Thursday, June 3, 2010
One laptop per child
Name: Suzanne Saba
Name of Article: One Laptop Per Child Project Works With Marvell to Produce a $100 Tablet
Author: Nick Bilton
Source: New York Times
Date: Wednesday, June 2, 2010
link: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/27/olpc-partners-with-marvell-to-launch-100-tablet/
Description:
The One Laptop Per Child Project is about providing computers to ALL children in ALL parts of the world, including third world countries. The computers will be built in partnership with Marvell in order to keep the cost to produce these laptops at approximately $100 each.
Comment:
This article peaked my interest to get a better understanding of the One Laptop Per Child Project. I read their mission statement and found that I had 2 completely different reactions. The first was that this seems on the exterior to be a great idea - to allow all children in all areas of our planet the opportunity to be able to access a world of information at their fingertips, since these computers were going to be given to the students complete with free software.But then would we be saddened that the teachers may not receive the proper training or support to implement these computers into their curriculum.
Wouldn't all children benefit in their education by being able to communicate with each other, teach and learn about each other? Not to mention the benefit the children from 3rd world countries would get by researching ideas for planting better crops, purifying water, building structures which could keep them from the harsh environmental factors they endure on a daily Basis...but, then again, I have to wonder what is the value of such a device when these children are striving to simply survive. And if these laptops will not be seen as a benefit by all children, then where will they be disposed?
The educational benefits are high, but will these computers be seen as valuable to someone who may not be able to read. There will need to be teachers involved, possibly Peace Corps volunteers, who can justify the use of these computers to the children.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Office 2010
Kevin Watanabe
Article Title: As Certain as Taxes: New Version of Office
Source: New York Times
Date Published: June 2, 2010
Click Here For Link:
Description: In this article the author talks about the new version of Microsoft Office which is scheduled to be released on June 15, 2010. The article speaks to the new features and options that Office 2010 offers. Also, the article catalogs many of the new features that Microsoft is trying to implement to combat the free online applications such as Google Docs. Microsoft Office users will now be able to save, edit and share documents online. Much like Google Docs, users can now have simultaneous users working on the same document at the same time as long as each user possess the Office 2010 software on his/her PC.
Comments: The best news for educators about the new Office 2010 is that Microsoft will be selling the software to schools for $100! If you know anything about the cost of the Office software you would know that this is a huge advantage for educators and schools. Many of these versions can be sold for over five hundred dollars. Also, there are many uses for the online saving and editing for group projects in class. For me, students are already familiar with applications like Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel so the cooperative feature will be a great addition of the new software. If I were to get Office 2010 at school, I would be most excited use the simultaneous editing feature but other than that it doesn’t sound like things are much different than Office 2007.
Article Title: As Certain as Taxes: New Version of Office
Source: New York Times
Date Published: June 2, 2010
Click Here For Link:
Description: In this article the author talks about the new version of Microsoft Office which is scheduled to be released on June 15, 2010. The article speaks to the new features and options that Office 2010 offers. Also, the article catalogs many of the new features that Microsoft is trying to implement to combat the free online applications such as Google Docs. Microsoft Office users will now be able to save, edit and share documents online. Much like Google Docs, users can now have simultaneous users working on the same document at the same time as long as each user possess the Office 2010 software on his/her PC.
Comments: The best news for educators about the new Office 2010 is that Microsoft will be selling the software to schools for $100! If you know anything about the cost of the Office software you would know that this is a huge advantage for educators and schools. Many of these versions can be sold for over five hundred dollars. Also, there are many uses for the online saving and editing for group projects in class. For me, students are already familiar with applications like Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel so the cooperative feature will be a great addition of the new software. If I were to get Office 2010 at school, I would be most excited use the simultaneous editing feature but other than that it doesn’t sound like things are much different than Office 2007.
Google's Liquid Galaxy
Name: Dave Maas
Name of Video Article: Immersed in Google Earth
Source:CNN.com
Date Published: March 12th 2010
Link to video
Description: Google has a new shoot off of their already popular Google Earth called Liquid Galaxy. This video shows a demonstration at the Google Headquarters in December of 2009. This is a 3D immersible experience that lets you fly across the world and travel anywhere your heart desires and feel like your actually there.
