Do Now 12/15

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." ~Mahatma Gandhi 

To me, this quote means that if you want to see a change in this world, then you must change yourself first. Helping others influences me to make the world a better. My major in college, Therapeutic Recreation, focuses on making the community a better place and helping others in a town. My major encourages people to positively affect others surrounding them. 

Blog-Post Assessment

 
• My favorite restaurant would be Hasbrouck Heights Pizza located in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. Click here to see a map of the location. At this restaraunt, they serve many different types of Italian foods. This includes pizza, pasta, salad, seafood, and many other assorted Italian food. 
• My favorite dish from Hasbrouck Heights Pizza would be the Hawaiian Pizza. They hand make a great pizza with specialty ham and pineapple. This is my favorite restaurant because they create wonderful, Italian food at a good price. Click here to see directions on making a pizza! They also know my family due to the connections we have in the town of Hasbrouck Heights. The workers are always friendly and courteous to all customers. 
  
• Hasbrouck Heights Pizzeria has been in business serving North Jersey delicious Italian food for over 20 years. Heights Pizza also delivers to towns around the area and can cater for birthdays, holidays, and other parties! However, if Heights Pizza closed down I would most likely go to Mr. Bruno's in East Rutherford for a similar Italian Food Restaurant. You can see the menu here.  
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RSS Assignment 12/9

Why did you select the sites you subscribed to? I selected these sites because they offer interesting information.

Was it easy to find feeds and to subscribe to them? Subscribing to the feeds was easy once I was able to recognize the RSS symbols. 

Which sites were your favorites? My favorite site would be the NASA website and the Bergen County News website. 

What else can you use RSS feeds for? I can use the RSS feeds to quickly read and analyze longer articles for school. I can also use it to reread important information in a short amount of time. 

How likely are you to continue to use RSS feeds in the future? I am likely to use RSS feeds for different school projects or homework. 

Weekly Tech post 12/5

3-D-Printing Bio-Electronic Parts

Princeton University Researchers have begun developing a 3-D printer that contains semiconducting ink. This ink enables the researchers to physically print LEDs. Eventually, they hope to print functioning electric circuits. With this new electronic discovery, researchers are expecting to be able to combine circuits with living tissue, creating new types of implants and prosthetics. Click here to see the article. 

LEDs being created within a printed capsule/box

Web 2.0: Do Now Writing Prompt

If I were a teacher, I would add a class that allows students to experience different college majors. This class would be an after school course and is open to all high school majors. Many high school students are unsure of what major they wish to follow in college or if they want to attend college at all. This course will encourage students to search for majors and colleges they might attend. It will offer one-on-one teaching between students and teachers. The teachers will support the students in their search for colleges. They will show their learning through their interest in college majors. They will also demonstrate their learning through sent applications to colleges. 

Weekly Tech Post 11/21

Rise of the Robot Security Guards
New robots created by Knightscope have taken to the grounds of Microsoft buildings. These special robots take away the need for human security guards to patrol areas. Although only seven of the K5 robots have been built, Knightscope has begun creating many more. They are currently being tested for use on college campuses, malls, and even schools. 
The robot features a camera, speaker, microphone, sensors, navigation equipment and motors. The robot actually uses 4 different cameras; one only being used for decoding license plate numbers. It also has a weather sensor that can measure temperatures and carbon dioxide levels. After being shown to a certain area by a human with a wireless controller, the robot is able to recall their area of duty and be able to avoid certain obstacles. 
These robots have also proved to be less expensive than hiring actual security guard. It estimates $6.25 per charge. This charging occurs on charging pads connected to outlets. However, the Knightscope is programmed to go to a charging station when its battery is running low. On a full charge they can last for 24 hours and only taking 20 minutes to fulling recharge. The full article can be seen here. 

Web 2.0: Web Dissection

1. What is the purpose of this Wiki? The purpose of this wiki was to inform the public about sustaining and disruptive technology. The main focus was to compare and contrast different modern day technologies in education. 
2. When was the last post? November 7, 2007
3. How was this Wiki created? This wiki was created through a wikispaces account.
4. What would you add to it? If we were to edit this wiki, we would add current technology and how it is changing society in the present day. 
5. What did you learn from it? This wiki taught us about technology that has either positively or negatively influenced society. 
6. If you had to create a Wiki with a team, what would be the specific topic (s)? If I had a team, we would create a wiki about the history of the Wood-Ridge Sports teams. I would do so because sports change every year and we would be able to continuously edit the wiki.
7. How can Wikis be used in the classroom or in education? A wiki can be used in a classroom to show how a certain topic has changed over a period of time. A wiki is useful because more than one person can contribute to a page. 

