Choosing a Presentation Remote Control

ANIMATION MODELING SOFTWARE :

If you deliver electronic presentations using PowerPoint or other programs, you can manually move forward to the next slide with the keyboard or the mouse. One way, however, to deliver more effective presentations that improve your connection to your audience is to add a remote control to your presentation tools. What features should you look for when selecting a remote control?

Choosing a Presentation Remote Control

Remote Features

Many projectors come standard with a remote but features vary and may not always be easy to use. A better choice is to buy your own personal presentation remote control. When evaluating a remote, look for these features and decide what is important to you:

• Ergonomic and easily fits in your hand. Keep in mind that you might be using the remote for an hour or an entire day. Plus, a smaller remote will usually have fewer and more accessible buttons, fits in your pocket, and is great for travel.
• Simple to use. In most cases, a smaller, ergonomic remote is easy to use but test it before buying. One of my friends loves her small remote which is only about the size of a matchbook. The tradeoff is she needs to press 2 buttons together to make the screen go black, a feature that does not always work. I was reminded of the importance of an easy to use remote recently when I watched an excellent presenter pull out a huge remote that looked a price scanner gun from Home Depot. As he fumbled with a large panel of buttons, the remote dropped to the floor and broke open with batteries flying across the stage.
• Transmit distance. Remotes operate with three different technologies: RF (wireless radio frequency), IR (infrared), and Bluetooth. A huge drawback with IR remotes is that you need to point the mouse directly at the receiver for it to work. Bluetooth remotes use the latest technology but currently have a maximum range of about 30' while many RF remotes have a range of 50 to 100 feet. With some remotes, you can have your back to the laptop and move to the middle of an audience. What do you need for your presentations?
• Built-in mouse. Some presenters will sacrifice a bit in size to get a built-in mouse, usually a small button like you see on some laptops. Other remotes have a track ball or a touch pad. I prefer a separate wireless mouse that I use for portions of my presentations. I find a built-in mouse to be too awkward but it might be great for your purposes.
• Visible laser pointer. If you would like a built-in laser pointer, make sure to test it for visibility and practice moving it slowly. Some of the pointers have such a small laser dot that it does not show well on-screen. Would an animation be a better way to highlight parts of a slide or a process?

While you can locate some remotes at your local computer store or office supply outlet, your best option may be to find someone who has a remote and try it out. My favorite is the RemotePoint Navigator ( www.rpnav.com ) which is easy to use, fits comfortably in my hand, and gives me up to 50' of movement from my laptop. I've owned this remote for 10 years now but it is still reliable. Another great remote for about is the Logitech Professional Presenter R800 ( www.logitech.com ) which includes a green laser and a cool timer which vibrates to tell you when your presentation time is up.

There are many other models and brands to consider. Personally, I do not like remotes loaded with tons of features that you might not need; these remotes are typically bigger or more complicated to use. Remember, you should be using a remote so that you do not call attention to the technology and your audience can focus on your content.

Practicing with a Remote Control

After you buy a remote, practice with it before you use it. Do not just try it at your desk, you need to also setup your laptop and remote and actually run through your presentation. The first time I did this, the screen kept going black or I would accidentally advance to the next slide. The problem wasn't with the remote. The problem was that I was holding my presentation handout in the same hand and accidentally hitting a remote button through the handout. An easy adjustment but not obvious if my only rehearsal was in my office. I personally like to choreograph my slide actions into my presentation notes to avoiding looking back at the projection screen to check my location. Or, setup your laptop in the meeting room so you can glance at the screen and still keep the connection with your audience.

Practicing with your remote should be a built-in part of your presentation rehearsal to avoid distracting your audience and accomplishing the goal of communicating your message.

Bonus Tips: Always bring extra batteries; many speakers change out batteries for every presentation. To protect your investment, label the remote or put several business cards in the carrying case in the event that your remote is misplaced.

