Microsoft Fetch to Get Files from a PC with SkyDrive

Martha sent me a link to an article that discusses using Microsoft fetch to get files from a remote PC.  The article, Remotely Fetch Files from your PC with SkyDrive When it Isn't Your on your SkyDrive, is at http://lifehacker.com/5971782/remotely-fetch-files-from-your-pc-with-skydrive-when-it-isnt-on-your-skydrive

The tutorial with step-by-step pictures in online at http://www.7tutorials.com/how-fetch-files-remotely-your-computers-using-skydrive 

I have not experimented using the the feature.  

Mac Language Preferences

Chris Breen has a new article on language preferences for the Mac at
http://www.macworld.com/article/2023062/the-macs-linguistic-tricks.html

It is worth reading if you speak or communicate with others in different languages. 

Google Maps on the iPhone

I downloaded the new Google Maps app for the iPhone but had not much time to explore it until today.  Google has a great website with screenshots that show the features at http://maps.google.com/help/maps/helloworld/iphone/quicktips.html 

One of the features is the ability to view a street view by clicking a site, holding your finger down on the screen and then tapping the address.  The first place I tapped (our home) did not show a street view :-(  .  As it turns out, it is because Google did not have a street view available.  I tapped on another place near the university and it displayed correctly.

One of many differences between Apple Maps and Google Maps is the way you report a problem.  Apple has the report a problem almost invisible (gray print on gray background), whereas, to report a problem with Google Maps, all you have to do is to shake your phone. Google Maps also has a place to enter your home and work addresses.

It is amazing to think back to the many years that we depended upon purchasing a paper map for directions.  I would not consider traveling without having my iPhone or iPad and the map apps.

eHighlighter - A Research Productivity Tool in the Evernote Trunk

I am multitasking - reading an eBook on databases and researching the Evernote Trunk at the same time.  One of the apps in the Trunk is eHighlighter.  I could not find it in the Apple App store with the search tool (that has happened on several occasions) so I searched for it on the web and went into the "back" door of the Apple app store.  Go to https://itunes.apple.com/app/ehighlighter/id552675073?ls=1&mt=8 

eHighlighter has a short tutorial after you create a login and password and open the app.  When working on a research project you would scan the book barcode with the iPad or iPhone camera.  The app grabs the textbook citation metadata and prompts you to create a folder for it. 

Instead of taking notes, you use the mobile device camera to take a photo of the page.  You then used your finger to highlight the text you want to save.  You are prompted to note a page number.  The app then transcribes photo data into text for you to view and edit. 

eHighlighter allows you to save your notes to Evernote, Dropbox, or email.  A YouTube video demonstrating the app is noted below.  

Desire 2 Learn Course Management System - Lessons Learned

The University System of Georgia will be using Desire 2 Learn (D2L) beginning spring 2013.  We have been using the Blackboard WebCT/Vista system.  What that means is very little school break because all of our courses have to be imported & finalized OR created with D2L prior to January 7.  We are fortunate is the USG system to have some very talented IT folks who paved the way to make the transition as painless as possible.  One of two courses imported correctly and required only minor editing. The third and fourth courses had to be created from scratch. However, the transition is still challenging because of the time crunch!

Things learned today:

1. Creating a quiz using the Diploma Quiz maker that comes with the textbook works!  I zipped the quiz for D2L and used the import feature in D2L.  D2L recognized it as a quiz and filed it correctly. The quiz imported as "inactive" - so I had to make it active and customize the display settings.
2. Respondus works!  I am able to upload and download quizzes and surveys from D2L.
3. StudyMate Author will NOT import into D2L.  I had to save the interactive learning as a Flash object (3 files) and then import them into the D2L file manager.The "look" is the same - as a matter of fact, it is a nice way to edit the look. 
4. SoftChalk files work
5. The New Topic > QuickLink is the magic tool in D2L!

The "good" news is that there is so much repetition involved with building a course that allows for practicing learning.   

Evernote 5.0- A Free Remember Everything App for Desktop and Mobile Devices

I read an article, Evernote 5.0 for Mac Improves an Already Indispensable Service, at http://www.macworld.com/article/2019709/review-evernote-5-0-for-mac-improves-an-already-indispensable-service.html this morning.  Afterwards, I opened Evernote on the Mac and iPad.  The focus for the app experience is "Remember Everything."  The look is different (I don't use it as often as I should/could). I did not know that there were software, hardware, and other services that using Evernote as their hub (Trunk in Evernote).  I also did not realize that Evernote had acquired some of the apps.  Examples include:

• Skitch - for screen capturing and annotation
• Hello - an app that helps you remember people (I REALLY need to use this app!)
• Penultimate - a $0.99 handwriting app that allows you to take notes and sketch with the iPad

Evernote Screenshot

•  Web Clipper is a screenshot program that works with different web browsers.  What makes it unique is the way it in integrated with Evernote
• Evernote Food is a free app for your food experiences (recipes, photos, notes, etc.)
• Evernote Clearly an app for the web browser that facilitates reading web pages, blogs, etc.Similar to Reader where the "distractions" are removed, but it allows you to save clips to Evernote
• Evernote Peek an app that allows you to create study materials by opening and closing the iPad cover.  It is similar to creating flash cards with right and wrong answers.

