Convert any PDF to an audiobook using Python and a little help from ChatGPT
The code below will convert a PDF to a mp3 with spoken text. Keep in mind the resulting mp3 will be very large if the PDF is lengthy. Verified working on a Windows machine with Python 3.9.2. import pyttsx3 import PyPDF2 # Open the PDF file in read-binary mode pdf_file = open('yourPDF.pdf', 'rb') # Read the PDF file using PyPDF2 pdf_reader = PyPDF2.PdfReader(pdf_file) # Store the amount of pages totalpages = len(pdf_reader.pages) # Initialize the TTS engine engine = pyttsx3.init() # Loop through each page in the PDF and extract the text text = "" for page_num in range(totalpages): page = pdf_reader.pages[page_num] text += page.extract_text() # Use the TTS engine to speak the text engine.say(text) # Save the audio to an MP3 file engine.save_to_file(text, 'yourAudiobook.mp3') # Run the TTS engine engine.runAndWait() # Close the PDF file...
Deploying a Traditional Printer to a Chromebook or Chrome Device using Google Cloud Print
Using Google Cloud Print to share a traditional printer with another Google user is fairly straight forward. This process becomes more complex when you need to deploy a traditional printer to a machine rather than a user. The steps below will help you connect traditional printers to your Google domain and give you the ability to deploy those printers to a machine or a group of machines. Installing the Google Cloud Print Connector (assumes the printer is installed on a Windows computer or a Windows server) Download and install the Google Cloud Print Connector If the installation/download fails, try installing the program in compatibility mode You can also try modifying the proxy settings Next, enter the username and password of an account in your Google domain that will be attached to the printers For my installation I used a custom admin account that had the ability to manage Chrome OS device settings Deploying the printer through the admin console Log into your admin console with the same user you used in the previous section Click on Device Management Click on Chrome management Click on Device Settings Select the correct organizational unit on the left hand side of the window Scroll down to Other Click Manage in the Cloud Print section Click Add next to a printer to share it Click Save Click Save again in the Device Settings window Finally, sign into any of the machines in that organizational unit. You should now see that printer as one of your print options in Google Chrome....
Learn Google Classroom in 10 Minutes
The following learning module will help any teacher or student learn how to use Google Classroom in under 10 minutes. There are 10 teacher topics and 6 students topics. Each video is under 90 seconds long. The videos were created using Camtasia Studio and the entire learning module was created using Articulate Storyline. Enjoy! The PC, Mac, and Chromebook friendly module can be accessed here. The HTML5 version for tablets and phones can be found here....
Creating Buy-in when using Google Apps for Education
Encouraging teachers to move to anything new system can be a difficult and frustrating task. This is especially true when migrating from a traditional Microsoft setting to a Google Apps for Education environment. However there are a few guidelines and suggestions below that can help simplify the process and increase buy-in from your staff. Create support forms using Google Forms that can help teachers get the supplies and equipment they need efficiently Create tutorials and a FAQ section on a Google site that help answer common questions and concerns Show your teachers that Google Apps can be used from anywhere and pretty much any device Show your teachers how easy collaboration is using Google Apps Show your teachers how easy it is to go paperless with Google Classroom Remind your teachers that everything is always saved when using Google Apps You can even revert back to earlier versions of a document Finally, encourage your administration to solely use Google for emails and Agendas This is much simpler than requiring your teachers to check multiple emails and...
Create an Educational Virtual World from a Flash Drive!
I have worked hard over the last few weeks to update and change a few needed things in the educational version of Sim-on-a-stick. The software can help anyone start their very own 3D virtual world in the privacy of their classroom. None of this would be possible without the work of Lisa Jacka. So if you have a second, head over to her site and check out the amazing work she has done with virtual worlds and education. Click here to download the software. This site will help anyone get acquainted with the software and help them successfully deploy it in their...
Storyboard That
Storyboard That is a website that can help any student or teacher create a storyboard from pre-configured scenes, characters, and shapes. You simply drag and drop the desired objects into your storyboard. You have the ability to customize the color, size, and rotation of most objects. You can even customize the character’s clothing and poses. The following video will help anyone get started creating digital stories that can be shared with anyone. Students can use Storyboard That to illustrate their favorite story, chapter, or lesson. Using Storyboard That in this fashion helps ant teacher easily assess their students’ reading comprehension and analytical skills. It can also be used to assess and discuss sequence of events, theme, and perspective. Storyboard That can also be used to practice students’ vocabulary skills by creating vocabulary...