Dawn Bjork Buzbee is The Software Pro® and a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) as well as a certified Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Master Instructor, certified Microsoft Applications Specialist (MCAS) Instructor, and a certified Microsoft Office expert. Dawn shares smart and easy ways to effectively use software through her work as a software speaker, trainer, consultant, and author of 6 books. Discover more software tips, tricks, tactics, and techniques at http://www.SoftwarePro.com.

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The "McDonald's-ization" of Education

ANIMATION MODELING SOFTWARE :

McDonald's is astoundingly successful at purveying inexpensive fast food of consistently high quality.  They have achieved this primarily through standardization and quality control. If you purchase an "Egg McMuffin," or a "Big Mac" at an outlet in Seattle, or Milwaukee, Chicago or Miami, it will be almost exactly the same.

The "McDonald's-ization" of Education

Standardization is increasingly making in-roads into education.  Once the realm of diversity (of opinion, thought, approach, teaching technique, classroom styles, etc.) and independence (academic freedom), the higher education classroom is being transformed into a "product" type delivery system.  The "products" in this case are the concepts, lesson plans, group exercises, assignments, etc. - indeed, the education itself.

The intent of this transformation is to provide a "standard" high quality student classroom experience  within disciplines, and across institutions.  With the student being the customer (consumer) of the educational delivery system, we want to make sure he or she is getting the highest possible quality product, and the key to this is "quality control" and standardization.

Instead of the after-the-fact quality control offered through instructor "evaluations," " classroom observations," and the like, the approach introduces a far more intrusive and directive model.  Lesson Plans, indeed, entire courses and curricula are loaded into pre-packaged modules, on thumb drives (USB) or onto computers, or servers. 

As in the fast food business, manufacturing, or other product producing sectors, the product creation and delivery process is developed to gain the efficiency and effectiveness obtained in industry.

JUST LIKE McDONALD's

Just like McDonald's where the customer can expect to enjoy a standard, high quality product, served in a clean, well-designed environment, the student consumer can expect convenient delivery of the educational product, for his consumption, and enjoyment - "satisfaction guaranteed."

THE PROCESS

First, a product team is assembled.  In this case it consists of academic experts, curriculum designers, course writers, technology experts, product representatives, trainers, content specialists, etc.  The product development process is based on outcome objectives, i.e., "what do we want the student to know?," "what should he learn during this course?" and "how do we measure that?"  This "beginning at the end" philosophy is crucial.  It keeps the spotlight on the product, promotes quality, and ultimately, "customer satisfaction."

THE ENTERTAINMET COMPONENT  

Gen Y students have different expectations from their predecessors, and are less likely to indulge obsolete or dated instructional methods and techniques.  They demand to be engaged.  

Instructors are partially selected on their ability to "entertain" as well as "inform."  They are expected to be animated, humorous, engaging, and entertaining.  They are expected to convey knowledge in convenient, enjoyable, and satisfying, bites.

STEAMLINING THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS  

The more standardized the process becomes, the less latitude for the educator, the more prescribed the content, exercises and learning activities are, the more the business managers of the career and "for profit" colleges like it. This concept may, however, benefit the student as it concentrates on a quality, standardized, classroom experience.  

IT'S EASIER  

Once the instructor has mastered the technology, the whole instructional process is easier under this model.  Everything is pre-packaged.  No messy development of lesson plans - they're already done - and done well.  No thinking about creative learning activities and approaches -  they're already there.  You could almost do it in your sleep!  (if it wasn't for the requirement to be animated and entertaining.)  

STUDENT NEEDS  

Students in this new education model will be immersed in technology throughout their degree program.  This is the world of today, and the future.  They will participate and interact with SMARTboards, laptops, WiFi, simulations, business games, remote "clickers," interactive learning, real-world relevant projects, presentations, etc.  It's designed to match their learning styles and attention spans  It is preeminently designed to prepare them for their careers. Although many students are "comfortable" with technology, fewer are proficient, and fewer yet have an in-depth understanding. The curriculum should help them become more proficient and better prepared for the technology demands of the future business environment. The intensely technological nature of the classroom experience also addresses the various learning styles.  The auditory learner will have voice, music, and noise.  The visual learner will enjoy the videos, powerpoints, and other visuals.  The kinesthetic learner will appreciate the hands on components, especially the SMARTboard.  