Comment: I think this would be a great resource to use with any geography content. It is hard for students to comprehend oceans or mountains if they have never seen one before. I think this could be a fun way for foreign language classes to take a virtual field trip to different countries that speak the language they are learning. I think that students who study the 50 states could have an amazing experience traveling to those places. Many student struggle with learning the differences between a city, county, state, country, continent. I think this could be a great tool to teach that content in a way that the students would feel like they are there instead of just the view on their laptop screen that Google Earth gives us right now.
Name of Video Article: Immersed in Google Earth
Source:CNN.com
Date Published: March 12th 2010
Link to video
Description: Google has a new shoot off of their already popular Google Earth called Liquid Galaxy. This video shows a demonstration at the Google Headquarters in December of 2009. This is a 3D immersible experience that lets you fly across the world and travel anywhere your heart desires and feel like your actually there.
Comment: I think this would be a great resource to use with any geography content. It is hard for students to comprehend oceans or mountains if they have never seen one before. I think this could be a fun way for foreign language classes to take a virtual field trip to different countries that speak the language they are learning. I think that students who study the 50 states could have an amazing experience traveling to those places. Many student struggle with learning the differences between a city, county, state, country, continent. I think this could be a great tool to teach that content in a way that the students would feel like they are there instead of just the view on their laptop screen that Google Earth gives us right now.
Name: Tamara Anglin
Source: Gizmodo.com
Link: http://http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/06/awesome-lego-printer-uses-felt-tipped-pens-tiny-workers/
Description:
The lego printer is an actual printer device built by a 29 year old computer programmer. The programmer works for Squirrelfantasy, a member of the B3ta forums. The printer uses felt tip pens but produces incredibly clear and precise print. The printer is connected to an Apple Mac compete with Mac OS X drivers.
Comments:
This computer is not sold in stores, but would be great to show to students of any grade level to get them interested in building or engineering. Most kids don't really need much motivation to play with Legos, however in my experience boys tend to be more apt to play with building structures like Legos where girls are not. This would be a great way to show students part of an endless possibility of what the world of building or engineering holds!
Source: Gizmodo.com
Link: http://http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/06/awesome-lego-printer-uses-felt-tipped-pens-tiny-workers/
Description:
The lego printer is an actual printer device built by a 29 year old computer programmer. The programmer works for Squirrelfantasy, a member of the B3ta forums. The printer uses felt tip pens but produces incredibly clear and precise print. The printer is connected to an Apple Mac compete with Mac OS X drivers.
Comments:
This computer is not sold in stores, but would be great to show to students of any grade level to get them interested in building or engineering. Most kids don't really need much motivation to play with Legos, however in my experience boys tend to be more apt to play with building structures like Legos where girls are not. This would be a great way to show students part of an endless possibility of what the world of building or engineering holds!
Tunebug Vibe
Susie Keppers
Name: "The New Tunebug"
Source: inc.com, Sarah Kessler, May 1, 2010
Link: http://www.inc.com/magazine/20100501/the-new-tunebug-vibe.html
http://www.hemagazine.com/Tunebug_Vibe_Review
http://cnettv.cnet.com/tunebug-vibe-shake/9742-1_53-50081839.html
Description: The Tunebug Vibe is a cool new gadget that is used as a portable speaker. By simply plugging it into the headphone jack of your ipod, MP3 player, or other device it can project great sound, just as traditional speakers would. It is very light and can fit in the palm of your hand, so it would be great to use on the go, or when you don't have an outlet nearby. The battery can last five hours and can be recharged with a USB cable.
Comments: This would be great for any school because you could play music from any location and you wouldn't have to worry about an electrical source. Students could use the Tunebug Vibe to listen as their written work is projected from their computer (louder than the traditional computer speaker). All in all, it would simply be great to have amplified music anywhere!
