• The Kindle Fire is almost the exact same dimensions of my older Kindle. (See picture below.) It is just a bit heavier and thicker, but it still fits right in my single hand, small enough to curl up with. No doubt, Amazon’s Kindle designers had that in mind when they designed the device. It’s dimensions, thickness and weight still make it easy to hold when reading.

• The Kindle Fire display is perfect for the e-reader and for the light media and app-user. While I know there’s a great deal of talk about this device encroaching on iPad’s domain, I’m not sure I would go that far yet. However, if you only use your iPad for e-reading, media consuming, social media, and email, then I would say that perhaps you would be happy with the Kindle Fire. It easily does all of those things. It is a media consumption device only, not a media production device. If you want to create media too, then get another tablet device. If you only want to read, listen, view, or use apps, then get a Kindle Fire. Why buy a device that takes pictures or records audio if all you’re going to do is consume media anyway?
• The E-Reading app on the Kindle Fire captures all the features of the iPad Kindle app that are useful. Highlighting text and taking notes works just as it does on the iPad Kindle app. You can also control the background color of the page, text size, margins, and choose your font. The folks at Amazon did not sacrifice a thing for those of us who use these devices primarily for e-reading.
• The Apps available for the Kindle Fire include some favorite desktop and iPad apps. There’s Seesmic for Twitter users. There’s also Evernote for those of us who rely heavily on the note taking application. For Angry Birds enthusiasts, you’ll find your favorite versions too. I noticed that the Amazon app store is also offering apps like Quickoffice too. I am sure Amazon’s app store will only expand with demand for additional apps.
• The Kindle Fire’s high definition display makes watching video pleasurable on a small device. Honestly, when I want to watch a high definition movie, nothing beats my Samsung 60” LED TV. But, watching video on the Kindle Fire is pleasurable as well. It’s high definition screen made watching some of the pilot episode of Lost enjoyable.

Kindle Fire's Compact Size

• read, listen and watch media
• check email and engage in social media like Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn
• use and access your favorite online apps like Evernote

• Compose a tweet on something controversial. Sometimes the best responses I have gotten using Twitter are posts that capture a rather controversial topic. Of course a bit of caution is in order. Controversial doesn't mean offensive. Controversial is expressing an idea not readily accepted or thought about. Post a Tweet that goes against the grain of what others are tweeting and see what happens. Don't be rude or offensive. Post your thoughts in a matter of fact manner.
• Post a provocative and powerful quote. This is one of my favorites since I am always reading anyway. I collect quotes constantly. Sometimes I'll post a thought-provoking statement by an education researcher and see what happens. This is an extremely effective way to get an education conversation going on Twitter.
• Post a thought-provoking and engaging question. This is similar to the quote Tweet. The difference is that you post a question that has no simple answer, or if it has an answer, it is provocative. Questions beg for a response, especially those questions you know your followers are likely to have opinions about.
• Share link to a thought-provoking and controversial article. By far there's nothing like a provocative article or blog post to stir up Twitterverse. Share a study that seems ludicrous. Point out a blog post that is likely to cause an eruption. Twitter is an excellent place to provoke debate where everyone is limited to 140 characters so it's easy to get a word in edgewise, even the shy person.
• Respond to other's tweets with questions or additional responses. As you read through your timeline, find a tweet that begs for a response. Tweet out a question that demands an answer. Or, post a response that is sure to engage the other person in an exchange of ideas.

Appendix: Apps for Free Calls to Regular Phones

In my Times column today, I tackled the complex and rapidly shifting topic of free Internet phone calls. I pointed out that these so-called VOIP apps (for ‘voice over Internet Protocol’) generally offer poor sound quality, audio delays and longer connection times — but they can save you a ton of money.

The Times’s technology columnist, David Pogue, keeps you on top of the industry in his free, weekly e-mail newsletter.
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I reviewed a bunch of apps (Google Voice, Skype, Line2 and so on) in the column. But in the hours since the column was posted online, readers have flooded my in-box to let me know about some other options. In some cases, these additional apps disprove my thesis that “there’s still no app that offers all three of these elements: free calls, to regular phone numbers, from your cellphone.”
Here, then, is an appendix to today’s column.

* Talkatone. This free app takes some effort to set up. Its purpose is fairly confusing (“an iPhone application for chatting, calling, and location sharing”). The interface is confusing, too — it looks more like a chat program than a phone app.
But once you wade through the complexity, you find out that Talkatone lets your iPhone achieve that Holy Grail: free phone calls, to regular phone numbers, from your cellphone (when you’re in a Wi-Fi hot spot).
It works by tapping into a Google Voice account, which you have to get and set up. It uses the free calling feature that’s part of a Gmail account, which you also have to set up. But once that’s done, it’s true: free calls when you’re on Wi-Fi. Download and enjoy!