Student satisfaction is, of course, a primary objective.  Education, especially for-profit education, exists to serve the student, while running a business.  And, through serving and satisfying the student, ultimately the student will stay in school, graduate, and learn valuable knowledge and skills in the process.  These graduates will benefit the business community, and society at large.  An advanced society like ours is critically dependent on an educated and productive populous.  

EMPLOYER NEEDS  

What do employers want and need?  The link to employer requirements is a vital one.  Businesses need educated workers.  They require technologically adroit employees who can meet the demands of a rapidly changing technological environment and a highly competitive situation.

Ours is a productive society.  Businesses spend billions of dollars training and re-training their employees.  "Business Ready" graduates will be more productive from day one and employers will appreciate this.

HAS EDUCATION COME TO THIS?  

Purists would argue that the more traditional approaches are preferable, and that academic freedom is being infringed upon.  They would say that instructors should be hired based on their knowledge, quality of education, expertise, research history and contributions to their field.  They would undoubtedly prefer to see pure "academicians" and "scholars" in the classroom.  However, there is room for an interesting debate here.  Is it about the instructor or the student?  Obviously, we understand that it's about both, but whose needs take precedence?  The answer has to be - THE STUDENT!  After all, the whole educational system is in place to meet the needs of the student, and ultimately, society.  

Instructors with real-world, practical experience and without techno-phobia will be more adaptable to this new format, and perhaps better equipped to relate to the student.

THE BOTTOM LINE

In education there is always room for a broad range of opinions and approaches. Let's try this new one.  It works in business - why not education?  This is probably why Career Colleges are embracing the approach much more readily than their mainstream counterparts. The "for-profit" Career Colleges are definitely  the forefront of this initiative, and "early adopters." 

We all know that "quality " is an issue in education.  Graduates with virtually identical credentials can have vastly different skills, knowledge, and abilities.  This is, and always has been a concern. This standardized, quality-assured model addresses that issue.

Sure, this educational model is controversial, as it should be!  But the end result may very well be that students have a reasonably similar experience, learn comparable skills, and become better "fits" within the business world.  Employers can be better assured and confident that graduates have the knowledge and skill base they require to be successful contributors.  They will probably, at some point, wish to be full participants in the curriculum development process.  In the globally competitive market, this might just be what is needed.

When we're teaching Business we must be business-minded.  Let's transfer those "best practices" from the business world to academia, keep our students involved, and better prepare them for their future careers.  And, the lessons to be learned from places like McDonald's may be more applicable to education than we might have ever imagined. 

Copyright ©, 2009, Dr. Ben A. Carlsen, MBA. All Rights Reserved Worldwide for all Media. You may reprint this article in your ezine, newsletter, newspaper, magazine, website, etc. as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, leave my name and bio box intact, and you follow all of the EzineArticles Terms of Service for Publishers.

Ben A. Carlsen, Ed.D, MBA, is an experienced CEO and manager. Dr. Carlsen has over 30 years experience in management, consulting, and teaching. Currently the Head of the Business Department at Everest Institute, Hialeah, FL., he was Chairman of the Los Angeles County Productivity Managers Network and President of the Association for Systems Management (So. Calif. Chapter). Additional information can be obtained at http://drben.info

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Types of Animation

ANIMATION MODELING SOFTWARE :

The world of technology has advanced and modified over the years. It has brought a wave of computer graphics with which an animator can transform his world of picture-making into the world of reality. The graphics has brought a new tide of revolution in the field of computer. Over the years, the graphics became popular in many professional fields. They are employed from fields ranging from film, cartoon making to commercial business and educational institutes.

