Intel Compute Stick

 http://www.popsci.com/intels-150-compute-stick-turns-any-hdtv-windows-pc?src=SOC&dom=fb
   

The new Intel Compute stick is a small USB device that will turn any old TV screen into a fully functional computer. By connecting this device to an old TV screen or monitor, you will have the capabilities to do everything you can do with a low-end computer you may buy at Wal-Mart. It will give you 2GB of RAM, 32 GB of storage, an atom processor, and even a Micro SD slot to add more things to your "homemade" computer if you would like. This stick sells for roughly $150. This stick would be a very economical purchase for the classroom. Desktops and laptops are very expensive compared to $150. The Intel Compute Stick could help make technology in the classroom a more attainable goal for administrators. The Intel Compute Stick could be used in the classroom with the white board, and make the white board interactive. The teacher could have educational websites directly on her board without having to use her computer. I believe the Intel Compute Stick is a good choice for quality and cost effectiveness in the educational classroom. What a great way to get technology in our student's hands at an affordable price.

Video: Compute Stick

Games Can Make the World Better

 http://www.ted.com/talks/jane_mcgonigal_gaming_can_make_a_better_world.html
    
        After watching the TED Talk with Jane McGonigal, I am truly in awe about the suggestions she made in regard to gaming. McGonigal suggested that games can be used to solve real world problems. I believe she is correct. People spend hours upon hours immersed in online gaming worlds. The gaming worlds are popular because of how they make gamers feel. They feel needed because they are trusted with an important task, they are collaborating with others in a social network, and they are a part of an inspiring story. The self-gratification from a video game, is not always as easy in real life. The gamers are completing hard and meaningful work and that serves as part of their motivation to win the game. Most gamers strive to succeed at the EPIC WIN, which they may not always experience in real life.
        I believe the concept of gaming and how it affects a person can be related to education and learning. If as educators, we make learning into a game, our students can experience these "gaming concepts" as they engage in meaningful learning experiences. Integrating gaming into the learning environment, can change how students view their capabilities. It will make learning new skills more interesting, and therefore students will take responsibility for their own achievements.
        McGonigal discussed that people will spend roughly 10,000 hours playing video games by the time they are 21 years old. She also stated that students spend roughly 10,080 hours at school between 5th and 12th grade. Malcolm Gladwell suggests that if you spend 10,000 hours working at something, you will become as high of an achiever as the best people in the world. I think there is a direct parallel between this statement for both gaming and education. We already know that gaming is self-satisfying and we know why, maybe we should dig deeper in the education system and see what we can do to make education just as self-satisfying, so that our students can not only be good gamers, but be good problem solvers in real-life too!

3D Printing

        3D printing and Rapid Prototyping both build models by building layer by layer from STL data to create a 3D object. However, they are different in some aspects. 3D printing uses smallers parts, they operate on an 8 inch scale, while Rapid Prototyping operates on a 10 inch scale. 3D printing is also cheaper, Rapid Prototyping can cost 2X as much as 3D printing. 3D printers are also easier to maintain and they require less materials. 3D printers are also less complex to use, while Rapid Prototyping can be very complex.
       The 3D printer can be used in the classroom in many ways. For example, the engineering student can print out models to study and work with. The biology classroom may printout cross sections of the heart for students to study. The history classroom may printout artifacts to study closer, with more detail. Finally, the geography classroom can printout topography maps to study in depth. In the elementary classroom, where I teach, I can think of many exciting ways to use the 3D printer. In math I teach area and perimeter. I could have my students design their buildings on graph paper, and then print them in 3D. When I teach my unit on 3D shapes, they could design something using the shapes and print them out in a 3D image. In writing, my students could design a character as they write a narrative story. They could then print out their designed character to bring the character to life. Finally, if I had a 3D printer and software, I would be most excited about using the printer to solve real life problems. I would present my students with a problem and then let them design something that could be a solution to the problem. For example, I may tell the students that they need to design something that they can use to cover their test papers in the classroom to prevent cheating. The students would then use the software to design an item and then print it using the 3D printer.
       There are numerous things that can be done with a 3D printer in regards to education. A 3D printer brings a child's work to life, it makes their learning experience real and meaningful. In the 21st century classroom, a 3D printer would be a great addition to the learning experience.

