Monday, September 30, 2013

Nokia’s Response to the iGlass and Google glass

Company’s Product

Competitors
-The Google Glass

-The iGlass


BY:  Sylvastian Crowder 


Nokia’s mission is to pull the interests of the consumer away from the cellular devices i.e. texting, browsing the internet, and/or glancing down at images. The company’s direct their attention to a more formal and customary practice; hence the motto “Heads Up.” The company has wisely determined that this process will indeed be one geared for the long term (20 years), considering the fact that the general population is not simply expected to relinquish the ever so present addiction to their mobile devices. Nokia’s plan as mention by one of its company representatives is at first glance counter-intuitive. The fact that most technology companies intend to bring a multiple number of external features together, collectively into one device, creating a convenient, simplistic, and multi-functional experience doesn’t seem to attract or entice the rebel nature of Nokia. 

With the surprising introduction of it uniquely designed phone “The Nokia Lumia 1020” how could one be shocked of an opposing decision of this magnitude? Yet, while many doubted the capability of this particular device to penetrate the market and generate a demand and standard for the smartphone, The Lumia 1020 not only challenged the purpose of which a smart phone was both created and utilized, but also tested the limitations of the best camera phones currently on the market. This sense to “go against the grain” and create a product that solely focuses on delivering the best experience possible through a narrow concentration of key features, though counter-intuitive, allows Nokia to set a standard and create a demand of specification and efficiency that is scarce in the world of Technology today.  It is here in which I believe lies the next big thing to gain consumers and capture a market share. All that is left to do is for Microsoft to continue the innovation and ingenuity promoted by Nokia, and follow through with a successful and prosperous plan.     

“A new way of interacting with the digital world.”
“All three VPs for Nokia seek to create a device that does a few things really well, creating a resurgence (as they call it) in dedicated devices.”
“A desire to actually reduce the attention that’s paid to smartphones and mobile devices.”

-Here’s a link to information concerning the recently company, Nokia (Mobile department acquired by Microsoft for 7.2)






Google Glass

BY: Charles Alexander

As of today, Google Inc. has developed into an American multinational corporation specializing in Internet-related services and products. These include search, cloud computing, software and online advertising technologies. Currently, Google’s research division is developing a wearable computer known as Google Glass (styled "GLΛSS"). This innovative product will consist of an optical head-mounted display that will display information in a smartphone-like hands free format. This new technology will revolutionize how people distribute and receive information.

Due to the simple fact that Google Glass will be a modified form of regular glasses, Google is considering partnerships with sunglass retailers such as Warby Parker or Ray-Ban. The Google Glass will deliver an intelligent, hands free, media and information sharing experience. Simply consisting of a display screen and touchpad, a user’s overall capabilities are incredibly unique and diverse. Google Glass will have free applications (Glassware) built by third-party developers. The product will also use many existing Google applications, such as Google Now, Google Maps, Google+, and Gmail.

The mass production of this product will initiate new discussions regarding privacy as well as safety concerns. Although there are many enthusiasts who would love the idea of seeing this product available for any customer, the glasses do have the potential to violate privacy regulations in a variety of different settings. Also the concern of operating motor vehicles while wearing this device is something Google will need to address carefully.

Below I have provided a link to the official website of the Google Glass


Sunday, September 29, 2013

The Revolution of Technology in the Classroom

By: Tariq Brown

“It is possible to teach every branch of human knowledge with the motion picture”. These are the words of Thomas Edison who predicted books would essentially become obsolete in classrooms. As time progresses, studies show technology is become more essential in the classrooms of primary and secondary schools. Students use the technology to do research, write essays and even cheat but very little has changed in the school system since the 1800s.

The cause of this revolution is because of the drastic changes in technology. For example, there are high-speed mobile networks, cheap tablet devices, the ability to process huge amounts of data cheaply, sophisticated online gaming and adaptive-learning software. You can now access textbooks on computers and even take exams online. With new technology, students can work at his or her own pace instead of the pace of the teacher. Essentially, the classroom will be “flipped” so that basic information is taught at home via screen while class time will be spent refining and testing that knowledge.

The question is will children learn more?



