http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-WIFI-Antenna-Reception-Booster/
For those of you who are even marginally mechanically inclined, I have put a link up that directs you to a variety of cheap and easy projects you can create to boost the wifi reception capabilities of your antenna for your laptop. If you are stuggling to pull in a weak signal, these easy to do projects can boost your reception exponentially. copy and paste the link above into your address window. Try it it's fun! They really work!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
The Digital Divide/Challenges and Solutions
In examining ways to reduce the digital divide for students who do not have computers at home, I believe the answers come down to individuals. I have received no end of responses from businesses that would be happy to donate older computers as they replace them with new ones. However, here is the catch. Microsoft and Apple have proprietary rights to both their system and productivity software, which is licensed to the individual who buys their computers and pays for this software. Legally, we could (or a company could) be held liable for piracy/theft by donating these old computers with this software on them. I believe I have found a solution to this problem. As older operating systems become unsupported by the computer giants who created them, they no longer care about the sharing of this software. It is outdated and cumbersome to use.
I think if individual teachers donate older computers to students, that have outdated operating systems and productivity suites, we could increase the number of students with computers at home. Be sure to erase all of your previous information/data, so that the student starts with a clean drive. If they intend to use the internet, it is important to let them know that in order to protect their computer, they will have to invest in a good anti-virus/spam software protection system like Trend microvirus. they would, of course, have to pony up for their own internet service, and dial up is awfully slow, but it still works, and can be found for only $10.00/month.
This would at least get them into the loop, even though it wouldn't be with the newest technology. If on in two teachers in St. Paul was able to donate an older computer to a student, we could increase the number of computers available to students at home by 2,000 computers. Many of our students have siblings at home, so our penetration of 'have not' households would increase even more. It's just a tought-but it comes down to you, as an individual, making a difference in a student's life; and bridging the digital divide.
I think if individual teachers donate older computers to students, that have outdated operating systems and productivity suites, we could increase the number of students with computers at home. Be sure to erase all of your previous information/data, so that the student starts with a clean drive. If they intend to use the internet, it is important to let them know that in order to protect their computer, they will have to invest in a good anti-virus/spam software protection system like Trend microvirus. they would, of course, have to pony up for their own internet service, and dial up is awfully slow, but it still works, and can be found for only $10.00/month.
This would at least get them into the loop, even though it wouldn't be with the newest technology. If on in two teachers in St. Paul was able to donate an older computer to a student, we could increase the number of computers available to students at home by 2,000 computers. Many of our students have siblings at home, so our penetration of 'have not' households would increase even more. It's just a tought-but it comes down to you, as an individual, making a difference in a student's life; and bridging the digital divide.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
RPC
I think this is a great resource, but it needs some upgrading. I think the reminders are something that won't work for my students because half of them don't have computer access at home. I also think the rubric generator could be more robust. It is limited in scope. The research i do is usually shorter in nature than science or social studies; and I think I've finally (after ten years) refined the process to lead my students to great success. I personally won't use the RPC because of accessibility issues for my students, but I can see it as a useful tool for new teachers. What I REALLY like is the citation machine attached to the resource links page on the highland website. I have found this tool to be hugely helpful in citing resources. I think the kids will use it all through college.
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Widgets - the last thing i need
The last thing I need is useless technology that takes up more of my time. Sorry, but this was not helpful information.
Streaming Video
With all of the hours I've spent looking for video streaming that would benefit my LA instruction I can safely say there is precious little available anywhere online that is useful for my needs. I think if I were teaching either science or social studies, there would be a lot of good stuff I could use - but not for English.
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Public Library
So far, this has been my most useful tool. I've always had a library card, but being able to access the catalogue online and order materials I'd like, i find this extremely efficient. I've used my library access more than anything else we've covered in this class. I always said-"If I learn one more thing that can save me time and effort in this class it will be worth it.
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