Technology Newscast 12/19

This is Kelly and I's Technology Newscast where we talk about the top ten apps downloaded in 2013!  

LED Lanterns (Technology Article #7 12/13)

• Bluetooth controlled lanterns called Vela

• Remote controlled through smart phones

• Slide bar to change brightness

• Gives estimate in battery life

• Timers for turning the lantern on and off

• Tint can change

• Setting to make the candle appear like a flame

• 16 hour battery life

• Changes colors

• Comes with charging dock

Social Bookmarking Project

What's another way we can organize your computers?

Computers can be organized by using folders and labels.

What about email?

In email I use folders to divide my emails into categories.

Favorite Websites?

My favorite websites have different tabs to look on depending what I want to see. I know where to look for specific information because of the different tabs and the search bars.

Blog Posts?

My blog posts are labeled with dates and all of my posts go in chronological order. I also have the blog archive to make finding an article easy.

RSS Feeds?

With RSS feeds I divide them into separate folders. With folders I know exactly where to look for what kind of information I'm looking for. 

Do Now- Twitter/Instagram in Education

Twitter and Instagram can be used for educational purposes in multiple ways. By using twitter students can share with others apart of their classes and in other classes as well. For example, a project can be assigned to discuss with others about a specific topic, by using a specific hashtag, students can then search for the tweet they must comment on. Twitter can also be used for sharing projects. For example, if the project was to create a poster for a certain event and promote it to others, twitter can be used to show others. The same can be done with videos. However, once something is on twitter, it is out there for the world to see, and you never know who may retweet or favorite it. 

Instagram can be used in multiple ways as well. For example, by using Instagram to post pictures, the teacher can create a virtual tour. Many times a teacher will want to show a slide show, but instead of people having problems seeing and reading the slides, the slides can be posted on an Instagram page. This makes it easier so if a student is not able to see the slides then they can look up the Instagram page and follow along on their. One issue with Instagram is that most people have their accounts on private. This means that in order to view their posts the follower must be approved. Once approved the pictures that they post will constantly be popping up on the home page. However, a hashtag can be used to share easier, just like on Twitter. 

RSS Feed Discussion Questions

1. 1. Why did you select the sites you subscribed to?
2. Many of the websites I subscribed to relate to my interests. For news websites, I often check them in the morning or at night to find information about a certain story I heard about or to find a story to be able to share in school when talking about current events. 
3. 
   
4. 2. Was it easy to find feeds and to subscribe to them?
5. For some websites yes, although a couple websites I tried I could not find a RSS Feed for it.
6. 
   
7. 3. Which sites were your favorites?
8. My favorite websites were the ones that were personal. I found the RSS feed for Buzz Feed, and that is my favorite website to read.
9. 
   
10. 4. What else can you use RSS feeds for?
11. RSS feeds can be used to for school work. If you have to write a paper of some sort you can use RSS feeds to get the articles from specific websites. This makes it easier so you don't have to search the whole website and then you can have all the articles organized by date. 
12. 
    
13. 5. How likely are you to continue to use RSS feeds in the future?
14. I will continue to use RSS feeds to read the articles I want to read. I will use them to read the news and find different things happening in the world and I will also use these feeds in my school work. 

Do Now 11/18 - Change

Many things in the world need help or change. Depending on what situation, many things motivate me to helping or fixing others or other things. For example, yesterday tornadoes hit mainly in Illinois destroying many people's homes. Seeing the damage that many suffered makes me want to help them. After experiencing Super Storm Sandy last fall I can now understand this devastation more. Many people lost their homes and some lost family members. Not only can I help in multiple ways for those who are suffering devastation, but I can also help around me. Many often complain that our school isn't good enough or we have a bad school, however certain things they complain about can be fixed if everyone were to help. For example many want to get new computers in our library and computer labs, but getting new and nice computers is a privilege that must be earned. We can prove that we deserve new supplies and other things if we all work together and take care of what we have now. I can also help inside our community just by volunteering. For example many different events occur throughout the year that often need volunteers. Just by helping hand out fliers or set up/clean up for different events could help others so much. Our public library has multiple events throughout the year and many of the older librarians get stuck doing the work. Not only do they enjoy having help to get the work done more efficiently and quickly, but by putting ourselves out there we become more known and gives others the impression that we are good students and good people that want to help.

