Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
HW: Review Questions
Review Questions: Pg. 420 4-10, 12-17
4. Telecommuting allows the worker to work from home on their own schedule. The times are more flexible. Also, because they are in a comfortable working environment, their productivity increases. Telecommution also benefits the environment. With more people working at home, there are less people driving to work and harming the environment. Accidents and traffic are reduced.
5. Managers use surveillance technology to keep tabs on their employees. They also use wireless handheld devices that are portable, so they can be in the office at all times.
6. De-skilling is when a job is transformed so that it requires less skill due to technology. For example, computerized screens in fast-food shops have buttons labeled "fries" rather than numbers to press. Up-skilling is when, because of automation, a job becomes more complicated. When an office adopts databases, spreadsheets, and email systems, secretaries have to know how to use them.
7. In electronic sweatshops, minorities and often women, perform mindless, repetitive tasks on computers, in large windowless rooms. Their breaks are monitored, and many health problems come from these jobs. Workers are paid little money and are oppressed in these jobs.
8. Even though more and more jobs are becoming automated, we still need someone to run the machines. Students need to be educated so they are able to perform in the jobs that they will eventually work in.
9. The goeals of education in the industrial age was to teach students the basic facts and survival skills they owuld need in for jobs in industry and agriculture. Students were expected to sit quietly and absorb facts. Today, the goals are still the same: to prepare students for their future careers. However, there is more emphasis on individual learning and more creativity, as opposed to the uniformity of before.
10. to live and work in teh information age, a student should be familiar with technology, be able to read and write, know basic mathematics as well as understand and apply concepts, know how to interact with others, be able to learn quickly, and have a strong cultural component.
12. Students and teachers use powerpoint presentations, educational software, educational games, simulations, and programming tools. They can also make video presentations.
13. Students can communicate with students in other states and countries, giving them new perspectives into what they are learning. Experts and other teachers can make "guest appearances" over videoconference. If a student is in a small area, they can join online groups for people with similar interests.
14. To ensure success, technology should be incorporated into the students lives, not simply one lab trip a week.
15. People use home computers for all kinds of things. They can work from them, manage the budget, use email and chat for keeping in contact with others, find recipes and stories, play games, do research, shop and so much more.
16. Smart cards contain microprocessors and memory. They store information such as ID information, transactions. They can be used for meal tickets, keys to access data, and replacements for food stamps and driver's licenses.
17. Many games are simulations. However, with advances in technology, home entertainment could become more interactive, with viewer controlled movies and TV.
4. Telecommuting allows the worker to work from home on their own schedule. The times are more flexible. Also, because they are in a comfortable working environment, their productivity increases. Telecommution also benefits the environment. With more people working at home, there are less people driving to work and harming the environment. Accidents and traffic are reduced.
5. Managers use surveillance technology to keep tabs on their employees. They also use wireless handheld devices that are portable, so they can be in the office at all times.
6. De-skilling is when a job is transformed so that it requires less skill due to technology. For example, computerized screens in fast-food shops have buttons labeled "fries" rather than numbers to press. Up-skilling is when, because of automation, a job becomes more complicated. When an office adopts databases, spreadsheets, and email systems, secretaries have to know how to use them.
7. In electronic sweatshops, minorities and often women, perform mindless, repetitive tasks on computers, in large windowless rooms. Their breaks are monitored, and many health problems come from these jobs. Workers are paid little money and are oppressed in these jobs.
8. Even though more and more jobs are becoming automated, we still need someone to run the machines. Students need to be educated so they are able to perform in the jobs that they will eventually work in.
9. The goeals of education in the industrial age was to teach students the basic facts and survival skills they owuld need in for jobs in industry and agriculture. Students were expected to sit quietly and absorb facts. Today, the goals are still the same: to prepare students for their future careers. However, there is more emphasis on individual learning and more creativity, as opposed to the uniformity of before.
10. to live and work in teh information age, a student should be familiar with technology, be able to read and write, know basic mathematics as well as understand and apply concepts, know how to interact with others, be able to learn quickly, and have a strong cultural component.
12. Students and teachers use powerpoint presentations, educational software, educational games, simulations, and programming tools. They can also make video presentations.
13. Students can communicate with students in other states and countries, giving them new perspectives into what they are learning. Experts and other teachers can make "guest appearances" over videoconference. If a student is in a small area, they can join online groups for people with similar interests.
