TeachOIT: a Blog for People Who Teach with Technology

In the third of a four-part “Audio/Video Gadgets”  series Tony and JC discuss the Logitech USB headset. The Logitech headset is a good piece of equipment for those looking to get started with recording audio for presentations, podcasting, and digital stories. Listen to the full review to hear about the strengths of this device and to figure out if this would be a useful device for you. 

TeachOIT-Podcast-06-Gadget03-LogitechHS.mp3 (4 minutes)

TeachOIT Podcast #6: Equipment Review: Logitech USB Headset 

Technical Details on the Logitech USB Headset

USB Headset
Approximate price: $35 

Features:

• Padded headband and ear pads
• Rotating, noise-canceling microphone
• built-in volume and mute controls
• Compatible with Windows and Mac OS X

 Recording Usage:

• Suitable for recording one person wearing the headset, good for use in podcasting and recording voice-overs for presentations and digital stories. 

In the second of a four-part “Audio/Video Gadgets”  series Tony and JC discuss the “Mikey” Mirophone by Blue. The Mikey is a small compact microphone that attaches to an iPod for recording audio on the go. Listen to the full review to hear about the strengths of this device and to figure out if this would be a useful device for you. 

In the first of a four-part “Audio/Video Gadgets”  series Tony and JC discuss the Snowball Microphone by Blue. The Snowball is a USB microphone that is well suited to a variety of podcasting and digital audio activities. Listen to the full review to hear about the strengths of this device and to figure out if this would be a useful device for you. 

TeachOIT-Podcast-04-Gadget01-Snowball.mp3 (4 minutes 30 seconds)

TeachOIT Podcast #4: Equipment review: Snowball Microphone from Blue

Details on the Blue Snowball Microphone:

USB Microphone
Approximate cost: $70

Features:

•       Plug-and-play USB mic connects to either a Mac or PC (though no drivers for Windows Vista)
•       Dual capsule design and unique three-pattern switch can handle a variety of recording applications
•       Swivel mount located on the bottom center of the mic body
•       No additional software required
•       Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 5 inches
•       Wt: 2.5 pounds

Recording Usage:

•       Podcasts, voice-overs, live music, interviews, ambient sound 

In the second of our two-part podcast series “Catching Up with Emerging Technologies” Tony and Fred discuss two OIT services: the online file storage tool UDrive, and the Blogs at UMass Amherst service. What are the best ways to use these tools and how are instructors using them? Listen and find out!

TeachOIT-Podcast-03-EmergingTech2.mp3

TeachOIT Podcast Episode 03: UDrive and UMass Blogs

Learn more:

UDrive: easy-to-use, Web-based file storage and sharing system. 

Blogs at UMass Amherst:OIT’s blogging service is open to all students, faculty, and staff at UMass Amherst. 

Podcast Opening/Closing music is “The Future Soon” by Jonathan Coulton, used under a Creative Commons license. 

In the first of our two-part series “Catching Up with Emerging Technologies” Tony and Fred discuss the social bookmarking tool Delicious. Why should you care about social bookmarking? Listen and find out!

TeachOIT Podcast #2 (10 minutes)

TeachOIT Podcast Episode 02: Delicious 

More about social bookmarking with Delicious:

Social Bookmarking in Plain English 

7 Things You Should Know About Social Bookmarking

Podcast Opening/Closing music is “The Future Soon” by Jonathan Coulton, used under a Creative Commons license. 

In this first episode of the TeachOIT podcast, Tony and JC discuss Digital Storytelling and share advice for instructors considering using it in their teaching. Listen to find out how Digital Storytelling is being used at UMass Amherst and how you can implement it successfully.

TeachOITPodcast-DigitalStory01.mp3 (17 minutes)

TeachOIT Podcast Episode 01:Digital Storytelling

Read more about Digital Storytelling on the TeachOIT blog.