Pinono (Technology Article #6 11/15)

Picture taken with the Panono camera

• Pinono is a new way to take panoramic pictures

• Created in Berlin 

• 36 cameras 

• Made to throw into the air and take a picture

• As the ball is thrown, it takes the picture with all 36 cameras

• Once taken, the picture can be viewed in low resolution on a smart phone

Pinono Camera

• Within a few minutes of taking the picture the full image can be viewed

• Can be viewed on different devices, but best on tablets

• Said to release next September at $600

• Made with a durable polycarbonate material that is able to withstand hitting the ground after being thrown 9 feet into the air 

View Original Article Here

Do Now- Philippines

The devastation that happened in the Philippines is not only frightening but upsetting. We all live in the same world and when something bad happens to one part of the world each part of the world feels the pain. When the U.S. was hit with hurricanes or other types of devastation the whole world felt it, and many came to help. Now that this has happened to the Philippines we all must help them in their time of need. When hearing the death toll I can only imagine people who did survive, how they must feel if their loved ones were killed. It's scary that children may now be left all alone in the world because their parents/guardians were killed in this typhoon. Hopefully those who are alive will be able to once again regain their strength and stay strong through these hard times. Hopefully those that did survive can rebuild and stay safe throughout these are times.

Quixey (Technology Article #5 11/1)

• Quixey is a new app search engine
• It makes searching easier
• Searches for key words & highlights
• Styled like Google
• Available on Android (Free)
• In the future, wants to be available on all products (i.e. iOS, Windows, Android)
• Assists in making unknown apps popular

View original article here

Wiki Research

Wiki can help teachers create lessons and present to their classes. For example, for a History teacher who gives handouts of notes, they can place the notes in a wiki and have the students refer to that page to get the notes. Teachers that give study guides can also post them on a wiki. This allows the student to not have to worry about losing the papers they need and they can refer to the website to access the pages they need whenever it is necessary. A wiki can also allow students to work together collaboratively in one place. This can also help when students study together in groups or are revising each other's essays. Students can also create their own notes or summaries on wiki and make it available to send to the teacher or to other students.

One of the most beneficial things about using a wiki would most likely be the collaboration abilities. A wiki provides all the information necessary all located in one spot. By being able to have multiple editors different aspects of the work can be seen. For example, a student who is studying for a test using a wiki may not be able to find each detail needed, however, another student who collaborates may have found that missing information. A wiki can help find missing details needed because of the ability for multiple people to edit the information.

In this class specifically we can create a wiki giving a description of the class and a list of some of the topics discussed. The wiki can also contain the various links we use during class and some of the classes thoughts about taking the class. Comments on the class could help show what needs more explanation or what the class could improve on. By using a wiki, the whole class could collaborate on one single document, and see what others write as well. For a quiet class, like this one, many of the people who have responses or ideas, but do not want to speak out during class could share their ideas on the wiki.

I have experience creating wikis, however, I have used a wiki before. I haven't used them often for school, but I do use them to look up quick information on a TV show or on a band/singer.

Invisibility Do Now

     If I was chosen to have the ability to be invisible for a whole day in order to do good I would assist others when they appear to be struggling. I would go around the area near me and when I see someone who needs help, I would help them. For example, if I were to see someone trying to lift a heavy box, I would help them carry it so for them it appears lighter. Also, if someone were to drop a paper, or something that can be carried by the wind, I would hold it down so the wind does not take it. 

     I could also help save someone's life. If they were about to fall off of something and they didn't notice, I would prevent them from falling in whatever was I could. If someone was falling asleep and they were cooking, I would turn off the flame so it doesn't catch on fire. I would try to save people whenever possible. I could also help people if their alarm wasn't going off or waking them up, I could wake them up myself so they wouldn't be late for what they had to do. Lastly, if I was in the car with someone, I would make them stop the car if they were about to get into a car accident, or if a sign is knocked down, I would fix it so people could see the sign and not cause any accidents. 

New Class (Do Now)

If I was teacher and could add any class I would add a class on the performing arts. In the class students would learn more about acting and the proper ways to sing and dance for a musical. Each student in the class would learn different methods to get into their character and how to play with the lines in a way that doesn't change the meaning, but makes the line easier to work with. Students in the class would also learn to become more comfortable with being on the stage and performing in front of other people. Often, there will be music to assist the students in their songs and choreography being learned. Each student will learn different types of dance that they will be able to use in their performances.

