Blurts

<p>Check the maps in this <a href=”http://www.tuaw.com/2010/02/27/iphone-users-come-in-all-ages-but-probably-live-near-a-big-city/?icid=px-iphone”>post for TUAW</a>. This is the reason I keep complaining about ATT and Apples decision to continue to go with ATT.</p>

ISTE has released an app for the iPhone and Touch (see image that appears below). The app encourages social networking with ISTE members and provides access to ISTE sponsored resources (some articles from Learning and Leading, NETs). I also assume the app will create a lot of activity as the annual convention approaches. It is interesting to watch as advocates attempt to make use of the new technologies – in this case personal hand held devices.

I learn tech skills by reading and from video tutorials. I pay for both and for the skills I must acquire this is close to a necessity and more efficient than attempting to piece things together from the snippets I can pick up by searching. My recommendation for online video tutorials is Lynda.com. I pay $25 per month and I must admit there are months that I do not even visit the site. However, the quality is good and the range of topics is extensive. So, if you feel the need to learn PHP or MySQL or iWeb, this is a good resource.

Now, Lynda has an app for the Touch (and I assume the iPhone). I am not certain how frequently I will use this app, but it comes with my membership and I might even explore some “lighter” topics when I have a few minutes here or there. This is the type of content I anticipate will be great on the iPad.

Just in case you were not certain what the key features were, here is the President’s Health Care Proposal. So, are you for or against allowing those access who have pre-existing conditions and improving coverage for all? Let’s not be distracted by the business interests of the insurance industry and own up to social responsibilities. Time to label selfishness for what it is.

Some recent comments from the FCC are encouraging. Several documents and position statements can be found at the FCC web site. 

Take note of the new services that can be provided with e-rate support (FCC Gives School E-rate Programs More Flexibility to Allow Community Use of Broadband Services). I understand the regulations schools are allowed are allowed greater flexibility in making school facilities available to the general public.

Also note the Chairman Genachowski’s Remarks, “Mobile Broadband: A 21st Century Plan for U.S. Competitiveness, Innovation and Job Creation” 

Mobile Broadband in Education

Last week, a New York Times article described an Arizona school district that installed Wi-Fi on one if its school buses. The bus was instantly transformed into a rolling study hall. And if anyone ever doubts the power of mobile broadband tell them this:  the driver says that bus of high school kids is now quiet

My reaction to the enthusiasm for the educational potential of smart phones and netbooks has been curbed by the reality that data plans and broad band access are necessary to do much outside of the school setting. Even in those cases where schools move to some form of 1:1 access from home is often an issue and often an issue for those students who struggle because of lack of education-relevant life experiences outside of the school. 

A device that can be used in a library or school outside of school hours is a new opportunity, but not the type of opportunity most of us enjoy where ever we happen to be.

I read that most iPhone (Touch) apps are not heavily used. This has led to speculation that the popularity of downloading this inexpensive software will wane.

I suppose this has been true for me, but for the cost even exploring for a few days has been worth the expenditure.

A few weeks ago I purchased Absolute Fitness for my Touch. It allows the collection of data regarding calorie consumption and calorie expenditures by direct input or by selecting from a list. Various graphs can then be generated, matched to weight, etc.

In my quest for new health/weight control strategies, it made sense to me. I still like the app and I should probably use it more seriously. I stopped keeping track of what I ate – it was challenging to identify specific foods and I was too lazy to work at identifying exactly what ate. I do still use it to track the calories I burn. I listen to podcasts or music at the gym and can easily switch to the app to record activities. I still think this app makes great sense. It is likely that it is more likely to be used on a platform like the Touch than on a laptop or desktop.

BTW – I finally remembered that the Touch allows the generation of screen images (after taking pictures of the screen with a camera). Very nice – send the image to your email account and then use it for demonstration purposes.