Tech Reflect: If we fell asleep a thousand years a go and woke up today, what would we do to catch up tot he technology of the times.
Well, considering that we would still be educated and could read, the place to start would be to read books, possibly how to books, on how to use technology. Its obvious that one would also need to consult someone from the technological age to teach the basics. Once one has picked up the basics on how to use a computer, internet, etc, they can go online and access even more resources with would explain how to use any other technology. There are many websites that offer step by step instructions and "how to" videos. There are also documentaries one can watch on TV and so on. nce one can use technology that provides access to even more resources and information, they can pick up on any technology they want to in no time.
What inspired Alan Kay? What did he accomplish?
Since he was a child, Alan Kay was trying to invent things. He composed his own music and built a harpsichord. In college, as his PhD project, he invented the first microcomputer. After seeing a presentation where Engelbert showed a demonstration of the first personal computer, Kay was inspired to create one of his own, a personal computer with even more benefits. He created a computer called the Alto and tried to improve it, but it still hadn't reached his vision of what a personal computer can be. So he continued to work in the world of technology, being hired by apple and then working at Disney. He then started to focus on creating kid friendly software and was awarded the Kyoto prize for his efforts.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tech Reflect: 10/21
Do you think educational games are good ways for students to learn in schools? Give examples that support your arguments.
Yes, i think educational games are a good way to learn in school. SOmetimes learning through games creates a sense of competition, and students are more likely to study for the game so they can win. Games also keep students more awake in class, and more liekly to participate, especially if there is a reward for the winner of the game. An example that i've done in many classes is jeaporday, which makes me as a student participate more, becasue its more interesting and engaging.
b- What about other games, such as this one?
I don't see how this game is particulary educational, although it may sharpen thinking skills, because it involves stategic thinking. It may be a good warm-up to a class, becasue itll get students into "thinking mode".
Yes, i think educational games are a good way to learn in school. SOmetimes learning through games creates a sense of competition, and students are more likely to study for the game so they can win. Games also keep students more awake in class, and more liekly to participate, especially if there is a reward for the winner of the game. An example that i've done in many classes is jeaporday, which makes me as a student participate more, becasue its more interesting and engaging.
b- What about other games, such as this one?
I don't see how this game is particulary educational, although it may sharpen thinking skills, because it involves stategic thinking. It may be a good warm-up to a class, becasue itll get students into "thinking mode".
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Test 1 Study Guide
Review Questions:
1- Write the URL for your blog.
http://areebasblog.blogspot.com/
2- What is a domain? Where does it appear in the URL?
The domain is the "dot something" that appears at the end of a website URL. It classifies all URLs based on content, or website type. Examples include: .com, .edu, .org, etc. On my blog URL, "blogspot.com" would be the domain.
3- What is Boolean logic? How can you use it to find a passage of Beowulf in Old English?
Boolean Logic is a system that helps one give more precise commands in search engines. If one wanted to find Beowulf in Old English via a search engine, they'd use boolean logic to type in "Beowulf" AND "Old English" to specify that they wanted both words to appear in the article they were looking for.
4- How is using the search engine helpful in different classes? Math? Arabic?
The search engine can be used to find information on virtually anything, be it math or Arabic. One can find necessary equations online, and find online textbook resources via search engines for math. For Arabic, one can find articles in Arabic itself, online translating services, or even simplified lessons published online.
5- What is the purpose of a network server?
A network is a server that provides computers connection to a network of computers. Its purpose is to offer those connected to other computers access to various resources,databases, etc.
6- Pros and cons of USB drives?
An area of impact that a USB greatly effects is education.
Pros include: you can store assignments and easily transport them without relying on the internet. Its easier to share files.
Cons: There may not be enough space on the USB you are using to transport files and you may lose the USB in which case you could lose many files.
1- Write the URL for your blog.
http://areebasblog.blogspot.com/
2- What is a domain? Where does it appear in the URL?
