Creative use of the Wiimote

A very interesting use of the wiimote system is to mount the projector and wiimote above a table and project the image onto it. The possibilities for co-operative group work is outstanding.

It's absolutely perfect for using software such as Inspiration http://www.inspiration.com/ to mindmap a new topic.

It also looks to be an excellent way to run a staff planning session - all thoughts and notes are digital and as such are easily shared or stored for future revision.

One practical way to mount the projector is using a solid tripod with a universal projector mount attached to it. Some commercial ceiling mounts also allow you to swivel them down.

We would love to hear of your experiences if you give this idea a go!

Connecting the Wiimote to a Computer - Part Two

Now that you've established that your computer has Bluetooth, you need to make sure it is enabled. (This is only necessary the first time you use it.)
You'll know if it is, because in the system tray at the bottom right of your computer, there will be an icon that looks like this:

If you don't see it, or the white lines are red, you will have to enable it.
The process to do this varies from computer to computer, and it may be a good idea to use the help function on your computer to find out what to do. However, there will probably be a utility in Control Panels (Windows OS) that will do it.

Once the blue icon is in your system tray you can click it to bring up the Bluetooth options.
Choose 'connect' and follow the steps. If the programme talks about a password or pairing, click 'skip' and continue. Now THE BIG THING - your Bluetooth will only be able to find the wiimote and connect to it if it is in 'discovery mode'. To put a wiimote into this mode you can, a) push buttons 1 & 2 at the same time, b) push the red button inside the battery cover, or c) push the remote synching button in our classroom kit.

You'll know you've put it into this mode because the row of blue lights on the wiimote will start flashing. They will keep flashing for around 20 seconds. If you haven't established the connection by then you will have to push the button(s) again.

When successfully connected, the lights will stop flashing and one will remain on. Also the Bluetooth icon in the system tray will turn green. This is good!


Just to recap:

1. Enable your Bluetooth
2. Open the Bluetooth programme
3. Put your wiimote into discovery mode
4. Push 'connect' in the Bluetooth programme
5. Follow the steps inthe programme (choose 'skip' or 'ignore' if it asks for a pairing
code or password)

Note: If you are not successful, it is likely that the wiimote came out of discovery mode before
you finished connecting. This can happen when you first try the process, but don't worry, it will become second nature after a couple of goes.


Please post a comment if you need any part of this process explained more fully.

Annotating software

One of the great features of the Wiimote whiteboard is that it can handle any software that you can run on your computer, rather than relying on vendor supplied programmes. However, those of you who have seen some of the commercial systems in action will know that they have several neat tools to help teachers and students.

One that is particularly useful gives you the ability to write over images.

The 3Pi team have found a great wee piece of software that does exactly that -Annotate!Pro (http://www.annotatepro.com/ ) . Using this programme you can write over anything on your desktop; pictures, documents, video - whatever is there. When you are finished, you can save it, email it directly, or discard it. The snapshot function is particularly good.

You can download it as a trial or purchase it for $19.95usd. (We have no connection to the company!)

If you want a functional annotating programme that is free, try EduRibbon. It is the one we started with and contains some nice features, but for ease of use Annotate!Pro is the way to go.