If you need a free app to store notes, pictures, and more, Evernote is an app to explore.  It works with the Windows PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Android devices. There is a Premium version of Evernote available, but the free version is amazing!

Creating a Shortcut to a Dropbox Folder on the Mac

I read Chris Breen's blog on Automatically Adding File to Dropbox @ http://www.macworld.com/article/2020699/automatically-add-files-to-dropbox.html .  The only problem was that I could not get the keyboard shortcut to work.  In the process, I was introduced to Automator and the associated powerful features.  I also learned that I could drag a folder into the Finder Favorites list.  Finally, I learned that there are numerous hidden keyboard shortcuts.  For example:

• Command+D to duplicate
• Command+Shift+D to open the Desktop window which displays the Finder view

If you are using a Mac, take a few minutes to review the MANY keyboard shortcuts at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1343.  You may find a few that would expedite your work.

If you are interested in learning more about Automator, view the YouTube video below.

Using a Text to Speech Reader

I had a number of conference proposals to review this morning when working on the Mac.  When planning, I reflected on the text to speech app that L.G. discussed for reviewing a paper.  It struck me that the current computers have the ability to read text to be disability compliant without the purchase of a separate app.  Sure enough, the feature is in the Set Preferences > Dictation and Speech window > Text to Speech tab.

The Mac provides the choice between voices, three female and three male. The default voice is "Alex."  His voice was my favorite, as well.  You can adjust the speaking rate from slow -> normal -> fast and play sound bytes to test the settings.  The default to turn on the feature is to click the Option+Esc keys.  To use the feature, first highlight the text and then click the Option+Esc keys.

The text to speech feature would be useful by students who find audio enhances their learning experience.  Students could listen to text, such as typed class or textbook notes, or online learning resources.  Of course, the feature would be very useful to anyone who has a temporary or permanent vision problem.  

iBooks Author - First Test Run with the eBook and the iPad

I have a working draft of the manuscript for spreadsheet software done, so I did a test run using iBooks Author.  It is one thing to read about using software and another to actually use it.  I learned so much!

I had most of the terms relating to spreadsheets identified and defined.  So the first thing I did was to create a glossary by adding the term to the glossary and then copying/pasting the associated definition.  The glossary supports the addition of graphics and hyperlinks.  I have a few hyperlinks in the glossary now.  The graphics should be really helpful to readers for select terms.

Next, I copied and pasted in the text file for different sections of the eBook.  Since the file was plain text (.txt), I lost the tables and bullets.  The bullets were easy enough to recreate using the text Inspector.  I added a table and copied and pasted the contents.

I also added a graphic.  First, when I pulled it over from a Word file, iBooks Author would not allow me to caption it with the Inspector Layout Wizard.  I suspected the problem was because I had not saved the file as a .png (even though it was a .png screenshot).  I saved the file into Pictures and then dragged it into the eBook.  What was amazing is the saved graphic was much clearer.  The Inspector Layout Wizard worked with the saved graphic.  I created a caption for the graphic.

Finally, I did a test run viewing the eBooks on the iPad.  I connected the iPad using the USB cable and clicked Preview in iBooks Author.  I can see the value of doing small builds and previewing the file each time.

More on Malware - Getting rid of Incredibar and MyStart

The other day, when researching free office software, my computer was infected with the malware, Incredibar.  Yes, in spite of the fact that  I have Malware Bytes and AVG antivirus software up-to-date and running!   I unstalled the malware Incredibar app from the Control Panel, but the malware had infected three of my web browsers :-( UGH!  I ran a complete 2 1/2 hour scan on the PC yesterday and found just one adware file.  It was deleted.This morning, I spent time getting rid of MyStart from Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Firefox.  Firefox proved to be the most challenging, but it turned out to be an easy fix.  With Firefox, you actually pull up the configuration window and delete each nasty file.

The amazing thing is that it did not install on Safari!  I had to go into each web browser and change the settings back to my preferred web page.

The good news is that there are several wonderful websites available to guide users to get rid of unwanted adware and malware.