* netTALK. Several readers pointed out this iPhone app. It, too, requires more tech setup than the average non-techie is likely to understand — when you open the program, the first thing you see is an error message that says, “netTALK requires a valid SIP account.” And it doesn’t provide any information on what that is or how to get one.
But once that’s all plugged in, readers say, you wind up with the same effect: an iPhone that uses no carrier minutes when you make calls from a WiFi hot spot.

* Google Voice. This one’s fascinating. I noted in the column that Google Voice lets you make free calls to any phone number — from your computer, but not your cellphone. Several readers pointed out, though, that you can also make free domestic calls from your landline phone. (You dial your own Google Voice number, then press 2 for “Make a call.”) Of course, not that many people pay per minute for long distance on their home phones anymore, but this option is here if you need it. Details are here.

* Whistle Phone. This iPhone app, too, requires an SIP account (SIP is an Internet-calling technology) — but at least it helps you create one. You have to submit a lot of personal information to get the account, and you have to listen to a quick ad every time you place a call. But yes, it works — free calls over Wi-Fi.
Readers also pointed out that there are hardware boxes, like magicJack and Ooma, that let you make Internet calls from home. MagicJack is now offering software called magicTalk that lets you make free calls to numbers in the United States and Canada from your computer. And there are services like JaJah, which create free calls over the Internet by requesting the number you’re dialing, then hanging up, then calling both you and your callee simultaneously from the middle. Crazy, and still more complicated than regular calls, but it works.
As I noted in the column, don’t expect much in the way of tech support when you use these apps. And in many cases you’re stuck with one number for text messaging, and a second number (your free one) for calls. Often, you’re stuck with two separate address books, too. Clearly, this industry is in its confusing, chaotic infancy.

But in the end, I’ll have to sheepishly admit that I was wrong: there are indeed apps that let you make free Wi-Fi calls to any domestic phone number from your cellphone — if you can live with a stack of footnotes.
In an earlier version of this post the name of Jajah, an Internet-calling service, was misspelled.

Source: http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/27/appendix-apps-for-free-calls-to-regular-phones/ 

• Use and understand cloud-based applications: With so many of our school functions moving to cloud-based applications, administrators need to understand what the cloud really is, what it means for data, and how to use cloud-based applications to enhance educational initiatives. There should never be an administrator who asks, “What’s this cloud they keep talking about?”
• Use and understand social media platforms: Instead of giving in to fear and trying to find ways to limit access and use of social media platforms by educators, 21st century administrators need to be engaged heavily in the use of these platforms to both promote their educational organizations and to communicate with stakeholders.
• Subscribe to RSS feeds: While there are fewer options for engaging in following RSS feeds, it still is one of the best ways to mine the information morass on a daily basis. Using a feed reader allows an administrator to be more selective in both information sources and in the amount of information they have to sift through to stay current professionally and personally.
• Use web platforms to post information and communicate with stakeholders: Being able to engage in communicating with others in a cyber-environment is a must for 21st century administrators. To really be able to take advantage of the cyber-media, administrators need to be able to understand its intricacies and quirks. They need to be able to take advantage of its features. This means being able to engage in effective 21st century communication.

• Evernote: This is a note taking and Web collection tool. It has both web and desktop applications and a premium version that can be obtained at low costs. http://www.evernote.com/
• Diigo: Diigo is a social bookmarking site. With its tools,  the administrator can share 21st century information and tools with staff and others. It is also an excellent way to share notes too. It is a collection tool too, just like Evernote, but its sharing ability makes it more of a collaborative tool. http://www.diigo.com/
• Dropbox: Dropbox is a way to get to rid of the need to use flash drives. It is the easiest way yet to store files online and access them with any device. It is also an easy way to share files too.  http://www.dropbox.com/
• Edmodo:  Edmodo is the premier social classroom environment. It is an easy way to engage with others in a social, cyber environment. http://www.edmodo.com/
• Engrade: This is one of the simplest to-use online gradebooks I’ve found. It allows administrators to access student grades, and parents too. A few added features like online quizzes and flashcards make it even more useful. http://www.engrade.com/
• Google Reader: This is one of the easiest to use RSS feed readers. Google reader allows users to bring what they want to know to their desktop. www.google.com/reader
• Google +: Google + is relatively new, online social media environment. It allows users to connect synchronously and asynchronously. It is also possible to organize those you communicate with into circles which are groups. https://plus.google.com/
• Google Apps (Email, Calendar, Google Sites, Google Docs): This collection of apps only get more and more powerful. Users can also engage in real-time collaboration with these tools.  http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/edu/
• Twitter: Twitter is a most used microblogging website on the web. Tweeting out information in 140 character bursts are the norm. http://twitter.com
• Facebook: You have to have been living in a cave lately to not have heard of Facebook. I include this one on the list because administrators need to both learn how to use it and understand it. Too often it is being banned and thrown out because of the bad things that have happened with its use. http://www.facebook.com/
• Blogger (Or another blogging platform): Blogging is an essential way to connect with others and to disseminate ideas and information. In my opinion, administrators need to be bloggers to see its true potential as a provider of authentic writing experiences. www.blogger.com
• Kindle E-Readers and Nook E-Readers (All Devices):  Being able to engage and use an E-reader by all educators is a 21st century must-have skill. Download the free Kindle apps here: Free Kindle Apps. Download the free Nook apps here: Free Nook Apps.
• Wikispaces (or other wiki platform of preference):  Being able to engage in the use of wikis, no matter which product, is a must for the 21st century educator. Understanding how to use them helps administrators see their educational applications. Also, there are collaborative administrative tasks that could also be carried out using a wiki. http://www.wikispaces.com/
• Prezi: Prezi is a presentation application alternative to PowerPoint and other slide-oriented presentation programs. http://prezi.com/

