4 Dec 2008
20 Oct 2008
Activity 8 -WLANs
WLANs
Where Are These Projects Mainly Located
These wireless hotspots are mainly located in small communities and cities. There are also many WLAN spots being developed in developing countries around the world.
Why Have These Been Created
The WLAN hotspots have been created in the developing world to allow them to gain access and training in using ICT. This will allow for better education in the use of ICT and therefore help close the divide that is the ‘Digital Divide’.
What Groups Do They Serve And In What Way
The groups that are served by the development of the WLAN are people who work away from the office and still require access to the internet. For example reporters who need to send articles into the office in time for them to go to print. Another group who will use the WLANs are students. Students who have no landline to access the internet through will be able to do research and other work over the wireless.
Have They, And/Or Will They Have, Any Impact On The Digital Divide
By starting projects in developing countries this will allow for the international digital divide to be closed slightly. But some improvement will need to be made. For example to improve the technology available to people in smaller communities in LEDCs. Another example would be improved training for people, here and aboard, to allow people who are using this technology to do so more effectively.
Where Are These Projects Mainly Located
These wireless hotspots are mainly located in small communities and cities. There are also many WLAN spots being developed in developing countries around the world.
Why Have These Been Created
The WLAN hotspots have been created in the developing world to allow them to gain access and training in using ICT. This will allow for better education in the use of ICT and therefore help close the divide that is the ‘Digital Divide’.
What Groups Do They Serve And In What Way
The groups that are served by the development of the WLAN are people who work away from the office and still require access to the internet. For example reporters who need to send articles into the office in time for them to go to print. Another group who will use the WLANs are students. Students who have no landline to access the internet through will be able to do research and other work over the wireless.
Have They, And/Or Will They Have, Any Impact On The Digital Divide
By starting projects in developing countries this will allow for the international digital divide to be closed slightly. But some improvement will need to be made. For example to improve the technology available to people in smaller communities in LEDCs. Another example would be improved training for people, here and aboard, to allow people who are using this technology to do so more effectively.
Activity 7
ICT Access In Local Library
The central library in Northampton city centre has an extensive ICT suite which allows members of the public to access the internet. When I visited the library to find out about their ICT facilities, I was told how it has changed people lives.
The library offers 20 internet access for £1. This allows people to check email, check online banking and just browse the net. By having the library in the centre of town, people are able to shop and then go in and use the service at a charge. This has had a large impact on the usage and financial income to the library. By having this charge, the service is able to be improved to pay for better resources and more equipment for use by the public in the library.
The central library in Northampton city centre has an extensive ICT suite which allows members of the public to access the internet. When I visited the library to find out about their ICT facilities, I was told how it has changed people lives.
The library offers 20 internet access for £1. This allows people to check email, check online banking and just browse the net. By having the library in the centre of town, people are able to shop and then go in and use the service at a charge. This has had a large impact on the usage and financial income to the library. By having this charge, the service is able to be improved to pay for better resources and more equipment for use by the public in the library.
14 Oct 2008
International Digital Divide
What Is The Digital Divide?
In recent years we have seen huge changes in the ICT technology we use both at home and elsewhere. These include social, cultural, educational and economic benefits. But the same change has not been seen to the same extent worldwide. For example Africa, which has many LEDCs. For a continent with 841,546,000 million people, only 1.6% are Internet users. This is in contrast with a MEDC such as UK that is 69%.
So the Digital Divide is the difference in usage and interaction with the Internet and other modern technology that we often use every day.
Who Are Most Affected By The Digital Divide?
There are two sides to this divide. Firstly there are those who are on the beneficial side of the divide. Such as the UK. For we use technology for many uses, not only work. We use them to communicate via E-Mail, education using online learning sites and having this technology has allowed us to keep up with important news and vital reports, with the use of news sites and blogs. But there is also a section of the world who don’t have the access to the same technology we do. The prime example is Afghanistan, where only 580,000 people have access to Internet. But in a country with a population of 32,738,376, only 1.7% who can access to the Internet.
One reason for this is the economical state of the country. Afghanistan has an external debt of $8 billion. This is coupled with an unemployment rate of 40% and the total number of the population who live below the poverty line is 53%. This could mean that the Afghan people who live below the poverty line or who are unemployed may not be able to afford the equipment required to run a computer.
