Monday, October 31, 2011

Samsung out does Apple iPads

NEW YORK (AP) - For the first time, Samsung Electronics Co. shipped more smartphones in the latest quarter than tech industry darling Apple Inc. On the surface, this may look like a big upset in a world that affords the iPhone maker adulation and outsized expectations. The real reason, however, has more to do with timing and Samsung's variety of offerings and prices.

Apple sold 17.1 million iPhones in the third quarter, 3 million fewer than expected. Samsung, meanwhile, shipped more than 27 million, according to analyst estimates.

http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_260809/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=B18jLP2y

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Institutional Review Board (Consent Form)















Consent Form for Anonymous Surveys
Study Title: Touch Technologies Educational Needs Assessment
Instructor’s Name and Department: Mitchell Klett, NMU and UT-Tyler
Contact information for the researchers:
Mitchell Klett, Professor of Science Education, Educational Technology
University of Texas-Tyler
Office of Sponsored Research
Tyler, TX 75799

mklett@nmu.edu
NMU office: 906-227-16541
UT_Tyler Office: 903-565-5756
Michael Odell, Professor-Science Education, Engineering; Celia & Sam Roosth Endowed Chair
The University of Texas at Tyler
3900 University Blvd.
Tyler, TX 75799

model@uttyler.edu
UT_Tyler Office: 903-565-59803

Introductory Statement Touch Technologies Educational Needs Assessment Study
You are invited to take part in research about the use of Touch Technologies (iPODS, iPADS, Tablets) for education and teaching. You are a potential participant because you are currently teaching or plan on teaching. This research is being conducted by Drs. Mitchell Klett and Michael Odell, along with student researchers. We ask you read this form before agreeing to be in the research.

What is the purpose of this research study?

The purpose of the research study is to find out information about how teachers use or plan to use touch technologies in teaching. In addition, we are seeking information on how teachers implement and integrate educational technology in their classroom to better work with their students. We are interested in learning more about how teachers can use these technologies to enhance student learning. Researchers also want to learn more about the barriers to teachers using the technology in a more effective manner.

What will I do in this study?

If you agree to be in this research study, and sign this consent form, we ask that you fill out an online survey. The survey should take only 15-30 minutes of your time.

Are there any risks and/or benefits of participating in the study?
You will be asked to answer questions about yourself not limited to your age, teaching status, and use of technology in the classroom. Some of the questions may be personal, but the information will not be shared with anyone else. You may refuse to answer any questions on the form. We can provide you with information about programs and services that you can contact for help if you need it. We will not share with anyone, including the staff at Northern Michigan University or the University of Texas at Tyler. There are no direct benefits of the study for teachers taking the survey. The risk level of this research is considered to be less than minimal.

Will anyone know what I do or say in this study (Confidentiality)?

The records of this study will be kept private. Anything you tell us will remain confidential. In any sort of report of the study, we will not include any information that will make it possible to identify you. We are not asking for your name, address, or phone number. Your name and other identifying information will not be kept with this survey. The surveys will be kept in a locked file; only the researchers for this study will have access to the records.

Will I receive any compensation for participation? Your decision whether or not to participate in this research will not affect current or future relations with Northern Michigan University, the University of Texas at Tyler, or the staff helping with this research study. Even if you sign the consent form, you are free to stop doing the survey at any time. You do not need to complete this survey if you feel uncomfortable doing so.

Who can I contact for information about this study?
The researchers conducting this study are Drs. Mitchell Klett and Michael Odell. You may contact the researchers at the University by calling (903) 565-5756. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment of human subjects, contact: The University of Texas at Tyler IRB Administrator:
Gloria Duke, PhD, IRB Chair Associate Dean,
Office of Nursing Research & Scholarship
Phone: 903-566-7023
Office: Oac 103
Email: Gduke@Uttyler.Edu

I have read the above information and understand this survey is voluntary and I may stop at any time. I consent to participate in the study.

Signature of participant Date

Signature of researchers Date

My return of this survey implies my consent to participate in this research and I have been given a second copy of this form to keep for my records. If you are not satisfied with the manner in which this study is being conducted, you may report (anonymously if you so choose) any complaints to the University of Texas at Tyler, Office of Sponsored Research.