Types of Animation

In a commercial world, the animation is used for the purpose of advertising goods and services. It is also used in maintaining and presenting the company website or promoting online business. An entrepreneur also employs computer graphics for presenting reports or making multimedia presentations. Educational institutions require these graphics for lucid explanation of facts or online tutorials. The film and entertainment industry often uses cartoons for visual effects or preparing a complete cartoon film.

There are several types of animation invented and introduced to the world. The 2D graphics was the first to be introduced to the world. In this kind, the cartoon characters are created by using 2D bitmap graphics. The advanced version is 3D animation that is digitally modeled as a result of which an animator can manipulate the image he desires or requires. There are many ways to use the graphic for the purpose of cartoon making. The Puppet cartoon making can be created by using stop-motion puppet figures. A constructed environment is created in which these figures interact with each other. The Model graphics are also used for the purpose of making cartoon films for the purpose of entertaining the children. Nowadays, animated films are also created for the adults and not only for the children. It is stop-motion moving picture created that exists as a part of real world. There are several visual effects used for the purpose of making a picture more emphatic and impressive. You can have intercutting, split screens and matte effects to make the stop-motion characters interact with the live actors or settings. The clay moving pictures employs figures made of clay or similar such material to create an impression of moving pictures. All these are different kinds of animated films or characters to achieve desirable results.

Myself Lisa Thomson webmaster of http://www.arenamohali.com, an animation training institute providing 2d animation, 3d animation training, and various other animation courses for those who want to build a strong career in animation.

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Attention Printer Cartridge Resellers! Your HP Tester Converter Info Is Right At Your Fingertips

ANIMATION MODELING SOFTWARE :

Your HP remanufacturing ways have just been made easier. The HP tester and converter are ideal for those who are big or small in the remanufacturing industry.

Attention Printer Cartridge Resellers! Your HP Tester Converter Info Is Right At Your Fingertips

The converter will test the following cartridge models:

oHP 51645A

oHP C6615D

oHP 1823D

oHP 51625A

oHP 51641A

oHP C6578D

This unit is designed to make sure that the cartridges are tested good for remanufacturing purposes. The graphic LCD display will give you a clear indication of the resistor matrix of the cartridge being tested.

The tester automatically determines the cartridge that is being tested at the moment. If the connections to the print head are intact, it will indeed display the cartridge type being tested.

If and where a matrix connection is broken, the display will disclose the faulty connection as a flashing line on the display. The tester will give an audible beep to indicate a successful operation.

A quick succession of beeps alerts the operator to a faulty cartridge conjunction with the quick load or unload fixture giving the capability of very fast test and or conversion times.

The tester also converts the current style of the HP 51645A or HP 51645G into a 15/45 universal cartridge.

Upon pressing the convert button, the unit first checks that a cartridge is functioning electronically, then it changes the identity before the cartridge again and displaying its new identity.

The unit will make an attempt to convert all cartridges but will signal when a cartridge is not of a type that can be converted.

A cartridge that is converted will not be harmed or damaged throughout this process. The tester/converter features a real time clock and includes battery backup storage. This enables it to display the following information:

-Number of cartridges tested and the pass percentage.

-Number of each type tested and the quantity that passed.

-Number of cartridges converted.

-Number of cartridges not recognized due to damage.

-Number of units being tested per hour.

This statistical information is extremely valuable in assessing the quality of cartridges attained from various sources to help support your interest as well as in calculation ratios.

The battery backup will ensure that the information is retained even if the unit is switched off or in the event of a power failure. This by an option in the menu whenever required.

The tester/converter is powered by a small AC adapter that can be supplied in UK, European or US pin configuration.

Below, are some specifications along with special features of the HP Tester/Converter.

*Remember: You cannot convert the 45A into a 15D cartridge, you can only convert the 15D into a 45A.