Weekly Tech Post 11/14

Carnegie Mellon University Researches Office Robots

 Manuela Veloso has taken technology to a new level. Instead of having receptionists taking clients to her office, a well-trained robot is able to lead them to their destination. These robot receptionists are referred to as Cobots, many of which roam the Science Wings of the University. Robots usually have issues with performing human-friendly tasks such as directing, speaking, and asking for help. However, this specific robot has shown exceptional improvements by guiding people to destinations and retrieving information or other objects. The robot mainly works through a certain order of directions and only continues directing after the client presses its "DONE" button. Although this robot is human friendly, it sometimes faces certain obstacles. If the robot cannot accomplish a task it is able to "speak" to humans or send out emails asking for assistance if no one is around. This advancement is important because it shows how robots can be used to improve the lives of humans in many different aspects of life. 













You can view the article here.

Web 2.0: Wiki Research

1. How can a wiki be used in a current class on your schedule (not this course)? Pick a class and be specific as to how the class could create and use a Wiki on a regular basis . A current class that Wiki can be used on would be my English Honors class. Wiki can be helpful because we have to collaborate, as a class, on many different projects. 
2. What are the benefits of using a wiki in class? The benefits of using a Wiki in class, would be the easy way to put different information from different sources on one piece of work. Wiki allows multiple users to add or delete information from one type of work. Wiki can also benefit a class in the ways of rereading and critiquing works. Using a Wiki for a class can allow students to give helpful information to other peers. 
3. How can we create a wiki in this class, what would be contributed to it and how would be utilize it on an on-going basis? A Wiki can be used as a source of history logging. For example, we can create a Wiki on the Wood-Ridge Highschool Girl's Soccer Team. The two year team would not have a lot of information at this time, however, it is an ongoing sport and information can be added about the team on later dates. 
4. What experience do you have using or creating wikis? I do not have any experience in creating Wikis. However, I will definitely use a Wiki for sharing information or homework with other classmates. 

Wood-Ridge Highschool takes on Glen Ridge in States Last Weekend

Wood-Ridge High School Girl's Varsity Soccer
Over the extended weekend, the WRHS Girl's Soccer team took on the favorited 5th seeded Glen Ridge in the North 2 Group 1 section. Our team came out of a .500 record season last year and managed to sweep opposing teams with their 13-4 record and eventually stealing the 4th seed in States. With this record and seed, the WRHS team was able to have two home games. After winning the first States Game with a 1-0 final score, made possible by Allison Kronyak, the team moved on to play Friday. However, the winning streak soon ended due to the strong Glen Ridge team. A podcast by the Girl's and Boy's team coaches can be seen here.

Weekly Tech Post 10/24

Physical Key Created as an Identity Lock

     Google has recently begun creating a USB device that holds a users information. This USB would be used as a type of identity holder and is said to be extremely secure. The key can be used either monthly or daily and can connect to any computer or Google account. Instead of putting in information every time one uses a computer, he or she can simply insert the USB and their login and password will be entered. 
     This key is planned on being sold for less than $20. The change from "typed in logins" to keys will diminish the amount of accounts that are hacked through passwords. Key USB devices are becoming a more common way of opening accounts and securing information. 
     The Key USB is the most secure option due to the inability of hacking the chip that is inside the key. Many hackers intercept logins through text messages or breaking into cellphones, however, one would not be able to hack into the Google Key unless they physically have the key. You can see the article here.

Weekly Tech Post 10/10

OLED Lighting Sheets Use Half the Energy of Lightbulbs
Researchers have recently been enhancing a stronger form of light energy. The Organic LED light-sheets have had positive feedback in many areas. Although the OLED lights are very costly (one OLED lamp costing around $9,000), many manufacturers have been attempting to recreate the same energy with lower costing products. Some companies, such as OLED-Works, have even made the OLEDs on plastic sheets.  These artificial lights give off a combination of red, green, and blue light. Enhancing these sheets of light can positively influence the entire country. Lighting is 20% of all electricity in the United States. This low-costing and energy efficient form of light can reduce the entire cost of lighting in housing, buildings, or even in public parks. The article on OLED lights can be seen here.

10/3 Weekly Tech Post

     LTE Direct Quickly Gets Information Without the Need For Cell Towers

      Opposed to the current cell phones that require cell towers to connect to information, researchers have begun developing a phone that does not require the usage of cell towers. Many cell phones that use LTE are supposed to quickly go through cell towers to get the user to whatever app or contact they are trying to get to. However, Qualcomm has created a cell phone protocol that will be able to pass cell towers altogether. Instead of making large, bulky, and unattractive towers, beacons will be created and set up in stores or businesses in certain areas.
   With these new beacons, we are able to diminish the dependence on cell towers; possibly even erasing cell towers completely. This new technology implanted into upcoming phones will allow society to turn away from cell towers that give off harmful rays and radiation.
        The technology will be created in a way that saves the user battery life, while searching for beacons to connect to. Despite the similar iBeacon created by Apple (shown above), this new technology will reach farther distances and will not be used from bluetooth settings. Also, the protocol will not send notifications (as seen in the picture to the right), however, it will send a type of wifi signal out to cell phones in order for them to be used proficiently. The protocol has been very successful and will only need simple work on the accessibility for large groups of users before being released into the public.




