for class.
Dr. Jim Kasum will be filling in for me tonight. I know you will enjoy the time with him.

Thanks to the Stritch Network Folks....

2008-09-21T09:49:00.002-05:00

I asked the Stritch Network techs to set up the web server so that it would allow the direct download of .java files. It is done and works. Starting today you will be able to download or directly open .java files from the web. This will make it much easier to use the files from the website.

Study Team Logs - CEDu516

2008-09-18T19:01:00.008-05:00

Use this button to fill out the study team form. Print before submit to keep a copy.

September 15th CEdu516

2008-09-15T16:07:00.003-05:00

In a small group, i.e. 2 or three at the most, please complete exercise 4.12 on page 83 and 84.

The file you need, Counter.java is on the file site. Use the button on the left and go to class2 folder. Be sure to take the .txt off the file or just paste the text into jgrasp.

This is should not take more than a few minutes, ok, 15 minutes.

Then I will talk about what you have done. DO NOT PRINT OUT THE RESULT, just show it to me. (And save them!)

Changing a Foreground color:

2008-09-11T10:06:00.007-05:00

After a little research, I found how to change the foreground color in a JLabel and therefore in the content pane of the kinds of applications we are writing. (Thanks Stephen)

You need to set the Opaqity or opaqueness of the label to change the forground. Note lines 13, 29 and 30 below:



 1 // RedText

 2    import java.awt.*;

 3    import javax.swing.*;

 4

 5     public class RedText extends JFrame

 6    {

 7       private JLabel aLabel;    // JLabel that displays text

 8  

 9    // no-argument constructor

10        public RedText()

11       {

12       // get content pane and set layout to null

13          Container contentPane = getContentPane();

14          contentPane.setBackground( Color.LIGHT_GRAY );      

15          contentPane.setLayout( null );

16    

17         // set properties of application's window

18          setTitle( "REDText Demo" ); // set title bar string

19          setSize( 608, 143 );   // set width and height of JFrame

20          setVisible( true );    // display JFrame on screen

21    

22       // set up aLabel

23          aLabel = new JLabel();

24          aLabel.setText( "I am red text on light gray!!" );

25          aLabel.setLocation( 30, 0 );

26          aLabel.setSize( 550, 88 );

27          aLabel.setFont( new Font( "Serif", Font.PLAIN, 36 ) );

28          aLabel.setHorizontalAlignment( JLabel.CENTER );

29          aLabel.setOpaque(false);

30          aLabel.setForeground(Color.RED);

31          contentPane.add( aLabel );

32       }

33    

34    // main method

35    public static void main( String[] args )

36     {

37       RedText application = new RedText();

38       application.setDefaultCloseOperation( JFrame.EXIT_ON_CLOSE );

39    

40     } // end method main

41 

42    } // end class RedText

Accessing Files For Class

2008-09-10T15:15:00.005-05:00

When accessing files from the CEd ftp site, using the button below, please note the directions below the button:

I've added a .txt to all the java files on this site. Right click on the file you want, choose "save target as" from the menu and then drop the .txt off to use the file on your computer.

CEd 516 - Programming in Java

2008-09-03T11:08:00.023-05:00

We will be meeting in Ed101 - From 5 to 9 on Mondays until October 13.
This is in the ED building.

Textbook:Simply Java Programming, (Deitel, Deitel, Listfield, Yaeger, Zhang) Prentice Hall Publisher – Upper Saddle River, New Jersey ISBN: 0 – 13 – 142648-6

Links to booksellers: (None of these are endorsed or tested)

AbeBooks

Campus Books

Alibris

Amazon

Save Money on Textbooks - from the folks at Dealnews

Course Syllabus (As a Google Doc)

CEd516 SYL Fall 2008 - Upload a Document to Scribd

Here are the .java files for testing your system. (Cut and paste them into jgrasp or your editor)


  // a very simple program

  // use this to make sure your equipment is

  // set up right for command line use

  // Written by John Sklar for CEd516

  //



 public class test_console

 {

   public static void main (String args[])

   {

    System.out.println("Is this in the command window?");

   }

 }

 // a very simple program

 // use this to make sure your equipment is

 // set up right

 // Written by John Sklar for CEd516

 //

   import javax.swing.*;



    public class test_setup

   {

       public static void main (String args[])

      {

         JOptionPane.showMessageDialog( null,

             "Testing 1 2 3...",

             "This is just a test",

             JOptionPane.INFORMATION_MESSAGE);

      }

   }

Social Networking & DOPA

2008-08-08T11:05:00.010-05:00

Deleting Online Predators Act of 2006
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Deleting Online Predators Act of 2006 (DOPA) is a bill (H.R. 5319) brought before the United States House of Representatives on May 9, 2006 by Republican Pennsylvania Representative (R-PA) Mike Fitzpatrick. The bill, if enacted, would amend the Communications Act of 1934, requiring schools and libraries that receive E-rate funding to protect minors from online predators in the absence of parental supervision when using "Commercial Social Networking Websites" and "Chat Rooms". The bill would prohibit schools and libraries from providing access to these types of websites to minors. The bill also would require the institutions to be capable of disabling the restrictions for "use by an adult or by minors with adult supervision to enable access for educational purposes."