Name: "The New Tunebug"
Source: inc.com, Sarah Kessler, May 1, 2010
Link: http://www.inc.com/magazine/20100501/the-new-tunebug-vibe.html
http://www.hemagazine.com/Tunebug_Vibe_Review
http://cnettv.cnet.com/tunebug-vibe-shake/9742-1_53-50081839.html
Description: The Tunebug Vibe is a cool new gadget that is used as a portable speaker. By simply plugging it into the headphone jack of your ipod, MP3 player, or other device it can project great sound, just as traditional speakers would. It is very light and can fit in the palm of your hand, so it would be great to use on the go, or when you don't have an outlet nearby. The battery can last five hours and can be recharged with a USB cable.
Comments: This would be great for any school because you could play music from any location and you wouldn't have to worry about an electrical source. Students could use the Tunebug Vibe to listen as their written work is projected from their computer (louder than the traditional computer speaker). All in all, it would simply be great to have amplified music anywhere!
Kno Dual-Screen Tablet
Name: Julie Higgins
Article: Kno dual-screen tablet appears at D8, we go hands-on
Source: endgadget.com, Joshua Topolsky
Date: June 2, 2010
Link: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/02/kno-dual-screen-tablet-appears-at-d8-we-go-hands-on/
Description: The Kno dual-screen tablet has many capabilities. It has two 14 inch screens that lay side by side just like a text book. It's battery life is 8 hours and it has 16 GB of storage. The Kno dual-screen tablet allows students to read text, watch videos, highlight information, and take notes. This product also allows both pen and touch support for its users.
Comment: The Kno dual-screen tablet is designed to be used by older students. This product is interactive and very engaging as it lets students read text, watch videos, highlight information, and take notes.. Because this product is so engaging it could have a positive impact on students' achievement scores. I think younger students would also find this product to be very engaging. I believe this product will become more widely used as more software becomes available and the cost becomes less.
Article: Kno dual-screen tablet appears at D8, we go hands-on
Source: endgadget.com, Joshua Topolsky
Date: June 2, 2010
Link: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/02/kno-dual-screen-tablet-appears-at-d8-we-go-hands-on/
Description: The Kno dual-screen tablet has many capabilities. It has two 14 inch screens that lay side by side just like a text book. It's battery life is 8 hours and it has 16 GB of storage. The Kno dual-screen tablet allows students to read text, watch videos, highlight information, and take notes. This product also allows both pen and touch support for its users.
Comment: The Kno dual-screen tablet is designed to be used by older students. This product is interactive and very engaging as it lets students read text, watch videos, highlight information, and take notes.. Because this product is so engaging it could have a positive impact on students' achievement scores. I think younger students would also find this product to be very engaging. I believe this product will become more widely used as more software becomes available and the cost becomes less.
All Hands on the Convertible PC Deck!
Title: Intel Convertible Classmate PC Hands On: You Know, For Kids
Source: Gizmodo
Date: April 26, 2010
Link: http://gizmodo.com/5524841/intel-convertible-classmate-pc-hands-on-you-know-for-kids
Descripton: The topic of this article is Intel's refreshed Covertible Classmate PC, and the likelyhood that it may be the new choice for schools to supply students with. It has a longer battery life and a bigger hard drive than some of the previous versions of this PC, with some better features that make it more "kid-friendly", such as the water-resistant screen, keyboard, and touchpad, a handle for easier carrying, better shock protection, and a rugged exterior which Intel claims can withstand a "desk-height" drop. The price is still a bit high at $499, but one can imagine that they will have something better and brighter in the near future with a slightly smaller price tag.
Comments: Our school district has opted to provide all teachers with a similar netbook for planning and instruction use for the 2010-2011 school year. I can only hope that the choice is made to purchase even more at some point so that we can have more to use with students in the classroom. The features that impressed me the most were the handle and the shock protection/rugged exterior which will help it remain in the classroom longer. It doesn't matter how careful you are, accidents always happen and it is nice to see a company taking that into consideration when designing for potential classroom use. Whether for word-processing, research, blogging, or any other classroom activity, this PC seems to fit the bill for what many teachers are looking for: portable, sturdy, and above all classroom friendly.