http://www.technologyreview.com/news/530996/future-smartphones-wont-need-cell-towers-to-connect/

Do-Now 9/29

    An editorial is a written piece of work that gives an opinion or standpoint about a certain issue. An article may contain quotations or citations, however, the article focuses around a single opinion of the editor. Many believe that Wikipedia is a form of editorials; giving more opinions than factual information. Teachers specifically tell us that Wikipedia is not a reliable source and do not suggest Wikipedia as a data base for helpful information. Wikipedia is very well known as a website where anyone is able to contribute information.
     Many teachers do not allow us to use Wikipedia for any school papers. Although is helpful for definitions and simple things, one should not rely on Wikipedia for factually correct information. Teachers stress the ability for random people to contribute any type of information, correct or not. I, personally, have not questioned the usage of Wikipedia. I know that Wikipedia is not always completely true, and always double check certain information that I find off the website.
     After reading this article about Wikipedia, I have not changed my mind about the website. I never relied on it as a primary source and only use the site for quick, simple information. Personally, Wikipedia should only be used by people who need opinionated answers. The website should not be considered a type of primary source and should never be used as a useful website for finding information.

Motorized Pants Help Soldiers and Stroke Victims 
     The newly Harvard-created Exoskeleton allows many people to find the support they need in every day life. The lightweight, battery powered machine can be used to support the wearer and allow them to carry heavier objects over longer distances. It propels the legs forward without effecting the normal human gait. 
    












     The exoskeleton mimics the human limb by using nylon mesh, cables, and sensors to connect directly to muscles, tendons, and nerves. Although it cannot help people who have lost full usage of their legs, it can still greatly improve the lives of some. For example, those who encounter muscle weaknesses from strokes find the research of exoskeletons quite useful. The machine can help weak people walk more easily or help healthy people carry heavier objects. The potential for this machine varies from supporting soldiers, assisting the elderly, rehabilitating children or adults, and easing the physical struggles of firefighters or paramedics. Although the machine is only a recent protocol, the exoskeleton is being largely researched and has many updates before its released into the public. 

http://www.technologyreview.com/news/530751/motorized-pants-to-help-soldiers-and-stroke-victims/

Web 2.0: Multimedia Blog Pre- Posting

                         

     One course that I am taking this year is English IV Honors and it is taught by Ms. Millar.  You can see her website if you click here. I expect to learn about various British authors and writers. So far, we have learned the history about the Anglo-Saxon Time Period and the Medieval Time Period. In addition to learning about the history behind the literature, we also learned about various authors; including The Venerable Bede, Geoffrey Chaucer, and Beowulf. 

     As an honors class, our grading policy is very strict. The grading policy that Ms. Millar uses is a 45% projects, 45% tests, 5% homework, and 5% classwork/ participation. What I enjoy the most about this class is that we learn about British poets and authors rather than American poets and authors. It is refreshing to be focused on a different nation's literature after constantly learning about American literature. 
     Although our class is mainly taught through a textbook, Ms. Millar uses various technologies as teaching-tools. Through certain websites she was able to create crossword puzzles, word searches, and quizzes that were used as review games. I enjoy the usage of different technologies rather than being taught out of a textbook.  Her website also includes videos and projects that her students created, you can see one if you click here. You can see the rest of her videos if you click here. 

Educational Technology and Copyright Law

From this article, I learned what copyrighting is and how it has affected students and teachers. Copyrighting protects the plagiarism of literary, written, artistic, musical and other types of works.
When someone copyrights their own work, they are entitled to four things:
1. Reproduce the copyrighted work
2. Display the work publicly
3. Create works based off of their work
4. Distribute copies of the work
Some images are licensed and allows people to reuse their photos. However, the site requires the user to give photo credit to the photographer.


http://teachamazing.com/educational-technology-and-copyright-law/

9/12 Weekly Tech Article

Brain Mapping: A new map, a decade in the works, shows structures of the brain in far greater detail than ever before, providing neuroscientists with a guide to its immense complexity.

Recently, new and improved mapping technologies are becoming more useful in the fields of neuroscience. Mapping technology can allow scientists to create a detailed simulation of the human brain. Specifically, Europe's Human Brain Project and the U.S.Brain Initiative have taken in the ideas of transforming modern mapping technology. These technologies are able to reveal three dimensional images with 50 times greater the resolution than previous creations. These improvements in neuroscience technology have allowed scientists to accurately see neuron structures, nerve fibers, and many other hidden complexities that are inside the human brain. The reformed "supercomputers" can show details as little as 20 micrometers. In the future, scientists hope to improve the supercomputers so that they can view pieces of tissues and cells as small as 1 micrometer.

http://www.technologyreview.com/featuredstory/526501/brain-mapping/