Print from Your iPad or iPhone

Thinking back to what computing was like 20 or 30 years ago and compare it with today is mind-boggling!  When I read Rick Broida's MacWorld blog today about printing from the iPhone and iPad at http://www.macworld.com/article/2020470/print-to-dropbox-evernote-or-an-actual-printer-from-your-iphone-or-ipad.html  it reminded me of how printing options have changed since the release of the iPad and the recent iPhones.  Because I can create, edit, and print from the iPhone and iPad, I often do not need to carry a laptop.  There are a couple of printing options:

• ePrint printer that provides printing using WiFi or email
• Print apps

As Broida's blog noted above, a print app that costs $19.95 is much less than replacing a printer with an ePrint printer.  I believe that HP (Hewlett Packard) is still the only printer that provides ePrint services.  When you purchase an ePrint printer you can print using WiFi on a local network system.  You click on the Send To icon on the mobile device, select the available printer, and print.  

ePrint printers allow you to print using email.  Each printer has a unique email address.  Enter the email address, message, and click the send button.  This feature will print most any kind of documents that is attached to the email. 

Broida's blog discussed the FingerPrint app.  One of the commenters for his blog mentioned Printopia.  Both apps cost $19.95.  We can expect new options for printing from mobile devices in the future.  It is an amazing difference from the dot matrix printers of the past.

Translator Add-On for Safari

I have been triaging health sciences learning resources for MERLOT this morning using the Safari web browser on the Mac.  I noted that several of the recent additions were written in Hebrew and Spanish.  Since I did not have the Chrome web browser open, I decided to explore the translator add-on for Safari.  To get the translator go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions > Get Extensions.  Type translator is the search menu and then click on the install button.  After the translator is installed, it will show up as an icon in the URL address menu.  See the screen shot below that shows the gray icon labeled Word.

I used it to translate a neuroanatomy learning resource.  The translator auto-detects the language used for the website.  The translation to English was excellent!  Unfortunately, the translator does not work on website with PDF files.

Google Maps and the Apple App Store

Just yesterday, I wrote a blog about using Apple Maps and Siri. I noted that Apple maps directions did have an error for a Georgia highway.  Today, MacWorld reported that Google Maps is back in the Apple App store as of yesterday.  Sure enough - it is there! 

Apparently, Apple has recognized the problem with the Apple Maps software. The Apple Maps issues are not a problem for me when I am using the app in places where I know how to navigate without the app, but it has the potential of causing significant problems if you are going to an unknown place. 

Beware of Malware and Bloatware with Free Office Software

When writing the chapter on spreadsheets for my eBook, I researched free Office software that included a spreadsheet application.  Caution: LibreOffice was one that I found.  When I went to install it, I noticed that it was bundled with unwanted items (bloatware), so I cancelled the install immediately.  Unfortunately, it had already made changes to my computer!  It changed the apps that opened files, for example, .doc files would not open with Word.  It changed my search engine and default search page.  For example, it changed the search page to Incredibar.  I had to go to the Control Panel on the Windows PC to remove Incredibar malware. 

I decided to include the information in the eBook to warn others that I DO NOT recommend downloading LibreOffice.  Apparently, the problem may have been my own unique experience because a couple of days ago PC World was inviting users to test the app.  My recommendation for free office software is still OpenOffice. OpenOffice is now an Apache product. 

Apple - Find My iPhone Update

The Apple Find My iPhone app was updated on December 11th to include driving directions to the lost device!  I was curious to see how the app worked. To see the update changes, open the Find My iPhone app.  Click on the Devices button in the top left corner to select the device. You should see a green icon with a car (Driving Directions button)  to the left of the iPhone name.  Click on the button and Apple maps will open.  Click on the Direction button (top left corner) for driving directions.

I realize that Apple maps are still not perfect.  I have been using the Driving Directions app with Siri audio, just to test the app.  The other day, Siri instructed me to turn right on a particular highway number, but had the number wrong (off by one digit).  Fortunately, you can report map problems to Apple.  When you click on the curled paper on the bottom right corner of the Maps window, you can click on the Report a Problem link.  Caution - the Report a Problem is at the top in dark gray on gray font - so almost invisible :-).  

Chrome Extension - Saving an Image to Google Drive

Google Drive is fostering innovations for use. If you want to save a graphic to Google Drive with a single click of the mouse, it is possible with the Save to Google Drive extension for the Chrome web browser.  To add the extension, go to the  Customize and Control Google Chrome at the far right of the URL menu.

Select Tools > Extensions from the menu.  In the Search menu, type Save to Google Drive.  You should get a listing of extensions relating to saving and Google Drive.  Select on the Save to Google Drive extension and then click on the Install button.  Once it is installed. you should have the option to Save to Google Drive when you right-click on an image. 

Notice that I said it was a one-click procedure, not one second in time.   When you click on Save to Google Drive, the web browser is redirected to another window that asks for permission to add the image to your Google Drive account.  Still another window provides an option to rename the image.  When the image is saved, open up the Google Drive account to view it.  If the image you are using is from the web, you will want to adhere to any copyright issues for use.

If you are using Firefox, you can right-click and save an image to Evernote.  What is different is that Evernote will provide a URL for the image, not the image file.  If Evernote does note appear as a Save option, you can add it to the menu.

