ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY BLOG | INVENTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

I just received an email from Brad Allan of TPAssist 2007 to let me know that TPAssist 2007 has been updated and is available for download. Please take a look at this significant upgrade to a wonderful MindManager 7 Add-in.


TPAssist 2007 version .1 3 is now available for download. This is possibly the most significant update since TPAssist 2007 was launched in September last year.

This update draws on knowledge gained from case studies and feedback from our growing communicate of subscribers.

The update includes a number of new features as well as improvement in some key areas. The improvements include additional control over automated tree roll-up as well as rationalisation of the interface, including updates to the Journal Tab, Topic Tab and Document Tab. The new features include greater control over combining research alongside task topics, richer Task Summary outputs, as well as categories and time support in the integration with Microsoft Outlook making TPAssist a great companion for tools like GDT Outlook Add-in.

New Features:

1. TPAssist 2007 Outlook Integration now has support for existing Outlook Item categories (making TPAssist 2007 an excellent companion for Outlook methods and tools that make use of item Categories, like the GTD Outlook Add-In). Outlook Categories integration is now configurable via the Advanced Options of the TPAssist "Properties" (Documents Tab) menu selection. Not only can you specify integration with existing categories, you can also use the "macro" to define the creation of customised categories by TPAssist.
2. Outlook Integration now has support for mapping Topic Duration to Outlook Task "Total Work" / "Actual Work". Configured on a map-by-map basis, via the Document Tab, you can define the behaviour or mapping of Topic Duration to either Outlook Task "Total Work" or "Actual Work".
3. The topic title used to build the Task Summary tree can now be customised. When running the Task Summary across multiple sub maps, you can now draw out additional context information and have it included in the topic title. The topic title contents is defined in the Tree Update tab and by default includes the "topic Reference" as well as the source topic title.
4. Topics can be configured to be ignored by the Publishing capability (i.e. you can choose to have specific topic trees ignore when publishing to Excel)
5. Topics can be configured as a "Research / Notes Topic" whereby TPAssist will ignore all sub-topics. This makes it much easier to combine research and task topic tree in the same branches. (Note: This capability replaces to previously support notion of the NOTES main sub topic. All previously used maps will be automatically converted the first time TPAssist 2007 1.3 is used on each map).

Improvements to existing Features:

1. The Journal Tab of TPAssist Console re-organised such that it is more intuitive and that the most used features are more accessible. The popup window has been re-designed to provide maximum accessibility to the capabilities that are used most often. You can obtain the lesser used capabilities by clicking the ">>>" button. Likewise, hiding the advanced options is achieved by clicking the "<<" button.
2. The Topic Tab of TPAssist Console has been re-organised such that it is more intuitive and that the most used features are more accessible. As per above, the most frequently used options are shown, with all options been displayed using the ">>>" button.
3. The Document Tab of TPAssist Console has been re-organised such that it is more intuitive and that the most used features are more accessible. As per above, the most frequently used options are shown, with all options been displayed using the ">>>" button.
4. Automatic Tree Update, executed after task details are changed with the Journal Tab, can now be configured as "Adaptive (Fast)" (default) or "Comprehensive (Slow)". With previous releases the mode of operation was "Adaptive (Fast)". This Tree Update option defines the behaviour of Tree Update after making task detail changes using the Journal Tab. When task details are changed, you will likely wish for the task details to be rolled- up to the central topic. The choices as part of this setting define the degree to which the map is updated each time you press OK in the Journal Tab after changing task details. If "None (Disabled)" is selected, automatic update is turn- off. Roll-up information will be populated only by doing a manual Tree Update from the central topic. If "Comprehensive (Slow)" is selected, the entire map is automatically updated every-time the Journal Tab is used to change task details. This option may be slow when making changes in large maps. If "Adaptive Simple (Fast) "is selected, only the parent topics of the focus topic will be updated when task detail changes are made to the Journal Tab. Whilst much faster than "Comprehensive", this form of automation will fail to update dates of related topics (as possible when Levelling is enabled).

Fixes:

• Levelling implementation of "references" now correctly supports Start-Start (SS) configuration.
• Levelling "continue date" now correctly resets at sub topic levels.
• MM7 Add-in no-longer creates duplicate (redundant) Publish and Topic Update buttons in the Ribbon if MM restarted.
• TPAssist Console "tab" buttons are no longer disabled when tab has focus.
• Journal Tab now correctly handles a "blank" duration.
• Journal note created when Auto 100% used incorrectly used "Dimmed Callout" instead of "Dimmed Topic".
• Journal Tab - Outlook Integration "private" button wasn't changing Outlook item.

A number of my readers have sent me comments about the Livesribe Pulse Smartpen, and I wanted to share this update from Jim Marggraff, CEO who posted this message on the Livescribe Blog today.

