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The Problem with iPad Ergonomics

December 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment
iPad wordmark.
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The huge amount of electronic or other devices are used in work or daily life. In one way or another they have effect on human health, especially if they are not ergonomic. Ergonomics is a science field that investigates the ways to design workplace to fit the user. Non-ergonomic environment or devices can lead to back pain, eye and neck strain and other stress injuries. It is necessary to estimate your workplace and devices you are using from ergonomic viewpoint.
In many workplaces a computer is very popular device, so it must be ergonomic. In April 2010 Apple Inc released the iPad, which became very popular. There is no need to tell how important is to evaluate this product from viewpoint of ergonomics.

Lack of ergonomics in iPad
The iPad as tablet PC device is supposed to be held by hand in extend periods of time. Estimating its weight, which is 1.5 pounds, it can be truly said that after some time it may cause hand strain. There are more ergonomic similar devices in the market, for example Amazon Kindle, which weighs 0.63 pounds. The measurements of the iPad are 10 inches in height and 7.5 inches in width. It is hard to hold this device in hand for long periods of time.
The iPad was introduced as a platform for audio and visual media. It is supposed that movies should be watched while holding it in hand which may cause arm strain. If iPad is positioned on the lap, looking down may cause eye strain and neck strain. It is impossible to work with iPad laid flat on surface, because bending the back for long amount of time will cause back pain and other stress injuries.
The iPad has no keyboard included. It is optimized to use a computer pen (stylus) or a finger. This causes problems in typing.

Filed Under: E-Readers, Modern Education, Online Learning Tagged With: , , ,

Technologies for Teaching Children with Autism

December 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Autism is neural development disorder that causes problems such as lack of social interaction and communication. Persons with this disorder have repetitive and restricted behavior. In many cases people with autism cannot understand verbal communications, so they are taught to speak using various materials, devices and drawings. There are many methods of autism therapies that help to increase communication skills.

Using PECS to Communicate
PECS is an acronym for Picture Exchange Communication System. This system is used to communicate with children that have autism or other special needs. The system works through pictures. A person who has a disorder touches or gives pictures to his partner. The pictures illustrate actions or things, that disordered person wants to say. After some time these pictures can be used to form a sentences of phrases. The picture language is very important for persons, who have problems with verbal communication. It helps them to learn language.

Using New Technologies
The iPad was released by Apple Inc. in 2010. The iPad is a tablet PC with 9.7 inch screen. It weighs 1.5 pounds and can be easily used because it has multi-touch screen and wide viewing angle. Because it is very light and thick, the iPad is easy to carry and use even for children.
The iPad uses iMean technology. This technology transfers the pad into a huge visible keyboard. It is very easy to type using this technology because of the touch screen capabilities. Also this technology suggest a dictionary, that gives you words you may want to say using the first letters or other parts of the words. Because of these features this technology can be applied to autism therapies. However, this is a new technology and all advantages and disadvantages are not known. The iMean was created by M.Begmann and R.M.Miller. Despite the fact that Bergmann’s son has autistic disorder, this technology must be used very carefully.

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Use Sony PRS-600 eReader as a Classroom Tool

December 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Sony reader
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The main part of consumer electronics is oriented to teenagers or adults. It is very hard to imagine our children using expensive devices. On the other hand, entrusting expensive devices to children can increase their self estimation and can help to attract them to learning. The main idea is that ebook Reader can be used in classes.
Use Sony PRS-600 reader in classes
There are many free books for classrooms on the Internet. At the moment the teachers make copies and use them in the classes. These expenses can be reduced by using ebook readers. Sony Reader PRS-600 can easily help to reduce library costs in classes. This reader is very easy to use even for children. It has slots for SD card and Memory Stick, so there is no need of using computer. Teacher can easily write appropriate books in classroom. Students can share their books and read as much as they want.
Another great feature about Sony Reader is dictionary. The New Oxford American Dictionary page can be accessed by two taps on the unknown word. All the information about that word appear, so there is no need in using paper dictionaries. This is great feature for learning.
PRS-600 has mp3 player included. The player works only with headphones. Each person can work with the reader individually depending on his needs. A good reader can listen to the music while reading. Problematic readers can listen to an audio file and follow the text. Using headphones prevents students from disturbing each other. Everyone can work on its own tempo.
Sony Reader has all technical features that make it best choice for classrooms. It has long life battery, and what is more it has no wireless device. It prevents students from browsing the Internet during lessons. The price $200 for PRS-600 is reasonable and affordable for all users.

