Source: David Truss, Solving Interesting ProblemsAmazing, isn't it, when you stand at the edge of tomorrow...last week, I was a Director of Technology. Next week, I'll be a Director of Professional Development for the TCEA. This week, though, I'm enjoying Spring Break off, cleaning out old wardrobes and celebrating my 26th Wedding Anniversary with my wife, Monica, on St. Patrick's Day (Thursday, March 17th). I'm grateful for so many things this week, including Alexis Cline's efforts to share the image shown right on TCEA's Facebook page by way of welcome, but also for the good times reflected in the photos featured in the collage.Earlier today, the nephew of a colleague called and he asked me, "How did you get to where you are now?" What a fascinating question. As I took a moment to reflect back upon the path taken, I realize that while I thought it was purposeful and direct, in truth, it was quite circuitous. What seemed like the best decisions made objectively are actually course adjustments, as if you were climbing a mountain and taking the route that made sense in the moment.I'm not saying I've reached the summit of that particular mountain, or that I may soon find myself plummeting to the bottom. Rather, that following one's passion and enthusiasms will certainly lead you on an adventure of some sort...whether it's the sort you want, well, that is a matter of attitude and "adjusting your sails."For the nephew, just graduating from Texas A&M with a degree in Business Management, I have counseled him to build up his certifications and focus on opportunities that would give him experiences in the areas he was most apt to develop his passion and knowledge.David Truss shares the image at the top of this blog post. It reflects a few truths I've committed to:A positive attitudeOpenness to unexpected discoveriesRemembering that we are all invited to learn anew every day.How did I get where I am now? By being committed to assisting others get better, as well as being committed to enjoying what I'm doing.Everything posted on Miguel Guhlin's blogs/wikis are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of his employer(s) or its clients. Read Full Disclosure

Image Source"Are you still here?" I asked a friend and colleague. It was an empty building, and the business day officially had already ended 30-40 minutes."Yeah," he sighed. "I have some work to catch-up on. What do you have for me?"That conversation, like many others that followed it, came to mind as I reflected on the following passage from a "book app" I was reading. I'm reminded about the conversation because it highlights a willingness to get work done, but also a willingness to receive more work.Here's the passage that reminded me:He is willing to do the unpopular jobs, the jobs he might think are beneath him, the jobs that no-one else sees, that are left when everyone else has gone home. That is leadership, whether you are labeled a leader or not. (Source: BibleGateway app)I wonder what would happen if I asked these questions and did my best to answer them in my new job:What are the unpopular jobs in your organization?What are the jobs others think are beneath them?What are the jobs that need doing that no one wants to do?How do you seek out new jobs like the ones alluded to in the preceding questions?Do you think these questions would help me do well? What would these jobs look like in your situation?I'm reminded of the custodian at my post in a large urban school district...we had a chance encounter when I went to splash water on my face at the end of a long day. I was tired after a day of meetings. He was joyfully cleaning the restroom.I remember the enthusiasm with which he approached cleaning a toilet, whipping out an ice-scrapper to be sure that he had cleaned the scum from inside the toilet bowl, leaving it sparkling-white. Some might have seen the extra effort needed for that job as beneath them, but the old man--who retired that year--approached that job with an enthusiasm all of us would do well to emulate.Here is a quote I learned early on in my education career and need to remember again:Everything posted on Miguel Guhlin's blogs/wikis are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of his employer(s) or its clients. Read Full Disclosure

Image Source"How hard would it be for my students to monitor news about the Presidential election and then present their findings to the rest of their class?" The question is certainly intriguing and I bet there are resourceful teachers already doing something similar with their students. And, perhaps, how would using technology in this way help students appreciate how they stay informed as compared to how folks stayed informed back in the day (e.g. newspapers, evening news broadcasts)? That's what some call digital literacy...Like most Americans, I often find myself glued to my television, listening to stirring speeches from Republican and Democratic candidates. When I hear something that irritates me, I desire to learn more about the candidate making what I may consider silly remarks, or conversely, cleverly entertaining ones designed to engage. More importantly, I am curious to find out about the democratic process.When I vote in a Primary election, what does that mean? What is the significance of delegates and super-delegates? Often, I wish I could watch several news channels at once to get access to the latest information about what is happening...but I can't. After standing in line to vote in Texas, I suspect I am not alone in my ignorance.Students analyze the impact of technological innovations on American life. Students use critical-thinking