http://blog.dearbornschools.org/webmaster Dearborn Public Schools Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:12:00 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Click to enlarge the DimDim Interface example. I just finished a test of the version 3.5 version of DimDim and I was amazed with how far they have come!  In their next release (v4), they have promised Mac Compatibility with screencasting as well as the ability to record meetings!!! Being able ... http://blog.dearbornschools.org/webmaster/2008/07/23/dimdim-agian/ I do not know what the payoff will be for allowing teachers access to a web conferencing service, but I am determined to give it a try.  The service will provide an opportunity to connect with live video and VOIP with desktop and file sharing capabilities.  This can be used ... http://blog.dearbornschools.org/webmaster/2008/07/23/still-working-on-the-summer-projects/ Looking to spruce up your website?  This is a good tutorial on how to do it.  It explains the concepts and design elements to create a good looking web 2.0 website.  There are some rules to follow and some things you can do to simplify and enhance your website.  Web2 ... http://blog.dearbornschools.org/webmaster/2008/07/10/web-20-design-tutorial/ With summer in full swing, I decided it was time to leave "smurfville".  Smurfville is what I affectionately called my previous color scheme because it was basically blue and grey.  Not very exciting.  The new look is orange, green/lime, cream, and silver/white look.  It's very summerish in nature.  As an ... http://blog.dearbornschools.org/webmaster/2008/07/10/fresh-new-colors/ We are currently using several open source web apps in our district website which might be of interest to you.  Here is a look at what we have so far and what we plan to add.  These programs provide many web 2.0 features and allow the district to maintain some ... http://blog.dearbornschools.org/webmaster/2008/07/09/current-technology-used-in-the-district-website/ We just implemented a new search feature for our district website.  I can control the websites and sub-domains  it indexes and can somewhat control how the search engine functions.  It is an exciting little project that might have some benefit when trying to get the public to use the website.  ... http://blog.dearbornschools.org/webmaster/2008/06/17/custom-search-engine/ It’s been awhile since I have done any updating, but here is the summer projects I am working on: Moodle Upgrade to version 1.9 Mahara Student ePortfolio and Community System Photo Sharing Website for staff SchoolMatters and PTSA website portals D-Tube Video Sharing Upgrade to latest version Some of the summer projects are already in BETA ... http://blog.dearbornschools.org/webmaster/2008/05/27/summer-projects/ Many people download and install Google or Yahoo toolbars that appear in the top of their browser.  They provide useful information and keep visitors returning via the links and promotional items they can push out directly into the users browser. Using a third party, we at Dearborn Public Schools are now ... http://blog.dearbornschools.org/webmaster/2008/05/06/dearborn-public-schools-browser-toolbar/ It looks like I may be involved with several very talented teachers and support staff in producing an Online  Parent Academy.  The project is just taking shape, but we plan to use the latest in web technology to produce an interactive training system for parents.  The project will focus on ... http://blog.dearbornschools.org/webmaster/2008/04/30/parent-and-student-reading-academy/ Introducing uTV! We pick several videos of interest from D-Tube and play them back on cable TV. Now creative students can have a media outlet to express their educational knowledge. Check Out D-Tube Today... You never know what video will appear on TV! DTube Video Website Watch Our Cable ... http://blog.dearbornschools.org/webmaster/2008/04/23/utv-the-d-tube-video-hour-on-tv/