14. To ensure success, technology should be incorporated into the students lives, not simply one lab trip a week.
15. People use home computers for all kinds of things. They can work from them, manage the budget, use email and chat for keeping in contact with others, find recipes and stories, play games, do research, shop and so much more.
16. Smart cards contain microprocessors and memory. They store information such as ID information, transactions. They can be used for meal tickets, keys to access data, and replacements for food stamps and driver's licenses.
17. Many games are simulations. However, with advances in technology, home entertainment could become more interactive, with viewer controlled movies and TV.
Discussion Questions
Discussion Questions, p. 420 #4, 6, 11-13
4. For the worker, being replaced by technology would not be good as they would lose their jobs, or have their duties de-skilled. However, things in society run smoothly because of these people.
6. While I agree that students can become too dependent on computers and calculators, there is no doubt that they are extremely useful. The key is to use them in moderation. You do not need to use a calculator to add or subtract basic amounts. To some degree, we should be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide mentally. For long complicated numbers and equations, then we should use calculators. As for computers, it is easier and faster to type and edit a paper than rewrite it several times over and over. However, people can become dependent on spell check, and instead of learning how to spell the words, they use spell check to correct everything. This leads to weak spelling ability, and when one has to write something, they will spell many words wrong because they do not have spell check in front of them.
11. In terms of technology, my use of it in school for school has only recently begun to increase. As a grade school student, the computer was only used to type up big reports and projects, or to research something that could not be found in a library. All my papers were hand-written, all research was done at the library. I did not use email. However, since the beginning of high school, most of my research is done on the internet, and most of my papers are typed. A lot of communication is done through email. I have begun to use computers for so many more things than I used to. Despite all this, I do not think that I have been really missing anything from my education. I think that because I did not use computers from a young age, I developed other important skills, like how to research in a library.
12. Yes, I think computers can strengthen families and communities, but they can also weaken them. If a family is in separate places, then the computer makes it easier for them to chat with each other and keep in contact, instead of just seeing them once every year or two or so. However, the computer can also cause division in the family. Children fight over whose turn it is to use the computer, or they may spend most of their time on the computer instead of interacting with their family around them.
13. The computers themselves cannot make people more or less creative. It is the people themselves who have to make this change. I do think, though, that due to the advances in technology, it will be easier to be more creative. Even those who are not creative may wish to try out their creativity on the new technology. The technology may make it easier for uncreative people to bring out the creativity within themselves.
4. For the worker, being replaced by technology would not be good as they would lose their jobs, or have their duties de-skilled. However, things in society run smoothly because of these people.
6. While I agree that students can become too dependent on computers and calculators, there is no doubt that they are extremely useful. The key is to use them in moderation. You do not need to use a calculator to add or subtract basic amounts. To some degree, we should be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide mentally. For long complicated numbers and equations, then we should use calculators. As for computers, it is easier and faster to type and edit a paper than rewrite it several times over and over. However, people can become dependent on spell check, and instead of learning how to spell the words, they use spell check to correct everything. This leads to weak spelling ability, and when one has to write something, they will spell many words wrong because they do not have spell check in front of them.
11. In terms of technology, my use of it in school for school has only recently begun to increase. As a grade school student, the computer was only used to type up big reports and projects, or to research something that could not be found in a library. All my papers were hand-written, all research was done at the library. I did not use email. However, since the beginning of high school, most of my research is done on the internet, and most of my papers are typed. A lot of communication is done through email. I have begun to use computers for so many more things than I used to. Despite all this, I do not think that I have been really missing anything from my education. I think that because I did not use computers from a young age, I developed other important skills, like how to research in a library.
12. Yes, I think computers can strengthen families and communities, but they can also weaken them. If a family is in separate places, then the computer makes it easier for them to chat with each other and keep in contact, instead of just seeing them once every year or two or so. However, the computer can also cause division in the family. Children fight over whose turn it is to use the computer, or they may spend most of their time on the computer instead of interacting with their family around them.
13. The computers themselves cannot make people more or less creative. It is the people themselves who have to make this change. I do think, though, that due to the advances in technology, it will be easier to be more creative. Even those who are not creative may wish to try out their creativity on the new technology. The technology may make it easier for uncreative people to bring out the creativity within themselves.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
TechReflect 10/22
1- TechReflect: Imagine you were alseep for a thousand years and suddenly woke up in this technological age. What are some things that can help you get up-to-date with using technology.