Books Bought 10/05/2011

http://www.amazon.com/Python-Programming-Absolute-Beginner-3rd/dp/1435455002/ref=sr_1_sc_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317914792&sr=1-2-spell#_

Editorial Reviews: Product Description

If you are new to programming with Python and are looking for a solid introduction, this is the book for you. Developed by computer science instructors, books in the "for the absolute beginner" series teach the principles of programming through simple game creation. You will acquire the skills that you need for practical Python programming applications and will learn how these skills can be put to use in real-world scenarios. Throughout the chapters, you will find code samples that illustrate concepts presented. At the end of each chapter, you will find a complete game that demonstrates the key ideas in the chapter, a summary of the chapter, and a set of challenges that tests your newfound knowledge. By the time you finish this book, you'll be well versed in Python and be able to apply the basic programming principles you've learned to the next programming language you tackle.

http://www.amazon.com/Python-Dummies-Stef-Maruch/dp/0471778648/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317915155&sr=1-1

Editorial Reviews: Product Description

Python is one of the most powerful, easy-to-read programming languages around, but it does have its limitations. This general purpose, high-level language that can be extended and embedded is a smart option for many programming problems, but a poor solution to others.
Python For Dummies is the quick-and-easy guide to getting the most out of this robust program. This hands-on book will show you everything you need to know about building programs, debugging code, and simplifying development, as well as defining what actions it can perform. You’ll wrap yourself around all of its advanced features and become an expert Python user in no time. This guide gives you the tools you need to:

Master basic elements and syntax
Document, design, and debug programs
Work with strings like a pro
Direct a program with control structures
Integrate integers, complex numbers, and modules
Build lists, stacks, and queues
Create an organized dictionary
Handle functions, data, and namespace
Construct applications with modules and packages
Call, create, extend, and override classes
Access the Internet to enhance your library
Understand the new features of Python 2.5

Packed with critical idioms and great resources to maximize your productivity, Python For Dummies is the ultimate one-stop information guide. In a matter of minutes you’ll be familiar with Python’s building blocks, strings, dictionaries, and sets; and be on your way to writing the program that you’ve dreamed about!


http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Python-Mark-Lutz/dp/0596158106/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317914792&sr=1-1-spell

Editorial Reviews: Product Description

If you've mastered Python's fundamentals, you're ready to start using it to get real work done. Programming Python will show you how, with in-depth tutorials on the language's primary application domains: system administration, GUIs, and the Web. You'll also explore how Python is used in databases, networking, front-end scripting layers, text processing, and more. This book focuses on commonly used tools and libraries to give you a comprehensive understanding of Python’s many roles in practical, real-world programming.

You'll learn language syntax and programming techniques in a clear and concise manner, with lots of examples that illustrate both correct usage and common idioms. Completely updated for version 3.x, Programming Python also delves into the language as a software development tool, with many code examples scaled specifically for that purpose.

Topics include:

Quick Python tour: Build a simple demo that includes data representation, object-oriented programming, object persistence, GUIs, and website basics
System programming: Explore system interface tools and techniques for command-line scripting, processing files and folders, running programs in parallel, and more
GUI programming: Learn to use Python’s tkinter widget library
Internet programming: Access client-side network protocols and email tools, use CGI scripts, and learn website implementation techniques
More ways to apply Python: Implement data structures, parse text-based information, interface with databases, and extend and embed Python

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Apple has over a thousand Apps for Education

With so many education apps available, you can carry an entire library of reference materials with you anywhere. Apps help transform the way teachers teach and students learn. And there are apps for every subject and every stage of learning. A 24/7 learning store at your fingertips. Read descriptions and user reviews. Flick through a few screenshots. Then download the app wirelessly to your iPod touch or iPhone and start using it right away.

http://www.apple.com/education/ipodtouch-iphone/

Monday, October 3, 2011

10 Best Apps 4 Teachers

10 Best Apps 4 Teachers

http://appsineducation.blogspot.com/2011/06/apps-for-teachers.html

Most of what we do is for the students. The focus of this and many other blogs and websites is about learning, and rightly so, but there are also apps that will make our jobs easier too. I am talking about that catergory of apps that are designed specifically for the classroom teacher. Those apps that will assist us in the everyday little jobs that need to be done, often on the run and often while 10 other things are also happening in the room. There are plenty and I am sure as more and more teachers gain the confidence to design their own apps, there will be more suitable one to come. Here is a list of apps that you can use to make your job easier. This is just my list, but I would be happy for other to contribute the apps that help them - help others by leaving your selection in the comments.

Apps in Education

Apps in Education

http://web.me.com/planeten.paultje/Toepassingen/iPhone.html
http://appsineducation.blogspot.com/2011/06/ios-5-features-list-part-1.html

One of the hardest thing with using the iPad in the classroom is finding the time to go through all of the apps in the iTunes Store listed under the education banner. We have started to list some of the apps we've found under each of the Key Learning Areas.

Top 50 iPhone Apps for Educators (iPad)

Top 50 iPhone Apps for Educators: Published on Monday 1st 2008f December, 2008

http://oedb.org/library/features/top_50_iphones_for_educators

Although you're not likely to see schools issuing an iPhone to every faculty and staff member, the fact is that the iPhone is a great tool for education. Whether you're a teacher, librarian, or other educator, there are a number of apps that can help you do your job better. Here, we'll take a look at 50 of these apps and what they can do for you.