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PRS-300 – Sony’s Pocket Edition eBook Reader Review

December 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The digital ebook readers are becoming more popular. They are easy to use and can store all your library. Digital ebook reader is a device that shows books in digital format for reading. At the moment in the market there are many ebook readers. Some of them have many additional features while others focus only on reading. PRS-300 Pocket Reader made by Sony has all basic features a consumer may want from an ebook reader.
PRS-300 Pocket Edition
This Sony reader is very light (7.75 ounces) and thick (0.5 cm). It has 3 inches wide and 4 inches long screen. The PRS-300 has 512 MB storage disk included, so it can store up to 350 ebooks or other documents. This reader is compatible with multiple formats of books or documents, including ePub, PDF, BBeB, DOC and many others. It has adjustable font size feature and allows user to browse thought enormous amount of books available for purchasing online. This ebook reads has reasonable $199.99 price. The Sony reader comes it 3 different colors, so you can choose the one you prefer.
Pocket Edition is a user friendly reader. Firstly it can be used about two weeks without charging. Secondly, the screen is paper like so it makes digital book reading more comfortable. PRS-300 is compatible with PC or Mac. PC reader is charged using USB port from the computer. There is a possibility to purchase additional AC charger for $20.

The most important advantage of PRS-300 is user friendly navigation and easy understandable menu. Also it allows user to check public libraries for free ebooks. The most significant disadvantage would be the impossibility to expand storage. There is no slot for additional memory card so this may cause some problems. Another disadvantage may be that Pocket Reader does not support newspapers and other periodicals.

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Turn Your Wall into Interactive White Board

December 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Turn Your Wall into Interactive White Board
The Interactive White Boards (IWBs) are devices that gain more and more popularity in education and business structures. They are easy to use in classes and during the business meetings. Interactive Boards help to process and understand information more quickly. The Epson announced a release of a new project in the IWB market this year. They introduced a new Interactive White Board Module IU-01. This module is a new solution of add on devices. IU-01 Module can transform any wall or projection surface into an interactive white board. Epson’s module can be used with any computer or any video projector. The trademark of this Module will be Epson BrightLink Solo Interactive Module.
The BrightLink Solo Interactive Module works as a computer or projector add on device and can turn any wall or projection screen into an interactive surface. The device is easy to use and very easy transportable. When the device is used, the particular wall or projection screen is turned into a touch screen. The computer can be controlled by touching the wall with special pen (stylus). Technological principals are similar to WiiMote Whiteboard. Many similar projects can be found on the Internet as DIY interactive white boards. Many tips for making low budget white board can be found.
This is a perfect solution which is supposed to bring new waves into IWBs market. Unfortunately, Epson did not release any specifications for upcoming product. This leads to various discussions and guesses. Despite that, all information and discussions about this new product are positive. It seems that the only disadvantage of BrightLink Solo will be the lack of interactive presentation creation software. Epson has a lot of experience in creating cheap and easy to use products oriented to education and presentations. It is believed that this product will be oriented to the same market.