Converting a Video File Type

If you have been following my blog, you know that I am writing a book that will be published using iBooks Author on the Mac.  I plan to use Reflector app (http://www.reflectorapp.com) with AirPlay mirroring from the iPad to the Mac to capture video demonstrating the use of spreadsheet and database software for data analysis.  The default file type for Reflector video is .mov; however, iBooks Author requires the video to be a .m4v or .m4A file type (http://support.apple.com/kb/PH2838).

The conversion was very easy using iMovie!  The first thing I did was to import the .mov video into iMovie.  iMovie allows me to add any audio or text to explain what the video is depicting.  After editing the video, you click Share > Export Movie on the menu.  Because I am a video creator novice, that was initially counter intuitive for me.  I was  looking for an export or save as option on the File menu.  The screen shot below shows that Mobile is the default option for the Share > Export Movie menu selection.

The 45 second .mov file was 2.1 MB.  However, as shown below, the converted .m4v file was 438 KB - much smaller.  That means if I keep the video clips short, like 1-2 minutes, the eBook file size will not be bloated.

To test the video output, I dragged the video into iBooks Author and it worked!  So if you are working on the Mac and have iBooks Author, the free eBook app, and iMovie, you have everything you need to create movies for your iBooks Author eBook.

Mirroring the iPad on the Desktop Computer

In a previous blog, I talked about an inexpensive ($14.99) software application that allows you to mirror the iPad on the laptop or desktop computer.  The application resides on the laptop or desktop computer, but not on the iPad.  A recent email noted that the software, Reflection, has been renamed Reflector.  The updated website is at http://www.reflectorapp.com 

To begin the mirroring, the first thing you do is to open the Reflector app on the laptop or desktop computer.  Next, double-click on the Start button on the iPad where you see the menu showing all of the open apps.  Use your finger to slide that menu to the right where you see the menu to play music.  

You will see AirPlay icon (an icon with a blue rectangle outline and solid blue triangle) located to the left of the volume slider.  Click on the icon.  All of the AirPlay available devices will appear.  As a default, the iPad will have a checkmark.  Change the view to the laptop or desktop computer name where Reflector software is open.  The iPad image will automatically appear on the laptop or desktop computer screen.

I have used Reflector in a face-to-face class to demonstrate an iPad feature or software application.

Reflector also has the ability to record changes made on the iPad.  The movie is saved as a .mov file.  That is the good news.  I tested the recording function for 48 seconds.  The file size was 2.1 MB.  I would like to use the feature to create movies for the eBook I am writing.  The next catch is that the iBooks author video has to be a MP4 file.  That means converting the .mov file to MP4.  That process is another blog.

Customizing the Mac Computer Dock

Yesterday, over half of the readers for this blog are Mac users - amazing.  That make some sense because many of my more recent blogs relate to Apple products.  A couple of days ago, Chris Breen posted a new How-To blog on customizing the dock, where selected apps appear on Mac computers at http://www.macworld.com/article/2018708/mac-101-dealing-with-the-dock.html?page=2 .

The secret, once again, is in the System Preferences.  Many of us were originally Microsoft PC users.  When we migrated to Apple products, we tried to do everything like using Microsoft Windows.  Now that I use Windows and Apple operating systems almost equally, I find myself trying to work on a Windows PC like I do on the Mac, for example, mouse scrolling and finger gesturing.

Because Apple products are designed differently, the Mac experience can be initially frustrating. That is a good reason to explore Chris Breen's How-To postings.  Next week he will focus on System Preferences (analogous to the Control Panel in the Windows OS).  That should be a great How-To!

ISMP Website for Consumer Medication Safety

A recent email with the November issue of NurseAdvice-Err, an ISMP (Institute for Safe Mediation Practice) publication, had great information.  Many of the preventable hospital readmissions relate to health literacy and medication errors caused by patients who don't understand enough about what, how, and when to take medications.  Of course, it is more complicated than that.  The health literacy issue also relates to drug and food interactions.

The ISMP has developed a website, ConsumerMedSafety, at http://www.consumermedsafety.org/ to assist consumers to stay safe when taking medications.

There is consumer information on eleven high-alert medications at http://www.consumermedsafety.org/tools-and-resources/medication-safety-tools-and-resources

The medications are:

High-Alert Medications

• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Lovenox (enoxaparin)
• Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexal)
• Fentanyl Patch (Duragesic)
• Hydrocodone with Acetaminophen (Vicoden, Lorcet)

• Oxycodone with Acetaminophen (Percocet, Roxicet)
• Apidra (insulin glulisine)
• Humalog (insulin lispro)
• Lantus (insulin glargine)
• Levemir (insulin detemir)
• NovoLog (insulin aspart)

New Gmail App for iPhone and iPad

A Google blog posted yesterday discussed a new Gmail app for the iPhone and iPad. Yes, an app! I had not even considered using an app for mail as gmail is one of my email accounts set up using Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars.  The screen shots of the Gmail app looked very nice, so I downloaded the app to the iPad.  The Gmail app provides a very nice simple and colorful view of email, which is very different from the regular email app.  You may find it worth exploring, too.To read more and see some of the screenshots, go to
http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-gmail-app-for-iphone-and-ipad.html

Setting Notifications for the Mac Mountain Lion OS, iPhone, and iPod

If you have a Mac computer running Mountain Lion operating system (OS), an Apple mobile device, you probably are familiar with receiving notifications.  However, did you know that you can customize them?

