A tools for terrible typists- computer science at its best

This is great...I am an awful speller, and even worst typist. In fact my spelling is what brought me to CS in the first place, but that's different story. This app automatically corrects spelling, OR you can use it to automatically insert certain phrases after a given keystroke. So my teh becomes the. Or I can auto-insert the HTML tags I am forever typing into Blackboard. Lifehaker Texter app

Second Semester Looms

So now that we are past the holiday rush, and exams are done, I am trying to pace out second semester. I have boon looking to a couple of places for inspiration.

• Books:
• Upgrade your Life by Gina Trapini
  This is a book by Lifehacker about being more efficient in your work. I already try to practice Inbox Zero, but the idea about putting everything into archive, hold, and follow up folders has made the idea much easier.
• Brain Rules by John Medina
  Lots of great information about maximizing brain power. A lot of information about how the traditional school model is not the best way to learn. I don't see installing treadmills in the lab, but we could do some things to break up the 90 minute blocks.
• How the Brain Learns by David A. Sousa
  Great stuff - probably the most relevant of the bunch to actual instruction.
• Pragmatic Thinking and Learning: Refactor Your Wetware (Pragmatic Programmers) by Andrew Hunt
  This one is written by a programmer, so it makes for a fun point of view.
• Blogs:
  I have found a wealth of ideas through elementary themed blogs - who knew! My favorite so far is using a oil pan from autoZone ($10) for a large magnetic wall board.
• Clutter Free Classroom
• The Hawk's Nest
• 4th Grade Frolics
• Ladybug's Teacher Files