Where Can Improvements Be Made To Close The Gaps
So what is being done to bridge the digital divide? There are organisations and projects being set up worldwide to reduce this divide. One such organisation is ‘One Laptop Per Child’. OLPC is a U.S. non-profit organization set up to oversee the creation of a cheap, affordable educational device for use in the developing world. The company’s focus is on the development, construction and deployment of the XO-1 laptop to promote children's education in developing nations. This will allow these students to have increased knowledge for when the technology becomes available for home use to the whole population.
Examples Of How Improvement Is Happening
Having all these organisations and projects in place is well and good, but are they making any difference? Well after some research I have come across a story of how the ‘One Laptop Per Child’ association has help children in Brazil.
I have added the link to the story below
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7647114.stm
In recent years we have seen huge changes in the ICT technology we use both at home and elsewhere. These include social, cultural, educational and economic benefits. But the same change has not been seen to the same extent worldwide. For example Africa, which has many LEDCs. For a continent with 841,546,000 million people, only 1.6% are Internet users. This is in contrast with a MEDC such as UK that is 69%.
So the Digital Divide is the difference in usage and interaction with the Internet and other modern technology that we often use every day.
Who Are Most Affected By The Digital Divide?
There are two sides to this divide. Firstly there are those who are on the beneficial side of the divide. Such as the UK. For we use technology for many uses, not only work. We use them to communicate via E-Mail, education using online learning sites and having this technology has allowed us to keep up with important news and vital reports, with the use of news sites and blogs. But there is also a section of the world who don’t have the access to the same technology we do. The prime example is Afghanistan, where only 580,000 people have access to Internet. But in a country with a population of 32,738,376, only 1.7% who can access to the Internet.
One reason for this is the economical state of the country. Afghanistan has an external debt of $8 billion. This is coupled with an unemployment rate of 40% and the total number of the population who live below the poverty line is 53%. This could mean that the Afghan people who live below the poverty line or who are unemployed may not be able to afford the equipment required to run a computer.
Where Can Improvements Be Made To Close The Gaps
So what is being done to bridge the digital divide? There are organisations and projects being set up worldwide to reduce this divide. One such organisation is ‘One Laptop Per Child’. OLPC is a U.S. non-profit organization set up to oversee the creation of a cheap, affordable educational device for use in the developing world. The company’s focus is on the development, construction and deployment of the XO-1 laptop to promote children's education in developing nations. This will allow these students to have increased knowledge for when the technology becomes available for home use to the whole population.
Examples Of How Improvement Is Happening
Having all these organisations and projects in place is well and good, but are they making any difference? Well after some research I have come across a story of how the ‘One Laptop Per Child’ association has help children in Brazil.
I have added the link to the story below
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7647114.stm
10 Oct 2008
Activity 6 - Local Community ICT Access
A local group that would benefit from increased access to ICT is the former criminals section of society. These people often are in a cycle of drugs, crime and other problems. So, by having the access to learning skills involving ICT, they will be able to break this cycle. With the skills they learn they will be able to apply for jobs that involve ICT. This will give them a way out of the life they are leading. With the money they earn, the person will be able to pay for housing and pay bills. By doing this the former criminal will be able to live a more socially acceptable life style and fit back in with the wider community.
Activity 3 - Access To Digital Technology
Access To Digital Technology
· Name? – Edward Smith
· Age? – 71
· What example of technology do you use in normal day? In a normal day I use my sky plus to record TV, I also do my banking over the phone. Also I use a mobile phone to call a cab while we are out shopping to bring us home.
· What things would you like to be able to do more easily with the use of technology? We often go to the cinema on Tuesday mornings, I would like if we could see the movie from home instead of having to travel. Also it would be good if we could get our shopping delivered home without having to use the Internet. That would mean we would not have to bring it back on the bus, which can be difficult.
· Thank you
Who’s My Interviewee?
My interviewee is my grandfather who is 71 years old, who has 6 children and 12 grandchildren. He lives in a col-de-sac in Far Cotton, in a terrace house which is a two up two down. He has only recently upgraded to sky plus, which allows him to record live TV. Also by having this he doesn’t have to buy new tapes when they run out. Secondly Mr Smith has a mobile phone. He uses it to contact people when he is out in town with his wife, and have no way of making contact with anyone. This allows them to have more freedom when outside the house. Finally with the use of their over the phone banking they are to make transactions without having to go into town. This saves them time and money on having to travel on the bus.
