Smartphone Apps

Smartphone APPS can compromise Kids data, FTS Says

The FTC is concern that many smartphone apps could be dangerous for students.  They collect information without notifying parents.  This information may be shared with others such as their whereabouts and phone number.   Some don’t provide a link to their privacy policy. 

Companies should not  track children.  Why are they building a database to pursue minors?  We know children have an ability to download Apps.  However, they should not be allowed to make a purchase, without parent consent.  Therefore, phones should have software to block children from engaging in some activity.  What do you think, should companies build a profile on minors?  Should we demand privacy rights to protect children?

By Todd Sperry

Source:http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/10/tech/apps-children-data/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_tech+%28RSS%3A+Technology%29

Stress

Help Students De-Stress for Success

Christopher Pepper is a ninth grade teacher in San Francisco.    He discussed stress and described how it may have a negative an impact on students in the classroom.   He stated that stress could cause health and problems.  He posted a video which showed how dangerous stress may be if left untreated. He talked about three solutions to reduce stress. 1.  Take a deep breath.  2.  Visualization, he asked students to think about place that is calm.   3.  Progressive relation, which involves low light and playing a recorded message from the health office. 

Teaching students about stress at an early age, will help them when they become adults.  Should educator teach students how to deal effectively with stress?

By Christopher Pepper

Source:

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/destress-for-success-christopher-pepper?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29

Worm

Mark Hachman posted in an article on December 10,  about Microsoft Outlook email and office program  which had a bug. Be careful, the worm can take over your computer.  Microsoft is working on a patch.  You may consider working on the guest account to help protect your computer.  Also, update the program on a regular basis.  This issue does not affect Word 2012.  What are you doing to protect your computer?

By Mark Hachman

Source:  http://readwrite.com/2012/12/10/alert-be-on-your-guard-against-microsoft-word-worms-in-your-email

911

911 Text Messaging Coming Service in 2014

          Have you ever text 911 during an emergency and did not get a response?  Well, this may change by May 2014.  According to Heather Kelly the four major cell phone companies will implement a plan, so anyone can text a message, when they are in a crisis.  This is advancement in technology.  Many people do not use landline phones any more specifically the younger generation.   As a result, of this change people will have access to a reliable emergency  system.                                                                                                                                                            

By:  Heather Kelly
Source:  http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/07/tech/mobile/fcc-carriers-announce-text-to-911/index.html

Tablets

Tablets Will Surge Beyond Projections, IDC Say

     Tablets sales are on the rise according International Data Corporation.  The company has predicted that sales shipment will be around five million.  The I -Pad is the hottest tablet.  However, people are also purchasing the Android tablets.  As a result, the tablet sales may reach 122.3 million.  Every home may have some type of tablet.  The tablets are light and convenient.  If you plan to purchase a tablet, check out all the brands including, Google, Microsoft, and Samsung. 

By:  Dan Rowinski

Source:  http://readwrite.com/2012/12/06/tablet-shipments-surge-above-projections-idc-says 

Copyright

Are your E-Learning Courses Going to Land You in Jail?

     Copyright is significant in the educational process.  The article addresses Microsoft policy, and Fair Use.  Tom argues that individuals should be careful when posting free images. He thinks you should pay for images and this may avoid copyright violations.  Students work on many projects that require visual content. Educators must teach students about copyright, provide them with a list of copyright friendly resources.

By Tom Kuhlmann

Source:  http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/are-your-e-learning-courses-going-to-land-you-in-jail/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A

Father of the Internet: Why We Must Fight for its Freedom

The internet allows people to connect around the world.  Many countries block information that they don’t want their citizens to view.  According to the article, Vinton states approximately 42 countries filter content.  The government has imposed 19 new regulations which deter internet expansion.  The governments are afraid that individuals may criticize their life style.  They feel that the internet may spread unwanted propaganda.  As a result, the countries are trying to influence regulators at the International Telecommunication meeting in Dubai which will be held on December 3.   If the countries are successful, this would have an impact of Freedom of Speech, increase cost, and prevent individuals from being creative online.  What do you think?  Should countries censor content?

By: Vinton Cerf

Retrieved November 30, 2012

Source:http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/29/business/opinion-cerf-google-internet-freedom/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_tech+%28RSS%3A+Technology%29