Monday September 30, 2013 - Industrial Age to Information Age

How did you like the new class format "Pre-recorded"?

How was the book "Outrageous Punishment"?  Test Results

How was the Excel #1 assignment and test?

Next Class: Wednesday Oct 2nd will be a virtual class. Use anymeeting.com to log-in.


Next Book to download.

Slave Narratives: a Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves Georgia Narratives, Part 1



This book comes from interviews in the early 1930's of  ex-slaves still living. The stories are told in their own words. I will tell you which stories to read and you will then be tested on them. This reading will start next Monday October 7, 2013. The book is free, so download it early.






Saturday, September 28, 2013

Test Scores US vs Finland

Brandon Sartin

In one of my business courses, my teachers spoke on how American students’ test scores compared to their counterparts in other countries. She spoke specifically on Finland and how their society and education culture is different than ours. She argued that in this country the primary and secondary school teachers are usually the students who do not perform well on standardized testing; which is contrary to the Finland education approach. In Finland educators are paid higher compared to American educators, and being an educator is a highly regarded position. My professor believed that the low-test scores by American students were due to the infatuation with technology. She believes we are not as good critical thinkers, due to our dependence to technology. 

In Finland certain technology is not allowed in the classroom. She stated that Finland was out performing America in education because of this alone. However, I believe that as culture swings to an information age there has to be a middle ground between technology and sharp critical thinking skills. The question is how do we find that balance on a wide scale. I do not believe the answer is getting rid of technology, but yet using it as an aid to our learning. As this is a class focused on technology, I believe this would be a great class discussion.


Link to an article explaining what American students’ low test scores mean for the future.

Article on the effect of technology on critical thinking skills.



Are we ready to colonize other planets?

By: Terence Balmer

 Are we truly alone in the galaxy, or are we just a speck of dust in the corner of the monstrous place we call space? For generations people have dreamed of the stars in our vast galaxy and what it would be like to travel to these distant systems. We have watched movies like Star Trek and Star Wars, where going from one planet to the next only takes a matter of minutes and have wondered is it truly possible?

In May 2012, it was announced that ordinary people can submit applications to become the first people to colonize the “Red Planet” Mars. The mission, designated “Mars One colony mission,” will be starting to send groups of four, one person per continent, on a one way trip to Mars beginning in the year 2023. Mars One CEO Bas Lansdrop confirmed the speculation of the mission on August 3, 2013 asking people who would want to go to Mars at conference in Washington, D.C. Although Mars One stopped receiving applications on August 30, 2013 they received more than 100,000 applications, so it would seem that some people are anxious to leave Earth.

 However, the question still stands. Are we ready to colonize other planets?


Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Wednesday September 25, 2013 - Excel HW #1




Now lets talk about Excel 2010. 


Homework #1 is due Sunday Sept.29, 2013. It's about basic excel. 

Watch the 2 videos below and then download the Homework #1 assignment here. Go to your classmarker.com account, this weekend, log-in and answer the HW#1 questions. Your HW#1 grade will be based on your quiz answers.

Again, you should watch the videos below before you attempt the quiz. You will need the downloaded excel file to answer the questions in the quiz.

The quiz will be available on classmarker.com Wednesday (9-25-13) noon until Sunday midnight (9-29-13).

WINDOWS

Excel Video #1


Excel Video #2

Monday, September 23, 2013

The Effect of Technology on Youth Today

BY: Darius Pollock

                 The adolescent stage, which is probably the most critical part of personal development, is a time of exploration and self-discovery. Before the age of technology, an individual accomplished this by exploring their environment, which, in turn, helped them gain new experiences. However, at the beginning of the twenty-first century, due to rapid technological advances, the process of development has changed drastically for a person during their adolescent stage.  

                 Since children are being reared in homes with various accesses to the internet, they are influenced by an infinite number of external forces without even walking out of the front door. This influence causes children to act in ways or portray identities that are appealing to others, and not their own self interests. Also, for a healthy development, children need real-life interactions and relationships. This, too, is often neglected because of technology.    






Saturday, September 21, 2013

Monday September 23, 2013 - Book Reading



Go you your amazon or nook account and purchase the book below. Its free. Read the book and then go to classmarker.com and take the quizz based on the book.