· Name? – Edward Smith
· Age? – 71
· What example of technology do you use in normal day? In a normal day I use my sky plus to record TV, I also do my banking over the phone. Also I use a mobile phone to call a cab while we are out shopping to bring us home.
· What things would you like to be able to do more easily with the use of technology? We often go to the cinema on Tuesday mornings, I would like if we could see the movie from home instead of having to travel. Also it would be good if we could get our shopping delivered home without having to use the Internet. That would mean we would not have to bring it back on the bus, which can be difficult.
· Thank you
Who’s My Interviewee?
My interviewee is my grandfather who is 71 years old, who has 6 children and 12 grandchildren. He lives in a col-de-sac in Far Cotton, in a terrace house which is a two up two down. He has only recently upgraded to sky plus, which allows him to record live TV. Also by having this he doesn’t have to buy new tapes when they run out. Secondly Mr Smith has a mobile phone. He uses it to contact people when he is out in town with his wife, and have no way of making contact with anyone. This allows them to have more freedom when outside the house. Finally with the use of their over the phone banking they are to make transactions without having to go into town. This saves them time and money on having to travel on the bus.
Activity 2 - Who Studies Computing Subjects
The general opinion is that more boys are taking computer related subjects than girls. This is reflected in the real world. For example at my school, Abbeyfields School there is one AS ICT class. In that class there is 4 girls and 10 boys. This information is shown as a pie chart below.
But it is not only in Northampton where this is the case. From information provided by a family member she told me of the boy to girl ratio in her GCSE ICT class in central London. And the findings where the same. In her class there were 24 boys and only 6 girls. Again below is a pie chart to show these results.
So after seeing these results in two schools in two different parts of the country I began to think. What effect would this have on the girls later on in life and how this will affect society as a whole. Firstly, as jobs are now becoming more integrated with the use of computers these girls are being put a disadvantage. This intern will affect their chances of getting these jobs. This will also have a affect on the wider society. By having a belief that girls don’t partake in ICT lessons, will mean that it is a cycle in which few girls go into jobs that use this technology.
9 Oct 2008
International Digital Divide
In the countries of Africa there are a growing number of people awaking to the advantages of technology. The African population has grown to over 922,011,000 in recent years. But with only 3% having main telephone lines it is likely that a very low percentage of people will have access to the Internet. This is true. It is shown by only 1.6% having access to the World Wide Web. But the percent of mobile phone subscribers is double the amount of main telephone lines at 6.1%. But how does this break down into a north, south divide? Is there a difference in where the higher percentage in internet access is?
Well, yes. In northern Africa there is an internet user percentage of 3.3%. But when compared to the southern, often considered the richer part of Africa, the percent is more than double at 7.1%.
This is a lot lower when compared with a more economically developed country (MEDC) such as UK. Where the internet access percent across the whole population is 57%. That is a 11% increase in 4 years. This could be down to the UK household capital per person is higher. This allows them to be able to afford the equipment required to access the internet.
Well, yes. In northern Africa there is an internet user percentage of 3.3%. But when compared to the southern, often considered the richer part of Africa, the percent is more than double at 7.1%.
This is a lot lower when compared with a more economically developed country (MEDC) such as UK. Where the internet access percent across the whole population is 57%. That is a 11% increase in 4 years. This could be down to the UK household capital per person is higher. This allows them to be able to afford the equipment required to access the internet.
Activity 1
Internet Access For The Homeless
Ways in which Internet access could change the life of a homeless person are listed below and real world examples of how it would help.
The ability to get information on government grants to help homeless people. If someone can access this information they will be able to apply for money that can be used to pay for accommodation, which intern will allow the person to apply for work.
By being able to get onto the Internet a homeless person will also be able to use online education services. This will improve the person’s chances of being able to get a job, which will help the homeless person to get off the streets.
If a homeless person can access the Internet, they will be able to get onto social networking pages to get in touch with family. If this person can get in touch with family they can ask for help to get back on their feet and possible get housing or a job.
Another way that having access to the Internet can help a homeless is that they are able to get information about medical advice. The person could go onto the NHS website, for example, to get directions to the nearest help centre that they can discuss health problems with.
A final way in which a homeless person can benefit from having access to the Internet is they can get information about places homeless people can go for services such as health care or even a shower. This will make the persons day a bit better.