Source: Gizmodo
Date: April 26, 2010
Link: http://gizmodo.com/5524841/intel-convertible-classmate-pc-hands-on-you-know-for-kids
Descripton: The topic of this article is Intel's refreshed Covertible Classmate PC, and the likelyhood that it may be the new choice for schools to supply students with. It has a longer battery life and a bigger hard drive than some of the previous versions of this PC, with some better features that make it more "kid-friendly", such as the water-resistant screen, keyboard, and touchpad, a handle for easier carrying, better shock protection, and a rugged exterior which Intel claims can withstand a "desk-height" drop. The price is still a bit high at $499, but one can imagine that they will have something better and brighter in the near future with a slightly smaller price tag.
Comments: Our school district has opted to provide all teachers with a similar netbook for planning and instruction use for the 2010-2011 school year. I can only hope that the choice is made to purchase even more at some point so that we can have more to use with students in the classroom. The features that impressed me the most were the handle and the shock protection/rugged exterior which will help it remain in the classroom longer. It doesn't matter how careful you are, accidents always happen and it is nice to see a company taking that into consideration when designing for potential classroom use. Whether for word-processing, research, blogging, or any other classroom activity, this PC seems to fit the bill for what many teachers are looking for: portable, sturdy, and above all classroom friendly.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
QR Codes For 21st Century Footnotes
Name: Andrea Gee
Article: Jules Verne Book Comes With QR Codes For 21st Century Footnotes
Source: Gizmodo.com by Kat Hannaford
Date: June 2, 2010
Link: http://gizmodo.com/5553398/jules-verne-book-comes-with-qr-codes-for-21st-century-footnotes
Description: QR codes in classic novels! It is the 21st century version of cliff notes. When you see a QR in a text, an app recognizes it and takes you to a related website for more in-depth information. QR codes are “Quick Response” barcodes that you just scan with a camera phone (equipped with the correct software) and it will launch your browser to the web link.
Comments: The idea of having “barcodes” to link us the information about the text we are reading seems sort of contrived. I think it interferes with the reader’s ability to understand since most of our knowledge is scaffolded by background knowledge. Can you imagine what kids could do with these in and out of the classroom? Who needs to think about what they're reading anymore when they can just point and click and be linked to an explanation or information on the topic.
Article: Jules Verne Book Comes With QR Codes For 21st Century Footnotes
Source: Gizmodo.com by Kat Hannaford
Date: June 2, 2010
Link: http://gizmodo.com/5553398/jules-verne-book-comes-with-qr-codes-for-21st-century-footnotes
Description: QR codes in classic novels! It is the 21st century version of cliff notes. When you see a QR in a text, an app recognizes it and takes you to a related website for more in-depth information. QR codes are “Quick Response” barcodes that you just scan with a camera phone (equipped with the correct software) and it will launch your browser to the web link.
Comments: The idea of having “barcodes” to link us the information about the text we are reading seems sort of contrived. I think it interferes with the reader’s ability to understand since most of our knowledge is scaffolded by background knowledge. Can you imagine what kids could do with these in and out of the classroom? Who needs to think about what they're reading anymore when they can just point and click and be linked to an explanation or information on the topic.
Development of a Low-cost Tablet Computer
Name: Stephanie Higley
Title: OLPC XO-3 Dream Tablet May Come True After All
Author: Brian Barrett
Source: gizmodo.com
Link: http://gizmodo.com/5549053/olpc-xo+3-dream-tablet-buoyed-by-marvell
Description:
The XO-3 is a simple tablet computer that is in the development stages. What makes this computer special is the purpose that it is being created for. The OLPC Foundation (One Laptop Per Child) is working with Marvell (a leader in integrated silicon solutions) to develop a low-cost laptop that can be used by kids all over the world. This included children in developing countries that have limited access to power. For that reason the amount of power needed to run the machine is the biggest concern. Right now this computer will only take one watt to run. That means that it could be powered by the body using a hand crank in countries where electricity is not an option. At this point Marvell is thinking that these will only cost between $75 to $99. The OLPC believes that this will allow all students to have access to a modern education.
