Archive for July, 2007
Microsoft Enters Online Apps Arena with Works
July 31st, 2007
Tech Crunch reports Microsoft is creating an ad suported, online version of Microsoft Works that will be free to use. Micorsoft Works 9 is Microsoft’s response to Google Docs and Google Spread Sheets, OpenOffice.org, Think Free Office and a growing list of applications that are free and increasingly web-based. The online version of Works is not released yet but reported to be coming soon (sounds like Microsoft).
If Microsoft is moving Works online, this shows that web-based applications are becoming useful and cost effective tools. I like the idea of web-based applications such as Google Docs. Web-based allows you to work on any Internet connected computer and you can save your work online. Google Docs allows users to invite others to work collaberatively much like Wikis do. The downside is your Internet connection must be dependable for you to do any work. Also, they can be clunky at times. I currently use a version of Open Office at home and have used Google Docs in the past. Both applications can do just about what I needed Microsoft Office to do.
Will applications such as Google Docs and Open Office replace Microsoft Office in the near future? No, nor should they try. Most people need just a basic application to start with. If you need to do more indepth work then you can move over to Microsoft Office.
Now you have an alternative for a student who says they either don’t have a computer at home or don’t have a word processor at home. Just point them in the right direction.
Good Mojo, Bad Mojo
July 31st, 2007
On my podcast, Teacher Bytes, I talked about U3 Smart USB flash drives and how this mini operating system can allow you to use various applications on any computer. PC World has a story about a new application for flash drives and portable hard drives which mimics your personal desktop setup. MojoPac is an operating system that works on Windows computers. Unlike U3, MojoPac actually allows you use your applications from your computer on any other computer such as Word, Open Office, Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc….
This would be good for teachers who have useful personal applications which are usually not allowed on school computers. However, the downside is a long list of compatible games listed on MojoPac’s website which students can plug and play on school computers as well. Hopefully, MojoPac won’t become one of those well intentioned applications that kills the usefullness of flash drives much like cameras helping Internet able cell phones (such as the iPhone) get kicked out of schools.
Make sure to watch your students when they plug in a flash drive.
Maybe Reefer Madness Was Right
July 31st, 2007
Reuters reports about New Zealand Medical researchers’ claim that smoking cannabis joints is as bad for the lungs as smoking 5 tobacco cigarettes. The Medical Research Institute of New Zealand tested 339 people divided into 4 groups: cannabis smokers, tobacco smokers, those who smoked both, and non-smokers. “Those who smoked cannabis damaged both the lungs’ small fine airways, used for transporting oxygen, and the large airways, which blocked air flow, the researchers said.” In other words the lungs stop working normally. This along with a British report about cannabis smokers having an increased risk of developing a psychotic illness such as schizophrenia have British officials considering classifying cannabis as a more dangerous drug.
Make Sure Parents Know Cellphone Policies
July 30th, 2007
Dory Devlin at Yahoo relates what public schools in New York City had to go through regarding cell phone policies. At first all cell phones were banned but the local school board, after parent complaints, changed the policy to allow students to bring the phone to and from school but not use it at school. After some easing of restrictions after the Columbine incident, cell phone restrictions are increasing after incidents of cheating or bullying using cell phone cameras or text messaging.
Now would be a good time to clarify your cell phone policies and make sure parents and students understand it.
Schools and Cell Phones Can Be a Volatile Mix
Check out school policies before sending your kids off to school with cell phones & gadgets.
technorati tags:Yahoo, Dory, Devlin, Cell, Phones, Policies
Blogged with Flock
Make Sure Parents Know Cellphone Policies
July 30th, 2007
Dory Devlin at Yahoo relates what public schools in New York City had to go through regarding cell phone policies. At first all cell phones were banned but the local school board, after parent complaints, changed the policy to allow students to bring the phone to and from school but not use it at school. After some easing of restrictions after the Columbine incident, cell phone restrictions are increasing after incidents of cheating or bullying using cell phone cameras or text messaging.
Now would be a good time to clarify your cell phone policies and make sure parents and students understand it.
Schools and Cell Phones Can Be a Volatile Mix
Check out school policies before sending your kids off to school with cell phones & gadgets.
technorati tags:Yahoo, Dory, Devlin, Cell, Phones, Policies
Blogged with Flock
Math and Science Partnership Paying Dividends
July 30th, 2007
ARS Technica reports the National Science Foundation’s Math and Science Partnership helped increase student’s test scores on Math and Science tests in schools participating in the program. Over 3,300 K-12 schools in 30 states formed partnerships with 150 institutes of higher education in the 2004-2005 school year. Studies found that elementary and high school students whose teachers participated in the program performed at the proficient level on standardized math and science tests. Only Middle School students’ scores remained flat.
The Math and Science Partnership brings K-12 teachers to work with scientists, mathematicians, and engineers during summer training programs. The goal is for these teachers to bring back what they learned to their students to bring more appreciation and understanding in math, science, and engineering.
National Science Foundation teacher outreach program pays off for students
When higher education pairs with K-12 educators, the K-12 students reap the benefits in math and science fields.
technorati tags:NSF, National, Science, Foundation, Math, Science, Partnership, ARS, Technica
Blogged with Flock
Math and Science Partnership Paying Dividends
July 30th, 2007
ARS Technica reports the National Science Foundation’s Math and Science Partnership helped increase student’s test scores on Math and Science tests in schools participating in the program. Over 3,300 K-12 schools in 30 states formed partnerships with 150 institutes of higher education in the 2004-2005 school year. Studies found that elementary and high school students whose teachers participated in the program performed at the proficient level on standardized math and science tests. Only Middle School students’ scores remained flat.
The Math and Science Partnership brings K-12 teachers to work with scientists, mathematicians, and engineers during summer training programs. The goal is for these teachers to bring back what they learned to their students to bring more appreciation and understanding in math, science, and engineering.
National Science Foundation teacher outreach program pays off for students
When higher education pairs with K-12 educators, the K-12 students reap the benefits in math and science fields.
technorati tags:NSF, National, Science, Foundation, Math, Science, Partnership, ARS, Technica
Blogged with Flock
Episode 11 of the Teacher Bytes Podcast is now available. Hear John Woodring report and comment on news and information of interest to teachers.
Episode 11 of the Teacher Bytes Podcast is now available. Hear John Woodring report and comment on news and information of interest to teachers.
Episode 11 of the Teacher Bytes Podcast is now available. Hear John Woodring report and comment on news and information of interest to teachers.