skills and a variety of primary and secondary source material to explain and apply different methods that historians use to understand and interpret the past, including multiple points of view and historical context. (Source: Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills)But what if I had access to mobile apps on my phone that could keep me in touch, that allow me to see primary and secondary source material--raw information--and then make my own interpretations, rather than have them filtered through a potentially biased on-screen personality, whether it be Fox News, MSNBC, or CNN?And, that's why this short list of apps are finding their way onto my mobile device:Politico"The POLITICO app for iPhone and iPad brings you your politics fix in a clean, easy-to-navigate layout that keeps you up to date when you’re on the go. POLITICO delivers the fastest, most in-depth coverage of politics and policy developments and everything you need to stay up to speed on the 2016 races. "Poll Tracker"The 2016 elections are upon us. With Talking Points Memo’s PollTracker app—one of the top apps from the 2012 and 2014 election seasons—you’ll have the very latest information about the political campaigns everyone’s going to be talking about, right at your fingertips.Get up-to-the-minute data on key races for the 2016 presidential campaign, US Senate and governors’ seats, presidential approval, or issues like gun control or same-sex marriage."Election NF 2016"US Elections! Who will be the most powerful man, or woman in the world? Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, Jeb Bush, Scott Walker or Ted Cruz? Follow the presidential campaigns all the way, with a non biased feed, without missing a thing! Debates, press releases, media appearances, polls, opinions, analysis and more!All PoliticsAll Politics includes:Political News & Views from the hillLeft and right talk radioPolitical satire & cartoonsLive republican vs democrat discussions2016 US presidential election newsAggregated and original news from Politico, Fox, MSNBC and other sources"FrontRunner"Follow the 2016 presidential election. See up-to-date polling results with a single swipe with the widget in your Notification Center. See how candidates are polling over time. Pick and choose which candidates to follow and which to ignore. Be the first to know when there are new polling results. We combine the latest opinion polls and update when a new poll is released."RealClear"Updated every morning and throughout the day, RCP culls and publishes the best commentary, news, polling data, and links to important resources from all points of the political compass and covering all the important issues of the day."Voter - Matchmaking for Politics"Answer a few simple questions and find out which politicians truly have your best interests at heart, and have a track record to back it up."And, although it's more of a reference guide to what people have said, let me throw two more in for fun:PolitiFact"Find fact-checks by searching name, keywords and subject" (about the only feature that worked!). This app was quite bare except for some information about current candidates (e.g. quotes, positions on hot button items), but you have hope they will add some more information in over time."Resolve political arguments at the dinner table, check the facts in campaign ads and test your knowledge of the Truth-O-Meter with PolitiFact's new Settle It! app."The arcGIS folks have an interesting Election Results app (works on the web, too), as well, although don't see many students using it:Election Results is a configuration of ArcGIS Online and Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS that can be used by citizens and other interested parties to review elections results. This application can be used to share results tabulated on election night; and historical results that are shared after each election. Election Results can accessed from a smartphone, tablet, and desktop computer.Election Results is typically used by clerks, election commissions, or other local government organizations to deliver a map-based election reporting application. This application provides access to the organization 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and typically supplements tabular results published by these organizations.ReferencesNot being much of an election buff, I relied on these blog entries (and Google, Apple iTunes) to guide me and point me in the right direction.6 Great Apps for the U.S. Presidential ElectionEverything posted on Miguel Guhlin's blogs/wikis are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of his employer(s) or its clients. Read Full Disclosure

Explain Everything Discover - Where You Can Share Your Whiteboard CreationsIf you've been working on an iPad, you're probably already familiar with digital whiteboard apps like Educreations, ShowMe, Doceri, Jot, MolaSync (recently featured by TCEA), and, of course, my favorite, Explain Everything. These apps make presenting for a real audience, online or face to face, or creating something for flipped classroom approach much easier.The Explain Everything folks just made a great announcement, sharing a real-time collaborative whiteboard app for iOS, Android, and Chromebooks that connects over WiFi:We have launched a new iOS collaborative whiteboard, updated the Android, Chrome, and Windows interactive whiteboard, and published a new web-based EE project portal called Explain Everything Discover.Amazingly, the new app comes with a user community known as Explain Everything Discover (not unlike EduCreations), as well as a subscription plan for education and app.Image Source: Explain EverythingUnfortunately, Explain Everything Collaborative Whiteboard isn't available for U.S. yet (I know, I tried to get it!)..."Please note that the Collaborative Whiteboard is first being launched in a few countries: UK, Ireland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, China, Japan, Mexico, and Poland. The app will be available worldwide soon after."Sigh. In the meantime, why not try MolaSync?Everything posted on Miguel Guhlin's blogs/wikis are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of his employer(s) or its clients. Read Full Disclosure

