We’ve seen the face of technology change a lot in a very short period of time. When the iPad hit the market many were wondering why it was even made. It didn’t seem to be more than just a larger version of the iPhone that didn’t make calls. Soon after that people started realizing what had just been unleashed on the world. Similar devices have been put into production and there are several alternatives but the iPad is still the most recognized brand on the market. This has led many to discuss how these devices are affecting the classroom and what it could mean for the future.
The iPad and other computer tablet devices are poised to take a huge step forward and possess the opportunity to become an integral part of the student’s life by becoming the new age notebook. These devices have programs that allow students to use word processing programs, read textbooks, and run applications. Perhaps the most important aspect is the reading programs that support school text. For both textbooks and classic books the computer tablet reading devices have the ability to be the first e-reader will be widely accepted by students.
Some schools are taking the concept of technology integration further than most. A school in Tennessee, as TechSpy reports, is now requiring every student to have iPads as the primary teaching method. From the iPad, children can brows through lesson plans, take tests, and write papers. Though this program is in it’s infancy, it’s likely that this approach will only become increasingly common as the cost of education, child population, and need for quality technological education and exposure increases. It’s hoped that though using many technologies, initially designed for entertainment, and refitting them for educational purposes, our educational system can begin to make up for its many deficits such a lack of teachers and outdated books.
Some argue that their effectiveness is only hampered by the huge cost to consumers. Though the iPad is quite expensive at first and the sticker shock and scare people away, it is a long-term money saving tool. One of the most attractive benefits of the iPad as an e-reader is that e-books will cost less compared to hard copies. Another benefit that makes the iPad attractive is that it brings more to the table than being a simple e-reader. It offers users a wide range of applications that goes far beyond reading a book and, in effect, becomes a single source for information and education.
These devices are beginning to change the landscape of the classroom. More and more people are using them in the classroom. There’re invaluable tools for anything from medical radiography courses to business classes. The apps that are being developed are mirroring this evolution and technology creeps further and further into the realm of education completely changes the way we learn.
Did you ever wonder why people like us usually have tons of spare time? Drinking coffee, wandering around the office, etc.? Take a look:
No, seriously, we do not have any spare time, at all… well, maybe I did use the “It’s your problem now” once or twice.
Via eviljaymz.com
3banana is a Silicon Valley startup that just appeared on the market, launching a new note-taking application (called 3banana Notes) for the Android, the iPhone, and small-device Web use.
The application is free and works by synchronizing with an online notebook so you can save information you want to save quickly and easily from your phone. This allows free access online, whether you have your phone with your or not.
The app has a wireless synch-up and allows for social media sharing. Think of it as Twitter for your iPhone, but with a few more uses. Notes can be shared or kept private, as you prefer, and on an individual basis. So if you’re wanting to jot down that next great American novel idea you came up with, you can keep that to yourself, but if you’re wanting to see if anyone is up for coffee on the corner of Johnson and Main, you can broadcast that to your friends.
Andreas Schobel, the co-founder of 3banana and its CTO, says, “…the 3banana note taking app helps you catch those ideas before they escape. 3banana also makes it easy to share your notes with friends—rather than being lost forever, that idea in your notes can be the beginning of an online conversation.”
This seems like a great idea and one that could catch on quickly. Especially since it will work on so many platforms of portable phone. More universal apps like this are needed, in my opinion, to stop the trend of “it’s all about the iPhone.” Not that I don’t like iPhones, I just want to see more competition so the technology will improve faster.
Probably the sum-up from Steve Brown, the CEO and other co-founder of 3banana, does it best: “In the information-rich and fast-paced world today, the challenge is to get information from the brain in your head, into the brain in your pocket, and connected to the brainpower in the Internet cloud. We streamlined and simplified our note taking app so that users could quickly jot down a thought or tag a photo on their Android smart phone with as few keystrokes as possible, and then synch and share those notes wirelessly and effortlessly.”
Basically, it works like this: the 3banana software stays synched with their online service so that photos and notes on the smart phone can be immediately stored and kept online. At the same time, websites, online notes, and other Internet-based information can also be kept through a browser interface. Synchs in Twitter-like feeds with friends and colleagues can also be set up so that it creates an “always on” cloud for data sharing.
Shared notes can be linked with Twitter or Facebook for wide broadcasts or can be kept inside 3banana for easier and more private sharing and discussion.
3banana is currently available for download from the Google Android App Market free of charge.
Breaking News!
Steve Job is taking a leave of abscence from Apple after being plagued by rumors of his serious health issues. To date pundits, blogs, and news agencies have speculated over the mysterious weight loss Steve has suffered over the past two years. His abscence from many of Apple’s major events, and this official stance on pulling out of MacWorld futher fueled the idea that Steve Jobs was on his death bed.
While that is not the case based on the official statement, there is no doubt that Apple stock will take a serious hit due to this announcement, and speculation will continue on regarding the validity of this statement.
I personally wish him well. As fan of Apple Inc., their computers, their consumer product, and their innovation in the market. I truly hope we see this amazing man come back before 2009 closes.
Here is the official word from Steve Jobs himself which can be found HERE on Apple’s website:
Letter from Apple CEO Steve Jobs
Dear Apple Community,
For the first time in a decade, I’m getting to spend the holiday season with my family, rather than intensely preparing for a Macworld keynote.
Unfortunately, my decision to have Phil deliver the Macworld keynote set off another flurry of rumors about my health, with some even publishing stories of me on my deathbed.
I’ve decided to share something very personal with the Apple community so that we can all relax and enjoy the show tomorrow.
As many of you know, I have been losing weight throughout 2008. The reason has been a mystery to me and my doctors. A few weeks ago, I decided that getting to the root cause of this and reversing it needed to become my #1 priority.
Fortunately, after further testing, my doctors think they have found the cause—a hormone imbalance that has been “robbing” me of the proteins my body needs to be healthy. Sophisticated blood tests have confirmed this diagnosis.
The remedy for this nutritional problem is relatively simple and straightforward, and I’ve already begun treatment. But, just like I didn’t lose this much weight and body mass in a week or a month, my doctors expect it will take me until late this Spring to regain it. I will continue as Apple’s CEO during my recovery.
I have given more than my all to Apple for the past 11 years now. I will be the first one to step up and tell our Board of Directors if I can no longer continue to fulfill my duties as Apple’s CEO. I hope the Apple community will support me in my recovery and know that I will always put what is best for Apple first.
So now I’ve said more than I wanted to say, and all that I am going to say, about this.
Steve
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