To get up to date on current technology, I would go to a library and find books about technology. I would also ask a librarian for help with the technology. After I got a basic understanding, I would use the internet to research and use the various technologies available.
2- Read p.383-4. What inspired Alan Kay? What did he accomplish?
Alan Kay was inspired by Douglas Engelbart and his demonstration of interactive computing. After this, Kay began to build a personal computer. However, he wanted the personal computer to be somthing that would go everywhere and work as a calculator, calendar, word processor, graphics machine, communication device, and reference tool. Apple's Macintosh took Kay's ideas and built on them, become on the first inexpensive personal computers with his ideas. He also developed a graphical programming tool for children with Disney.
To get up to date on current technology, I would go to a library and find books about technology. I would also ask a librarian for help with the technology. After I got a basic understanding, I would use the internet to research and use the various technologies available.
2- Read p.383-4. What inspired Alan Kay? What did he accomplish?
Alan Kay was inspired by Douglas Engelbart and his demonstration of interactive computing. After this, Kay began to build a personal computer. However, he wanted the personal computer to be somthing that would go everywhere and work as a calculator, calendar, word processor, graphics machine, communication device, and reference tool. Apple's Macintosh took Kay's ideas and built on them, become on the first inexpensive personal computers with his ideas. He also developed a graphical programming tool for children with Disney.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
TechReflect
TechReflect:
a-Do you think educational games are good ways for students to learn in schools? Give examples that support your arguments.
I think that educational games are a good way for students to learn. Games make the lesson more exciting and children will pay more attention when they are interested. If they are enthusiastic, they are more likely to remember what they learned in their class. For example, there are games on Mavis Beacon that help students type. They can play a game where they must type the letters before the penguin falls off the iceberg. Or there are games for spelling. The student must spell the word correctly before time runs out, or to keep the balloon afloat until it reaches its destination.
b. Other games can help with certain skills, like training the mind to think in new ways and find new solutions. However, there are some games that are completely pointless and a waste of time, though entertaining
a-Do you think educational games are good ways for students to learn in schools? Give examples that support your arguments.
I think that educational games are a good way for students to learn. Games make the lesson more exciting and children will pay more attention when they are interested. If they are enthusiastic, they are more likely to remember what they learned in their class. For example, there are games on Mavis Beacon that help students type. They can play a game where they must type the letters before the penguin falls off the iceberg. Or there are games for spelling. The student must spell the word correctly before time runs out, or to keep the balloon afloat until it reaches its destination.
b. Other games can help with certain skills, like training the mind to think in new ways and find new solutions. However, there are some games that are completely pointless and a waste of time, though entertaining
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Review
1- Write the URL for your blog.
http://www.aliatechblog.blogspot.com
2- What is a domain? Where does it appear in the URL?
A domain is the address of a website or the name of a host system in a network. It appears after the name of the site. For example, www.blogger.com or www.aliatechblog.blogspot.com
3- What is Boolean logic? How can you use it to find a passage of Beowulf in Old English?
Boolean logic is the system used for searching on the internet. It specifies keywords or other important things to make searches easier. It uses quotations, and words like AND and AND NOT, to specify. You can search, for example, "Beowulf Old AND English".
4- How is using the search engine helpful in different classes? Math? Arabic?
Using a search engine, we can find supplementary materials to what we have learned. We can also search for help or explanations of confusing material. We can use search engines like Yamli.com to search articles in Arabic.
5- What is the purpose of a network server?
A network server shares data, programs and other resources. They give you access to the internet and other resources.
6- Pros and cons of USB drives?
USB drives can be a backup storage. They are small and portable. However, they can get lost. They can run out of memory. They can be stolen.
http://www.aliatechblog.blogspot.com
2- What is a domain? Where does it appear in the URL?
A domain is the address of a website or the name of a host system in a network. It appears after the name of the site. For example, www.blogger.com or www.aliatechblog.blogspot.com
3- What is Boolean logic? How can you use it to find a passage of Beowulf in Old English?
Boolean logic is the system used for searching on the internet. It specifies keywords or other important things to make searches easier. It uses quotations, and words like AND and AND NOT, to specify. You can search, for example, "Beowulf Old AND English".
4- How is using the search engine helpful in different classes? Math? Arabic?