During a Twitter chat--which I was monitoring on my iPhone while in the grocery store--I was shocked to discover Participate Learning, a suggested link from others participating in the chat. Wow, what an impressive and easy way to track Twitter chats:It's amazing, isn't it? Just the grid and the schedule make it so much easier to see the breadth and depth of Twitterchats happening at any given time. If you're not keeping track of Twitter chats this way, then they may help you be more purposeful about how you participate!Everything posted on Miguel Guhlin's blogs/wikis are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of his employer(s) or its clients. Read Full Disclosure

Looking for a Cisco-based Voice Over IP (VOIP) System Administrator position with a pay range of $67K-$92K? Check out Judson ISD in San Antonio, Texas:The job posting can be found below:https://judsonisd.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=2565TitleVoIP Systems AdministratorDepartmentTechnology  Reports ToNetwork Manager and Director of Network ServicesCompensationIT 406Days230Revised 3/9/16PRIMARY PURPOSE:The VoIP Systems Administrator will manage and support the JISD Cisco Unified Communications VoIP telephone system which includes Call Manager, Unity, Presence, Meeting Place, Exchange, MS Lync, Contact Center Express, CRS servers, gateways, SRST, ATA and third party hardware and software integrations.  Specific support emphasis will be on configuration, management, system upgrades and day-to-day operational support and maintenance.  In addition, support and development of software programs required to monitor and maintain the VoIP server cluster is required.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Education and Certification RequirementsMust have B.S. in a computer or business related field  from an accredited school; may be substituted for years of experience in a related fieldPreferred CCNA/CCNP Voice certificate or equivalentMust have valid Texas Driver’s LicenseSpecial Knowledge and SkillsManaging data communications networks, local (LAN) and wide (WAN) area networksSupporting, maintaining, and configuring Cisco network equipment and operating systemsKnowledge of Ethernet network topologies both LAN and WANKnowledge of querying and setting up a user access to a database (Preferred)Knowledge of basic telephony principals and VOIP protocolsPerform routine system administration tasks including OS and application patches, upgrades and backupsAbility to assess verbal computer concerns to provide technical supportA high priority on providing outstanding customer service and turnaround timeStrong ability to work with othersHighly knowledgeable of computer hardware, software applications, computer operating systems, and network operating systemsHighly proficient in keyboarding, computer use, and phone useKnowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuationExcellent math and analytical skillsHigh ability to use computer and software to develop spreadsheets, update databases, and do word processingAbility to use effective verbal and written communication skills to provide outstanding customer serviceAbility to multi-task in a fast-paced office environment, supporting many people at onceAbility to solve problems and handle situations diplomaticallyExperience:IT Experience in a large school District or organization (Preferred)Experience with route lists, patterns, hunt groups and global directory administration experienceExperience with network security, QoS implementation and troubleshootingExcellent telephone and communication skillsCisco Unified Communications Manager administrative experienceServer experience on Cisco UCS, Exchange and Active Directory with ability to extend this knowledge into Cisco Call Manager Telephony, Unity Voice Mail, Cisco IPCC applications and MS Lync MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required.) Install, configure, and maintain Cisco network server equipment and operating systemsUtilize Cisco network management software and hardware to identify and correct problems with the data communications equipmentProvide configuration and problem resolution support for the district's telephone systemEvaluate and implement new technologies for data communications related to data, voice, and videoDevelop and support user programming required to monitor and maintain telephone systemAttend instructor led and computer based technical training and then use this training to enhance ability to perform job and to obtain required certificationsLead efforts to diagnose and resolve complex system configuration, production and deployment problemsMaintain inventory records for all equipment purchased, installed or controlled under Network ServicesInspects all contract work completed for Network ServicesPerform equipment, software, and firmware updates as recommended by industry standards and directed by the Network ManagerResearch and investigate new and current VoIP toolsResearch and price voice, video, and data items as requested by Network