When in the class, it will be organized and in control, but still fun and lively. The class would meet in the afternoon that way students are awake and not half asleep like they often are early in the morning. The class should meet in an auditorium and each student should be prepared to sing, dance, and act out when told to. Depending on the day students will spend their time learning different aspects of performing. Each day of the week can be given a different thing to work on including learning different styles of dance, singing properly, different ways to portray a character, working on a specific musical, and on the last day of the week, going over the different topics learned over the past week. By the end of the class, each of the students would perform in a musical in front of an audience. This class would prove to the student that they have the ability to succeed and be comfortable in front of an audience.

Samsung Galaxy Gear (Technology Article #4 10/4)

• Galaxy Gear is a type of smart watch
• Samsung developed the Galaxy Gear in a year (released September 4th) 
• Samsung's goal was to shift their place in technology; "Fast-follower" 
• Samsung beat Apple to the smart watch
• A new form of wearable computing
• Originally made in just black, now available in several colors 
• Six colors: Wild Orange, Rose Gold, Black, Silver, Lime Green, and Mocha Gray
• Last minute color (Lime Green) was including the day before release
• First showing was in Berlin at a technology trade show 

See the original article here

Kindle Fire HDX (Technology Article #2 9/27)

• The new Kindle Fire features many new improvements
• Available in a 7-inch and 8.9-inch model
• Improvements made to the screen, processor, software, and more
• The speed is also increased since the Kindle Fire HD
• Depending on the size you choose, the Kindle Fire HDX ranges from $230 & $480
• The previous model (Kindle Fire HD) is now available for $140
• The HDX is now in a trapezoidal shape & is lighter 

To view the original article click here 

3D Printer Can Make a Pistol (Technology Article #2 9/20)

• "Liberator" Pistol- Creation by Cody Wilson (TX law student) 
• Once the design is downloaded, anyone with a 3D printer can create a gun 
• Models can be found in the Victoria & Albert Museum and The Science Museum (London)
• (V&A Museum) 2 models are being shown & one is disassembled to shown the parts inside
• U.S. Government forced take down of the plans

  Click here to read the complete article

US History II Honors

       This year as a sophomore I take US History II, which is taught by Dr. Minocci. Throughout the course of this year I expect to continue learning about American History, spanning from the Cold War to modern day. From the first two weeks of this class I noticed Dr. 

 Minocci  teaches quickly, but in an interesting way. Not only does he give us a Do Now, but he also gives a funny Do Now, which is a joke or a riddle.

       
       One of my favorite parts of Dr. Minocci's class is that he keeps it moving and makes jokes. I normally do not enjoy history classes, however Dr. Minocci makes history a much more fun and interesting class. Many times in history the teacher moves slow and the class becomes very boring and monotonous however, Dr. Minocci keeps everyone focused by jumping to different topics and taking comments from all the students in the class. 

        Dr. Minocci uses technology each day; some days he shows PowerPoints from the projector, and other days he refers to the online textbook to teach. Many of the students also have used technology in order to complete the summer assignment. Other than US History II Honors, Dr. Minocci also teaches AP US History, Economics, Current Issues, and Law. Dr. Minocci has basic class expectations and requirements including showing others respect, completing the work given, coming to class, and more which can be found on his website here.

New IPhone Features (Technology Artricle #1 9/13)

• The IPhone 5S is said to have the same design as the IPhone 5 but now has other color options
• New colors now include a gold and gray (silver) IPhone
• New IPhone will include finger print sensor which is the main feature of the new phone
• The finger print sensor can be shut off and the pass code can still be created 
• The camera now includes different features including rapid-fire photos, slow motion video, and improved flash
• Along with the IPhone 5S the IPhone 5C will be made (a cheaper version of the IPhone)
• The IPhone 5C is a cheaper, plastic version that is available in multiple colors

See the original article here

What September 11th Means to Me

At the time when the event of September 11th occurred, I was home with my mother. Although I don't recall much of the moments when the planes crashed into the towers, the effects have made some type of difference in my life. Due to the incident that happened in 2001 many rules and such have been created to prevent an incident like that to happen again. Many different rules have come into airports because of this event. Now when going through airports there are more security guards all over and people now have not only their bags searched, but themselves as well. Because of the event that happened on September 11, 2001, the lives of many younger people, including myself, have been changed to prevent another accident. 

Welcome to my Blog!

My name is Christina Kavanagh. I like to spend time playing piano, listening to music, and reading. I have two older brothers who are ten and eight years older than I am. I have multiple friends but my closest friends are Kelly, Jasmine, Robert,  Louis, Kim, Paige, and Alexa. This year I am a sophomore and I take English II Honors, Geometry Honors, US II Honors,  Chemistry, and Web 2.0.