The bill is considered controversial because according to its critics the bill could limit access to a wide range of websites, including many with harmless and educational material. Arguments for the bill focus on the fear of adults contacting children on MySpace and similar websites. Many Internet websites, however (ranging from Yahoo to Slashdot to Amazon.com), allow user accounts, public profiles, and user forums, in accord with the bill's definition of "social networking". The bill places the onus upon the Federal Communications Commission to provide clarification.

My daughter pointed out this interesting article on Social networking. Certainly worth a read maybe more action in terms of curriculum...

Welcome to Sally Ride Academy '08

2008-07-10T08:28:00.027-05:00

Note: I started blogging last year just in time for Sally Ride. Here is a link to that post, with some cool resources.

This week we will be looking at Office style applications and how they can be used effectively by students and teachers. This blog will provide you with links to the resources we use in class. I will be able to update it during class and you will be able to refer to it during and after class is over.

Syllabus:

Read or print this document online from Scribd, a free service that allows you to place documents in iPaper format and store them online for blogs or other online access.

Project Descriptions:

Read this document on Scribd: Project descriptions08

PowerPoint:

First a little background:

Click the link below and download the file as a text file. You will need to use the file to use for Wednesday's activity.

Sally Ride - July 14, 2008

2008-07-06T17:57:00.014-05:00

Thinkfree is an online office app and here is a pep talk about online apps you can look at: Use Online Apps (From Thinkfree) Getting started with Web 2.0:

Here are some interesting Web 2.0 links:

A Web 2.0 Directory - http://www.go2web20.net/

Other Web 2.0 links.Blogs - http://www.blogger.com/

PBWIKI - http://www.pbwiki.com/

GMAIL - http://gmail.google.com/

WriteBoard - http://www.writeboard.com/

Student 2.0 - http://students2oh.org/

ImageChef - http://www.imagechef.com/

ZoHo - http://www.zoho.com/

Thinkfree - http://www.thinkfree.com/

NNDB - http://www.nndb.com/

Thinkfinity - http://www.thinkfinity.com/

What's an application? Where does collaboration and composition collide? Why use online apps?

Using Google Docs - An Adobe Publication Google Docs Help Google docs on iPaper ( I didn't write this or endorse it but it seems complete)

HOWTO use google docs - Upload a Document to Scribd

Use Online Apps (From Thinkfree)

Here is a google doc with our Class activity

Please Try My Embeded Form:

2008-06-18T13:47:00.002-05:00

Here is the spreadsheet that is fed from this form. Fill it out then go look at the spreadsheet.

Class 6 - Resources

2008-06-18T13:26:00.003-05:00

Alternate Directions To Oconomowoc

2008-06-17T09:14:00.002-05:00

From Juli Garton:

Just a friendly reminder that our class tonight begins at 5:00 PM which is 15 minute earlier and will end at 9:00 PM.

Meet in room 213 of the Oconomowoc High School, 641 Forest Hill Rd.

Below is an alternative for folks traveling West from Milwaukee if I-94 is closed at Delafield.

Take I-94 and at Pewaukee
Exit Hwy 16
Take Hwy 16 towards Oconomowoc
Before the construction Exit Hwy 67 South (not North)
You will go over Hwy 16 and immediately turn RIGHT after the bridge on Armour Rd *
Turn left onto Summit
Turn right onto Forest Hill Rd – see sign for high school
Left onto Stadium Drive

Drive past the entrance which is near the Gymnasium and PARK please.

Room 213 is on the second floor and on the East side of the school. We took the elevator, but you can take the stairs that require you to walk up and then down ½ a flight to get to room 213. I will be on hand to help you find the room.

High School staff warned me that the lab gets warm with all the computers turned on, but today I would expect it to be comfortable based on the nice weather.

The trip from Madison may take a little more time – I understand that I-94 is closed. Last Saturday, Hwy 18 was also closed in one place, Hwy B and Hwy 16 had closures. Good luck on your drive.

* If you go to far and miss Armour – you will turn right at Summit and then left at Forest Hill and left at Stadium Dr.

Class 5 - Resources

2008-06-11T12:03:00.000-05:00

JavaScript Handout and Examples:

Java Demos and Sites:

Class 4 - Resources

2008-06-03T10:08:00.007-05:00

Here is a Presentation on CSS

Basic Style Demonstration files:

CSS in Blogs?

2008-06-03T09:25:00.003-05:00

Here is a normal large Heading:

Here it is with style!

The normal Code:
<div align="center"><em><strong><span >Here is a normal large Heading:</span></strong></em></div>

The Styled Code:
<div style = "border:thick black solid; background-color:silver;text-align:center;padding: 10px; font-size:280%;"><em><strong>Here it is with style!</strong></em></div>

The Main problem is that each time you view the preview or post, blogger changes the code to "their"standard. It looks the same but may be more complicated.

Thanks to Ben Suter for the character converter. Check out his other tools.