Manager and Director of Infrastructure ServicesRepair or facilitates repair of two-way radioMaintain a clean and safe work environmentParticipate in professional development activities to maintain current knowledge of personnel rules, regulations, and practicesMaintain a consistent professional demeanor and appearanceDaily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job Supervisory Responsibilities: N/AEquipment Used: Office equipment - personal computer, printer, calculator, multi-line telephone, software programs and peripherals, copier, fax, and other equipment applicable to position.Communication equipment - radio communication equipment, cellular telephoneVideo monitoring equipmentWorking Conditions:Mental DemandsMaintain emotional control under stressWork with frequent interruptions Physical DemandsFrequent: Sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs and/or ramps, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive hand motions, hearing, speaking clearly, visual acuity, distinguishing colors, driving, traveling.Occasional: Lifting, moderate, 15-44 pounds; carrying, moderate, 15-44 pounds Environmental FactorsFrequent exposure to: temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise, low or intense illumination, vibrationOccasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.), work outside, work around moving objects or vehicles, work on uneven surfaces, work alone, work prolonged or irregular hours.Nondiscrimination Statement:The Judson School District considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, marital or veteran status, the presence of a medical condition, disability, or any other legally protected status.Everything posted on Miguel Guhlin's blogs/wikis are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of his employer(s) or its clients. 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Today was my first day in my new position as Director of Professional Development at the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA). Key parts of my day were spent planning with Diana Benner and Peggy Reimers, as they prepare for the Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Teacher Academy on Wednesday, 03/23/16!On the Road: While driving to Austin from San Antonio, I listened to Lindsay Buroker's Emperor's Edge series (get the first book free...warning: you will want to buy the follow-ups!), a deliciously engaging steampunk/fantasy fiction collection of books! I highly recommend it!TCEA laid out the welcome mat, and I'm truly grateful to be working with such fun folks! They were kind enough to share the following:Read this technotes blog entry online at TCEA!I suppose it's safe to announce that I've created my alter-ego, STEAM Twitter account @tceamg and created a companion web site to house all the content I'll be creating for workshops:While my Twitter account (@mguhlin) is focused on sharing topics I remain interested in--essentially, cybersafety/privacy issues, leadership/learning/teaching with technology--I decided that since I was learning SO MUCH about STEM/STEAM, Raspberry Pi (read my previous adventures here), Arduino, Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE)--including Office365, OneNote--and Adobe, I probably should get a new Twitter going to do my research for me.Using IFTTT.com, I am sharing some awesome resources via that Twitter account, @tceamg! I hope you'll take a moment to follow that account!Finally, I have to admit, working with such wonderful folks and with the hope of visiting Texas learners, I can't wait...Everything posted on Miguel Guhlin's blogs/wikis are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of his employer(s) or its clients. Read Full Disclosure

Recently, a colleague shared she was on a search for everyone's top, must-have app. The idea for her blog entry stuck in my brain, and I couldn't help but wonder, What's YOUR top 5 iOS app list? I started to wonder, what ARE MY favorite apps? I did a quick inventory of my iPhone, and this blog entry details what I came up with. In this entry, you'll find my picks for the following:Multi-purpose music player, ebook reader, zip/unzip, download utility, file managerPodcast playerAudio recording appEmailImage editing/annotationHere are the apps I load on an iPad or iPhone every time, without fail at least several times a day, if not more!Readdle Documents (Free) - I was shaken (joking, Kasey!) to read that Shake It Up Learning had highlighted Simple Transfer app (clearly an archived post from 2014, but hey, it's what inspired this particular app entry). This is the MUST-HAVE iOS app, enabling you to easily transfer--to cloud storage, over WiFi, WebDav server, FTP, email--data to and from your iOS.  You can play music, zip/unzip files, download files like PDFs and view them with a built-in browser, as well as read non-DRM ePub ebooks! In fact, I credit Readdle Documents with keeping me using my iPad when I was ready to throw it into the trash.Overcast (Free) - Looking for a podcast app that doesn't force you to navigate through tons of ads, and pretty images? Well, Overcast is THE app. I literally use this app (all of the ones on this list fall into that category) every day, but more importantly, it helps me maintain my sanity on long commutes. Need some content to start out with? Subscribe to Podiobooks content and TED talks.Voice Record Pro (Free) - There isn't a week that goes by that I don't need to record something quickly. While Voxer is a nice alternative, Voice Record Pro makes it easy to quickly record MP4 audio files, with built-in conversion to MP3, and you can do some easy editing, as