1. Blair Thallmayer
MCOM 526
Administration of Instructional Technology
Online Class Emerging Technologies
Assignment #1
I might be in the minority here based on the other comments but I really, really
enjoyed the video. I agree with Paul that it went very fast, but to me that was what it was
supposed to do because technology has changed very quickly in recent years, almost as
quickly as the video moved. If I wanted to learn about the history of the internet I would
definitely look somewhere else but the video did a great job of showing how quickly the
internet latched onto us and grew.
“The machine is us” is very straightforward to me in the sense that WE are the
internet. The internet consists of computers working together, collaborating, and sharing
content. Without content fed into it, it won’t be as big. The more we blog, share pictures,
upload videos, etc, the bigger the internet gets, which is something that seems to be lost
on people.
In terms of the classroom side of everything, I definitely agree with Kathy that the
internet allows teachers to step away from being the upfront know-it-alls. At the same
time, though, I think it also makes it more important that the teachers really know what
they are teaching. Now students can double-check what they learn in school with a few
clicks. Wikis and Blogs are big resources for classrooms because they can allow students
a place to learn at their own pace. Instead of trying to remember 50 minutes of
information they can go check a wiki at home to re-learn it. Or, teachers can post current

2. events news on a blog and ask students to respond. It really just enhances the learning
process.
Assignment #2
Voicethread: http://voicethread.com
In the pricing options, for K-12 schools, a classroom usage costs $60/yr. For the entire
school, usage costs $1 per user. My rationale for purchasing this software is that it can aid
the learning process in certain lesson plans as I will discuss below, but also that
purchasing will grant full access instead of trial version logos everywhere. I would plan
on taking full advantage of this program as opposed to merely discussing it.
Voicethread seems like the next step in digital slideshows in that it allows viewers to
leave comments in five different ways. Instead of just writing comments, they can upload
an audio file or a video file, or simply record themselves speaking with a microphone.
This then leads into more obvious uses such as allowing students to talk about what they
are seeing as opposed to writing, since some students may be better at speaking than
writing, with trouble formulating thoughts. I would use this in the curriculum to go over
tricky math problems or lessons that might be more easily explained step by step in a
slideshow.
OurStory http://www.ourstory.com
This program is free so no purchase rationale is required. It is basically an interactive
timeline of a story, be it your life, someone else’s life, or something completely made up.

3. Pictures can be added, and comments can be left for specific dates, and anyone you want
can collaborate with you on the story.
I see this working in a classroom setting in terms of storytelling and walking through a
timeline. For instance, if a student needs to write a book report or understand a history
lesson, seeing a visual and interactive timeline might better the understanding.
Assignment #3 Software Preview/Evaluation Forms
I. EasyTech
II. Zoomerang
III. Kidspiration

4. Software Preview/Evaluation Form
Teacher Name: Blair Thallmayer
Building:
Subject Area/Department: Math, Language Arts, Science
Software Title: EasyTech
Is this software web-based? Yes
Is this software an annual subscription? Yes
Location/room number to be installed? 202
Software cost per copy/license: 30-day free trial (nobody responded when I called/e-
mailed regarding obtaining a quote).
Vendor Name: Learning.com
Vendor Address: 1620 SW Taylor Street Suite 100, Portland, OR, 97205
Vendor Phone Number: 1-800-580-4640
Vendor Fax Number: N/A
Summary of Software: EasyTech is a tech literacy self-paced program that allows
students to learn at their own pace. Current lessons can be incorporated into the program
allowing students the chance to learn more or practice what they just learned whenever
they feel like it. EasyTech is standards-based and fits my curriculum given that it can be
used for a variety of subjects and offers discussions and activities for practice.
Rationale for Purchase: Aids the in-class lessons and gives the students something to do
for practice while at home on the internet.

5. Software Preview/Evaluation Form
Teacher Name: Blair Thallmayer
Building:
Subject Area/Department: Math, Language Arts, Science, History, Other
Software Title: Inspiration
Is this software web-based? Yes
Is this software an annual subscription? No, but there are software upgrades to be
bought potentially each year.
Location/room number to be installed? 202
Software cost per copy/license: $895/20 computer-license
Vendor Name: Inspiration Software
Vendor Address: 9400 SW Beaverton Hillsdale-HWY Suite 300, Beaverton, OR, 97005
Vendor Phone Number: 503-297-3004
Vendor Fax Number: 503-297-4676
Summary of Software: Inspiration is a visual and organizational software tool that
allows students to really organize their thoughts when trying to complete a project. By
using diagrams students can take topics discussed and gather information prior to writing
their thoughts down.
Rationale for Purchase: Inspiration can be a valuable comprehension and
communication tool, allowing students to properly formulate thoughts.

6. Software Preview/Evaluation Form
Teacher Name: Blair Thallmayer
Building:
Subject Area/Department: All subjects (Survey-based program)
Software Title: Zoomerang
Is this software web-based? Yes
Is this software an annual subscription? Yes
Location/room number to be installed? 202
Software cost per copy/license: $149/yr for Pro, $350/yr for Premium
Vendor Name: Market Tools, Inc
Vendor Address: 150 Spear Street, Suite 600, San Francisco, CA, 94105
Vendor Phone Number: 415-957-2200
Vendor Fax Number: 415-957-2180
Summary of Software: Zoomerang is an online survey programming that allows users to
create surveys and obtain real results. The results of the surveys can then be transferred
to powerpoint charts, skip logic, or even custom branding. Different features can be had
with different subscriptions as well.
Rationale for Purchase: Allowing students to take online surveys regarding the
curriculum, a test, or a lesson might prevent them from feeling threatened to fill out a
paper-based evaluation in the actual classroom. The results are more likely to be real.