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Andy Voelker

Pro Tools

July 07, 2015 by Andy Voelker
Categories: Multimedia

pro-toolsAvailability: Download
Comparable: Audacity, Audition, GarageBand

Pro Tools is a digital audio workstation for Microsoft Windows and OS X developed and manufactured by Avid Technology. It is a de facto standard for recording and mixing music and is used in most professional recording studios. It can run as standalone software, or operate using a range of external A/D converters and internal PCI or PCIe audio cards with onboard DSP.  Pro Tools records and edits non-destructively and has the ability to process multiple live effects on each channel without altering the original recorded waveform permanently.  This makes editing and tweaking effects and sounds very easy, fast, and intuitive.  Older versions of Pro Tools can also interface with VST’s (Virtual Studio Technology), that can add in virtual effects, instruments, visualizations, sound banks, editing tools, samplers, and more.

Here is a detailed comparison matrix of several DAW software pieces.

Tags: pro tools

Haiku Deck

July 07, 2015 by Andy Voelker
Categories: Design & Visualization
haikuAvailability: Free on web or iPad/iPhone App
Comparable: Google Slides, Prezi, Powerpoint, Sway, Keynote
Haiku Deck is a web or mobile app based presentation platform that focuses on simplistic imagery and text to compliment the speaker’s narration.  The Haiku Deck philosophy is to make simplistic, beautiful, and fun presentations that highlight the speaker’s points without splitting the audience’s attention.  It contains an open license graphics library that is both visually stunning and versatile.  Users can choose between pre-created themes, decks, and slides or create their own using the gallery and editor.  The idea is to prevent presenters from loading a slide down with information that can be delivered in a more engaging way orally.  This presentation style is commonly used in TED Talks.  Haiku Deck is a free iPad/iPhone app or web-based application with limited storage.
Tags: haiku deckweb app

Piazza

June 25, 2015 by Andy Voelker
Categories: Network & Communications

Piazza-LogoAvailability: Free Web Application
Comparable: 

Piazza is a Q&A web service. It can be described as “mixture between a wiki and a forum” that can be used with learning management systems.  Instructors can create a free virtual class and send out access codes to students.  Students and the instructor can then create posts with questions.  Everyone can join in to supply answers, hints, or discussion.  Studies show that students are more likely to supply hints and help the original poster arrive at the answer themselves because they are also interested in learning the material.  The instructor can moderate posts to correct mistakes and misinformation, but students posts generally receive responses much more quickly and with more detail than if each student asks the instructor directly.

Piazza integrates with every major LMS (Learning Management System, i.e. Moodle, Blackboard, etc).

Tags: forumfreewebwiki