Not Having Access To The Internet
By not having access to the Internet, homeless people will incur the following problems. And with each problem I have listed how it will affect them in the real world.
One problem with not having access to the Internet is that they will be unable to gain information about services available to them. For example where they can go to get a free hot meal or somewhere to have a wash. When you are homeless these are things that can make your day much better if they are available to use.
Also by not having access to the Internet someone will find it hard to keep up with news about jobs that are coming vacant. This will cause the homeless person to struggle to get the information about the jobs and training.
Finally, not access to the Internet will mean people will be unable to get in contact with that person. As the use of email is free, and cheaper than the cost of a phone.
More Important Things Than The Internet
Below I have listed 5 things that I believe are more important to a homeless person than having access to the Internet. I have also included reasons why.
Health – Without good health someone on the streets would become very ill and die within a few days.
Friends – For people who live on the streets, who often have no family to turn to friends are the only ones who are there to help.
Food – Again without this the homeless person will be dead within a few days. So like good health this is required to live.
Housing – By having a place of residence the homeless person is able to apply for jobs and improve the way in which they live
Money – Without money they will find it hard to do anything. Some places offer free services but everywhere else money is the source to get what they need
Ways in which Internet access could change the life of a homeless person are listed below and real world examples of how it would help.
The ability to get information on government grants to help homeless people. If someone can access this information they will be able to apply for money that can be used to pay for accommodation, which intern will allow the person to apply for work.
By being able to get onto the Internet a homeless person will also be able to use online education services. This will improve the person’s chances of being able to get a job, which will help the homeless person to get off the streets.
If a homeless person can access the Internet, they will be able to get onto social networking pages to get in touch with family. If this person can get in touch with family they can ask for help to get back on their feet and possible get housing or a job.
Another way that having access to the Internet can help a homeless is that they are able to get information about medical advice. The person could go onto the NHS website, for example, to get directions to the nearest help centre that they can discuss health problems with.
A final way in which a homeless person can benefit from having access to the Internet is they can get information about places homeless people can go for services such as health care or even a shower. This will make the persons day a bit better.
Not Having Access To The Internet
By not having access to the Internet, homeless people will incur the following problems. And with each problem I have listed how it will affect them in the real world.
One problem with not having access to the Internet is that they will be unable to gain information about services available to them. For example where they can go to get a free hot meal or somewhere to have a wash. When you are homeless these are things that can make your day much better if they are available to use.
Also by not having access to the Internet someone will find it hard to keep up with news about jobs that are coming vacant. This will cause the homeless person to struggle to get the information about the jobs and training.
Finally, not access to the Internet will mean people will be unable to get in contact with that person. As the use of email is free, and cheaper than the cost of a phone.
More Important Things Than The Internet
Below I have listed 5 things that I believe are more important to a homeless person than having access to the Internet. I have also included reasons why.
Health – Without good health someone on the streets would become very ill and die within a few days.
Friends – For people who live on the streets, who often have no family to turn to friends are the only ones who are there to help.
Food – Again without this the homeless person will be dead within a few days. So like good health this is required to live.
Housing – By having a place of residence the homeless person is able to apply for jobs and improve the way in which they live
Money – Without money they will find it hard to do anything. Some places offer free services but everywhere else money is the source to get what they need
25 Sept 2008
Entertainment
The Internet is becoming a source of many pastimes now. One main one is online gaming and watching videos online.