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Visual Instruction on Vocabulary Development Through Technology

December 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Image representing WordSteps as depicted in Cr...
Image via CrunchBase

Every academic institution realizes that direct instruction is an important component in developing students’ vocabulary. There are a host of online resources available for teachers to increase the effectiveness of imparting instruction on vocabulary development in a visual and interactive way.
Visual Instruction on Vocabulary Development
Visuwords is an online graphical dictionary that uses Princeton University’s open source database, WordNet. You can search words and find their meanings plus associated words in a diagrammatic manner. When you enter a word in the search bar, a network of nodes, comprising meaning, adjectives, and other connections, gets formed.
Wordle is an online Google App tool for creating word clouds from the text entered by a student. Wordle analyses the text and presents it in a visual manner, laying more emphasis on the words that occur more frequently in the provided text. Wordle allows students to modify the fonts, layout and color theme as they like.
Technical Instruction on Practicing Vocabulary
Easy access to online resources has allowed educators to take imparting instruction on vocabulary to the next level. WordSteps is a tool that provides vocabulary enrichment in eleven different languages. It offers to create a vocabulary list and generate a series of activities to practice the words. Vocabulix offers online vocabulary lessons in Spanish and German. The resource’s social networking option allows students to practice using the language in a real, social setting.
Vocab Sushi is the ideal tool for students looking to prepare for exams like SAT or GRE, in a fun and interactive manner. It is also apt for anyone wanting to enhance their vocabulary and communicate better. Conceived by an SAT tutor, Vocab Sushi provides learning by enabling deeper understanding of words rather than by memorizing them.
The easy availability of technological resources has made imparting instruction on vocabulary more interesting for educators, and learning more effective and fun for students, resulting in better quality education with the aid of technology.

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Challenge yourself for making Interactive White Boards -IWB

December 7, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Challenge yourself for making IWB
There are many manufacturers on the market that provide huge variety of Interactive White Boards (IWBs). The IWBs are new technological devices that can be used in education or business conferences. Basically, an IWB is a device that can project an image on large surface. The image or technically speaking the display has a touch screen option, so the computer can be controlled by hand. The main advantage of the IWB is that audience can interact with the information on the board.
There are low cost IWBs on the market but despite that, not every consumer can afford it. The consumers that are very curious can find many low cost DIY tips or projects that allow making IWB on an extremely small budget. There is a group of projects that explains how to make an IWB using the remote control from Nintendo game system. This project is approximately $100 cost.
The parts you need to make an IWB are following: 2 WiiMote remote controls, infrared pen or wand, Bluetooth capable laptop or desktop computer and, of course, the WiiMote whiteboard software. All parts that are needed can be bought in local electronics shops or on the Internet. WiiMote whiteboard software is free to download. It is possible to download the product from the Internet. In case free software does not fit your needs, SmoothBoard software can be purchased for $30. This solution depends on individual needs.
There are many videos that explain IWB’s installation and usage procedures step by step. Every user that is familiar with computer can handle such a challenge. The main thing needed to finish WiiMote board challenge is not the money or technical background but self confidence. On the other hand it is fun to make and try DIY interactive white board. Maybe it is a little bit geek, but such projects give deeper knowledge about new technologies.

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PowerPoint Presentations in the Classroom – Enrichment or Hinderance?

December 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Microsoft PowerPoint Icon
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The gradual increase in the use of PowerPoint presentations has led to the enrichment of classroom education tools. However, it is imperative for educators to ensure it does not turn into a hindrance to teaching.
PowerPoint and its Proper Usage
PowerPoint presentations can be one of the most effective tools of learning and instruction. Complementing visual charts, graphs, maps and other teaching aids, present mental signposts to students to recall learned material.
Presentations prepared by students should also be encouraged, since they facilitate creativity and use of technology by students themselves. They must also be persuaded to build on their technological proficiency, eventually helping them chart their career graphs.
PowerPoint and its Misuse
In several cases, PowerPoint presentations have proved to be a detriment to instruction, rather than an aid. They have depersonalized education and limited student interaction. Teachers have been frequently known to not revise goals of instruction, despite reforms in curriculum and changes in course objectives.
Teachers have also been found to use PowerPoint to put forward their notes and studies, rather than discuss them and make classes more interactive. Not using PowerPoint as an outline to the topic, they have been using it as a convenient substitute to impart instruction.
With such misuse of the tool, much teaching time is wasted, interactive and substantial deliberations obliterated. In such scenarios, the dimmed lights for an ongoing presentation only imply light-hearted exchanges among students, rather than serious education.
It is important that PowerPoint does not become an alternate to classroom teaching methods, but continues to support existing educational methods.
While PowerPoint presentations can make learning more enriching, teachers must be careful they do not allow it to turn into a mundane means of interaction. Alternating the use of the tool with LCD projectors, Smart Boards, video and DVD, as per availability, helps maintaining association of enjoyment with learning.