On the Mac, go to the Apple icon in the top left corner of the screen > system preferences > Personal > Notifications.  On a mobile device, click the Settings icon > Notifications.  You can chose a calendar style alert, select which apps you want for notification, whether to show a badge icon (shows number of alerts), and whether to play a sound.  You can also specify the number of notifications that you prefer (1-20).

Kirk McElearn has a very nice article detailing the notification system for Mountain Lion OS at http://www.macworld.com/article/2015473/qanda-mountain-lion-s-notifications.html. 

Classifying the BMI Using the WHO Classification System with FileMaker Pro

In the previous blog, there was basic information for creating a calculation of the BMI in FileMaker Pro.

The Metabolic Syndrome database uses the World Health Organization (WHO) classification system online at http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dnpabmi/ and shown below.

The FileMaker Pro Formula is a nested formula that uses the BMI field in the Visit table.
The double quotes ("") around each classification level instructs FileMaker Pro output text, such as Obesity Class III. Note:  The Metabolic Database used the term "Overweight" instead of "Pre-Obese."

If (BMI >40; "Obesity Class III"; If (BMI>35; "Obesity Class II"; If(BMI>30; "Obesity Class I"; If (BMI>25; "Overweight"; If(BMI ≥ 18.5; "Normal"; If(BMI<18 .5=".5" nderweight="nderweight" p="p">
The data is displayed in the table as seen below.

Table 1: The International Classification of adult underweight, overweight and obesity according to BMI

Classification	BMI(kg/m2)
	Principal cut-off points	Additional cut-off points
Underweight	<18 .50=".50" b="b">	<18 .50=".50" b="b">
Severe thinness	<16 .00=".00" td="td">	<16 .00=".00" td="td">
Moderate thinness	16.00 - 16.99	16.00 - 16.99
Mild thinness	17.00 - 18.49	17.00 - 18.49
Normal range	18.50 - 24.99	18.50 - 22.99
		23.00 - 24.99
Overweight	≥25.00	≥25.00
Pre-obese	25.00 - 29.99	25.00 - 27.49
		27.50 - 29.99
Obese	≥30.00	≥30.00
Obese class I	30.00 - 34.99	30.00 - 32.49
		32.50 - 34.99
Obese class II	35.00 - 39.99	35.00 - 37.49
		37.50 - 39.99
Obese class III	≥40.00	≥40.00

FileMaker Pro - Calculating BMI

Kevin asked about calculating and classifying a BMI using FileMaker Pro.  The two formulas will be included in the tutorials for the eBook I am writing.  In this blog, I will describe how to calculate the BMI.  In the Metabolic Syndrome Database the patient's height in feet and inches are separate fields in the Patient table.  Generally, the height of an adult does not change.  However, Kevin, as a pediatric nursing practitioner student, should include height in the visit table.   A child's height will change with age.

Use the CDC BMI calculation appropriate for the client.  According to the CDC, the adult BMI formula is (Source: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/index.html )

Measurement Units	Formula and Calculation
Kilograms and meters (or centimeters)	Formula: weight (kg) / [height (m)]2 With the metric system, the formula for BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Since height is commonly measured in centimeters, divide height in centimeters by 100 to obtain height in meters. Example: Weight = 68 kg, Height = 165 cm (1.65 m) Calculation: 68 ÷ (1.65)2 = 24.98
Pounds and inches	Formula: weight (lb) / [height (in)]2 x 703 Calculate BMI by dividing weight in pounds (lbs) by height in inches (in) squared and multiplying by a conversion factor of 703. Example: Weight = 150 lbs, Height = 5'5" (65") Calculation: [150 ÷ (65)2] x 703 = 24.96

I prefer to create and edit FileMaker Pro tables from the File > Manage > Database view.  The first step is to instruct FileMaker that the field is a calculated value.  That instruction opens a window to enter the formula.  A really easy way to create the formula is to choose the fields from the pertinent tables from the tables drop-down menu.  You do not need to insert an equals sign (=) before a formula because FileMaker does that for you.

Next, I had to create a calculated field to determine height in inches.  The formula noted below in the Visit table is
(Patient::HtFt*12)+Patient::HtIn

The two :: tells FileMaker to obtain the value from the Patient table. HtFt and HtIn are two fields in the Patient table. The caret (^) is used to instruct FileMaker to square the height in inches.