The quizz will be available to take from Monday 9-23-13 thru Friday 9-27-13 at midnight.



This is a short ebook about the history of slavery and how tough it was. This is the first of many readings about Slavery to Travon.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

MIS Course Gradebook - Learnboost.com

I decided to stay with Learnboost.com for atleast one more semester.

On September 17, 2013, LeanBoost.com sent you an email with an activation code. Follow the email directions to active your account. The code is only good for about 1 week.

Check your email spam and trash folders to make sure the email was not rerouted into one of those folders.

You will need Learnboost to check your grades during the course. If I make an entry mistake, you can correct it by emailing proof that I am wrong.

My grade book grades will be used to calculate your final grade. Your final grade is based on using the syllabus formula and your grades hosted on learnboost.

So you do not need to ask me how to calculate your grade. This is not high school or middle school. You can do it anytime, yourself.

Exam Web Site: Your Login Email for Class Marker


If you submitted your information via the course form (See first Blog), you should have received an email from http://www.Classmarker.com with your username and password on Either August 25th or September 18th.

If you do not see the email, check your spam and trash folders. You will need this to take course quizzes and exams next week.

I suggest you access this account quickly, as you will need  it to access both quizzes next week.

You should be able to log-in now and see an exam (Alvin Toffler) that is available for you to take now. You do NOT need to take that exam. You can take it, just to see who the process works. The grade will not count.

Any questions, text me at 4045090533.




Wednesday September 18, 2013 - Agricultural Age to Industrial Age - Class #8

Web Site for day:

This web site offers ongoing deals for both online and brick and mortar stores.




Blogging Grade:
Are you writing blog comments? If not you are losing points on your final exam.
If you do not know what this is, read the course Syllabus and the Blog Guide.
Links to both are located along the right column.
Also, the Blog Post Schedule is now posted along the right hand column.

Next Week:
Both classes, next week, will be recorded. I am going to try a new way of presenting the material. So instead of anymeeting.com on Monday. The class will be recorded. Wednesday's class will also be recorded.

You will come to the blog before each class (Monday & Wednesday):
1.) Watch my video
2.) Follow directions
3.) Complete Homework
4.) Complete online exam

Monday: (Monday September 23, 2013)
1.) Buy and read book below. Its free on Amazon.com

2.) Take online Exam


Wednesday: (September 25, 2013)
1) First Excel Homework with online exam
Remember, I will be using Excel 2010 for Windows as the example because of its wide spread use in the workplace. However, you can use another version. When possible I will try to include videos using other Excel versions.

More about the two classes work will appear on the blog before class period.



Class #8: Agricultural Age to Industrial Age


Sunday, September 15, 2013

Agricultural Age - Industrial Age - Information Age Part 3 - Class #7

The Interns for the Airport have been choose. Congratulations to those five men. This week, I will choose 2/3 students to work for me and the 4/5 student who will Intern with the commercial real estate apartment broken.

If you have did not get an airport internship, there are still 6 to 8 positions. Good Luck.


Web Site:  myfav.es

Make this your home page and create icon buttons for your browser.


Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Wednesday September 11, 2013 - Class #6 Agricultural Age - Industrial Age - Information Age (con't)

1) Internship
Will determine Airport interns today
The other two interns next week

2) Today is the last day to make sure your personal information has been submitted before I begin to take off points.

3) Mr. Frank Savage - Speaks at Morehouse on Thursday Sept 12th at 9:30 am.

4) See post below for powerpoint presentation.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Monday September 9, 2013 - Class #5 Agricultural Age - Industrial Age - Information Age

INTERNSHIPS:
I have a couple of paying Internships this semester. Do not forget to remind Professor Sistrunk to talk about them in class.

New web site of the week:

http://animoto.com/
This website allows you to create free videos.

Below is the video I create for my business. I liked this site so much, I decided to become a paid member at $30 per year for a longer video and embedding rights.








Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Wednesday September 4, 2013 - Class #4 - Risk

Delayed Gratification has its risk because of the time between your activity and the gratification. 

During that time period, bad things can happen. Some of these things are unforeseen and could cause reduce or eliminate the gratification.




How much risk are you willing to take?