Category: Technology

Create Icon .ico Files

icofxWe decided that we are going to publish the eLearning modules I have been building as .exe files, so thought it would be nice to have the organzational logo as the icon by the file name. I always thought this happened by taking an image and giving it an .ico extension. Not!

Instead, I had to use an icon generation program, IcoFX (which is free, btw). I never knew that Adobe Captivate 4 only read icon files that are single files with 10 bundled-sized smaller images in them–that is what an icon or .ico file really is!

I have a lot of research I really need to attend to . . .

eLearning with Adobe Captivate 4

While I often use my blog to discuss research projects related to my doctoral studies or related conference / publication work, one aspects of my professional involvement may come as a surprise to some. I work as a project manager and instructional designer, though I also increasingly engage in eLearning.

captivate 4eLearning and I have a mixed relationship, as often I find it either too involved or not involved enough. As I am currently finishing a short piece on critical thinking–Critical Thinking and the Information You Need. With the purpose of the module being an introduction to critical thinking for doctoral students, I am building this with Adobe Captivate 4 and will publish this as an executable file, so to avoid the possible technical issues that arise with various versions of Flash player. 

It is a lot easier to engage in eLearning when it is a topic I am interested in, that is for certain!

Amazon Sign In Works Internationally

I used Amazon for years, though only learned yesterday that my Amazon (US) Sign In works in their international sites, too. While this may seem a no-brainer to some, I was pleasantly surprised I could order from the UK without having to enter my address, credit cards, or even guess the exchange rate (it is listed).

amazon uk

amazon us

Isn’t this a smart business move that makes it easier for consumers (me) to get products that would otherwise be challenging to get? Should make getting research texts immediately more accessible.

Benefits of E-portfolios for Students and Faculty

The Tomorrow’s Professor mailing list recently had an insightful piece entitle The Benefits of E-portfolios for Students and Faculty in Their Own Words. Finding one’s voice, developing a history of one’s work, and portability (a favorite issue of my own to consider), there are many issues in and around e-portfolios as they are increasingly being used (it seems). I do not have any of my students (in any of the 3 programs where I teach) use them, nor do I have one with my own doctoral studies.

While I talk about them in one of the classes I teach, I do not see a lot of them being used (at least not yet). My concerns over privacy and duplication of efforts (I blog a lot about my work and learning, so why should I duplicate the effort in your system over there?!) still pop-up, though nobody has ever asked me for my e-portfolio. For that matter, nobody has ever asked me if I even have an e-portfolio.

I wonder if this is still too technology-focused or perhaps still too new?