The domain is the "dot something" that appears at the end of a website URL. It classifies all URLs based on content, or website type. Examples include: .com, .edu, .org, etc. On my blog URL, "blogspot.com" would be the domain.
3- What is Boolean logic? How can you use it to find a passage of Beowulf in Old English?
Boolean Logic is a system that helps one give more precise commands in search engines. If one wanted to find Beowulf in Old English via a search engine, they'd use boolean logic to type in "Beowulf" AND "Old English" to specify that they wanted both words to appear in the article they were looking for.
4- How is using the search engine helpful in different classes? Math? Arabic?
The search engine can be used to find information on virtually anything, be it math or Arabic. One can find necessary equations online, and find online textbook resources via search engines for math. For Arabic, one can find articles in Arabic itself, online translating services, or even simplified lessons published online.
5- What is the purpose of a network server?
A network is a server that provides computers connection to a network of computers. Its purpose is to offer those connected to other computers access to various resources,databases, etc.
6- Pros and cons of USB drives?
An area of impact that a USB greatly effects is education.
Pros include: you can store assignments and easily transport them without relying on the internet. Its easier to share files.
Cons: There may not be enough space on the USB you are using to transport files and you may lose the USB in which case you could lose many files.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Podcast Reviews
1)Discover Spanish
This is a series of podcasts that teaches one how to speak spanish " in just fifteen mintutes a day". Each lesson opens with a catchy tune. =P It also has a corresponding website where one can follow along with lesson plans and activities. In each lesson, the instructor, Johnny "spnaish", teaches key words and phrases based on themes. The first podcasts taught phrases related to greetings and conversation starters. Johnny spanish says each word.phrase with translation, and repeats them a few times, with a co-host repeating them as well. Each is fifteen minutes long and is aimed at teaching spanish to a wide audience in a few minutes a day.
2)MuggleCast
This podcast was interesting, becasue it had advertisements in the begining. Than,it moves on to the "mugglecast". Its about an hour long, and has about 182 podcasts in the series so far. In each episode, mugglecast discusses Harry potter books and movies. In this segment, which was released October 6th, discussed a chapter from the book Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. it also related the chapter to its protrayal of the movie. After the discussion, they bring up any updates related to Harry Potter. Its a regular show and has multiple hosts who lead the discussions and segments.
3) Ummahfilms
The popular youtube vlog is also a podcast series with all of the videos in an easy to download format. =)
The format of the show itself is simple, just a guy trying to educate the general muslim public on simple matters. Theres no standard format follwoed, it varries from podcast to podcast, but thats what keeps it interesting. All of them involve some comedy via the protrayal of sterotypical characters anss jokes.
This is a series of podcasts that teaches one how to speak spanish " in just fifteen mintutes a day". Each lesson opens with a catchy tune. =P It also has a corresponding website where one can follow along with lesson plans and activities. In each lesson, the instructor, Johnny "spnaish", teaches key words and phrases based on themes. The first podcasts taught phrases related to greetings and conversation starters. Johnny spanish says each word.phrase with translation, and repeats them a few times, with a co-host repeating them as well. Each is fifteen minutes long and is aimed at teaching spanish to a wide audience in a few minutes a day.
2)MuggleCast
This podcast was interesting, becasue it had advertisements in the begining. Than,it moves on to the "mugglecast". Its about an hour long, and has about 182 podcasts in the series so far. In each episode, mugglecast discusses Harry potter books and movies. In this segment, which was released October 6th, discussed a chapter from the book Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. it also related the chapter to its protrayal of the movie. After the discussion, they bring up any updates related to Harry Potter. Its a regular show and has multiple hosts who lead the discussions and segments.