3/28 Update from CEO Jim Marggraff

March 28th, 2008

Greetings,

I would like to thank the thousands of readers, writers, bloggers, callers, developers, scribers and buyers for your support and interest in our Pulse smartpen and platform.

We have been overwhelmed with requests for information and preorders for Pulse that have far exceeded our early projections.

As this demand has accelerated in the past month, we have continued working towards our first shipment date of March 31st, and have struggled to determine how to address preorders that far exceed our early production ramp. We noted Amazon’s approach to handling shipment for their high-demand Kindle e-book, and ongoing Wii shortages, and have compared this to our own challenge, as a new company, to address our backlog.

In retrospect, our hiatus in our communication is long overdue. I apologize for this. As I considered posting a blog entry numerous times, new concerns regarding growing demand arose, as well as meeting our growing backlog. Perhaps we were overly cautious in not wanting to send an ambiguous message.

The time for ambiguity is past.

I am delighted to announce that we will begin shipping in limited volume on March 31st, as targeted.

To address our backlog, we will open the Livescribe Store only to our preorder list of customers, enabling you to immediately place a credit card order on Monday. At that time, we will provide you with an estimated shipment date based upon when you first preordered your smartpen. If you are already on our preorder list, look for an email on Monday, March 31st with instructions on how to complete your order.

Thanks again for you patience! We look forward to welcoming you to the Livescribe community.

Best regards,

Jim

Adobe has announced the release of Adobe Photoshop Express which allows you to edit your digital photos right within the browser. I have had a chance to try it out and it is a slick Flash based application that is delivered through the browser. Adobe gives you 2 Gigs of space to store your photos and a slew of editing tools. This is a great tool for hobbyists who only occasionally edit their digital photographs. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

I read on the Google Doc's blog that many users were not happy with tabbed arrangement of toolbars and so with the latest version of Google Doc's you will find the traditional drop down menu structure. The dropdown menus (see screenshot) are strikingly similar to how one would interact with a desktop word processing application such as Word 2003. You will find the new version of Google Docs easier to use and the dropdown menus are very responsive to mouse clicks.

Just yesterday I connected with my friend and colleague Karen Janowski, an Assistive Technology Consultant in the Boston Area over Skype and we spent the next hour or so catching up and sharing ideas and showing each other new applications. Using Skype we were able to speak with one another and then we connected using Yuuguu a screen sharing application that allowed us to see each others computer screen. Yuuguu was just updated so that the individual on the other end can now access your screen via the internet. Yuuguu is great for ad hoc meetings when you want to share an application with another individual or for that matter a group. You simply give the participants a URL and a PIN number and within seconds they can see your computer screen (do remember to do some tiding up:-) ). Participants can also request control of the presenters screen as well which is fantastic for training purposes.

More importantly as I was reflecting on our interchange it occurred to me that more educators need to seek out these rich Web 2.0 tools so that they can dialog and direct their own professional development. I know for myself, that having access to professionals like Karen that I can connect with on a regular basis really improves and hones my skills and the exchange of ideas is amazing. So when you are considering your own professional development see how you can craft it using the tools I mentioned, Skype & Yuuguu. Educators and other professionals need to look for new models of professional development for the 21st Century and the web is the way to go. Let me know how you are using Web 2.0 tools to expand your professional development.

The internet has created some really great tools to collaborate and bring us all closer together. As I was speaking with Steve Rothwell about MindManager 7 today over Skype in his office in England, I was reflecting on just how great it is to be able to reach out to the greater MindManager Community. While I was familiar with Steve's blog and his posts it was wonderful getting to speak with Steve firsthand and find out how he is using MindManager in the consulting work that he doing. And just this past weekend, I also had a chance to chat with Andrew Wilcox over Skype as part of a MindManager User Group which worked out really well. This week I was able to connect with Wallace Tait from VisualMapper.com to find out what he has in store for his web site. If you didn't see the free offer then go to Wallace's website and download his free mind mapping eBook. Just yesterday, I had a chance to catch up with Kyle McFarlin, the Visual Strategist and find out what he is up to. The web is certainly the tool to help you reach out and connect with others. I for one am fortunate to have this rich community of MindManager Users that I can reach out to. If you are interested in keeping connected with other MindManager Users feel free to join the LinkedIn User Group or the Ning Mindmanager User Group.

Biggerplate is a free website that lets you share and download your MindManager maps. Bigger was developed by MindManager enthusiasts who are interested in spreading the word about the value of using mind maps and MindManager. I found the service very easy to use. If you are looking to find new ways to use MindManager then peruse the Biggerplate website and download some of the maps to see how others are using MindManager in the work that they do. If you have developed some interesting MindManager maps you may want to upload them so that others can benefit from them. Enjoy!