Real Sense Technology

After watching the video and exploring the website for Real Sense Technology, I am truly amazed at how this technology can completely immerse us into a virtual world. The Real Sense technology camera is actually 3 cameras in one. It consists of a 1080p HD camera, an infrared camera, and an infrared laser projector. All of these work together to "see" similar to the human eye. This technology changes how we see images, use gesture control, watch videos, scan images, and collaborate with each other. The camera allows you to log into your device by facial recognition and even control the device with your hands. Several applications work with the Real Sense technology. For example, there is a Madagascar game that allows you to use hand movements to control the characters. There is also a Lego game that allows you to become part of the game in real time. This technology also has the capabilities with editing features for your swap out your backgrounds as you record live video. In regards to scanning, this technology allows you to scan yourself into your laptop/device. You can chat and collaborate with your friends with yourself as part of the screen. You are also able to customize your background and share content with others like you are in the same room. You are also able to scan your face or any other 3D image and print the images using a 3D printer. As developers continue to build new applications, the uses of the Real Sense camera continue to expand. The Real Sense camera allows the user to do a numerous amount of things they can't do with a regular camera. For example, the user can measure distances through pictures, create real life avatars, use holographic navigation, become a part of a video game, etc. Real Sense technology will change the way we communicate and navigate through a virtual world.

GSpeak-Minority Request #2

       G-Speak is a futuristic interface that will make the computer and mouse objects of the past. With GSpeak, the user uses a set of conducting gloves to move objects through multiple screens and manipulate the objects in 2-D and 3-D. This type of technology is useful to businesses and corporations that have to work through a large amount of date. This interface allows the user to manipulate things by using hand gestures, pointing, and other movements. This type of technology was used in the movie Minority Report. This technology has many benefits, which include that it is spatial, multi-user friendly, and multi-device capable. According to John Underkoffler, in the near future, this device will be usable without the conducting gloves. If I were to share this new technology with others, I would begin by showing them clips from the movie Minority Report so that they could see the technology being used in an actual setting and then I would show them the following videos and articles for them to read. I think the more information you gain about something, the more knowledgeable you become about the subject and you are more willing to buy into the idea.

Watch these videos for more information:

http://www.oblong.com/g-speak/

http://laughingsquid.com/g-speak-a-computer-interface-controlled-by-hand-gestures/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyMVZqJk8s4

Read these articles for more information:

http://phys.org/news/2010-03-g-speak-keyboard-mouse-obsolete-video.html

http://techcrunch.com/2011/06/23/oblong-mezzanine/

http://ndagallery.cooperhewitt.org/gallery/25892231/g-speak-(spatial-operating-environment)

TED Talk 7 Ways to Reward the Brain

     In the TED talk with Tom Chatfield, he discussed the positive side of video games and what they contribute to our learning. He discussed 7 ways that the brain is rewarded in an effort to explain why so many people get satisfaction from playing these games on a daily basis. The 7 ways to reward the brain that he listed are as follows:

1. Experience bar measuring progress- this is the bar that shows what you have completed and how far away you are from the goal
2. Multiple long term/short term aims- this means that the goals in a video game have short term goals that are easier to attain and long term goals that take more work
3. Rewards for efforts-this means that as you accomplish both large and small tasks, you are given rewards in the game
4. Rapid frequent clear feedback- in video games, you are given feedback for everything you do, it is quick and reflective of what you have accomplished
5. Element of uncertainty- these are the unknown rewards that you don't know you will get- it keeps you brain working hard to discover the prize
6. Windows of enhanced attention- there are times in the game where things are intensified and times when they are slower
7. Other people-people play games collaboratively with other people to solve problems and reach goals-people want to be successful and interact with others