The formula for BMI is (Weight * 703)/(Height In^2)

That is all there is to creating the BMI formula.  Kevin would need to use the BMI formula for children.  It can be adapted from http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dnpabmi/ 

Smart Searches with a Mac

Chris Breen posted a new blog a couple of days ago on how to conduct "smart searches" with a Mac.  I learned a new search process that will definitely be helpful in the future.  If you are using a Windows PC, you may have searched for file by type and time.  The Mac allows us to do that same thing - but better.  Why?  Because you can keep the "smart searches" and they will continually update as you make changes on your Mac.  To learn how to do "smart searches" be sure to read his blog at http://www.macworld.com/article/2016043/mac-101-smart-searching.html

Zotero Software and the Mobile Devices - Updated

Martha sent me a link from the Chronicle that discussed a way to use Zotero on the iPad.  Good information but the save process in the original article was flawed. Adam's comment for this blog post provided the updated article URL at http://chronicle.com/blogs/profhacker/the-zotero-bookmarklet-for-the-ipad-and-iphone/44490

The corrected process worked!  I dragged the "Save to Zotero" button to Safari bookmarklets. When I clicked the bookmarklet, the webpage was saved to Zotero.  It even picked up the fact that the webpage was a blog!  See the screenshot below:

Note:  Zotero is now a standalone app for Mac and Microsoft Windows computers.

The good news is that the process provided the opportunity to explore citation software and iPad integration. The not so good news is that development is not a one-click solution as of yet.   The resources I found are:

• ZotPad ($9.99) - allows access to Zotero libraries from a mobile device.  It is available from the Apple app store at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zotpad/id497260579?mt=8 
• BibUp (free) - has a barcode reader to scan in the name and author(s) of books.  Afterwards, you have to use other steps to get the rest of the citation data. It is available from the Apple app store at https://itunes.apple.com/app/bibup-universite-de-fribourg/id418304170?mt=8  Interesting - that I could not find it using the app store search tool, but had to search on the Internet and follow the cookie trail into the back door of the app store.

For additional information about Zotero and mobile devices, go to http://www.zotero.org/support/mobile

eBook Progress

I have been writing an eBook, Introduction to Data Analysis for Healthcare Professionals: Spreadsheet and Database Applications, for several weeks. As noted previously, the plan is to have the book in the Apple iBooks store at no charge.  I plan to use iBooks Author, so for the moment, am writing the book using MS Word.  To prepare the text for iBooks Author, I will save the text as a text file (.txt).  Once the final draft is completed, I will copy the text into iBooks Author.  The next steps will be to add the graphics and video files. I will design the videos as the last.The videos will be created using ScreenFlow.

I am considering publishing a version in the Amazon bookstore as an ePub file.  I will copy the text from MS Word into Apple iWork Pages and save the file in the ePub format. Of course the ePub book will not have the interactive features that are possible with iBooks Author. 

I have chapters about spreadsheets and databases in a good working draft form.  I have started a chapter on using FileMaker Pro tutorials.  I will be covering the following:

• Spreadsheet software
• Microsoft (MS) Excel
• Apple iWork Numbers
• Google Drive Spreadsheets
• Free spreadsheet software (desktop and cloud apps)
•  Database software
• FileMaker Pro (available for  MS Windows and Mac PCs - about, includes history
• FileMaker Go
• MS Access - about, includes history
• Free database software (desktop and cloud apps)
• Spreadsheet tutorials for using
• MS Excel
• Apple iWork Numbers
• Google Drive Spreadsheets
• Database tutorials for using
• FileMaker Pro for the Mac (MS Windows users should be able to find equivalent menus)
• FileMaker Go
• MS Access

I welcome any suggestions for the eBook. 

Google Drive Update - Share Files Up to 10GB in Size

A few weeks ago, I noted that Google Drive, which was released in April 2012, is an app (similar to Dropbox) for desktop (Mac & Microsoft Windows) and mobile devices.  According to a Google blog post yesterday, Google now provides the ability to upload files up to 10 GB in size! That places a whole new facet for sharing.  For more information, read the blog at http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/gmail-and-drive-new-way-to-send-files.html

If I am interpreting the information correctly, the recipients would need to have a gmail address.  Notice that Microsoft recently announced changes to SkyDrive.  With resources such as Google Drive, SkyDrive, and Dropbox, it means is that we have more choices for sharing files and syncing  them with the cloud.   Enjoy!