Comments:
I think that this is such an interesting idea. At this price it would be very reasonable for every student around to world to have a computer at their fingertips. Not to mention all of our students here in the United States. This could be a great option for schools to look into to provide our students with up to date technology during a time of tight budgets!
Title: OLPC XO-3 Dream Tablet May Come True After All
Author: Brian Barrett
Source: gizmodo.com
Link: http://gizmodo.com/5549053/olpc-xo+3-dream-tablet-buoyed-by-marvell
Description:
The XO-3 is a simple tablet computer that is in the development stages. What makes this computer special is the purpose that it is being created for. The OLPC Foundation (One Laptop Per Child) is working with Marvell (a leader in integrated silicon solutions) to develop a low-cost laptop that can be used by kids all over the world. This included children in developing countries that have limited access to power. For that reason the amount of power needed to run the machine is the biggest concern. Right now this computer will only take one watt to run. That means that it could be powered by the body using a hand crank in countries where electricity is not an option. At this point Marvell is thinking that these will only cost between $75 to $99. The OLPC believes that this will allow all students to have access to a modern education.
Comments:
I think that this is such an interesting idea. At this price it would be very reasonable for every student around to world to have a computer at their fingertips. Not to mention all of our students here in the United States. This could be a great option for schools to look into to provide our students with up to date technology during a time of tight budgets!
Transistor merges man and machine
Beverly Pala
Name of article: Transistor merges man and machine
The Source: MSNBC under Technology and Science
Date Published: June 2, 2010
Link:http://http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37478927/ns/technology_and_science-innovation/
Description: This article talks about how man and machine can be linked more intimately than ever before. The article talks about nanotechnology being used with one human cell. The human cell provides the fuel for the transitor used in a cell membrane.
Comments: The potential use in education is how technology plays an important part in our world today. To show students this type of technology in science would be awesome. I think of all the new things that are available today and it is truly a miracle compare to when I was a child many years ago.
Name of article: Transistor merges man and machine
The Source: MSNBC under Technology and Science
Date Published: June 2, 2010
Link:http://http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37478927/ns/technology_and_science-innovation/
Description: This article talks about how man and machine can be linked more intimately than ever before. The article talks about nanotechnology being used with one human cell. The human cell provides the fuel for the transitor used in a cell membrane.
Comments: The potential use in education is how technology plays an important part in our world today. To show students this type of technology in science would be awesome. I think of all the new things that are available today and it is truly a miracle compare to when I was a child many years ago.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
An iPad in Every Classroom
Name: Katie Dragseth
Title: An iPad in Every Classroom: Teacher Tested, Student Approved!
Source: Wired Educator
Date: April 15, 2010
Link: http://wirededucator.wordpress.com/2010/04/15/an-ipad-in-every-classroom-teacher-tested-student-approved/
Description: This article explains the uses for the new Apple ipad in the classroom. It is written by a teacher who is wanting to answer the question of "how this new technology fit into her teaching?" The article goes on to explain the pros and cons of having this technology in the classroom. It addresses the different applications that are best suited for a K-12 classroom and some that are not as easy to navigate and use in the classroom.
Comments:
Overall, I feel like this article is a great overview of how the Apple ipad can be used in a K-12 classroom. It is not a technology that was created for the classroom but it's practical application in the classroom is very clear with the various applications available. This is one of the newest Apple products to become available for the classroom and it's good to see that there are a lot of opportunities for learning using this new technology. I think this gives us as educators a way to understand how it can really fit into our teaching.
Title: An iPad in Every Classroom: Teacher Tested, Student Approved!
Source: Wired Educator
Date: April 15, 2010
Link: http://wirededucator.wordpress.com/2010/04/15/an-ipad-in-every-classroom-teacher-tested-student-approved/
Description: This article explains the uses for the new Apple ipad in the classroom. It is written by a teacher who is wanting to answer the question of "how this new technology fit into her teaching?" The article goes on to explain the pros and cons of having this technology in the classroom. It addresses the different applications that are best suited for a K-12 classroom and some that are not as easy to navigate and use in the classroom.