Both of which are useful and below are listed some reasons why:
- The ability to speak to friends from other places
- Enjoy a game or video with millions of others
- The interactive between people who are usually unable to do the activity (in online games)
But these also have downsides too:
- The possibility to online bulling in games and videos
- The lack of age restrictions on the web
- The fact that what you post can be accessed by anyone
Examples of online entertainment sites:
- Youtube - www.youtube.co.uk
- Google Video - www.video.google.com
- Second Life - www.secondlife.com
Both of which are useful and below are listed some reasons why:
- The ability to speak to friends from other places
- Enjoy a game or video with millions of others
- The interactive between people who are usually unable to do the activity (in online games)
But these also have downsides too:
- The possibility to online bulling in games and videos
- The lack of age restrictions on the web
- The fact that what you post can be accessed by anyone
Examples of online entertainment sites:
- Youtube - www.youtube.co.uk
- Google Video - www.video.google.com
- Second Life - www.secondlife.com
What I am doing
The 5 online services I am going to study are:
Communication, Real Time, Entertainment, Download Services, Commerce
Communication, Real Time, Entertainment, Download Services, Commerce
23 Sept 2008
Downloading
From all the stuff that we have downloaded and have found many advantages and disadvantages. Below are stuff we have downloaded good and bad points about the idea of downloading
Stuff we have downloaded
- Music
- Films
- Computer Updates
- Computer Programs
Advantage
- Cheaper than physical products
- Quick
- Free
- Can try before we but
Disadvantages
- Virus
- They can download stuff of you
- Downloads can traced
- Hackers
- Filed under false name
- Often Illegal sites
As a final overview I believe that the in general downloading software, songs and programs from the Internet is every good. But I believe that the idea of Internet downloading can be greatly improved. Such as being able to see the original source of the program and that it is possible to be 100% sure that a file does not contain a virus before you download it.
Stuff we have downloaded
- Music
- Films
- Computer Updates
- Computer Programs
Advantage
- Cheaper than physical products
- Quick
- Free
- Can try before we but
Disadvantages
- Virus
- They can download stuff of you
- Downloads can traced
- Hackers
- Filed under false name
- Often Illegal sites
As a final overview I believe that the in general downloading software, songs and programs from the Internet is every good. But I believe that the idea of Internet downloading can be greatly improved. Such as being able to see the original source of the program and that it is possible to be 100% sure that a file does not contain a virus before you download it.
VLE's
The Wikipedia definition for a VLE is as follows:
A virtual learning environment (VLE) is a software system designed to support teaching and learning in an educational setting, as distinct from a Managed Learning Environment (MLE) where the focus is on management. A VLE will normally work over the Internet and provide a collection of tools such as those for assessment (particularly of types that can be marked automatically, such as multiple choice), communication, uploading of content, return of students' work, peer assessment, administration of student groups, collecting and organizing student grades, questionnaires, tracking tools, etc. New features in these systems include wikis, blogs, RSS and 3D virtual learning spaces.
Positives to having VLE’s in school are:
- The lesson can be done anywhere where there is Internet connection
- No student will require to miss a lesson
- All work will be able to be accessed via teachers computer
Examples of VLE’s at Abbeyfield School are:
- School website
- Blogger
- Samlearning
A virtual learning environment (VLE) is a software system designed to support teaching and learning in an educational setting, as distinct from a Managed Learning Environment (MLE) where the focus is on management. A VLE will normally work over the Internet and provide a collection of tools such as those for assessment (particularly of types that can be marked automatically, such as multiple choice), communication, uploading of content, return of students' work, peer assessment, administration of student groups, collecting and organizing student grades, questionnaires, tracking tools, etc. New features in these systems include wikis, blogs, RSS and 3D virtual learning spaces.
Positives to having VLE’s in school are:
- The lesson can be done anywhere where there is Internet connection
- No student will require to miss a lesson
- All work will be able to be accessed via teachers computer
Examples of VLE’s at Abbeyfield School are:
- School website
- Blogger
- Samlearning
22 Sept 2008
Online Learning
Internet learning is becoming a helpful tool in and outside the standard classroom. In this overview I will inform you of the finer points of how these educational tools can be used and how they will help a wide range of people.
The first site I shall comment on is Sam Learning. This site is and interactive learning site which can be used at home or at school. The site contains past exam questions, drag and drop exercises and you can keep track of how you are progressing through out the time that you are using Sam Learning. The main disadvantage is the cost to access the site. For each student at Abbeyfield School (1200 + students) to get an account it would cost £4,500 per year. That is why this site is good for those who can afford it but not for smaller schools.
The second internet learning site I shall review is BBC Bitesize. Bitesize is a learning program from the British Broadcasting Companies own website. It is aimed at students from year 1 to A-Level students. The main advantage to using Bitesize is that it is free to access and is always updated due to it being a government website and will have new courses and changes in subject lessons. The disadvantage it that it is not as interactive as Sam Learning as it does not have drag and drop activates.
Net Frog is the next e-learning site I shall review. Net Frog is a site that allows the user to learn about frog dissection without having to harm an animal. This is an advantage as you can redo the experiment at home if needed. A downside is that you are unable to get hands on experience of doing the experiment.
