| I had an unexpected visitor in my office between | | | | first arrived on the scene several years ago. I |
| classes yesterday. A minister that I have known | | | | don't know how Microsoft did it, but it is far |
| since moving to West Texas stopped by after a | | | | superior than the ones I won't mention here and, |
| meeting to just say "hello." | | | | like I said, it is very likely that you already have it |
| As we made small talk, he noticed a microphone | | | | on your computer. |
| on my desk in front of my computer. He asked | | | | The movie making software is also already on |
| me what it was for and I explained that I use it | | | | your computer. Go to "Accessories" and look for |
| to dictate my lecture notes into my computer | | | | Windows Movie Maker. There it is, already on |
| and do "voice overs" for information that I | | | | your system and as easy as any software can |
| provide to students through the internet. I also | | | | possibly be. Click and Drag and you have a mini |
| told him that the microphone was inexpensive and | | | | movie to keep or share. |
| that I have had it for several years. | | | | My visitor asked me to write all of this down and |
| Talk about microphones led me to open the | | | | I did. I also told him that it would be a good idea |
| "technology goodie box" that I keep on my desk. | | | | to read the manuals when he invests in |
| No one would ever guess the content of the | | | | technology. I realize that sound like I was being a |
| decorative box that I carry from place to place. | | | | "smarty pants" but apparently that is exactly |
| Inside it is a lapel microphone that I wear in | | | | what I am. The visitor asked me, "How do you |
| classes and speaking engagements when I am | | | | write your books?" and that's when I decided that |
| doing new material. I listen to the lectures and | | | | I was not so smart after all. If I have spent |
| speeches to find out what works and what | | | | hundred (possibly thousands) of hours in |
| doesn't. Listening helps me to determine if more | | | | developing the skills to be productive, and |
| information is needed, if there is too much | | | | someone can pick my brain during a "pop in" I |
| information about one aspect of the talk or if the | | | | have to address some issues in my own life. |
| topic is worth pursuing in different venues. By the | | | | I decided at that moment to add "technology |
| way, the lapel mic hooks up to a tiny digital | | | | geek" to all of the other titles that I have |
| recorder that I slip into my pocket, I always | | | | acquired. Mostly, because the entrepreneur title |
| inform the audience when I am recording, but the | | | | runs in my family. It is also, by far, the part of |
| process is as unobtrusive as possible. No need to | | | | my life that gives me the most excitement. As a |
| mess up the flow. | | | | writer, I log a lot of hours on the computer. I |
| I also keep a credit card size digital camera in the | | | | don't mind sharing what I know. This experience |
| goodie box. It makes 3.2 MP images and is | | | | has led to a new workshop title. |
| capable of 30 second digital movies. The kids in | | | | See, I assumed that everybody investigated their |
| my life love the little movies that I make of them | | | | options. I thought everyone read the manuals, |
| and of myself doing silly things. I add titles, credits, | | | | bought the books, subscribed to the magazines, |
| and great video effects, all for entertainment | | | | visited the websites, and pored over every e-zine. |
| purposes only. Any footage that I make for | | | | Apparently, that is not what is happening. As an |
| classroom use is done on a more traditional | | | | entrepreneur, this is not such a sad revelation, it is |
| camera that does not have time limits. I use the | | | | an opportunity. As a Christian, it is kind of sad. I |
| same software for visual affects, though. | | | | know lots of ministers who desire to be more |
| So, bully for me, as my mother would say, but | | | | productive. Almost all have a book inside of them. |
| here is the amazing part. The voice recognition | | | | They talk about radio, television, and other media |
| software and the movie making software is FREE. | | | | as part of their ministries. As an educator and |
| In fact, I didn't have to download or make any | | | | entrepreneur, I have investigated all of those |
| special arrangements to get it. All of the | | | | things thoroughly and have a mini-studio that is |
| programs in the Microsoft Office 2003 package | | | | completely digital and efficient. Most ministries |
| have the voice recognition software already | | | | have far more resources than I have. But if you |
| loaded. | | | | don't know how to use your tools, what |
| I had the same nightmare experiences as | | | | difference does it make? |
| everyone else who tried voice recognition when it | | | | |