     All of these things can be related to a classroom as well as a video game. I think that students would love to see their progress measured on a bar, instead of a letter grade. How encouraging would it be to see how far you needed to go and see you progress as you made you way along. I also think it is important to set short term and long term goals for your students. Its important to let them celebrate small successes as well as large successes. I was especially impressed with the #5 element of uncertainty, imagine as as a teacher if we set a  goal and do not disclose the prize, I think that would be very encouraging and motivating for students to reach that goal to see what the prize would be. I also think that the rapid and frequent feedback is very important. As educators, we need to be clear with our feedback and make sure we are frequently letting our students know how they are doing in the classroom with a particular assignment. When they have a clear direction, they are more likely to be successful.

BYOD

       BYOD is a growing trend in schools across the nation. BYOD stands for Bring Your Own Device. This is where students are allowed to bring their own device to school to use it during the day for learning purposes. There are many pros and cons to BYOD. Some pros include: students have the internet at their fingertips, they can research and google anything at any time, they also have a tool in their hands that allows them to calculate, record, take pictures, take notes, etc. The best part is that a device makes all of these tasks enjoyable. Some cons of the BYOD include: management-making sure students are using the devices for the correct things, distractions-some people feel the devices/smartphones are just a distraction as students may use the device to check Facebook/email, etc., technical support-if each child has a different type of device, making them all work together is sometimes difficult, and sometimes students have problems with status issues as one student may have a "better" device than another.
       In my opinion, BYOD is a great idea, when managed correctly. I am currently at a school that does not participate in the BYOD initiative, but I have worked at a school before where BYOD was being implemented. The students in my first grade classroom were doing book reports, research, graphic organizers, etc. all on their devices. They were completely engaged in their learning. My students also learned to make green screen movies and book reviews with their devices. I felt that the learning that took place was amazing.
       Management is definitely something that has to be considered. As smart phones are becoming more and more popular, I think some procedures will need to be in place to effectively manage a BYOD classroom. I think that having students put their devices away in a locked cabinet when not in use would be one way to cut back on students participating in things they aren't supposed to be doing. There needs to be rules in place for the BYOD classroom as well as consequences when rules are broken.
       In lower performing schools, BYOD can still be successful. While I understand some students may not be able to provide their own devices, teachers and administrators can write grants to get technology in the classroom. All a teacher needs is one computer and they can use a variety of web-based programs to help students have access to technology and be engaged in their learning. For example, you can set up a blog in your classroom and allow students to blog with each other on the web-based program such as Kidblog. This blogging helps students work on their grammar mechanics and writing skills. Many standardized tests are taken on the computer now and blogging is a great way to give them the practice they need with typing across the content areas.
       BYOD will also change the professional development teachers will require. Teachers will need to be trained in using the devices in the classroom correctly and efficiently. Teachers will have to be on board with using the devices. Parents won't appreciate purchasing a device for their child only to have the device not be used in the classroom. Schools will have to have tech support on hand to assist teachers when needed. Teachers will have to have practice with apps and web-based programs so that they can create and teach with the devices.
       If students don't learn how to use their devices for learning purposes, they will not be prepared for the future. College level students do most of their work with the use of a device. Students need to begin practicing with technology at the elementary level, and then they will be able to be successful in college. The 21st century has changed learning and students have to know how to use technology for investigation, research, and presentation. BYOD is going to continue to become a growing trend in education across the world.

Diversity, Cultural Understanding, & Global Awareness

As we live in a time when technology brings people together faster than ever, it is important to understand that we are all different and learn in different ways. As an educator, I have to teach my students to embrace the cultural differences and be respectful as we all learn together. As far as technology goes, I think that etiquette is very important in regards to diversity and cultural differences. All students need to be taught how to use the internet and other technological devices correctly and respectfully.