Comments:
Overall, I feel like this article is a great overview of how the Apple ipad can be used in a K-12 classroom. It is not a technology that was created for the classroom but it's practical application in the classroom is very clear with the various applications available. This is one of the newest Apple products to become available for the classroom and it's good to see that there are a lot of opportunities for learning using this new technology. I think this gives us as educators a way to understand how it can really fit into our teaching.
Idea for Autism Therapy
Name: Nicole Larson
Name of article: The New Face of Autism Therapy
Source: popularscience.com
Date: June 1, 2010
Link to article
Description: News about researchers developing a robot named Bandit that is designed to engage children with autism. Evidence supports that kids with autism respond better to machines than they do with humans. Can Bandit be a replacement for traditional autism therapy?
Comment: What a fascinating article! I am amazed by the idea of autistic children working with robots as a form of therapy. I am not sure that I see these robots as a replacement for traditional therapy though. It would depend on how much these little guys cost. I imagine if the price is right - the article mentions trying to get the price comparable to that of a laptop - Bandit may be more readily available. With budget cuts in schools, I doubt we will see them in buildings anytime soon, however, it would be something to consider.
Name of article: The New Face of Autism Therapy
Source: popularscience.com
Date: June 1, 2010
Link to article
Description: News about researchers developing a robot named Bandit that is designed to engage children with autism. Evidence supports that kids with autism respond better to machines than they do with humans. Can Bandit be a replacement for traditional autism therapy?
Comment: What a fascinating article! I am amazed by the idea of autistic children working with robots as a form of therapy. I am not sure that I see these robots as a replacement for traditional therapy though. It would depend on how much these little guys cost. I imagine if the price is right - the article mentions trying to get the price comparable to that of a laptop - Bandit may be more readily available. With budget cuts in schools, I doubt we will see them in buildings anytime soon, however, it would be something to consider.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
GOOGLE TV
Name: Shelley Miller
Title: Google TV: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know
Author: Nilay Patel
Source: Engadget.com
Date: May 21, 2010
Link: http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/21/google-tv-everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know/
Description:
When forced to choose between entertainment on the net or on TV, most consumers will choose to give up the vast options of the web, opting instead for the audio/visual experience of television. The integration of the web and television has been tried before, without success. This time, however, Google TV is here, offering a “seamless merging” of anything on the world-wide web displayed on the television screen of your choice. The menu overlays the video picture for simultaneous input and output.
Google TV is a result of collaboration between many big-name companies:
· Google will provide the Chrome web browser.
· Sony plans to build the BRAVIA Internet TV and Blu-ray players.
· Intel is making the Atom CE 4100 processor chip.
· Logitech is building the “companion box” using an Android platform (use your iPhone or the new remote coming soon).
· Adobe is making Flash 10.1.
· Dish Network will sell Google TV-ready dish boxes this fall.
· Best Buy will sell Google TV devices this fall.
Stayed tuned this fall for product availability. Will Google TV products dominate 2010’s holiday wish lists?
Comments: This new integration of technologies will have the same appeal in the classroom as it will at home. The superb audio/visual experience of a quality TV screen will make internet viewing more engaging. In addition to use at school, students could use Google TV at home to do any internet-based assignment, such as blogging, wikis, web searches, applets, interacting with teacher websites, and so forth. If this is the next generation of television, then it is just a matter of time until Google TV is commonly used by educators and students alike.
Title: Google TV: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know
Author: Nilay Patel
Source: Engadget.com
Date: May 21, 2010
Link: http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/21/google-tv-everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know/
Description:
When forced to choose between entertainment on the net or on TV, most consumers will choose to give up the vast options of the web, opting instead for the audio/visual experience of television. The integration of the web and television has been tried before, without success. This time, however, Google TV is here, offering a “seamless merging” of anything on the world-wide web displayed on the television screen of your choice. The menu overlays the video picture for simultaneous input and output.
Google TV is a result of collaboration between many big-name companies:
· Google will provide the Chrome web browser.
· Sony plans to build the BRAVIA Internet TV and Blu-ray players.
· Intel is making the Atom CE 4100 processor chip.
· Logitech is building the “companion box” using an Android platform (use your iPhone or the new remote coming soon).