Using a search engine, we can find supplementary materials to what we have learned. We can also search for help or explanations of confusing material. We can use search engines like Yamli.com to search articles in Arabic.
5- What is the purpose of a network server?
A network server shares data, programs and other resources. They give you access to the internet and other resources.
6- Pros and cons of USB drives?
USB drives can be a backup storage. They are small and portable. However, they can get lost. They can run out of memory. They can be stolen.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Censorship on the Internet
Least Access to Most Access:
Cuba: Most of Cuba's population does not have access to the Internet. Those that do are under much control and surveillance. The government has banned all private internet connections. Cubans must use public access points that are easier to monitor. Secondly, their is software that alerts the government when "subversive" keywords are typed. It is also made sure that political enemies and independent journalists do not have internet access to publish. There is severe punishment in Cuba for accessing the internet illegally or publishing anti-government content.
China: The Chinese government blocks all websites that are anti-government, media sites with unregulated content, sites related to Taiwan, and sites with obscenity, pornography, and criminal activity. At least 18,000 websites are blocked in mainland China.
Saudi Arabia: All internet traffic is directed to King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology where it is filtered. Blocked sites include those that contain immoral content, and those based on directions from the Ministry of Interior. These, obviously, include anti-government sites.
Brazil: Brazil prohibits the anonymity of journalists, forbids freedom of expression, and blocks sites that are racist or offensive.
France: French internet users that illegally download copyrighted material have their internet disconnected. There is also a blacklist of sites with child pornography which service providers will have to block.
Germany: Germany is in the process of building a system for censorship, especially of sites involving child pornography
India: India has blocked approximately 17 sites, mostly pertaining to separatist groups, and defamatory content.
Japan: Japan uses filtering software to remove information it deems harmful.
United States: There are few sites blocked in the United States, although some schools and libraries use filtering software to block sites inappropriate for children.
The intent behind these restrictions is to limit repercussions against the government, especially when they oppress people. If people are forbidden from discussing the oppression of the government, then they will not know who agrees with them and will not be able to organize some sort of uprising against the government. By restricting people's access to the government, the government only gains more control over them and their lives. These restrictions, however, can also be helpful in preventing the exploitation of children, or from letting them see inappropriate content. I think that in most cases, the restrictions will work. People will be too afraid to stand up against the government, especially if there are very strict punishments (years in jail, etc.), and they have been oppressed by the government for years.
Cuba: Most of Cuba's population does not have access to the Internet. Those that do are under much control and surveillance. The government has banned all private internet connections. Cubans must use public access points that are easier to monitor. Secondly, their is software that alerts the government when "subversive" keywords are typed. It is also made sure that political enemies and independent journalists do not have internet access to publish. There is severe punishment in Cuba for accessing the internet illegally or publishing anti-government content.
China: The Chinese government blocks all websites that are anti-government, media sites with unregulated content, sites related to Taiwan, and sites with obscenity, pornography, and criminal activity. At least 18,000 websites are blocked in mainland China.
Saudi Arabia: All internet traffic is directed to King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology where it is filtered. Blocked sites include those that contain immoral content, and those based on directions from the Ministry of Interior. These, obviously, include anti-government sites.
Brazil: Brazil prohibits the anonymity of journalists, forbids freedom of expression, and blocks sites that are racist or offensive.
France: French internet users that illegally download copyrighted material have their internet disconnected. There is also a blacklist of sites with child pornography which service providers will have to block.
Germany: Germany is in the process of building a system for censorship, especially of sites involving child pornography
India: India has blocked approximately 17 sites, mostly pertaining to separatist groups, and defamatory content.
Japan: Japan uses filtering software to remove information it deems harmful.
United States: There are few sites blocked in the United States, although some schools and libraries use filtering software to block sites inappropriate for children.
The intent behind these restrictions is to limit repercussions against the government, especially when they oppress people. If people are forbidden from discussing the oppression of the government, then they will not know who agrees with them and will not be able to organize some sort of uprising against the government. By restricting people's access to the government, the government only gains more control over them and their lives. These restrictions, however, can also be helpful in preventing the exploitation of children, or from letting them see inappropriate content. I think that in most cases, the restrictions will work. People will be too afraid to stand up against the government, especially if there are very strict punishments (years in jail, etc.), and they have been oppressed by the government for years.
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