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Interactive Classrooms with PowerPoint Drawing Tools

December 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment

PowerPoint presentations are known to be an effective method of imparting education. They make teaching both interactive and enjoyable by offering display notes, video, audio and images.
However, if not used properly, they can become a hindrance to teaching rather than an aid. It is not difficult for PowerPoint presentations to turn into lectures rather than interactive sessions.
The Internet offers a wide range of tutorials on how to make effective presentations.
Drawing Tools for Effective Introductions
PowerPoint provides the use of drawing tools that enable you to introduce your topic through a picture and make your lesson very interactive. By going to the View menu, one can select Toolbars, and then Drawing Toolbar. Once the Drawing Toolbar appears at the bottom of the screen, one can experiment with various shapes and positions of these shapes. By right-clicking on any of the shapes, the Custom Animation tool can be selected. This allows for a variety of effects to be added to the creation.
Using the Pen for Presentation Notes
An interesting tool for making notes on an ongoing presentation, the Pen tool in PowerPoint can be used only while viewing the actual Slide Show. In View mode, one needs to hit Control + P, opening the Pen. One can use the mouse to draw or write. On exiting, the notes or drawings can be saved.
Text Boxes for Interactive Presentations
Students can set up Text Boxes and type information in them, making PowerPoint presentations more interactive. By going to the View menu and setting up the Control Toolbox, one can click on the Textbox button, and create as many textboxes as desired. This tool can only be used while viewing the Slide Show.
Conclusion
PowerPoint is a tool that can make learning more meaningful and education a much more engaging experience. It lies upon the teacher to realize the potential of this wonderful resource.

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Tips to Make Your Classroom Interactive with Whiteboards

December 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment

With the increase in integration of technological aids in classrooms, the implementation of Smart Boards is also rising. The topmost reason for this is the interactivity of its applications that enables complete student involvement, thereby enriching the learning process. Hence, teachers find this kind of a latest educational technology really useful.
The Smart Board is part of an interactive whiteboard that also comprises an interactive board, computer with notebook program and a projector. Initially developed for businesses, these systems have entered the educational circle, helping learning advance with the progress in technology. Due to the undue advantages provided by the Smart Board, students can study in a more interactive way.
Benefits of Using a Whiteboard
A Whiteboard provides support for instruction to special students, as it can adapt to a variety of learning styles. It offers learning experiences through each of the senses to learners with various kinds of impairments.
A Smart Board is also useful in classrooms with a single computer. It becomes the tool for manifesting information, giving students an interactive learning atmosphere.
However, not all classrooms are able to take advantage of this system, often due to tight budgets.
Whiteboards as Tools of Professional Development
Following a basic level of assessment, teachers are required to chart the professional development plan of their students. Addressing the strengths and weaknesses of the students, this plan can be demonstrated very well through the use of whiteboards. Different from a formal, written document, a whiteboard representation of a professional development plan can be both comprehensive and constructive.
Smart Board and its Implementation
If well-implemented, the Smart Boards can certainly become a method of teaching that is educative, while it is exciting mainly for both teachers and students. Encompassing the wide range of Web 2.0 tools, this system makes use of the best online tools and technologies to give education a whole new outlook.

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