Creating a touchscreen glove to the iPad, iPod, or iPhone

I read a DIY column today about how to sew a few stitches of conductive thread into the finger tip of a glove so that you do not have to remove the glove to use the mobile device.  Actually there are several blog tutorials and YouTube videos on the topic.  One blog is at http://www.geek.com/articles/gadgets/diy-make-any-pair-of-gloves-touchscreen-capable-with-just-a-couple-stitches-of-thread-20091130/ 

From what I read the conductive thread is "hairy" as it is made metal fiber - so the recommendation is to wax the thread before threading a needle and sewing a few stitches in the tip of the glove.  You can purchase small amounts of thread for less than $3.00 (excluding any shipping charges).  One example is  http://www.karlssonrobotics.com/shop/conductive-thread-bobbin-30ft/?gclid=CO7MlJDD8rMCFQu0nQodTxwAtw 

Of course you can search the Internet yourself using the search word "conductive thread."  

Creating Sparklines with Google Drive Spreadsheets

In my spare time over the last few days, I have been working on my eBook about data analysis apps.  I discovered that Google Drive Spreadsheet allow users to create Sparklines!  Sparklines allow us to visualize trends within a single spreadsheet cell.  For example, you could show a trend for hemaglobin A1C, blood sugars, any blood chemistry value, or body temperature changes.  There is a great video on the topic by Google Gooru on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDB_TKcHh_0&feature=player_embeddedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDB_TKcHh_0&feature=player_embedded

Search Techniques for a Mac

Today, it is Thanksgiving here in the United States.  I just finished preparing all of the family favorite foods for a turkey and dressing dinner this evening, so have time post a blog.

Chris Been just posted a great article on how to search using a Mac on MacWorld at http://www.macworld.com/article/2014722/mac-101-seek-and-find.html.  If you are new to the Mac you may have overlooked the magnifying glass, called Spotlight, at the top right corner of the home screen.  Chris goes over some search techniques that many of use may have overlooked.

Did you know that you can search by key word, for example, name, author, kind, and/or date? To search by author, you would type author: Sewell. To search by author and kind, you would type author: Sewell  kind:image.  Furthermore, like on the Windows PC, you can specify where you want to search. 

Apple Numbers Spreadsheet Software Tutorials

I am working on writing my eBook for the ePublishing project.  One of the spreadsheet software discussed in the book will be Apple Numbers from iWork.  It is fascinating to see the differences between Numbers and Excel.  The most significant difference is that Numbers allows the user to have a "canvas" where multiple tables (individual spreadsheets) and charts can be displayed.  The second most notable difference is the ease at which the user can change the display of data.  The third big difference is the number of templates for the user to choose from when opening the program. Excel users will be pleasantly surprised.

There are a number of tutorials for learning Numbers.  The Apple iWork website has a number of short tutorials at https://www.apple.com/iwork/tutorials/#numbers

Of course, YouTube is always a great source for tutorials.  Other tutorials can be located at Lynda.com.  I will be posting some of the Lynda.com tutorials that can be shared on this blog, although they are all probably available on YouTube, too.

The Lynda.com Essentials tutorial is online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Uq_DYR0Vi8
I have embedded that video below.

Call for Papers - 6th Annual Emerging Technologies for Online Learning International Symposium

Dear Readers:

As a track chair for the 6th Annual Emerging Technologies for Online Learning International Symposium (April 9-11, - Planet Hollywood Resort- Las Vegas), I would like to bring to your attention our Call for Presentations and invite you to submit a proposal. The Emerging Technologies for Online Learning International Symposium, a joint Symposium of Sloan Consortium and MERLOT, is designed to bring together individuals interested in the review and evaluation of online teaching and learning technologies. Proposals for presentations must be submitted by December 10, 2012 at http://sloanconsortium.org/conference/2013/et4online/call-for-presentations .

The ET4Online Symposium offers you an opportunity to study best practices, understand applications, discover new technologies, and connect to others who share a love for and belief in the promise of educational technology.  In 2012 the symposium developed a new mission statement designed to emphasize the innovation and invention that is the focus of the conference: A conference devoted to the emerging and innovative uses of technology designed to improve teaching and learning online.  Symposium tracks highlight and demonstrate research, application and effective practices and noteworthy technological tools in the following areas:

·         Learning Spaces and Communities

·         Open and Accessible Learning  

·         Evidence-based Learning  

·         Faculty and Student Development

·         Innovative Media and Tools

Faculty, students, instructional designers, instructional technologists and academic administrators are encouraged to submit proposals which are engaging, informative and interactive. These sessions can be targeted to all attendees or beginners, intermediates, or experts.

If you are interested in submitting a proposal for this conference, plan to join us for our FREE webinar “Five Tips on How to Submit a Successful Conference Proposal”.  The goal of this webinar is to assist you in submitting a successful abstract to the Call for Presentations.

