The Check-out-inator

We have a locked cabinet with a clipboard and pen on it that we use to keep track of items that we check out to staff. When thinking of a project for an apprentice that needs to learn some coding and apply it in a useful way, Chris and I thought of creating an electronic checkout system. You know- simple database for checking out and in items, maybe even a barcode scanner if we barcode things.

It spun into geeky frenzy after that. How about integrating our building access control system, so people could wave their ID in front of a proximity card reader, which turns a motor to unlock the cabinet? And then, how about RFID tags on each item, and the same reader scans those so we know who checked out what?

But then, how do you make sure somebody doesn't check out too many things?

Enter the tech checkout/carousel food vending machine mashup. You know those 1970s-era food vending machines where you spin the carousel and see the food in the window, then get to open the door once you put in your money? Yeah, like one of those, but with bigger windows. And a card reader instead of a cash slot.

Best Buy Express already sells things this way, so all we would need to do is create the checkout system, since we are just loaning, not selling. Oh, and a way to put the items back in when done.

If we get this working, we'll have to call Zach to show him. And submit it to hackaday and Wired.

ISTE NETS rubric scoring software for iPod touch

That's pretty much it.

1. Create a rubric for assessing the ISTE NETS for Students, Teachers, or Administrators
2. Write an iPhone app to allow easy selection of a rubric score
3. Publicize
4. Profit

Naomi Harm is already creating some rubrics. Whether they will be easily observable and adaptable to a handheld device is unknown.
I assume we'll need to get permission from ISTE to use the rubrics or the standards, since we will essentially be republishing. Or perhaps we contact ISTE about developing an app and see if we can partner with them.

Oh, and I'll need to learn how to program for iPhone, or hire somebody who can. And buy an SDK.

Curriculum mapping, but based on version control systems.

Curriculum mapping, but based on version control systems.

The market is crowded with curriculum mapping software. But most of it seems to have followed the same evolutionary process as the web: first, you just publish static content that is revised manually and languishes due to how cumbersome it is to maintain. Eventually, you move to a database-driven application that is managed by a few people, but still accepts no input from users. It's more manageable, but not dynamic. Next, the "web 2.0" idea takes hold- allow users to generate content and modify.

But how is it managed? What is the approval process? Who has authority to choose between competing edits?

I got thinking about Subversion and Git, and realized that although the interdependencies between curricula are not as vital nor as complex as code, there is a growing clamor among educational researchers, gurus, and practitioners for curricula that is seamlessly aligned both horizontally (with other content areas), vertically (to the preceding and subsequent courses), and aligned to standards (state, fed, core content, local outcomes, NETS, etc.)

What if we designed a curriculum mapping system that approached curriculum as code? Teachers could tweak the existing content and submit for review and approval. Dependencies would be tracked.

Maybe somebody has already done this (I haven't researched this yet) but it seems like instead of following the evolutionary approach, we could start building a software platform using open source tools that would leapfrog most others in the industry.

Augmented reality Digger's Hotline

This idea came to me while trying to locate some buried fiber optic cable under a parking lot to make sure it wasn't dug up while fixing a sinkhole.

Augmented reality Digger's Hotline maps. It's basically an extension of my idea for Google Earth/Google Maps showing locations of buried utilities.

Use an AR platform such as Layar to building wireframe (or simple line) models of buried utilities. Field workers, or even homeowners, can download the most recently updated models to their smart device, then view the digging site (or backyard) through their phone and see the buried utilities "glow" on the ground. If depth is known, it could even triangulate to show below the ground. 3D viewing would also help show depth.

Call is "Digger's X-ray vision" or something like that. You know those ads where they show people trimming hedges blindfolded and then say, "You don't live blind- don't dig blind!" Well, instead they could show people the app for X-ray vision.

The downside is that you would still want physical markings, because trying to hold an AR device while shoveling isn't practical. At least, until full-time, fully immersive AR becomes socially acceptable. Then you could just turn on the utility layer and dig away!

Google Voicemail replacing hardware based system

I haven't posted in a year and a day. Literally. I guess I haven't had many cool ideas.

Google announced that they will now provide Google Voicemail to non-Google phone numbers. I really, really, hope they will include this, even as an optional service, into Google Apps for Education. This would allow us to ditch the big hardware-based voicemail system and set up voicemail accounts for every employee "in the cloud."

Read more at http://www.google.com/support/voice/bin/answer.py?answer=164819

Bluetooth projector

This is Shelly's idea: Bluetooth projector.

Now officially approved by Jon's Patent Office.

Myth TV on school desktop computers

Next batch of computers- have vendor custom make desktops with Myth TV capabilities. Tuner, extra drive, whatever.
Replace CATV distro system with IP-based video using Discovery Streaming, ECB datacast videos, TeacherTube, and clips from the networks. No need for live TV. It's all junk during the school day, anyway.