e-frank.com

I am now a teacher, so naturally my posts will be more teaching-oriented. However, I have not detached myself from my computer side (I actually teach two periods of a computer class)… thus, I give you… stuff that’s relevant to teaching and computers. Yesss!

Keep in mind I’m in LAUSD, so my posts may be more relevant to teachers in LAUSD.

Q: Can I download a YouTube video to my computer to show in class later?
(Some background info on this question: All LAUSD schools block access on their networks to YouTube (and other sites). Even if you don’t have this problem, you may want to save a YouTube video in case you don’t want to rely on having internet connection during your lesson.)
A: Yes. There are several methods to save a YouTube video onto your hard drive, but this one is probably the most convenient and straightforward: http://www.zamzar.com (works for PC and Mac). Click the “Download Videos” tab. Enter the video URL, and the format of the video you’d like to download (try “.avi” if you’re not sure). Type in your e-mail address and hit the “Convert” button. You’ll be e-mailed a link, which you click to save the converted video file. The site has conversion tools for various other types of files. There are other sites that do the same or similar things.

Q: Can I “make” a PDF file?
A: Yes. Macs have this feature built in. If you try to print a file, there might be a “PDF” button somewhere. I don’t have access to a Mac right now so I’m not sure. For the PC, you can download and install free software: http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp. You’ll need to download/install both links on the left side of that page. Once you do that, you’ll be able to create a PDF file out of anything you would otherwise print to a printer. For example, if you’re in MS Word, you go to File => Print, and instead of selecting your usual printer, select “CutePDF Writer” (screenshot below). When you hit the “Print” button, you’ll get to choose the file name and location to where you’d like to save the PDF file.

I haven’t posted content in forever since I’m busy switching careers from the information technology sector to education. Oh who am I kidding… the reason I didn’t post is I got lazy. Actually, I’m posting now because I’m busy. I’m in Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) District Internship program so I can get a teaching credential. Meanwhile, I have to find my own teaching job, which means– yep… I’m back in the jobhunting game.

With new adventures come new experiences, which means I learn more. And, since this site is about things I learn, that means more content! Woohoo! However, comics are still on hold because of laziness. :oP :o) Sorry!

I’m trying to find a job teaching either physics or computers at one of LAUSD’s high schools or middle schools. My first step is to find schools I’m interested in teaching at, then distribute my resumes to them. If you’re also doing the jobhunt thing, you may find some of the tips below helpful, even though you’re not applying for a teaching job in LAUSD.
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Why go to school? Most would agree it’s to prepare ourselves for our futures. However, it seems most of those peoples’ approach is to prepare themselves… on paper. Examples: In high school/college, why get good grades, high test scores, join clubs and do community service? Because it looks good on your college/grad/med school application/resume.
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I must broach a topic that’s on many of our minds, but most of us feel uncomfortable talking about. That’s right… splashback. I’m talkin’ toilet splashback. Especially public toilets.
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Some friends of mine were building a library for an elementary school and what library is complete without a nifty electronic catalog? I set out looking for free catalog software and found the ideal system: A free web application that could be installed and run on pretty much any junky old computer and accessed locally (or publicly, if you wish).
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