November 29, 2012 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm (Eastern Time)

For today’s educator, selection as a conference presenter is often required in order to attend a conference. For every online learning conference, educators submit and conference committees evaluate hundreds of proposals in order to create a robust program for conference attendees. The number of proposals accepted for a conference depends on program size, topics covered and quality of abstracts submitted. Join this free webinar to learn from experts on the Sloan Consortium and MERLOT Conference Team what they are looking for in proposal submissions. Topics covered will include the importance of topic selection, what reviewers look for in a proposal submission, and tips from track chairs on how final selections are made.  Please login or register to sign up for this webinar.

New Microsoft SkyDrive Sync Feature

Microsoft has updated SkyDrive to allow users to sync files, but the feature is only available for PC users with Windows 7, 8, and Mac OSx.  According to the article below, the feature has some interesting features.  For example you must sync a folder or all loose files.  You cannot select which particular file to sync. I cannot replicate the feature yet, because today I am working on a laptop with Windows XP.  The sync feature would be helpful for those:

• Using a device with limited storage
• Needing to have an iCloud backup

You can read more at http://www.pcworld.com/article/2014283/microsoft-adds-selective-sync-to-skydrive-cloud-storage.html

Interesting, that although I had initially signed up the the (cannot remember - believe it was 25 GB) of storage and then told Microsoft that I wanted to maintain that storage, I am now limited to 7 GB.  When SkyDrive was first offered, it also provided Office web apps.  That feature is not available today on this computer. 

Making the Mac Easier to View

A colleague using a 17" MacBook Pro asked for advice on making the screen easier to view.  Believe that the easiest fix is to change the screen resolution (similar to what is done on a Windows computer).  The percentage of viewers for this blog is up significantly to 40%, so thought that the information might be helpful.

Here is how to change the resolution:

• From the homepage click on the Apple icon
• Click System Preferences
• Click Display
• Click Scaled Resolution
• Click on the icon of your preference

Of course, if you are viewing a webpage, you can make it larger or smaller by clicking the Command key plus either the Plus or Minus key to alter the view.  On a windows computer, click the CTRL and Plus or Minus to alter the view.

iBooks Author - Another Video Tutorial from Kinetic-Media

Now that iBooks Author has been available for a few months, there are additional resources for learning how to use it.  Jeff Batt from Kinetic-Media recorded his 1-hour session on using iBooks Author and posted on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D0tPNeXXro.  I have embedded the presentation below.

If you are considering doing a workshop on how to use iBooks Author - beware of potential bandwidth problems if you want the participants to access the Internet.  When I co-presented on using iBooks Author at the Sloan C/MERLOT conference last July,  bandwidth issues were significant.  Participants were attempting to download the software, but could not.  That is a reason to consider recording your session, like Jeff did.  Of course, if we had anticipated the issue, we could have asked participants to download the software ahead of time.

Note, there is a 2.33 minute advertisement that you can skip to view the video.

iBooks Author - Learning More

At our last ePublishing meeting a couple of weeks ago, JW recommended reviewing Lynda.com for the video tutorials on iBooks Author.  After reviewing about half of the 5+ hour tutorials - I completely agree.  The tutorials provide a visual approach to creating eBooks with iBooks Author.  I clearly see now how to keep the approach simple. Basically, the "easy" approach is to create a folder with all of the files used for the book:

• Chapter titles and subtitles
• Section titles and subtitles
• Chapter pages text
• Photos/screenshots
• Videos
• Other

You can use text from:

• Text files
• Pages word processing files
• Word word processing files

I do not see any advantage of using Pages or Word file types if you have already created chapters using iBooks Author because when you import the documents, they are imported as a chapter and you have to clean the information up.  Of course, you could create all of your chapters in either Pages or Word.  That said, using text (.txt) files is easy because when you slide over or copy/paste the .txt info, iBooks Author defaults to the text file type used for the book.

If you don't have access to Lynda.com or want to purchase access to the video tutorials - there is a free solution.  Learn iBooks Author by DIY Journo  has created many (25 as of this writing) short tutorials. To view a menu of the tutorials, go to http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5F5025728444BBA5&feature=plcp

Remember that iBooks Author is available only for the Mac.  I realize that less than 10% of my readers are Mac users.  If you are a Windows PC user, consider using a word processor to create your eBook.  There are applications available to save the file to an ePub file type where it can be distributed to eBook stores such as Amazon and Apple iBooks.

The book I am writing is entitled Data Analysis for Healthcare Professionals: Spreadsheet and Database Applications. It will address the many types of spreadsheet applications, but focus on Excel.  It will also demonstrate use of FileMaker Pro and Excel, but focus on FileMaker Pro because it works on a Windows PC, the Mac, and the iPad.  I plan to incorporate video tutorials and lots of screenshots. Hopefully, a working draft will be available for a course I am teaching spring semester.  Of course, the final eBook will be free and hopefully available from the Apple iBooks Store.  A couple ePublishing team members are writing eBooks on statistics.  Perhaps my eBook will complement their works.

If readers of this blog have suggestions about content they envision for the eBook - please share!