Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Homework due for Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Now that we have started LOGO we are learning about control systems.  Please read about this topic on pages 126-133 and answer the following questions:

126-127:
1. Explain what is a computer control system. (3 pts)
2. Give one example of a control system found in the reading and describe how it works. (3 pts)

128-129:
1. What does a control system consist of? (6 pts)
2. Explain what is meant by embedded controller. (4 pts)
3. Why are control systems considered real-time systems? (3 pts)
4. In your own words explain how control systems have made an impact on our lives. (4 pts)

130-131:
1.  List 6 questions that must be answered when designing a control system. (6 pts)
2.  For what purpose would you use a flow chart when designing a control system? (2 pts)
3.  Describe two approaches to control programming which most students use. (6pts)

Good luck!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Next Topic: Logo!

In order to get a good introduction to the Logo commands please watch this video, pausing it at various points to do what the person just did:




Good luck!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Ergonomics, Health and Safety

On November 21st we are going to discuss computer health and safety. Here are some videos to help us understand the topic:

A Major Concern: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome



One Way to Solve the Problem



Perhaps a Better Method?



Some More Ways to Prevent Health Problems




The Science Of Ergonomics


Note: Mr. Matsumoto has one of the physio balls she discusses. If you want to try it out go to his office and ask him for a demonstration. I am sure he wouldn`t mind showing you.

A Demonstration of Some Ergonomic Products


Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Homework due for November 21, 2008

Please read pgs. 182-183 and answer the following:

  1. List 5 examples of potential health problems linked to using IT equipment for long periods and give 3 most important points to consider in order to avoid each of the first three mentioned potential problems. (11 pts)

Not too difficult I hope.

Also on Friday we are going to review parts of an email (address, subject, reply, forward, carbon copy, blind carbon copy, etc.)

Good Luck!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Net Neutrality

Today we are going to talk about a legal, ethical & moral issue regarding technology* net neutrality. This is an important issue for anyone who uses the Internet for personal or business use. To help you with this issue there are some videos for you to watch

A quick explanation of what Net Neutrality is



The view against Net Neutrality

Anti-Net Neutrality Propiganda Ad



Net Neutrality in Washington

Senator Dorgan on Net Neutrality



Will the Net Neutrality bill grow up and become a real law



How has the issue of Net Neutrality fared in Washington?

House Rejects Net Neutrality (Amy Goodman’s Democracy Now)



Breaking News: Historic Win for Net Neutrality! (Aug 1, 2008)




Verizon CAUGHT censoring text messages



FCC Investigates Comcast's Broadband Management – Feb 27 2008



Who is for Net Neutrality?

Rep. Markey on Net Neutrality & the Failures of the COPE Act



Rep. Eshoo on Net Neutrality



Vint Cerf on Net Neutrality



Some sites that might interest you:

www.openinternetcoalition.com
www.savetheinternet.com
www.ncta.com

Who is against Net Neutrality?

Internet High Priestess Esther Dyson on Net Neutrality



FCC Hearing on Net Neutrality: David L. Cohen, Comcast



FCC's Michael Copps on Net Neutrality



The Communicators: Net Neutrality - ISP Point of View (27 min. long)



Mike Huckabee: Net Neutrality For or Against?



Where do the U.S. Presidential candidates stand on the issue?

John McCain on Net Neutrality and Telecom Regulation



Barack Obama: On Net Neutrality



Sen. Barack Obama discusses net neutrality on MTV



Presidency & Your Portfolio; The Net Neutrality Debate McCain V. Obama



Canada’s View - SAVE THE INTERNET - BILL C-552 - SAVE INTERNET NEUTRALITY

Monday, November 10, 2008

Discussion Videos for November 11, 2008

Today we are going to discuss the Social Effects of Computers. Here are some videos to aid our discussion:

Politics

Everything in our world, it seems, is affected by technology, even elections. Here are some of the technological issues related to Barack Obama's win in the election:

How Technology Was Used To Get Out The Vote



The Technology MSNBC Used To Report The Election



Ground Breaking Reporting



How They Did It



One View About The Technological Advances




Other Social Considerations

How Texting Could Effect Your Health




The Social Effects of You Tube

Warning: The next video contains an important message but does contain graphic scenes.



Environmental Effects

Eco Friendly House



Students Taking Control of Their Future

Monday, November 03, 2008

Videos For Nov. 4 Discussion

We are moving on to discuss the Technology and Society. Today we are going to discuss Technology in the workplace, teleworkers, and e-commerce.:

Technology In The Workplace

Please watch the following video and answer:
  1. What are the problems associated with Technology in the workplace?
  2. What are 3 ways to reduce this stress?
  3. What are the positives to technology in the workplace?



Teleworkers

Of course technology is also creating a subclass of people who do not use technology in an office, but rather work from home. Watch this introductory video to find out what the 3 D's are that you need to be a productive teleworker:



An interview with a Nortel Teleworker

Watch this video and note what she lists as items Nortel provides her to allow her to telework:




E-Commerce

Another workplace innovation that has resulted from modern technology is e-commerce. In this video e-Commerce pioneers discuss internet marketing success secrets.



The Evolution of E-Commerce



Web Experts Explain the Latest Economic Trends