Now You See It: GMail's Voice and Video Chat

If you're an educator who uses GMail, you'll want to check out its new feature. According to the official GMail Blog, users will now have voice and video chat as part of their service. You'll need to install the plug-in to use this new service. Spiffy!


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The (Freebase) Parallax View

Sometimes, looking at an issue, a concept, or a subject from a different vantage point gives us a whole new means of comprehending the topic. Ultimately, shifts in the direction of our inquiry, engendered by changes in the manner in which we're making observations provide new perspectives. By observing a notion from different angles, we end up with a parallax view of the idea. We begin to understand that there are more layers of meaning to take into account, additional details that are worthy of inspection.

Humans appreciate familiarity. We grow accustomed to routines and fall into them with startling regularity. When we use a particular path to arrive at a desired destination, whether making our way to a market or an answer to a question, the ruts that form our route are continually reinforced by our travel. The more often we progress along the circuit, the deeper the rut becomes, the more ingrained the routine is in our approach. For example, many individuals, when conducting research these days, automatically turn to Google or Wikipedia for an answer without bothering to deviate to an alternative road to enlightenment.

To be sure, Google and Wikipedia are useful tools for research. Both are invaluable for tracking elusive explanations. However, neither of these paragons of probe are the quintessence of query. There are other avenues of access to answers. Research scientist David François Huynh points out this fact eloquently as he discusses the merits of Freebase Parallax, a "a novel browsing interface" designed for use with Freebase, an open, shared database of the world's knowledge. Dr. Huynh's impressive video demonstration of Freebase Parallax ought to convince even the most die-hard fans of Google and Wikipedia that a fresh perspective can often yield richer solutions in a shorter amount of time.


Freebase Parallax: A new way to browse and explore data from David Huynh on Vimeo.

Related links:

• Drop by Freebase and check out the Categories there.
• What do you know about a unit of knowledge? Google's relatively recent Knol is designed to help users locate an authoritative article about a given topic.
  
• My apologies to director Alan J. Pakula and actor Warren Beatty for alluding to their 1974 film the political thriller, The Parallax View, in my post title. No conspiracy was involved. It's an engaging (if not disturbing) work of cinema that's guaranteed to deliver a shiver or two.
  

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Chrome Really Shines

Well, I've downloaded Google Chrome, installed it, and taken it for a quick test run. My first impression was, "Wow! This thing flies!" The way my pages are loading is enough to make me want to continue using this new browser. I like it and intend to put this new browser to work for the next week or so. In fact, I just made this post using it.

Related links:

• Download Google Chrome (It's currently in beta for Windows and not quite ready for Mac at this time :-(
  
• The Wall Street Journal's venerable Walter Mossberg has had more time to explore Chrome and offers his views about the net newcomer.
  

New Browser Demonstrates Its Precious Mettle: Google Chrome

According to what I've read at the Official Google Blog, it seems that Google's long-awaited and soon-to-be-released web browser, Chrome, is going to have some stamina that other browsers are currently lacking. In typical Google style, Chrome is going to an open source browser. Big G is giving back to the community! As if to add whipped cream and a cherry on top, one of my favorite illustrators, Scott McCloud, has an online comic book explaining the rich features of Chrome. Spiffy!
It'll be available tomorrow, September 2nd. I can't wait!

The Change We Want to See

Today, I'm sitting in the San Jose International Airport where, I am delighted to report, the wi-fi is free to anyone and greatly appreciated. I wonder why can't Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport hasn't done the same? At any rate, traveling geeks like having the internet nearby and airports that cater to us are held in high esteem.

Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to be a candidate in the Google Teacher Academy. Fifty-five other people from places all over the earth and I spent a goodly portion of the day exploring Google's ever-growing collection of tools. Aside from the fact that I was actually there and not dreaming, I was very interested to know how my GTA peers integrate technology in their respective environments. I was intrigued because I want to share what's going on in places other than my corner of the world in southeastern Georgia. What I learned was that my friends have been

• teaching their students how to make better use of RSS feeds (via Google Reader),
• helping their schools and systems make use of robust online resources (i.e., Google Docs and Spreadsheets via Google Apps accounts that are free for educational institutions), and
• diligently working to assist other teachers and administrators as they make constructive changes to the way instruction is delivered.

In addition to doing absorbing as much as I could from the GTA participants, I also kept my eyes and mind open as our group was given a tour of the Googleplex so we could all see, first hand, how Google structured its working environment so as to foster innovation. To say that our trip through the Willy Wonkaesque cognitive workshop was enlightening is an understatement. The experience was akin to having our mental batteries recharged...and then some! Everywhere we went we observed surroundings that superbly meet the needs of those who pass through its boundaries. Walking into Google is like crossing over into a parallel universe where things have somehow, suddenly gone right. While it's not Utopia, it's pretty darned inspiring.

Those fortunate enough to be employed at Google have a work environment that, while demanding, is simultaneously humane. Great things are expected of the folks who power Google. At the same time, the company recognizes the value of its employees and does all it can to make their work a joy rather than drudgery. The company has a set of values that drives its decision-making. Education would do well to take them to heart. These values are:

1. Focus on the end user and all else will follow.
2. It's best to do one thing really, really well.
3. Faster is better than slow.
4. Democracy on the web works.
5. You don't need to be at your desk to need an answer.
6. You can make money without doing evil.
7. There's always more information out there.
8. The need for information crosses all borders.
9. You can be serious without a wearing suit.
10. Great just isn't good enough.

Before we left Google, our group was charged with the mission to go forth and be the change we want to see in the world. I've been thinking about that. What I would like to see is a world where anyone can learn in environments not unlike that of the Googleplex, places that are fun and fundamental in solving the complex issues that challenge all of us. If Google can do it, so can we.

Even More from Google

Like Google? It's got a ton of tools for innovators. Check this out:

• Go to the Google landing page.
• Type in the phrase even more.
• Click the I'm Feeling Lucky button.

Knock yourself out!

Live from the Googleplex

Today I'm in Mountain View, California attending the Google Teacher Academy. I think it's going to be a blast. There's a decidedly diverse gathering here, educators and innovators from all corners of the earth. I've already met teachers from Maine, Louisiana, California, Arizona, and many other places. One extra surprise that thrilled me: Vicki Davis of Cool Cat Teacher blog is the keynote speaker!

A World of Data to Explore: GE-Graph

Although it's hard to believe, the wildly robust features of Google Earth can be made even better. Case in point: GE-Graph. This nifty, freeware application handily generates impressive graphs from kml files saved by Google Earth.