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Since today is an early dismissal day, we'll use what short time we have together to clean up a few things that we need tidy up. The TEJ3MI class will discuss RAID setups (which we didn't finish yesterday), and for those who need the opportunity, you'll be given a chance to rewrite the component test.
TEJ4MI, what time we have together should be spent tweaking your servers (which, as far as I can tell, are at many different stages of development).
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Cool article about an entrepreneur from Saskatchewan who has raised $365K on kick starter to try and build a $100 3D Printer.
 Check out this article on this new operating system (designed for the gamer and the living room in mind).
Who's up for the challenge of getting this to work in class? This is very cool.
Check out the Toronto Star article on the Do-It-Yourself movement in Toronto. The group's website also has some cool stuff on it too!  I will work with the Grade 11s to finish yesterday's exploration of the main components of a mainboard, while the TEJ4MI students set up their computers (on a switch).
While the 11s are finishing the webquest I posted yesterday, I will work with the 12s to set up Windows Home Server 2011. We will also be installing Subsonic and learning to remote access and maintain the server. This will be at least a two day process (you will be working with your partner). Those of you with IBM boxes will need to switch them with our newer machines, as the server software is 64bit. Everything you need to know about HDMI 2.0 can be found here (new standards are always interesting to read about...how long before you own a 4K TV?)
 It has become apparent that with so many students taking TEJ4MI without the Grade 11 course, we can no longer go "full steam ahead" and have everyone remain successful.
The TEJ3MI students will be working on a separate unit for the next two weeks, as the TEJ4MI students will start learning advanced networking concepts. Grade 11s will need to pass the hardware test with an 80% before moving on (this also includes those who want to take 4MI without completing the 3MI class). The 3MI students will also do a basic networking unit, while the 4MI students work on their Group OBPs. We will all come back together for the programming unit when we look at the Java e-learning course. Today, I will spend most of my time working with the 3MI students on computer hardware basics, while the Grade 12s make sure that they have their network cabling done, their computers working on a network (everyone should see everyone in both operating systems you installed), and the group OBPs are submitted. Friday's emerging technology presentations are moved to Monday (I am on a field trip on Friday), so this should make everyone happy ;) There will be no more class time spent on your preparation..you are on your own ;) With Google buying Bump, this should be a very cool new way of syncing data between your phone and a laptop (or a laptop and a laptop).
 Luke showed this to me today, and I think it's something you'd all like to see. If this becomes reality, it could change the cell phone industry. Check out phonebloks.com
This is where I would like to see us end up. What do you think?
As future computer engineers and technicians, it is important that we understand emerging technologies. The world that we live in changes very rapidly, and we need to realize that as one new method, interface, or technology emerges, it is quickly followed by a new one on a not so distant horizon. Some become "standardized" and part of every day life, while others, no matter how promising they may have been, fade away to the trash pile of history. Some of the emerging technologies that may impact computing in the future include: 1. Biometrics 2. Using GPUs for general purpose computing 3. Do It Yourself Computing (think Raspberry Pi) 4. Holographic Data Storage 5. Quantum Computing 6. Screen-less Displays (ie. virtual retina display/google glasses) 7. 3D Displays 8. 3D Printing 9. Intelligent Apparel 10. Swarm Robotics 11. Powered Exoskeletons 12. App Based Computing (instead of web browser based) 13. 5 Minute Gaming TEJ4MI students are to pick one of the above topics and complete your first research assignment for this course. Make sure that your final work is well-researched, professional in appearance, and written at a level that your audience can understand. Also make sure that you understand Gartner's Hype Cycle, and how it applies to technology. The evaluation rubric can be found here. As is shown in the Youtube video below, a good example of how trends can affect technology can be seen in the gaming industry. Welcome back. I hope you enjoyed your short break, and are all mentally rested and ready to begin the 2013-2014 school year.
We have a lot to discuss in class today, including some new directions I would like to try. These include a blended learning unit on Java programming, Ardunio projects, the Lego Robotics team, and the Microsoft Imagine Cup. Hopefully, you'll be excited and motivated about these opportunities as I am. The course profile that was handed out in class today can be downloaded here. Please fill out this contact sheet (it's just for my records, and helps me tailor the course to student interest) |