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Upcoming Seminars
Take the time to learn! Sign up now for Using Technology in Physical Education Seminars - click here for one day seminars:
- September 24, 2007 - Nashville, TN
- September 26, 2007 - Charlotte, NC
- September 28, 2007 - Savannah, GA
Click here for two-day seminars and learn more:
- October 23-24, 2007 - Buena Park, CA (new 2-day seminar)
- November 12-13, 2007- Newark, NJ (new 2-day seminar)
- March 17-18, 2008 - Chicago, IL (new 2-day seminar)
- March 20-21, 2008 - Milwaukee, WI (new 2-day seminar)
Sign up now for Teaching Standards-Based Middle School Physical Education - click here:
- December 4, 2007 - Buena Park, CA
- December 6, 2007 - Burbank, CA
Here is what participants are saying about these seminars:
"This course has given us a lot of the tools and resources we need to bring our current class offerings up to a “distinction” level."
"Thank you for your direction and inspiration."
Can't attend - you can still purchase the presentation on CD to watch at your leisure.
You can also visit with Bonnie at the following upcoming conferences and events:
PA AHPERD - 2007
California AHPERD - 2008
AAHPERD - 2008
Featured Articles
The GPS
A Global Positioning System (GPS) shows your approximate position on the Earth. The GPS has three parts: the space segment, the user segment, and the control segment. The space segment consists of 24 satellites, each in its own orbit 11,000 nautical miles above the Earth. The user segment consists of ground stations (five of them, located around the world) that make sure the satellites are working properly. The GPS satellites each take 12 hours to orbit the Earth. Each satellite is equipped with an accurate clock that allows it to broadcast signals coupled with a precise time message. The ground unit receives the satellite signal, which travels at the speed of light. Even at this speed, the signal takes a measurable amount of time to reach the receiver. The difference between the time the signal is sent and the time it is received, multiplied by the speed of light, enables the receiver to calculate the distance to the satellite. To measure precise latitude, longitude, and altitude, the receiver measures the time it takes for the signals from four separate satellites to get to the receiver. The GPS system tells you your location anywhere on or above the Earth to within about 10 feet. Even greater accuracy, usually within less than three feet, can be obtained with corrections calculated by a GPS receiver at a known fixed location.
There are basically two types of GPS—a self-contained unit and a device that attaches to a laptop or handheld computer. However, even several of the self-contained units are capable of downloading and uploading data to a personal computer. A GPS is an excellent device for orienteering, camping, and hiking units. Other applications include calculating running speeds, object trajectories, and energy expenditure. These data are then used for analysis of movement or physical activity.
When selecting a GPS, look for:
Screen brightness - make sure the screen is visible in bright daylight.
Ports - most models today have USB ports and will connect to virtually all computers.
Bluetooth - this wireless interface is useful if you don't want to deal with a USB cable.
Radio Strength - more expensive GPSs typically have stronger receivers and perform better in situations when the view of the sky is restricted.
Maps - GPS units often come with different maps - make sure the one you are purchasing has the maps you want.
Battery Life - check the estimated life of batteries - look for the longest lasting batteries.
Time to First Fix - this measure indicates how quickly the receiver will lock on to the satellite signals. Faster is better!
Click logo for more info on curriculum!
Scanners
A scanner works like a copy machine, except that the image (graphic or text) is copied into your computer and stored as digital data. When looking for a scanner, consider the resolution (the fineness of the image). The lower the resolution, the more grainy the image. Resolutions of 1200x1200 dots per inch (dpi) or higher with 48-bit recognition are recommended.
