Techie Thomas

Where in the World is Gizmoz?

Denise Thomas — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:45:15 +0000

At one time we were wondering where Hall was in the world. Now I am looking for the original Gizmoz site. It is gone. The original site was used to create the famous Gizmoz Girl . I used this Gizmoz clip in most of my videos. At one point I found the Beta version of Gizmoz however they caught me and fixed it so I would could not access it. So where oh where is the original Gizmoz site?

I sent a letter using the contact section of the current Gizmoz site asking them where it went and will they offer the original site to educators. Below is the letter. I will keep you posted with the response.

Hi,

I am very curious about what happened to the original Gizmoz site? I used that site quite frequently as an instructional technology specialist. The Gizmoz clips were perfect for teachers to use and to incorporate into their daily instruction. I used the site to create quick clips that I downloaded then uploaded into Windows Movie Maker along with Discovery Streaming videos (currently have rights to do so). The combination of these items allowed me to create instructional tools for teachers to use within their classrooms. Please, if possible, bring back the beta site for educators to use. Thank you for reading. I look forward to a speedy response. Have a wonderful day!

Denise Thomas

What does the file extension .hd2 mean?

Denise Thomas — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:09:51 +0000

Have you ever wondered what a particular file extension meant? Have you ever received a file and didn’t know what kind of file it was? Have you ever needed to convert a file and didn’t know which extension to use for the conversion? Well this site, the File Extension Resource will help. Click on a letter once you reach the site and it will provide you with the file extension, its file type and a brief description of what the extension means. When you click on the # symbol you will see extensions that begin with numbers or symbols. You can use the left sidebar to locate file extensions by file type (which may save time) So, according to this resource .hd2 is a 3D image file type, which is a Poser Hand Pose File (whatever that means) :-). Can you find this one? .q9r

Have fun!

A Great Start to the Year!

Denise Thomas — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:49:19 +0000

Hello everyone,

I hope everyone had a wonderful summer and a great start to the new school year. I am excited because I’m starting without a cast (I had a cast for three months then therapy for 7). I had the opporunity to rest and to also enjoy having both of my college kids home at the same time. Yeah, can you believe that… I actually enjoyed it.

I have several people to email and some to send videos so bear with me as I get these items sent. Oh Lance, I also owe you a post.

So everyone enjoy this school year and let’s get ready to (uh! not to rumble) increase our STAR potential.

Photos from DEN Event-ETLC

Denise Thomas — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 23:15:45 +0000

Here are the photos from ETLC, Roanoke, VA. The booth was small but Alex, Matt and Darnai were able to attract a lot of attention . Later that day I attended the DEN hospitality event from 6-9 pm. I was able to encourage several of my colleagues to attend . In fact, Diane and I were able to get two of our colleagues to join the DEN. If you want to see more, locate Discovery Educator Network group on Flickr (unable to see right now-not sure if someone has to release them. I can see them when I log in).

PS. The food was delicious and the Discovery Holiday game and prizes were great!

i-Report from ETLC: Roanoke, VA

Denise Thomas — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:53:41 +0000

Hello everyone,

The ETLC is being held in Roanoke, VA at the Hotel Roanoke. Of course, my room isn’t in the hotel but more on that later. The sessions are great but so far the best thing was seeing Matt, Darnai, and Alex from Discovery. They are located at what appears to be the smallest booth in the vendors area. I will post a picture tonight.

Now, the hotel. I’m staying at the MainStay. All rooms have a full kitchen but you don’t have to worry about food. Breakfast is served every morning and two employees provided the hotel guest with a home cooked meal last night from 5-6:30. The couple stated they do this every Wednesday. Yummmmy. It was simply delicious. Hmm! Enough about food. Well, more on the conference later tonight.

Discovery Writing Prompt Builder is SUPER!

Denise Thomas — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:41:17 +0000

Have you tried this yet? If not, then I suggest you do. It took me fifteen minutes to build this prompt. You can pull up the the site ahead of time as a activity for the students to complete while you are conducting a reading group. It can be assigned as a homework assignment (be sure all students have internet at home). All they have to do is type in their first and last name, watch the videos then complete the prompt. It is simple. If I can do this prompt with one hand in fifteen minutes (cast on the other due to a fractured wrist), then you should be able to do it in less time. Go ahead, MAKE A PROMPT!

Internet Safety-Presentation

Denise Thomas — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 23:47:41 +0000

My presentation at a Technology Fair for Private Schools in Norfolk, VA was about Internet Safety. I sat up last night trying to think of a simple way to explain how to implement into schools. The Virginia Department of Education published a wonderful resource aligning Internet Safety with VA Standards of Learning. My district, Norfolk Public Schools, published an Internet Safety Manual (will link updated version as soon as it is uploaded to the website-blog won’t let me upload) that is aligned with VDOE guidelines. The manual includes daily tips that are read to students via daily news shows or PA system (hopefully all schools are using something other than the PA system to deliver news and information).

My Internet Safety Presentation (some links may not work from blog) stated the “why” and “how’ Internet Safety can be taught in schools. I started out with the videos (link to other video) that can be found on the Norfolk Public Schools Internet Safety Forum website. After I established the “why” I discussed the 2006 General Assembly approved legislation for Internet Safety . After the “why” I discussed “how” to begin implementation after looking at the following: school/district policy, student expectations (scroll down to computer access), and consequences. I finished by referencing several resources and websites. My presentation was well received so I believe I will present this information again-maybe at VSTE.

Thank You

Denise Thomas — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:35:33 +0000

Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week. When I was a teacher with my own classroom, I remember the great gifts I received from my students and parents. My students would bring in pictures they drew or colored from coloring books. Parents would send in personal notes or small gifts. I have the mugs from my favorite students. A set of ceramic dogs sit on my mantel reminding me of the student who gave them to me. Therefore, this blog is to thank all of the students that passed through my classroom allowing me to have a positive impact on their lives. It is to thank the parents allowing me to educate their children.

Now as an instructional technology resource teacher, my impact is different. My job is to influence how teachers use technology to enhance their lessons. So, the drawings and special mugs do not come my way anymore. This blog is to also thank Discovery and partners for the great products offered to us last week. It is nice to know someone loves us “Techies”, providing us with the digital tools we need to prepare students with 21st Century Skills.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Creating a Gizmoz

Denise Thomas — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 07:52:41 +0000

It is now 1:28 in the morning and I just finished the Gizmoz tr aining video showing you how I created my famous Gizmoz clip discussed in Media Matters. It is a free site so don’t forget to register. Finally, this video is not for instructional use. It is designed to give you a brief overview about how to create a Gizmoz clip. Have fun!

Norfolk ITRTs Rock!

Denise Thomas — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 02:20:15 +0000

Most of Norfolk Public Schools Instructional Technology Resource Teachers (ITRT) have completed the PBS Teacherline International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Capstone Certificate Program (yes, I’m one of them). This program is just one of many professional development activities provided by my department. Was it easy? NO. Would I do it again? Yes!!!!

I’m in the picture somewhere. Article/Advertisement

I completed this project while working on my Master’s Degree (18 months of intense school work-for the Master’s). My Capstone I Project