Comments for Katie Manzanares' Weblog

Comment on Smart Board vs Mimio vs Wiimote by jeff otto

jeff otto — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 02:08:13 +0000

I truley apologize for my previous post, I apparently didn’t have my browser refreshed or something, and jumped to the conclusion that this site was being “biased” and “censored”. On the upside, I used the Wii remote several times today and again, no issues. What I do recommend if using this Wii tool is to be aware of a useful utility that Windows has built in for accessibility. It is called “On-screen Keyboard”, and can be found by going to Start, All Programs, Accessories, Accessibly and finally On-Screen Keyboard. I also found it helpful when using “Paint” was to change the working area by increasing the whitespace – this can be done by clicking on Image, then attributes. You can then save your written notes for later use – or print out multiple copies.

Comment on Smart Board vs Mimio vs Wiimote by jeff otto

jeff otto — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 01:59:04 +0000

It’s funny how someone like me can leave true and honest feedback, and it gets deleted, wow. I was providing accurate and true information based on my experience with the technologies and it was deleted. Pretty poor judgment considering people are trying to find accurate information on both technologies. At least make it clear that you don’t need to buy a $300 Wii system. It is kind of implied by Alison, but not “confirmed”.

Comment on Smart Board vs Mimio vs Wiimote by Jeff Otto

Jeff Otto — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 03:45:36 +0000

A few notes on the Wiimote… To use the Wii setup, all you need is the Wii Remote ($40 – don’t need entire Wii system), a Bluetooth Dongle ($20 and only if your computer doesn’t have it built in), and an IR pen ($10 or make one). I just built and tried this out this weekend and it works great! My computer has built in bluetooth, so I only spent about $50. Highly recommend – big bang for the buck and worked great. I liked the java program located here http://www.uweschmidt.org/wiimote-whiteboard
The site blow has pictures of what you need.
http://www.classroom20.com/forum/topics/my-wiimote-whiteboard?page=1&commentId=649749%3AComment%3A305318&x=1#649749Comment305318

Yes, you really can do this for under $75! And it’s not too difficult to do.

Comment on Smart Board vs Mimio vs Wiimote by Tony

Tony — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 20:42:53 +0000

I just built a Wii-board for my school. Total cost: $75.31 including taxes. No need to buy the Wii system, just the remote. There are tons of online resources about this now.

Comment on Smart Board vs Mimio vs Wiimote by chris

chris — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:46:37 +0000

You don’t need to buy the whole Wii system, just the Wii Remotes, so for about $40.00 US for the Wii Remote, $16.00 for a USB-> bluetooth adapter and another $5.00 for the pen system, you have a complete whiteboard system. Also, the Wii can do multi touch, so multiple users at the same time.
At atbout $60.00US per unit, you can outfit 10 classrooms for about the same price as a Mimeo with a few extras. When looking for the biggest educational bang for the buck, the Wii system is an easy choice.

Search for Johnny Lee Wii for more details and also check out the instructional videos from
Nipsing in Onterio Canada for lots of great info and resources!

Cheers!

Comment on Smart Board vs Mimio vs Wiimote by HogieWan

HogieWan — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:00:11 +0000

You do not need to purchase a Wii to use the wiimote, but you do need a bluetooth receiver on the computer.

Comment on Smart Board vs Mimio vs Wiimote by Alison

Alison — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:21:54 +0000

Hi, Kevin is grading this weeks blog but I was looking for final projects and found this. Interesting analysis. I like the minios also but in a sort time I was in the TIE course before the web went down, I got the impression you did not need to buy the Wii and the total cost was about $100. A friend told me I could just find the instructions on Youtube. Check it out. Alison

Comment on Smart Board vs Mimio vs Wiimote by Sorensen

Sorensen — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:31:41 +0000

If you want some tips for using your smartboard, visit SMART’s new user community http://exchange.smarttech.com/forum

Comment on Upgrades by kevin

kevin — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:54:05 +0000

You’re definitely right about computers and technology constantly being improved. There are typically multiple hardware releases per year that are implemented into new systems put out by computer manufacturers. Of course the issue is always $$. A new system often is much more than a simple upgrade. The decision comes in once you know what your dad needs to ‘do’ w/ his system. If he needs a wireless card, a DVD burner and memory.. likely yes that money might be better spent towards a newer system. The Mac issue would be another factor, but lucky for him he has a ‘wonderful daughter’ who’s going to be his tech support!

Comment on Tech Gadgets Etc. by asaylor

asaylor — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:44:14 +0000

Thanks for sharing these other uses for podcasting. I love the advancements in reading literacy examples. I hope you’ll share these with the class when we meet again. The video penpalls is also cool. An Australian peer does what does your backyard look like, it exchanges a lot of information. Being able to present knowledge in digital formats is a critical literacy for our students who should be producers, not just consumers of the digital information. See you in 2 weeks. Alison