The Science Museum’s website can provide detailed information on history of several subjects. An advantage of the Science Museum is because it has a respected name the information provided can be trusted. A disadvantage of the Science Museum is that there are no interactive activates to do. Therefore this site is informative but not as good as Sam Learning.
The final site I shall review is Microsoft’s Online Tutorial. The website is used to teach people to use Microsoft program. It can be used by students or small business. An advantage is that you can get step by step guides to do almost anything on Microsoft programs. But the biggest disadvantage is that to fully make use of the tutorials you require the Microsoft software. This software is often very expensive.
From my experiences using all these all these Internet learning sites I have come up with a list of advantages and disadvantages of e-learning in all.
Advantages:
- Work can be done at anytime of the day
- Homework can be set to large groups of people and can be accessed by those who are absent or away
- All work can also be done anywhere that has Internet access. That may not be in a classroom or work office.
Disadvantages:
- Those learners who don’t wish to work or those with poor study habits may fall behind due to not having a constant supervision.
- Students may feel isolated or miss social interaction
- Managing learning software can involve a lot of time getting use to the program
So as I have show Internet learning can be used in most situations. Some for more standard learning, some less conventional methods. But in the future I believe that Internet learning will be become a standard part of any students school life.
Links
Sam Learning - www.samlearning.co.uk
BBC Bitesize - www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize
NetFrog - frog.edschool.virginia.edu/
Science Museum - www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Microsoft Software Tutorial – office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/FX100565001033.aspx
The first site I shall comment on is Sam Learning. This site is and interactive learning site which can be used at home or at school. The site contains past exam questions, drag and drop exercises and you can keep track of how you are progressing through out the time that you are using Sam Learning. The main disadvantage is the cost to access the site. For each student at Abbeyfield School (1200 + students) to get an account it would cost £4,500 per year. That is why this site is good for those who can afford it but not for smaller schools.
The second internet learning site I shall review is BBC Bitesize. Bitesize is a learning program from the British Broadcasting Companies own website. It is aimed at students from year 1 to A-Level students. The main advantage to using Bitesize is that it is free to access and is always updated due to it being a government website and will have new courses and changes in subject lessons. The disadvantage it that it is not as interactive as Sam Learning as it does not have drag and drop activates.
Net Frog is the next e-learning site I shall review. Net Frog is a site that allows the user to learn about frog dissection without having to harm an animal. This is an advantage as you can redo the experiment at home if needed. A downside is that you are unable to get hands on experience of doing the experiment.
The Science Museum’s website can provide detailed information on history of several subjects. An advantage of the Science Museum is because it has a respected name the information provided can be trusted. A disadvantage of the Science Museum is that there are no interactive activates to do. Therefore this site is informative but not as good as Sam Learning.
The final site I shall review is Microsoft’s Online Tutorial. The website is used to teach people to use Microsoft program. It can be used by students or small business. An advantage is that you can get step by step guides to do almost anything on Microsoft programs. But the biggest disadvantage is that to fully make use of the tutorials you require the Microsoft software. This software is often very expensive.
From my experiences using all these all these Internet learning sites I have come up with a list of advantages and disadvantages of e-learning in all.
Advantages:
- Work can be done at anytime of the day
- Homework can be set to large groups of people and can be accessed by those who are absent or away
- All work can also be done anywhere that has Internet access. That may not be in a classroom or work office.
Disadvantages:
- Those learners who don’t wish to work or those with poor study habits may fall behind due to not having a constant supervision.
- Students may feel isolated or miss social interaction
- Managing learning software can involve a lot of time getting use to the program
So as I have show Internet learning can be used in most situations. Some for more standard learning, some less conventional methods. But in the future I believe that Internet learning will be become a standard part of any students school life.
Links
Sam Learning - www.samlearning.co.uk
BBC Bitesize - www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize
NetFrog - frog.edschool.virginia.edu/
Science Museum - www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Microsoft Software Tutorial – office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/FX100565001033.aspx
20 Sept 2008
Fridays Weather
The weather for this day was exactly as was forecast. Partly cloudy but with sunny intervals. So as a whole the 5 day forecast was correct
18 Sept 2008
Frog Dissection
To find a good comparison between two education websites I went on a site which teaches students how to dissect a frog using technology. Although for some it may be a bit Gorey, I believe it is a more humane method of dissection. Also before taking the final test there is a step by step guide in how to conduct the dissection correctly. The website is very old, however it is still very useful if you want to know how to dissect a frog.