· Adobe is making Flash 10.1.
· Dish Network will sell Google TV-ready dish boxes this fall.
· Best Buy will sell Google TV devices this fall.
Stayed tuned this fall for product availability. Will Google TV products dominate 2010’s holiday wish lists?
Comments: This new integration of technologies will have the same appeal in the classroom as it will at home. The superb audio/visual experience of a quality TV screen will make internet viewing more engaging. In addition to use at school, students could use Google TV at home to do any internet-based assignment, such as blogging, wikis, web searches, applets, interacting with teacher websites, and so forth. If this is the next generation of television, then it is just a matter of time until Google TV is commonly used by educators and students alike.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Real Time chat with Live TV
Name: Birth of the Backchannel by Dan Fletcher
Source: 10 Tech Trends for 2010, Time.com
Link:http://www.time.com/time/
Description: The idea of a “backchannel” is the idea of being able to have an online chat while watching live TV or a TV show. As described by the article, “The next generation of Web-connected TVs and software will include ways for people to monitor and interact with the conversation happening around an event, filtering live streams in real-time to display the most relevant discussions.”
Comments: This seems really interesting for many different aspects of teaching, but also with coaching sports. For example, I think this would be great to use with a soccer team during the world cup, or college games. The players could be watching the same game and we could all have an open conversation about the players and different plays while they occur. From a classroom perspective, this option would have been interesting during the last shuttle launch. We could be chatting with people near the launch site or schools in that area. I also think this would be a great way to have open conversations with professors about real time science.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Mobile 3D
Name: Kari Rose
Title: TR 10: Mobile 3-D: Mobile phones will take 3-D Mainstream
Author: Annalee Newitz
Source: Technology Review
Date: May/June 2010
Link to article
Link to one more picture
Description:
This article describes a phone released by Samsung in March that changes from a 2-D display to a 3-D display when the phone is held at a specific horizontal angle. This technology works without the need for 3-D glasses, which means it is likely to be more readily accepted than televisions that require special glasses. Unfortunately, this technology is not easily transferable to televisions because of the requirement to hold the device at a specific angle.
Comments:
Although this technology is not one created specifically for education, it could eventually have applications in education, particularly for concepts that are more easily understood in 3-dimensions. I can see this being especially useful in math classrooms studying the geometry of 3-dimensional shapes. I could also see applications for virtual field-trip type experiences. Since content can be experienced in 3-dimensions, students could view historical events or visit geographical destinations with more of a feeling of "being there." Coupled with a device like an I-pad or Kindle, this could revolutionize textbooks into a more interactive experience for students.
Title: TR 10: Mobile 3-D: Mobile phones will take 3-D Mainstream
Author: Annalee Newitz
Source: Technology Review
Date: May/June 2010
Link to article
Link to one more picture
Description:
This article describes a phone released by Samsung in March that changes from a 2-D display to a 3-D display when the phone is held at a specific horizontal angle. This technology works without the need for 3-D glasses, which means it is likely to be more readily accepted than televisions that require special glasses. Unfortunately, this technology is not easily transferable to televisions because of the requirement to hold the device at a specific angle.
Comments:
Although this technology is not one created specifically for education, it could eventually have applications in education, particularly for concepts that are more easily understood in 3-dimensions. I can see this being especially useful in math classrooms studying the geometry of 3-dimensional shapes. I could also see applications for virtual field-trip type experiences. Since content can be experienced in 3-dimensions, students could view historical events or visit geographical destinations with more of a feeling of "being there." Coupled with a device like an I-pad or Kindle, this could revolutionize textbooks into a more interactive experience for students.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Dell Expands its Connected Classroom Solution
Name: Becky Woodman
Source: eSchool News
Publish Date: May 12, 2010
Link to article
Description:
Among some of the new technologies that Dell has recently announced to the field of education, is a new low cost netbook. The netbooks start at $389. A key feature of this new netbook is that the screen has the capability of being rotated so that students can read electronic texts, just as if they were holding a traditional textbook.
