SU.edu works!

A tip of the hat to the folks at SU Institutional Computing, who have enabled Web surfers to reach the SU website without the triple-w prefix. Woo hoo!

Kindle adds online highlights

I know this isn't strictly a Mac issue, but Amazon has just added an online feature to the Kindle that will make it easier to use for everyone -- even Mac users.

The Kindle already has an in-text highlighting feature, but pulling highlighted notes into research documents has always meant plugging the Kindle into a computer's USB port and pulling a .txt file. Cumbersome, if only slightly.

Now, Kindle highlights are stored online as well, accessible via Web browser. Just head over to http://kindle.amazon.com and login with your Amazon/Kindle account and look for the tiny pen/pencil icon under the "content" column. Your highlights will be revealed, complete with "location."

Here is one of my highlights, from Arguing Comics: Literary Masters on a Popular Medium by Jeet Heer and Kent Worcester

Your highlight at location 70
The writings of William Crary Brownell (1851-1928) mark the transition between the genteel disciples of Wordsworth and jazz era approaches to comics in particular and popular culture more generally.

OK, the Kindle's poxy location system still needs an overhaul, but this new service is a plus.

Now for a Mac part to this post: The online service works flawlessly on Firefox and Safari.

Exchange @SU and Mail.app

In case you're wondering, IMAP is still the way to go, to connect a Mac (as opposed to an iPhone or iPod Touch) with SU's email servers. Off-campus connectivity with Exchange doesn't work, so unless you plan for your Mac to remain on-campus 24/7, you'll set up your Mail.app email as IMAP instead of Exchange.

The linked ad, BTW, shows Apple's promise to deliver full Exchange compatibility with Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6).

Of course, this could be an SU issue. I wouldn't be surprised if the Exchange server here deals with on- and off-campus e-mail clients differently.

In any case, IMAP works.

Later!

TechRepublic's Top iPhone Business Apps

Worth tweeting -- worth blogging. TechRepublic explains what brought them back to the iPhone: apps. Business-oriented apps.

Podcast Hotline

Question: Would it be helpful for me to publicize the old "Podcast Hotline" phone number, or is text feedback enough?
Background: When I teach classes via podcast, I make a "Podcast Hotline" number available. It's a voicemail-only number for students to leave questions on. I often integrate the voice content into the podcasts, or, in this case, into the blog.

What do you think?

Blackboard on iPhone?

The Blackboard iPhone/iPod Touch app has been out for a few weeks. Yay. While I think it has some value for students, I'm going to "associate myself" (as they say in Congress) with "Autumm Caines" comment on Chronicle.com. It's comment #6, BTW.

Perhaps v2.0 will have teacher-friendly features. Perhaps. In the mean time, I'm sure there are other apps to spend our time with. Trip Cubby, anyone?

What will the SU apps be?

We've heard from admin that SU has plans for customized apps. What they are has been a secret. What do you think? What apps would make your life better at SU? Profs? Students? Staff? The floor is open.

iMLearning comes to SU

From the iMLearning website:

Starting in the fall of 2009, Shenandoah University will launch a new environmentally friendly integrated mobile learning program, iMLearning, to provide students and faculty with the tools to enhance student learning and engagement.

Prof. G. is not a member of the iMLearning leadership team, but is happy to help through this MUG blog. Let's just remember that for iMLearning to be successful, it should be a community effort. All for one, and all that.

I imagine that, come August, there will be many students (and a few profs) with questions -- and a few with new and interesting resources. Let's share.

See you online.

Griffin iTalk Recorder for the iPhone

Podagogy has a brief review of the Griffin iTalk, comparing it favorably with the Bias iProRecorder. I'm downloading the free app right now.