                I will model and promote diversity in my class by helping my students understand that different is not bad, that each person has something unique to add to the lesson and the learning. As a teacher, I can use tools such as Skype, virtual field trips, etc. to show my students different cultures, races, economic status, etc. My students have taken virtual field trips to schools in Japan, Plymouth Plantation, etc. These experiences make the events real to them, and they gain an understanding that I don't believe they would gain by just reading about these things. There are also applications and websites where students can study and learn about different cultures. I believe if students are taught about other beliefs/cultures, they will respect them. In my classroom, I teach Chinese New Year, Christmas around the World, Cinco De Mayo, etc. most students find these cultures very interesting and they are always respectful.

                There are several tools that are available to allow educators to communicate with parents, peers, students both in town and across the globe. I think blogging is a great way to model communication and diversity. My class has blogged with classes in other countries, cities, and states. The students love to share their beliefs and personal stories. Also, Skype and other video conferencing programs are a great way to connect with others globally. Social Networking is another great tool that can be used for communication. Technology has made it possible to connect with schools and students across the globe. The learning that takes place when you can show your students “real life” is better than any text book could accomplish. My goal as an educator is for my students to be culturally aware and respectful, and technology makes this task very easy. 

Google Glass

     I attended the AETC in Birmingham this past summer. This is where I first heard about Google Glass. Google Glass is a cool pair of glasses that can serve many purposes. The glasses are available for around $1500.00 and do almost anything you want them to. For example, the glasses can take pictures, record video, remind you of appointments, text people, and help you get directions somewhere. These glasses are pretty amazing.
     After reading the article http://www.emergingedtech.com/2013/04/5-ways-google-glass-can-be-used-in-education/, I learned exactly how Google Glass can be used in an educational setting. The article discussed 5 ways. These ways included: learning new languages in real time, creating presentations and having research materials quickly at your hands, building portfolios by adding "live" work you complete, and new courses and skills, as many new applications are created to work with Google Glass. As I continued my research a little further, I was able to watch a video where a teacher actually completed a science experiment from his house and was able to live stream it to his students. The idea of having a flipped classroom would be so much easier with Google Glass.
     In conclusion, I think that Google Glass has many positive uses in education and the business world. Unfortunately, I think the price is a little too high and I don't feel that most students or educators will be able to afford it. As far as the future of Google Glass, I think that Google Glass will eventually being able to function based on eye movement...now that would be really cool!

Future Smartphones Won’t Need Cell Towers to Connect

After reading the article (see link below), I am even more impressed with technology than I was before. More so than that, I am happy I now know what the LTE symbol that pops up on my phone from time to time actually is LOL! This article discussed in detail the use of a new feature being added to the LTE protocol that our cellphones use now. This feature will allow our phones to communicate with other devices and "beacons" placed in businesses, etc. without the use of the cell phone tower. The LTE Direct will reach farther than even wi-fi or blue tooth. Many companies are experimenting with the LTE Direct and having success. The LTE direct will allow your smartphone to automatically recognize businesses, etc. which may play a big part in advertising for businesses in the future. Another positive feature of the LTE Direct is that it uses very little power, so it won't drain your battery very quickly. The LTE device will direct information from device to device. It could be used at the airports to broadcast to your phone flight delays, at stores to advertise sales/coupons, and some companies are even working to develop apps that use the LTE Direct, like Yahoo. The LTE Direct will do similar things that wifi and blue tooth do now, but the LTE will be able to do it with a longer range and better performance.

I'm wondering if my "RetailMeNot" app is using an LTE Direct because I always get a message from the app and it send me coupons based upon the store I am in at the time. I think this is all very cool information. Technology is pretty cool!

http://www.technologyreview.com/news/530996/future-smartphones-wont-need-cell-towers-to-connect/

Here we go again...

I am looking forward to this semester. I am very excited about this class in particular. What an exciting way to learn new things through a gaming portal. I am looking forward to learning new things in a fun way!

Jennifer