Comments:
This new netbook is one way that Dell is trying to stay up with the new technologies of teachers teaching 21st century skills to students. Dell understands this new shift in thinking skills, and is doing what it can to support teachers with new technologies that support teaching students the 21st century skills. Dell is taking a student centered focus as they are creating new technologies that can be used in the classroom. Dell is also in the process of creating new products that will address teacher's needs of differentiating instruction, and improving how students learn and work in the digital age. It is positive to see a company like Dell, working to improve the technologies that teachers are using today and in the future.
Source: eSchool News
Publish Date: May 12, 2010
Link to article
Description:
Among some of the new technologies that Dell has recently announced to the field of education, is a new low cost netbook. The netbooks start at $389. A key feature of this new netbook is that the screen has the capability of being rotated so that students can read electronic texts, just as if they were holding a traditional textbook.
Comments:
This new netbook is one way that Dell is trying to stay up with the new technologies of teachers teaching 21st century skills to students. Dell understands this new shift in thinking skills, and is doing what it can to support teachers with new technologies that support teaching students the 21st century skills. Dell is taking a student centered focus as they are creating new technologies that can be used in the classroom. Dell is also in the process of creating new products that will address teacher's needs of differentiating instruction, and improving how students learn and work in the digital age. It is positive to see a company like Dell, working to improve the technologies that teachers are using today and in the future.
Monday, May 17, 2010
World Bank makes its data public
Name: Nadeen McCann
Title: World Bank's Open Data Initiative
Source: YouTube
Publish Date: April 20, 2010
Link to article
Description:
2.5 minute video in which World Bank President Bob Zoellick speaks about the Bank's new open data initiative. This organization sets an innovative example for others by recognizing the importance of open data access. Open data access is not new, but providing access on this scale is, and the information was not publicly available 6 months ago.
For more: data.worldbank.org
Comments:
The World Bank's database has current data on every country. Students can look up and compare trends in education, health and life expectancy, or any number of other combinations. The data gives students raw information about developing countries, which is a form of real information, rather than biased media-bytes. By making information available, anyone can contribute to problem solving in new and creative ways.
Title: World Bank's Open Data Initiative
Source: YouTube
Publish Date: April 20, 2010
Link to article
Description:
2.5 minute video in which World Bank President Bob Zoellick speaks about the Bank's new open data initiative. This organization sets an innovative example for others by recognizing the importance of open data access. Open data access is not new, but providing access on this scale is, and the information was not publicly available 6 months ago.
For more: data.worldbank.org
Comments:
The World Bank's database has current data on every country. Students can look up and compare trends in education, health and life expectancy, or any number of other combinations. The data gives students raw information about developing countries, which is a form of real information, rather than biased media-bytes. By making information available, anyone can contribute to problem solving in new and creative ways.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Virtual markers display augmented reality on cell phones
Name: Carmin Karasic
Source: msnbc innivation news
Publish Date: April 26, 2010
Link to article
Description:
News about an artwork that makes characters come alive with augmented reality. On April 24, villains, super heroes and others invaded Dam Square in Amsterdam – virtually via augmented reality on iPhones and Androids.
Comments:
The characters could easily have been historic figures. That would bring all sorts of history alive by placing virtual objects in context. The markers can display animations, videos and 3D realistic rendered objects. The implications for k-12 are that students see new connections, if history is presented in context.
Source: msnbc innivation news
Publish Date: April 26, 2010
Link to article
Description:
News about an artwork that makes characters come alive with augmented reality. On April 24, villains, super heroes and others invaded Dam Square in Amsterdam – virtually via augmented reality on iPhones and Androids.
Comments:
The characters could easily have been historic figures. That would bring all sorts of history alive by placing virtual objects in context. The markers can display animations, videos and 3D realistic rendered objects. The implications for k-12 are that students see new connections, if history is presented in context.
Welcome!
These posts are articles or videos created no more than three months ago. Each post is:
- a technology, or a unique use of a new or older technology, that was not available 6 months ago (ex. not a product Web site, but an article ABOUT the product)
- a topic that has implications for a K-12 classroom
- a topic that has not already been posted in the Show & Tell blog
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