A Guide to Gracious Criticism

'Destructive criticism bad; constructive criticism good!' An important skill in high school, college and in the work force is that of giving solid, instructive criticism. Although this hand out was written for college students, it explains instructive criticism as it is equally applicable to high school students. The material covers rules to follow and questions to consider when doing peer writing reviews.

George Mason University

To veiw the hand out click on the following hyperlink -http://www.gmu.edu/departments/writingcenter/handouts/eiphand.html

Playaway

What is Playaway?

Playaway is the newest format of audio, combining a wide variety of content with an easy-to-use player all in one small unit. When you receive your Playaway, all you have to do is press play to start listening immediately – there is no need for a separate player, and it comes with earbuds and a battery to make it play.

Playaway is the most simple and immediate way to enjoy music and audiobooks. Its portability allows users to enjoy their favorite authors and titles on-the-go, whenever and wherever.

What makes Playaway unique?

• Playaway is the easiest way to listen to a book or music – the only thing you need to do is press play!
• Each Playaway contains an entire book or music compilation, regardless of length (up to 80 hours!).
• A Playaway weighs only 2 ounces and can easily fit in a pocket for ultimate portability and multitasking.
• They come with an automatic bookmark function that remembers where you left off.
• Playaways have a universal headphone jack that can be used with a number of mobility accessories including portable speakers, FM transmitters, and audio cables to listen in virtually any environment.

After the content on Playaway is enjoyed, it can be easily shared, just like a book. Or, we’ll help you reuse your Playaway and get great savings through RePlay, our program where we reload your pre-used Playaway with a new title of your choice.

For more information visit-http://store.playawaydigital.com/

Timer

Cool Timer

Cool Timer can be set for up to 100 hours, and can use any Wav, MP3, or Midi file OR any of several built-in sounds to sound an alarm when time expires. Timer runs on your computer screen.

Time anything up to 100 hours.

Use for cooking, exercising, etc.

Great for teachers in the classroom.

Can also be used as an alarm clock.

Use any Wav, MP3, or Midi file OR one of several built-in sounds as an alarm.

Can be set for up to 100 hours in "countdown mode".

Easy to use.

Cool, colorful, customizable interface.

Can be minimized to Windows system tray.

Save and reload preset time lengths or wake times.

Absolutely free!

To download free software visit www.harmonyhollow.net/cool_timer.shtml

Natural Reader-Free Screen Reader

NaturalReader is a Text to Speech software with natural sounding voices. This easy to use software can convert any written text such as MS Word, Webpage, PDF files, and Emails into spoken words. NaturalReader can also convert any written text into audio files such as MP3 or WAV for your CD player or iPod.
•	NaturalReader saves eye strain – relax, sit back and listen
•	NaturalReader saves time - listen while driving, exercising or enjoying nature
•	NaturalReader helps writers – improve by listening to your work
•	NaturalReader teaches second language students – expand your experience and understanding by listening to any text at any speed

Free Version 6.5
	Microsoft Voice included All functions to read aloud any text in your computer Change speed and speaker Miniboard to read any text in other applications For more information and to download software visit www.naturalreaders.com