Specifications:

oWeight = 1.2 kg / 2.5lbs (excluding power adapter)

oPower Requirements = 100 - 240v ac, 50 - 60hz, 4watts

Special Features:

oTests 15, 45, 23, 25, 41, and 78 cartridges.

oConverts 45 to 15 in less than 1 second.

oFast cartridge load / unload times.

oAudible indication of pass / fail.

oSmall, lightweight, only 1.2kg.

oClear graphic display showing port status and animated failed ports.

oReal time clock, giving production rates.

oSelf-contained, needs no software or PC.

If you're looking for a mechanism that will help determine your cartridge productivity then you should continue to fine tune your research on these type of units. They are circulating around the industry. I honestly believe that machinery such as this were made to do justice when it comes to your hp ink cartridges. Go and increase your product demand and esnure the print quality in which your customer's are just dying to have.

In description of, Joseph Mercado is known as the Motivational Marketer. He specializes in the consumable market involving studies on marketing remanufactured products. [http://www.YourHpTesterConverter.com]

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Why Use Daz3D As Your 3D Content Provider?

ANIMATION MODELING SOFTWARE :

Daz3D has made great strides in providing all artists with the necessary tools and content to tackle any 3D project you can imagine. From digital photographs using 3D models to theme backgrounds like sci-fi, medieval, and contemporary for your short films. 3D content is not the only thing Daz3D offers, they have an extraordinary inventory of some of the most sought after 3D creative tools in the market.

Why Use Daz3D As Your 3D Content Provider?

What makes Daz3D successful is that they provide the tools for you to create the content along with the accessories to complement anything you create. For example, if you enjoy animating in 3D but hate to create the backgrounds or environments where the animations will take place. Daz can provide the animation tool like Carrara 3D or Daz Studio and the necessary content to help you complete the scene.

Some of the mayor advantages Daz3D has over the competition are:

1. An exceptional customer service.
2. A very flexible licensing system
3. A large offering of custom models and themes from top 3D artists.
4. A large and varied selection of 3D tools to create animations, special effects, or render your creations.
5. A database system to track all your purchases with the ability to re download assets on request.
6. Free versions of their popular software so that you learn how to use it before purchasing.
7. Free Models and tutorials to help you complete for your projects.
8. Third party software and plugins to complement the Daz offering.

The 3D field is growing at a staggering rate, yet for many traditional artists the transition to this medium can be rough due to the many software programs being marketed today. Daz3D is the oasis for artists who want to make the transition from 2D to the wonderful world of 3D but do not know where to begin.

to see reviews on some of the most popular packages available today, get free software and begin your transition to the incredible world of 3D, visit [http://www.xfxtools.com/daz.html]

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Learn Photoshop Through Online Tutorials

ANIMATION MODELING SOFTWARE :

Photoshop is arguably the best software to use for creating and manipulating graphics and photographs. Never has tweaking images been so easy, thanks to the tools and advancements Photoshop has provided. If you've always wanted to learn more about Photoshop but don't know where to start, you don't have to pay for classes to fine-tune your skills. You can get all the tips and techniques you need from some of the best illustrators and Photoshop experts on the web. Here are a few sites you might want to start with:

Learn Photoshop Through Online Tutorials

http://www.good-tutorials.com

If you need online tutorial on the most popular software in the market, this is a good site to start. For Photoshop alone, this site lists more than 13,000 single tutorials. That's enough to take you from your beginner state to full-blown Photoshop expertdom.

In case you're wondering where all these tutorials come from, this site accepts tips and tricks from hundreds of sources. If you want Photoshop tutorials from the site, check the homepage and click on the links. Tutorials include Photoshop basics, using buttons and color, drawing, adding effects including photo and text effects, photo retouching, scripting, using textures, web graphics, web layouts and animation.