well as save files to the cloud (e.g. Dropbox, Drive).CloudMagic (Free) - This incredible email app makes it a cinch to check multiple email accounts, including Exchange/Outlook, IMAP/POP accounts. It also allows you to quickly save content to OneNote, Evernote, Pocket, and a variety of other locations. But wait, there's more! It allows you to use ONE login/pwd then syncs all your email accounts. Since I have about 5-6 that I manage these days, it saves me some time after installing it. It also works on Android and Mac, too.And, finally, for quick image editing, and this is tough because there are several contenders, I rely on Annotate, Over, and Aviary for creating those quote images that everyone loves to get in their Facebook feed. For quick framing/editing of a photo, LiPix does a nice job!I hope this list is helpful to you!Everything posted on Miguel Guhlin's blogs/wikis are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of his employer(s) or its clients. Read Full Disclosure

Looking at my iPhone, I wonder how the FBI/NSA/local techie-crook could crack the security on my device! Of course, it would probably just take a wrench strategically applied, but that's not why we protect our confidential, personally identifiable data in certain apps!Here's the run-down on my top 5 iOS Security and Privacy apps:ProtonMail (Free) - If you have to send private, encrypted email, then ProtonMail has new apps for iOS and Android. You can now take the Switzerland-based encrypted email service--not unlike the now made defunct by FBI, Lavabit--on the go with your mobile device. It's a cinch to use, and you have no excuse for sending top secret data unencrypted via email.PIA VPN (Annual cost of $50) - Looking for a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to provide some security when you're writing the great American novel or confidential write-up at Starbucks? Then, Private Internet Access (PIA) is a great VPN that works on every computer and mobile device, including my iPhone/iPad. I highly recommend it because it is drop-dead easy!MiniKeepass (Free) - If you're not using LastPass ($13 annual subscription), then you might consider creating a Keepass database (free, open source, no cost) and saving it on Dropbox or Drive. You can then open it on your mobile device with MiniKeepass app. This really is a life-saver when you need to access the 52 zillion passwords modern life demands!P.T.E. (Free) - Need to quickly encrypt text messages or emails with confidential info? Then use Paranoia's Text Encryptor (P.T.E. for short). It makes these encryption of text messages, etc. a lot easier. It doesn't encrypt files (you would probably need AESCrypt for that) but I seldom have that need.Google Authenticator (Free) - Are you using 2-factor authentication? If not, you should be! Google's Authenticator app works great and provides you with the code you need to quickly login to your Gmail, Evernote (if you use that), Dropbox, etc. Definitely a must-have if you're using 2-factor authentication (and you should be!).Now, that's a short list. Of course, I also have Signal, Peerio, iCabMobile browser installed on my iPhone. Do I actually use them? Not really but you never know as a citizen journalist (eye-roll) when I may be called upon to use them! Haha... Everything posted on Miguel Guhlin's blogs/wikis are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of his employer(s) or its clients. Read Full Disclosure

Are are you an avid reader? I know I am! It's unbelievable how much content is available and demanding attention. Over the years, I've taken advantage of the following apps to feed my reading addiction!Readdle Documents (Free) - As I mentioned in this blog entry, the Documents app makes it a cinch to read non-Digital Rights Management (DRM) ePub/PDF ebooks. There is a pile of content available you can carry around, and now, with GoogleDocs ePub export, you can easily carry around important documents in ePub format and read them in Documents. Loading up ePub/PDF files onto your iOS device is a cinch with Documents.Google Play Books (Free) - Although an early Barnes and Noble Nook adopter (Amazon was on my never use list for years), I decided to begin investing in a book collection in Google Play. And, of course, there is a ton of free content on there too. What's neat is that you can easily drop content into Google Play and it will sync across devices (including my Chromebook). This makes it easy to not only load content in, but also keep track of what page I am on. If you are moving across devices in the Google ecosystem, then definitely consider Google Play books.Kindle (Free) - Like everyone else, I have fallen beneath Amazon's spell. Fortunately, I have managed to keep my collection of ebooks in non-DRM (get them via Smashwords when possible!) and Google Play, but I confess to having purchased a few titles here.Feedly (Free) - It's not enough to just read books and magazines, so much awesome content is available in other people's writings in blogs. Every time I open up Feedly, I am rejuvenated and inspired by so many others. Feedly makes it easy to read and share content into various content curation engines (like Pocket).Medium (Free) - Although not at the top of my list for checking out other people's writing (too unfocused) like Feedly is, I do confess that there are times when I tap on Medium in the hopes of great essays and content. And, wow, there is great stuff there!What are your top "reading" apps?Everything posted on Miguel Guhlin's blogs/wikis are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of his employer(s) or its clients. Read Full Disclosure