I recently did a presentation at the NJECC Conference on trends in the field of assistive technology and decided to model for my audience the shift to Web 2.0. For my presentation I decided to use Google Present, which worked out wonderfully. As I begin to migrate my presentations and documents to the web, I am always looking for a way to store my files on line. This afternoon I came across Adobe Share which is in beta right now, but it does provide a nice way to store and share your files when connected to the web. It was very easy to set up and use and allows you to invite others to share your documents, if you decide to. Adobe Share works right within the browser and like all Adobe Web 2.0 applications it looks to be done in Flash. If you get the chance sign up for the Adobe Share beta and start sharing!

Just wanted to let you know that the Mindjet March User Newsletter is out and available. You will find some great articles and gain insight as to how get the most out of MindManager 7. Find out from the leaders in the mind mapping field how to best implement and use MindManager 7. Read Jamie Nast's column on how one of her client's combined MindManager with Edward de Bono’s strategic brainstorming framework, Six Thinking Hats, for this creative meeting solution map. Find out how Stephanie Diamond, Online Marketing Expert deals with how to find the right customer for your product. CJ Cornell, Consumer media/tech executive and MindManager Users Forum moderator shares specific creativity methods that can be used with MindManager 7. You will also find my quick video tip on how to use attachments and links with MindManager 7.

Chuck Frey's new e-book, The Mind Mapping Manifesto, is now available! It aims to help business people to understand what a powerful business tool mind mapping software is, and how it can help them. Here is a brief summary of the valuable insights and advice it contains:

• The true cost of information overload and multi-tasking (it will open your eyes to a looming crisis)
• What research proves about the benefits of mind mapping software in business (the productivity impact is substantial!)
• Perspectives from 10 mind mappers on the impact this type of software has made on the way they think, plan and work.
• A list of over 20 business applications where mind mapping software can be used to increase your efficiency
• Ten tips on how to select the right mind mapping program for your needs
• A checklist to help you identify your needs
• Reviews of 5 top mind mapping programs that I personally recommend
• My “best of” list of the programs that offer the greatest performance in 8 key areas.
• A collection of over 50 resources where you can discover the best tools, resources and advice about mind mapping software

Invest in your future by ordering The Mind Mapping Manifesto today!

Come join me for a free webinar on Thursday, April 17 11:00 am Pacific Time / 2:00 pm Eastern Time hosted by TheBrain as I discuss innovative ways to use the PersonalBrain in the classroom. During the webinar I will be focus on the following topics:

• An introduction to visual learning and PersonalBrain for education
• Visually mapping and organizing ideas for enhanced understanding
• Classroom brainstorming techniques and creating interactive Brains
• Example Brains on lesson plans, research and course material from both student and teacher perspective

If you have never used the PersonalBrain then come learn how this powerful organizational tool can be incorporated into the classroom. All attendees who participate in the seminar will receive a free electronic issue of Inclusion Times, which is an educational technology newsletter published by yours truly.

If you have the chance please download a free copy of the PersonalBrain before the webinar so that you have a frame of reference for the program. Here is a link to TheBrain March 2008 Newsletter which is chock full of great information. Click on this link to Register for the Free Webinar.

I will be doing a workshop tomorrow for a group of educators and will be presenting on how teachers can use Kurzweil 3000 in the classroom to support students with reading disabilities. I thought that it would be great to be able to present my material using a mind map. For this presentation I decided to us Comapping, a web based mind mapping application. It is small mind map but one that more easily gets my points across. Here is a link to the mind map.

All it takes is one computer hard disk crash to know how important it is to backup your computer on a regular basis. However, we all know that far to few computer users are backing up their precious computer data until it too late. With more and more services backup services being offered on the web I decided to give it a try. I opted to try for 30 days of free service and then downloaded, Jungle Disk which you can download for your Windows, Macintosh, or Linux or USB flash drive. What really sold me is that this service is it is fairly inexpensive and you only pay for what you use. But more importantly the online storage is powered by Amazon S3, which made me feel very comfortable trusting my data with them. I have it installed on my Dell laptop and it is automatically configured as a J drive which I can now save to, or drag files into the drive from the Windows desktop. What is nice about the service is that I can also install Jungle Disk to my Mac laptop and use the same drive without incurring another fee. At the Jungle Disk website you can see a breakdown of the pricing which is really reasonable. I will give it a try and let you know how it goes.

Everyone is waiting with great anticipation for the release of the Livescribe Pulse Smartpen. But with new technology sometimes the date of release needs to be adjusted so that the company can deliver a quality product and user experience. This is the case with the LiveScribe Pulse Smartpen. Jim Marggraff, Founder and CEO of Livescribe announced last week that the Pulse Smartpen will be released on March 31st giving the company some more time to make sure that all the pieces are working the way they should. I for one applaud Mr. Marggraff for taking the time to ensure us that our experience with the Smartpen is a positive one. It is often hard when developing a new platform to be able to account for all of the nuances that occur which may set the time table back a little. In any case the Livescribe Pulse Smartpen is right around the corner and as much as I would love to test it now, I for one an willing to wait until all of the pieces work the way they are supposed to, right out of the box.