If you've always wanted to learn how to watermark, add a realistic magnifying glass effect, create a paint-by-numbers drawing, this site will teach you how. Photoshop tips and techniques are added daily, so you'll need to check the site often for updates.

http://www.photoshopcafe.com

Photoshopcafe.com is one of dozens of sites dedicated to nothing but Photoshop. You not only get tutorials online, you also get textual tips, reviews of new tools, sneak peeks at Photoshop books and new releases and info on video tutorials as well. If you have a special Photoshop conundrum, you can even join a forum to post your question.

Tutorial categories include: effects, text, photo, using texture, using Photoshop for the web and a miscellaneous link for those Photoshop tricks you can't put a name on. There are also 9 video tutorials from Photoshop expert Colin Smith, all for free.

Just in case you're not satisfied with the tutorials onsite (highly unlikely), you can click on their links to find out more. If online tutorials are not enough, the homepage displays links to the latest DVDs and tutorial videos. You can check out their product reviews before you buy. This is a great, comprehensive site that has enough tricks to offer to beginners and the more experienced.

http://www.sketchpad.net

The tutorials on this site are clear and straightforward. For beginners, this site is a big help, especially if you have little or no prior knowledge about how Photoshop works. If you're a moderately experienced Photoshop user, there are retouching tutorials you can learn in three different levels, enough to improve your skills. You can also challenge yourself with the online projects.

http://www.tutorialized.com

This site specializes in Photoshop and Flash tutorials. Everything you want to know about these two softwares you only need to click on the site to learn. Get info about integrating vanishing point and creating three-dimensional filter using one of the newest Photoshop versions, CS2 or transform a photograph to black and white while keeping other areas colored. Or follow what fashion magazines do with their models and create flawless, near-perfect skin by photo retouching.

This site offers all tutorials for free, although you'll need to sign up to gain access to the links. You can even submit your very own Photoshop tutorial to get your work published online, also for free.

Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For a free photo shop tutorial and or to purchase a video photo shop tutorial checkout his website.

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What's the Difference Between 2D and 3D Anyway?

ANIMATION MODELING SOFTWARE :

Isn't it obvious? Well, apparently not quite, when you consider how many people are still struggling with this topic!

What's the Difference Between 2D and 3D Anyway?

The first concept you must grasp is that 3D means 3 dimensional and 2D means 2 dimensional. Now before you think I'm stating the obvious, let me go on to say that the 3D and 2D in animation refer to the dimension in which the animation was created. Ahhhh. The plot thickens eh?

For 2D animation, everything happens on a 2 dimensional platform. Pictures are flat, without depth and offer only one perspective. Objects and characters are usually drawn without the subtle soft shadows we see in real life and colours have few varying shades. In 3D animation, everything happens on a 3 dimensional platform. Pictures have depth and offer multiple perspectives just like in real life and have soft subtle shadows casted on the objects and characters within.

In 2D, characters look cartoonish and unrealisitc. In 3D, characters can look cartoonish but realistic at the same time.

Another way to think of this is to think in terms of a painting and a sculpture. 2D is a painting, and 3D is a sculpture. 3D introduces "depth perspective," so we not only see a rectangle (2D) but a CUBE (3D). You may also want to think of it like being the difference between a photograph of a glass of water (2D) and being able to reach out and actually pick up the glass of water (3D).

Typically, 2D involves "drawing," or movement on, say, a flat surface (sketch pad, etc.) or in the vertical and horizontal planes. 3D involves "modeling," i.e., creating objects in 3-dimensions using a computer software, residing in an expansive virtual environment, complete with lights, reflections, other objects, shadows, etc.

You could start training yourself by comparing a cartoon like Bugs Bunny, Aladdin, Lion King (2D) to "Toy Story 1,2 & 3, "Finding Nemo" and "Incredibles" (3D). If you have not watched any of these great cartoons, you should grab one right away or be branded a neantherdal forever!

Aldric Chang is the Founding Managing Director of the Mediafreaks Pte Ltd group and is best described as a creative entrepreneur with business interests in building free online adventure games, cartoon animation, interactive digital media, internet marketing, web 2.0 and music

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