Science Museum 'Making The Modern World' Page Evalution
To see the educational value of the science museum 'Making the modern world' page, I visited it to see what it could teach vocational A-Level students. Once I reached the site I worked through the pages and found the website to be very helpful, as it incorporates the use of pictures, video and sound clips. Therefore the site does meet it's purpose.
But while it is able to provide students with information of the early computers and networking systems, to use this online teaching method on a wider and more dependant scale would have to be monitored. For example the use of more classical testing and student monitoring methods should still be used in conjunction with the online learning.
To view the link yourself:
http://www.makingthemodernworld.org.uk/stories/the_age_of_ambivalence/02.ST.04/?scene=1
But while it is able to provide students with information of the early computers and networking systems, to use this online teaching method on a wider and more dependant scale would have to be monitored. For example the use of more classical testing and student monitoring methods should still be used in conjunction with the online learning.
To view the link yourself:
http://www.makingthemodernworld.org.uk/stories/the_age_of_ambivalence/02.ST.04/?scene=1
Thursday Weather
Today it has been almost always sunny, but it has been a lot cooler than the rest of the week. though.
17 Sept 2008
Wednesday Weather
Todays weather forcast said it would be cloudy with sunny intervals. Again the news report was correct on this fact. Also at this period in tim it does look as it is going to rain
16 Sept 2008
Tuesday Weather
The weather station said that it will be overcastand as of 14:20 the forcast is correct.
15 Sept 2008
Monday Weather
Mondays weather says it will be overcast but will not rain. From looking out the window at 09.18 this forecast is correct
Travel Via Train
To travel to Tottenham Court Road from Northampton I decided to choose the option closest to the 10 am start.I started the journey departs 10:09 and arrives 11:11. This is Northampton to London Euston. Then I would walk just under a mile to Tottenham Court Road. In total this would take 1 hour 12 mins.
This meant the car journey was faster but the cost would be more than the train as you would spend more money on petrol.
This meant the car journey was faster but the cost would be more than the train as you would spend more money on petrol.
11 Sept 2008
NN4 To Tottenham Court Road Via Road
Start out at NN4 0QU,Northampton
Turn left onto Rowtree Road
At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Rowtree Road
At roundabout take the 2nd exit (signposted Wootton)
At roundabout take the 3rd exit
At roundabout take the 4th exit
Turn right
Turn left onto the A45
At roundabout take the 2nd exit, then join the M1 motorway (signposted London)
Leave the M1 at junction 2, then merge onto the A1.
Traffic blackspot: Call 401100 from your mobile
At traffic signals continue forward
At Henlys Corner continue forward onto the A406 then
Keep in right hand lanes then branch right onto the A1 (signposted Central London, Holloway, Highgate)
Bear right (one-way) onto Archway Road
Continue forward (signposted Central London, Holloway, Archway)
At "The Woodman" public house continue forward (signposted C. London, Holloway, Archway)
At Archway Junction continue forward then immediately
Bear right and shortly
Continue forward onto the A400 (signposted Camden Town, Kentish Town)
At Tufnell Park Underground Station,traffic signals continue forward
At traffic signals continue forward onto the A400 (signposted C. London, Euston, Camden Town)
At "Quinns" public house, traffic signals branch left onto Camden Street (signposted C. London, Euston, Camden Town)
At traffic signals continue forward (signposted C. London, Euston, Kings Cross)
Take left hand lane and at traffic signals turn left onto the A400 (signposted Central London, Euston)
At traffic signals bear left onto the A400 (signposted West End, Westminster, Holborn)
Then at next raffic signals bear right take right hand lane then shortly
Continue forward onto the A400.
Central London Congestion Charges Apply
Mon-Fri 7am-6pm
At traffic signals continue forward onto Bloomsbury Street
At Shaftesbury Theatre, traffic signals turn right then
continue forward
At traffic signals turn right
Arrive at Tottenham Court Road Underground Station,London
Section time 1:35, Total time 1:35
This journey would take 1 hour and 35 minutes. The source I used to get this information was http://www.theaa.com/travelwatch/planner_main.jsp?database=B
From using this website I believe it gives a detailed account on the route you would have to take.