3) Ummahfilms
The popular youtube vlog is also a podcast series with all of the videos in an easy to download format. =)
The format of the show itself is simple, just a guy trying to educate the general muslim public on simple matters. Theres no standard format follwoed, it varries from podcast to podcast, but thats what keeps it interesting. All of them involve some comedy via the protrayal of sterotypical characters anss jokes.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Internet Censorship
Country : Ranked Least Access to Most
Cuba
Cuba has the lowest ratio of computer and internet access per citizen. There are certain locations where the internet can be accessed and they are government controlled. Websites and internet activity is blocked there via IP blockers. Cuba also arrests journalists who post any information against the government
China and Brazil
China blocks any articles related to politically sensitive material, or anything against the government. It also bans any websites with child pornography, and other inappropriate material. Chinese search engines aren’t allowed to display information on these topics. A total of 18000 websites are banned in mainland china.
Brazil restricts freedom of expression online, especially if content is racist or culturally offensive. Any person who publishes online cannot remain anonymous.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia filters all internet traffic by sending it through “King Abdulaziz’s City for Science and technology. Here, all internet traffic is filtered of anything offensive to the government, politically sensitive, racist, or against moral values.
India
India completely blocks about seventeen websites it finds inappropriate for its citizens.
France and Japan
France is under the process of passing a blacklist of websites that show any displays of adult content, especially any that shows explicit content involving a child. . Also, any internet user who is caught stealing copyrighted material from the internet, their internet access can be taken away temporarily.
Japan uses filtering software to remove information it deem harmful. It also has procedures to find any messages sent or received involving potential attacks and suicides.
United States
The United States does not filter any internet content, although some content is illegal and can be taken off the web, mostly any websites including child pornography.
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I think that the idea of banning certain websites is good, but some countries take it to far. Since most countries seem to agree on certain things, maybe an international law regarding websites with inappropriate content should be created.When it comes to political information, that should be left online, because even if it is banned, citizens will find ways to access it; blocking it is a waste of time and money. All countries should allow for the freedom of expression online, and people shouldn't be arrested for the publishing of their opinion.
Cuba
Cuba has the lowest ratio of computer and internet access per citizen. There are certain locations where the internet can be accessed and they are government controlled. Websites and internet activity is blocked there via IP blockers. Cuba also arrests journalists who post any information against the government
China and Brazil
China blocks any articles related to politically sensitive material, or anything against the government. It also bans any websites with child pornography, and other inappropriate material. Chinese search engines aren’t allowed to display information on these topics. A total of 18000 websites are banned in mainland china.
Brazil restricts freedom of expression online, especially if content is racist or culturally offensive. Any person who publishes online cannot remain anonymous.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia filters all internet traffic by sending it through “King Abdulaziz’s City for Science and technology. Here, all internet traffic is filtered of anything offensive to the government, politically sensitive, racist, or against moral values.
India
India completely blocks about seventeen websites it finds inappropriate for its citizens.
France and Japan
France is under the process of passing a blacklist of websites that show any displays of adult content, especially any that shows explicit content involving a child. . Also, any internet user who is caught stealing copyrighted material from the internet, their internet access can be taken away temporarily.
Japan uses filtering software to remove information it deem harmful. It also has procedures to find any messages sent or received involving potential attacks and suicides.
United States
The United States does not filter any internet content, although some content is illegal and can be taken off the web, mostly any websites including child pornography.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I think that the idea of banning certain websites is good, but some countries take it to far. Since most countries seem to agree on certain things, maybe an international law regarding websites with inappropriate content should be created.When it comes to political information, that should be left online, because even if it is banned, citizens will find ways to access it; blocking it is a waste of time and money. All countries should allow for the freedom of expression online, and people shouldn't be arrested for the publishing of their opinion.
Friday, October 9, 2009
October 9 Review
1- Why is file compression important on the Internet?
2- What new services are available as a result of the commercialization of the Internet? What new problems are arising as a result of that commercialization?
With the commercialization of the internet, more and more services are available to internet users. One can do almost anything, from checking the weather,to reading articles, researching, watching live video, sharing files, to online shopping, to communication in many different ways.
With the rise of internet use, there comes a set of social.ethical issues. One of the most important is that of Privacy and anonymity. There are websites that can track ones virtual footprint, and people can learn information about others very easily.Security is also an issue, identity theft is more common via internet and hackers can hack your online accounts/computer. Through file sharing, people also violate the idea of intellectual property because they are in a sense stealing from the people responsible for the files.
