Extreme IntelliTools Without Extreme Frustration

Jennifer Fritschi

MarcoPolo State Administrator

Professional Development Coordinator for Alabama's Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology Project

(A UConn AT Graduate)

fritschi@mindspring.com

 

I had the pleasure of reviewing a Pre-Release copy of Dan Herlihy's IntelliTools Extreme!. My impression, in a nutshell, is that if you ever intend to use IntelliTools, this is a must. IntelliTools Extreme! is an invaluable resource for using IntelliTools programs to create innovative and creative learning opportunities. It examines IntelliPics Studio, Overlay Maker, IntelliMathics, IntelliTalk II, IntelliKeys, IntelliQuiz, IntelliMation and other third party products that compliment IntelliTools software. What makes this book unique is that it is not written by the vendor's own technical writers; rather, it is a compilation of expertise from an unbiased practitioner who forewarns of what not to do, while pushing the limit of all that one can do. It does not require the reader to have a lot of expertise in IntelliTools programs and enables the creation of practical learning activities "on the fly". IntelliTools Extreme! is a quick and easy to use reference which addresses all spectrums of the curriculum, a variety of learning needs, and all grade levels.

 

A Look Inside the Chapters

Chapter 1 sets the tone for the entire book as it recognizes that educators need to be able to create activities "on the fly" when teachable moments occur. It suggests strategies such as using keyboard shortcuts and templates to provide such learning opportunities.

Chapter 2 offers techniques for adding and manipulating music and sound in IntelliPics Studio, IntelliTalk II, and IntelliMathics. One can create, for example, an Intelliguitar, sound effects in stories, and active story scenes.

Chapter 3 illustrates how to create educational games and puzzles using IntelliTalk II, Overlay Maker, IntelliMathics, and IntelliPics Studio. As a bonus, some of these activities and templates are included on the CD that accompanies the book.  

Chapter 4 explains how to create Explore Activities with IntelliPics Studio, IntelliTalk II, IntelliMathics, IntelliQuiz and Overlay Maker.

Chapter 5 details how to manipulate regions in IntelliPics Studio using BoardMaker symbols to create guided writing activities, switch accessible coloring books, and a popular Mr. Potato Head, a.k.a.  "Mr. IntelliHead" activity. In this activity students pick from a customized palette of body parts to construct their own Mr. IntelliHead. Another bonus, this activity is also included on the CD.

Chapter 6 uses pictures and labeled diagrams to create basic quizzes in IntelliQuiz. These activities cover the spectrum of grade levels. For example, quizzes for identifying parts of a plant, the digestive system, and a strand of DNA double helix can be created.  This chapter is a nice compliment to many of the other chapters that illustrate how to create learning activities. These quizzes can be used as an assessment tool to measure the effectiveness of the activities and gauge learning outcomes.

Chapter 7 presents a thorough discussion of how to capture, manipulate, and create pictures, graphics and frame animations within the suite of IntelliTools programs.

Chap. 8 uses IntelliMation to create story prompts, studio shorts, an IntelliAlgebra activity, and cause and effect activities. As with many of the activities illustrated, some of these are included on the accompanying CD.

Chapter 9 illustrates how to create movies with IntelliPics Studio and provides an excellent tutorial on third party software necessary to complete this activity.

Chapter 10 discusses adapting books with IntelliPics Studio, BoardMaker, and Overlay Maker. Instructions are given on creating pre-made templates from scratch that can then be used later to expeditiously adapt a book.

Chapters 11, 12, and 13 deal more with practical technical issues and invaluable forewarnings that guarantee all of one's hard work creating these activities can transcend transportation or compatibility problems. The author presents a wealth of information on saving, transporting, and sharing activities on CDs, and a variety of other removable storage media. He also offers a tutorial on how to create hybrid and auto-start CDs for MACs and PCs. Strategies are given for specific IntelliTools programs to ensure their successful transfer between different platforms as well as differing versions of the software. Further support is provided in Chapter 13's "Technical Tips" where the author provides IntelliKeys keyboard tips, information on players and updaters and a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.

