TextMark or If you can't beat them....

If you look to the left you will see a new addition to our blog. It is a TextMark widget and it allow me to communicate using text messaging.
What is cool about this is that now you have a method of communicating with your students in a method that they all understand and use, even if you do not want them to use it. Many times I will go into schools and see students texting, under a signs that say "No Cellphones" or "Students are not allowed to use cellphones during school hours."
I am not advocating letting students use cellphones in school, I see how disruptive it can be in training sessions. However, by having your students subscribe to this easy to use and free service you can notify them of homework changes, tests or any information that you might need to get to everyone. It also allows students to ask questions and receive responses anonymously, which can encourage greater participation.

Check it out for yourself subscribe and start receiving alerts on your phone.

Be aware that standard text messaging rates apply for you service provider.

Teched Day 3

Teched 2008 is over and I am posting from the comfort of my office. Ahhhh, the joys of home and being in familiar surroundings.
Although I am happy to be home the show was great. It is refreshing to see so many teachers, administrators and classified employees interested in technology. If you visit this site, http://www.techedevents.org/2008-updated/TechEd2008TruncatedProgram.pdf, you can look over all of the sessions that were offered. As you can see there are many new and interesting methods for engaging students in the classroom.
I also had a chance to meet several vendors offering innovative solutions. Keep checking back, as Matrix Ingenuity tests these solutions I will be letting you know about the new solutions and how they can be integrated in your school or classroom.

If you visited our booth or attended Teched let me know what you though.