3- Residents of the People’s Republic of China can have their Internet access blocked for a period of time if they attempt to access banned sites. Do you feel this is an effective way for the Chinese government to control people’s behavior on the Internet?
It seems a bit extreme to do something like this, especially because too much restriction from something can lead to the person being restricted wanting it even more and finding other ways to get what they want.Banning at a national level may not be as effective, because there are too many people to keep track of. If its done at a more local level, and the punishment isn't as harsh or controlling, they may be more effective in achieving their goal.
2- What new services are available as a result of the commercialization of the Internet? What new problems are arising as a result of that commercialization?
With the commercialization of the internet, more and more services are available to internet users. One can do almost anything, from checking the weather,to reading articles, researching, watching live video, sharing files, to online shopping, to communication in many different ways.
With the rise of internet use, there comes a set of social.ethical issues. One of the most important is that of Privacy and anonymity. There are websites that can track ones virtual footprint, and people can learn information about others very easily.Security is also an issue, identity theft is more common via internet and hackers can hack your online accounts/computer. Through file sharing, people also violate the idea of intellectual property because they are in a sense stealing from the people responsible for the files.
3- Residents of the People’s Republic of China can have their Internet access blocked for a period of time if they attempt to access banned sites. Do you feel this is an effective way for the Chinese government to control people’s behavior on the Internet?
It seems a bit extreme to do something like this, especially because too much restriction from something can lead to the person being restricted wanting it even more and finding other ways to get what they want.Banning at a national level may not be as effective, because there are too many people to keep track of. If its done at a more local level, and the punishment isn't as harsh or controlling, they may be more effective in achieving their goal.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
SMS in Kenya
What is SMS?
SMS (short message service) is basically text messaging from a phone to another phone, or in this case, to a database.
How is it used in Kenya?
In Kenya, SMS is being used to help record information concerning the malnutrition of children. Malnutrition is measured based on the circumference and length of a child's upper arm. This is simple enough, but recording the data, especially when dealing with thousands of children can be tricky and error-prone. In order to creat a more efficient and quick means of recording the information, health workers use SMS to send the information of each child from their phones to a medical database.This way they may know if there is someone too malnurished and need sudden attention, they can get it quickly.
Social/Ethical issues:
Privacy and Anonymity: The personal medical information of each child can be at risk of being revealed if the SMS is accidently sent to the wrong phone or database.
Reliability: If the health worker recording the information is in a zone where they can't recieve the cell-phone service with which to send the SMS, the news will be delayed, and they may resort to wrting out the information which could lead to mistakes because tis a tedious process.
How can this be used in education?
SMS can be used between teachers and students while on a field trip in case the student gets lost. Its might also be helpful for a student to ask the teacher a quesion without disturbing others when in a quiet area.
SMS (short message service) is basically text messaging from a phone to another phone, or in this case, to a database.
How is it used in Kenya?
In Kenya, SMS is being used to help record information concerning the malnutrition of children. Malnutrition is measured based on the circumference and length of a child's upper arm. This is simple enough, but recording the data, especially when dealing with thousands of children can be tricky and error-prone. In order to creat a more efficient and quick means of recording the information, health workers use SMS to send the information of each child from their phones to a medical database.This way they may know if there is someone too malnurished and need sudden attention, they can get it quickly.
Social/Ethical issues:
Privacy and Anonymity: The personal medical information of each child can be at risk of being revealed if the SMS is accidently sent to the wrong phone or database.
Reliability: If the health worker recording the information is in a zone where they can't recieve the cell-phone service with which to send the SMS, the news will be delayed, and they may resort to wrting out the information which could lead to mistakes because tis a tedious process.
How can this be used in education?
SMS can be used between teachers and students while on a field trip in case the student gets lost. Its might also be helpful for a student to ask the teacher a quesion without disturbing others when in a quiet area.
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