Chat Rooms And Instant Messaging
Chat rooms are a helpful but a dangerous tool to use. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages to using them
Advantages
- Can be accessed anywhere all over the world
- Ability to share views with like minded people
Disadvantages
- Often talking to complete strangers
- May not be who they say they are
Also instant messaging is used to communicate with friends. But again this method has both advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
- Can be used anytime as long as the Internet is working
- You can add the people that you only want to talk to
Disadvantages
- The possibility that your account may be hacked
- People you don't know can gain access of you email address
Advantages
- Can be accessed anywhere all over the world
- Ability to share views with like minded people
Disadvantages
- Often talking to complete strangers
- May not be who they say they are
Also instant messaging is used to communicate with friends. But again this method has both advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
- Can be used anytime as long as the Internet is working
- You can add the people that you only want to talk to
Disadvantages
- The possibility that your account may be hacked
- People you don't know can gain access of you email address
Tsunami & Modern Communication Methods
In the case of the tsunami in 2004 the use of technology was helpful in allowing people to know if relatives were safe. Texting was used to communicate with family members, blogs were set up to relay information on any changes in the welfare of the country. E.g. disease and totals of those who had lost their life. Also the tsunami was able to be tracked to allow warning of when it would hit. But a problem was that a percentage of people did not have access to this information and were unable to escape in time. Once the tsunami was over people were able to get in touch with charities to tell of areas that are worst hit.
This tragic event shows the effect that not having access to technology that the rest of the world does.
This tragic event shows the effect that not having access to technology that the rest of the world does.
9 Sept 2008
Newsgroups
Newsgroups are a way of communicating, but these days they have become alot less popular. however they are often used for finding out people's opinions. To find a news group to follow I typed 'Digital Divide' into Google groups, this group was displayed as a good result.
http://groups.google.co.uk/group/misc.activism.progressive/browse_thread/thread/b96937574d86745b/05bd3b60d3061639?hl=en&lnk=st&q=Digital+divide+groups#05bd3b60d3061639
http://groups.google.co.uk/group/misc.activism.progressive/browse_thread/thread/b96937574d86745b/05bd3b60d3061639?hl=en&lnk=st&q=Digital+divide+groups#05bd3b60d3061639
Texts Messages
Text messages are changing the way that the world is communicating. There are many advantages and disadvantages.
Some advantages to texting are
- Can be sent anywhere you can get a phone signal
- Often very cheap to use
- Can send directly the person
- Can be set up relatively cheaply by purchasing a mobile phone
- Messages can be sent to more than one person at a time
Some disadvantages are
- Can cost alot to sent messages on other networks
- May not be able to get a signal
- Not easy to send large amount of information in one text
- File attachments can not be sent along with the message unlike E-mail
Some advantages to texting are
- Can be sent anywhere you can get a phone signal
- Often very cheap to use
- Can send directly the person
- Can be set up relatively cheaply by purchasing a mobile phone
- Messages can be sent to more than one person at a time
Some disadvantages are
- Can cost alot to sent messages on other networks
- May not be able to get a signal
- Not easy to send large amount of information in one text
- File attachments can not be sent along with the message unlike E-mail
4 Sept 2008
E-Mail Summary
There are many good points to emails. These include:
- Being fast
- Normally very reliable
- Forward Messages
- Can be sent to more than one contact
- Attach pictures, files and music
- Contacts can be grouped
- Often free to use
- Is easy to use
- Save Drafts
- Can be sent and received even when the person is not in
There are also some bad points. These include:
- Spam and junk emails.
- Viruses
- You are also limiting your contacts as many people still do not own a computer.
- Emails can be deleted
- Requires internet to access
- Worms
- Trojans
Below is a diagram of how email works
- Being fast
- Normally very reliable
- Forward Messages
- Can be sent to more than one contact
- Attach pictures, files and music
- Contacts can be grouped
- Often free to use
- Is easy to use
- Save Drafts
- Can be sent and received even when the person is not in
There are also some bad points. These include:
- Spam and junk emails.
- Viruses
- You are also limiting your contacts as many people still do not own a computer.
- Emails can be deleted
- Requires internet to access
- Worms
- Trojans
Below is a diagram of how email works
Online Services
This is where I will record my findings on the usage on;
- Blogs
- News Groups
- Instant Messaging
- E-Commerce
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