Chapter 14 and 15, tries to get one to think "outside the box" and understand what can be created with IntelliTools programs. More specifically, Chapter 14 discusses the implications for a wider use of IntelliTools, such as; in a rehabilitation center, public library, Senior Citizens' Center, or as a tool for English/Spanish translation.  Chapter 15 asks one to take a step back and take a second look at specific IntelliTools programs to recognize their potential. For example, one might use IntelliMathics to enable a student with a physical disability to "roll the dice" or use IntelliTalk II to create MadLibs and social stories.

Chapter 16 looks at IntelliTools and its evolution through the years. Embedded within this exploration are many practical strategies, such as; creating custom palettes in the Palette Library, accessing instructional videos from the web for use in IntelliTools activities, using two keyboards at the same time and browsing the web offline.

Chapter 17 and 18 provide a wealth of information on the devices, websites, related software, references and resources.

A treasure in and of itself is the CD that accompanies the book. Throughout IntelliTools Extreme!, as the author details how to create activities, he makes references to where they can be located on the CD. Included also are players and updaters. These pre-made activities are invaluable in that they allow an educator to use some of the activities described in the book without having to create them. They are also nice spring boards which can be customized to meet a learner's needs.

 

"Extreme" does not mean "Advanced"
         For the novice IntelliTools user, IntelliTools Extreme's simple directions make it user friendly. It is a book that can facilitate a reader's, creation of innovative activities with just basic knowledge of IntelliTools. For the advanced user, one could take this book and run with it. For both kinds of users and all those in between, the author provides many pre-made templates that can be used "as is" or customized to meet one's needs.

 

Access "On the Fly"
        The author recognizes the practical realities an educator faces and notes that creating access to the curriculum does not have to require inordinate amounts of time. Thus many of the activities this book illustrates may be created quickly and for those situations where more time is required, he advocates for and provides templates. As stated by the author, "Nothing has to look very elegant; it just has to work for your student who needs to be able to use it. Teaching is in the moment. It may take you one extra moment to create access, but that extra moment will provide your students with a continuous path of stepping-stones for learning."
 

 

Clear step by step instructions

The author provides very thorough instructions coupled with screen shots so that one with little or no IntelliTools experience can follow them. He makes no assumptions as to the reader's expertise. For example, instead of saying, "insert image" he provides the steps. Similarly, in addition to saying, "Find a program that has a marquee toolÖ." he suggests an array of programs for both MAC and PC that offer that tool.

 

MAC and PC friendly

Oftentimes tutorials have a platform bias or may make a meager attempt to provide instructions for the "other" platform. IntelliTools Extreme gives thorough instructions for both MAC and PCs.

 

Tips & Tricks

Throughout the book one finds "Helpful Tips" in the sidebars which offer reminders and time-savers. Also, embedded within the chapters are tricks that one would probably never know unless one read the IntelliTools software manuals from front to back. For example, the author states where to find sounds, graphics, and movie files that are included on the IntelliPics Studio CD or other websites.

 

Start in any chapter

IntelliTools Extreme! is not the kind of sequential book that requires a reader to start in the beginning in order to be effective. Readers can begin in any chapter that addresses their need. The author cross-references to other chapters in the book where relevant.

 

One thing I would change

If I wanted to change anything about this book it would be the book's spiral binding.

Another request I have is that I wish Mr. Herlihy would write directions on how to assemble a grill or other items that come with incomprehensible manuals. Such manuals, if written the "Herlihy way" would ensure that these items' assembly would not be such a painful experience. I'll be checking the book stores for his next tutorial, in hopes it will be in the home improvements section!

 

Conclusion

I loved this book. Sometimes it is easy for technophiles like myself to get caught up in all that technology will do. We will devise tutorials on things technology can do just because it excites us that it can be done.  However, what makes IntelliTools Extreme different from such a tutorial is that for every direction or activity illustrated, there is a tie to a curricular goal. He has done the hard part, figured out how, suffered the pains of what does not work and provided the reader a quick and easy reference for helping a student meet a curricular goal with IntelliTools as a tool.

 

 

Where to Buy:

IntelliTools Extreme!
by Dan Herlihy

$39.95

 

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Payment must accompany order; payable in U.S. funds. Make checks payable to:

Connective Technology Solutions, Inc.

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Email: dherlihy@juno.com

 

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