High-Tech Baby Sitters

Earlier we read about truck drivers and what is being done to control their use of cell phones while driving. This week we look at an option for drivers that takes the decision making out of their hands. Go to the link below and read the article. Write a reflective comment that shows you have read the article, expresses your views, and addresses my questions.

Why do you think that people need to use a service like ZoomSafer? Is the solution described in the article a viable one? Will it work? How do you think customers will respond to insurers’ offer of a discount for using a call-blocking service? Respond to the following Quote: “Passengers in cars can override such systems, but in many cases doing so automatically sends an e-mail message to the account administrator — say, a parent or employer — alerting them that the cellphone is in use.” If you were to design a system to address the problem of cell phone use while driving, what would it be?

High-Tech Baby Sitter Article

Selling Lessons Online

We are all aware of the fact that teachers have to plan lessons. It is part of the work that comes with the profession. This week’s article looks at how lesson plans that used to be shared for free are now being sold online. Go to the link below and read the article. Write a reflective comment that shows you have read the article, expresses your views, and addresses my questions.

How do you feel about teachers selling lesson plans? Under what conditions should the school own the materials? Under what conditions should the teacher own the materials? Respond to the following quote, “Joseph McDonald said the online selling cheapens what teachers do and undermines efforts to build sites where educators freely exchange ideas and lesson plans.”

Selling Lessons Article

iTunes U Gains Respectability

People commonly use iTunes to listen to music. Podcasts are not as popular, but they are still viewed and listened to by many people. This week’s article looks at iTunes U and how its standing has evolved over time. Go to the link below and read the article. Write a reflective comment that shows you have read the article, expresses your views, and addresses my questions.

If you were a professor at a college or a university, how would you use iTunes U? Is it fair for universities to use iTunes U as an advertisement for what kind of research is being conducted? What solution would you suggest to a professor for dealing with the amount of time required to examine and evaluate the online material offered at iTunes U? What is your reaction to the research that has bolstered the site’s reputation?

iTunes Article

Avoiding Malware on Facebook and Twitter

The problems with malware infecting computers are increasing. This week’s article focuses on how social networking sites are being exploited, things to watch out for, and what you can do to protect yourself. Go to the link below and read the article. Write a reflective comment that shows you have read the article, expresses your views, and addresses my questions.

What practices do you follow to protect yourself from malware? Which method used by hackers seems most likely to work in your mind? Choose one of the best practices that you should follow. Describe a situation in which that practice should be used and tell what you would do if you were in that situation.

Malware Article