• Symbaloo:  A personal Desktop sharing tool. Can be used to share links or bookmarks with others.  http://www.symbaloo.com/
• Springpad: Another note taking and task management application. http://springpadit.com/home
• Wall Wisher: A presentation program of sorts that allows users to post notes on a virtual wall. It is fully collaborative too.  http://www.wallwisher.com/
• Wordle: A tool that allows users to create appealing representations using text and words.These are called word clouds.  http://www.wordle.net/

• Office Suite Programs (Whether MS Office, Open Office, or Libre Office) Obviously, all 21st educators need to be able to engage in the most common software tools found in an office suite. http://www.openoffice.org/ and  http://www.libreoffice.org/
• Photo-Editing Software (I Use Picasa 3): Being able to edit photos and alter them using editing software is a must. My tool of choice is currently Picasa. It’s free.  http://picasa.google.com
• Inspiration: I consider this one of the best buys in educational and productivity software. Inspiration allows users to create informational maps or outlines. http://www.inspiration.com/

• Basics of Smartphone Technologies: Being able to use and understand these devices as a 21st century administrator is a must.
• iPads and other Tablets: Administrators still fighting to keep these devices out of their schools are already fossils. Administrators need to know how to use these devices and be leading the way in exploring how to use them instructionally.
• Smartboard Technology: Understanding smartboard technology is paramount. Too often administrators see these devices and immediately think they need one for every classroom. If administrators were more knowledgeable, they would perhaps see that having one in every classroom isn’t necessary.

• First of all, North Carolina is planning to evaluate teachers and administrators  by using test scores this spring even though they have not decided what growth model they are going to use, nor do they know exactly how this evaluation is going to take place. What's worse, they will not know at least until February of this year when the State Board has an opportunity to hear the first reading. In typical bureaucratic fashion, they are rolling out a program and implementing it even before it is finalized and clearly defined. Historically, I can recall two other examples of North Carolina Department of Public Instruction initiatives that were rolled out before they were defined well. These were when the state during the 1990's rolled out the ABC Accountability Model, and in the early 2000s, when the state rolled out the NC WISE student data system used throughout the state. Both of these were rolled out without any deep thought on its practical application in the districts. They were both rolled out bugs and all, and classroom teachers and educators had to suffer while the state got its act together. Now, it appears our State Department of Public Instruction is doing it yet again, except this time there are much higher stakes tied to it. North Carolina will be evaluating educators' careers based on something that isn't even clearly defined, and won't be until three-fourths of the year is completed.
• Secondly, North Carolina is also planning to create tests for every single subject taught, administer these tests, and use the results, not to see how students are doing, but to see if teachers and principals are able to raise test scores. Recently, Charlotte-Mecklinburg proposed this "test-everything-that-moves" approach, and it blew up in the administration's face so bad, they had to take money from Bill Gates and the Broad foundation to hire public relations personnel to try to sell it. If something smells so bad that you have to repackage it to sell, then perhaps there's something fundamentally wrong with it. In spite of the fact that educators at this meeting expressed concern over how much more time we will spend testing under this proposal, and how problematic it will be to implement, the Department of Public Instruction personnel at this meeting dismissed these concerns outright repeatedly, and told us how wrong we were. 

• Parents and students have access to their grades at any time. Too often, grades are hidden from view until progress report time or report card time. That's way too late! Students often do not see the immediate effects of not turning in assignments or low test grades with traditional gradebooks. With Engrade, students can check their grades on their own to see how they are doing. In addition,  parents can check their child’s grades each day or as often as they wish. The whole “surprise factor” is taken out of the grading process. Since implementation, our parents have repeatedly expressed their satisfaction of being able to check their child’s grades at any time.
• Engrade is simple to use. Often, my experience is that online gradebooks are ponderous things that try to do too much. One example of this kind of gradebook is the one employed by our state. It is a massive grading program that does lots of things, but it takes a PhD to figure out how to run simple reports. It simply tries to do too much. Engrade is simple by nature and design. Teacher assignments such as adding tasks and grades is a cinch. As administrator, when I want to run a report listing how all students in my school are doing, I don’t have to worry about filters and queries. I click on a button and it happens. Simplicity rules!
• It’s free. Our whole school is currently using the free version of Engrade. Just the free version has been successful. However, we are exploring whether to purchase the premium version because it adds some functionality we would like to have such as custom reports and school-wide grade reports.