The bit recognition refers to the scanner’s ability to capture brightness and extra colors. Scanners come in three basic types: flatbed, sheet-fed, and handheld. The flatbed is the most popular and produces the sharpest image. A sheet-fed scanner, which resembles a printer,
remains stationary while the paper is rolled across it. This means that sheet-fed models can be smaller, but the images generally are not as sharp as those of flatbeds since the paper is moving. Handheld scanners are even smaller and are best used when scanning text instead of graphics. The scanning process is controlled by the application that comes with the scanner. The image to be scanned is placed on the bed of the scanner, and you click on a button in the application —typically labeled “Preview”—to begin the process. Once the preview scan has been completed, you can select the area of the image (or the entire image) to scan and save. Click on the save button and you will be prompted to designate a location in which to save the image. You also will choose the format in which you wish to save the image. That decision should be based on how you plan to use the image. For posting on the
Internet, choose “gif” for graphics, and “jpg” for photos; for inclusion in authoring and presentation programs, “jpg” is also a good choice. For high-quality prints, you should use “tif” to save the files. You now click on a button in the software program—typically labeled “Scan”—to complete the process. In some programs, the “scan” button also takes care of the formatting options and saving.
HP Scanner 4850
 HP Scanjet 4850 Photo Scanner 4800 x9600 dpi, 48 bit, Integrated TMA for scanning 35mm film, 4 slides/6 negative frames, HP Instant on. Click here for more information.
Canon Scanner - 8400F
The feature-rich CanoScan 8400F Color Image Scanner lets you produce superb high-speed scans of a wide range of materials. Includes Color Image Scanner, AC Adapter, USB Cable, Film Guides (35mm negatives, 35mm mounted slides, 120 roll film strip), CanoScan Setup CD-ROM. For more information click here.
Click on the icon below for more information about Physical Education Planners.
Vocabulary
In an effort to bring folks up-to-date with new terminology we will be including a few new vocabulary words in each issue. We are starting with words related to the Web 2 and wireless phones.
Web 2
RSS: A technique that delivers headlines with summaries in a streamline subscription feed.
Mashup: Any piece of media that is composed of elements of others' original material
Wireless Phone Terms
2.5 G : More a buzzword than actual spec, 2.5G brings next-generation data-packet technology for Internet and rich-message support to phones-but a speeds that are slower than true 3G.
3G: Third-generation phones support digital data along with the digital voice signals handled by 2G systems but at faster transmission speeds and supporting more simultaneous users.
Book: On Sale
2007 Back to School Special
 Includes Using Technology in Physical Education, Integrating Technology Pedagogy in Physical Education, and Integrating Technology and Physical Education - all for $75.00 Quick - offer ends September 30, 2007. Click here for ordering information.
University Professors
For those of you who use Using Technology in Physical Education as a textbook for one or more of your classes - we will be updating the book this (6th edition). If you have suggestions for content or features, please email bmohnsen@pesoftware.com.
Office Tips
PowerPoint: Taking it with you
Not all computers have the same fonts installed, a fact that can wreak havoc on your presentation. When a computer substitutes different fonts, it can disrupt the entire design of the slides, changing text so much that it no longer fits in the space provided. The best solution is packing your entire presentation up in a nice portable package. Choose File and Pack And Go for a wizard that pops up to help you package the presentation. You will even see an option that lets you embed your fonts into the package so that they are available on other computers. The wizard can even include a PowerPoint viewer so the presentation will run even without PowerPoint on the computer.
PowerPoint: Making Text Easier to Read
Powerpoint users often violate very simply design rules when it comes to creating presentations. In an effort to be cute or creative, many use decorative fonts and holiday colors (e.g., red and green). However it is important to remember that legible text is the number one goal. First, may sure the type color and background color contrast enough so that the type is clear. Your best bet for easily visible color combinations is sticking to PowerPoint's built-in color schemes. Second, use clear screen fonts such as Arial instead of decorative fonts. Third, use font sizes above 25 points. And, fourth, don't use the lower one-third of the screen when presenting to large audiences since those in the back won't be able to see that part of the screen.
Browser
Working Offline with Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer has an offline mode that automatically downloads favorite sites so that they are available even when you don't have an Internet connection. When you add a site to your Favorites list, IE displays a dialog box with the option to make the page available offline. You can click the Customize button to set different options regarding how frequently the page will be downloaded. Before you disconnect from the Internet, click Synchronize in the Tools menu. When the download is complete, click work Offline in the File menu. Go to the Favorites menu and select the page you wish to view.
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