Chapter 5--The 3 "Big Darn Deals" that I found interesting in this chapter are:
1. Interactive Whiteboards or SMART Boards--Recently our local school and community raised enough money to purchase SMART Boards for every classroom in the elementary and middle schools. It is interesting to learn you can write and erase on the boards with a special pen. The teacher and students also have the benefit of being able to save the material into a computer, so they can refer back to the information at a later date. I believe this will make learning more interesting and fun.
2. LCD and Plasma Monitors and Screens-- Today we hear alot of advertising about LCD and Plasma screen TV's and computers. I never understood the difference. Chapter 5 explains that LCD stands for "liquid crystal display" and Plasma refers to gases between two plates of glass. While both LCD and Plasma produce clear crisp pictures, it is the Plasma screens and monitors that produce the richer color on a bigger screen. The Plasma screens are also more expensive.
3. Printers--Chapter 5 helped to explain a variety of printers available today, which include ink-jet, laser, photo, thermal, mobile, multifunctional peripherals, impact, plotters and large-format printers. The one printer that wasn't mentioned in our book, but was discussed in our Printer Assignment was the Z650 printer. I had never seen or heard of a printer that could print a real life prototype. The Z650 is amazing. I also appreciate the fact we can donate our empty ink cartridges to raise money for our local school district.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
3 "Big Darn Deals"
Chapter 4--The 3 "Big Darn Deals" that I found interesting in this chapter are:
1. Keeping your computer or mobile device clean--I have always heard there was a special way to clean my computer, but I never knew what that was. I would just take my vaccum brush to the key board and wipe the screen off with a damp rag. I have never heard of compressed air in a can, before. I am curious to find out how much it costs for a can of air. I appreciated learning that I can use a solution mix of 50/50 rubbing alcohol and water to clean my screen, instead of spending lots of money on a special cleaning solution. I had never given any thought to static electricity causing damage to my computer. I am curious to see what an anti-static wristband looks like and where you purchase them.
2. Government search and seizure of computers--I knew the government could take my computer and go through the contents. What surprised me, is that they don't have to have a search warrant or reason, for doing so. I believe that is totally wrong. Yes, they have the right to search if needed, but they also should provide a warrant and reason as to "why" they are taking my computer. I do not like the idea the government does not have to tell me how long they will keep my computer, or if I will get it back. One question I have is, if they were going to keep my computer are they going to reimburse me? I am guessing they wouldn't.
3. How much technology should be supplied to students and teachers--This article talks about supplying inexpensive notebook computer's to students around the country and the world, to be used in place of textbook's. Right now, my children's school does not require desktop computer's or notebook computer's for their classes. Although, I am sure it will be required before they graduate. I also know that our school only purchase's enough text books, so the teachers can teach 120 students split up into four sections. The school does not supply enough books to bring home, so we have to rely on the internet for assistance. Notebook computers with the textbook software would definately help with doing homework, unless the notebook computer is unable to come home. The article states that some school district's have been able to purchase the notebook's for their students. I don't know where the school district's are finding the finance's for those purchases. Right now, many school district's are having a tough time staying above water.
1. Keeping your computer or mobile device clean--I have always heard there was a special way to clean my computer, but I never knew what that was. I would just take my vaccum brush to the key board and wipe the screen off with a damp rag. I have never heard of compressed air in a can, before. I am curious to find out how much it costs for a can of air. I appreciated learning that I can use a solution mix of 50/50 rubbing alcohol and water to clean my screen, instead of spending lots of money on a special cleaning solution. I had never given any thought to static electricity causing damage to my computer. I am curious to see what an anti-static wristband looks like and where you purchase them.
2. Government search and seizure of computers--I knew the government could take my computer and go through the contents. What surprised me, is that they don't have to have a search warrant or reason, for doing so. I believe that is totally wrong. Yes, they have the right to search if needed, but they also should provide a warrant and reason as to "why" they are taking my computer. I do not like the idea the government does not have to tell me how long they will keep my computer, or if I will get it back. One question I have is, if they were going to keep my computer are they going to reimburse me? I am guessing they wouldn't.
3. How much technology should be supplied to students and teachers--This article talks about supplying inexpensive notebook computer's to students around the country and the world, to be used in place of textbook's. Right now, my children's school does not require desktop computer's or notebook computer's for their classes. Although, I am sure it will be required before they graduate. I also know that our school only purchase's enough text books, so the teachers can teach 120 students split up into four sections. The school does not supply enough books to bring home, so we have to rely on the internet for assistance. Notebook computers with the textbook software would definately help with doing homework, unless the notebook computer is unable to come home. The article states that some school district's have been able to purchase the notebook's for their students. I don't know where the school district's are finding the finance's for those purchases. Right now, many school district's are having a tough time staying above water.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)