1. New Year 2013-14

Welcome to the new year in GenYES!  

GenYES International has a new TAP (Technology Assisted Projects) site!

For your first blog homework:

1. You will create a login at the GenYES TAP site by choosing the "Sign Up" button on the link below.

2.  BEFORE YOU GO THERE .... LOOK and follow all: these instructions

3.  IF you are a returning GenYES student.  Write "Done" on your blog comment.

4.  IF you are a NEW GenYes student, no worries, we'll get you signed up to this blog on Monday.  For now just complete steps (1 & 2) to sign up to the GenYES site:

http://smhs.techyes.org/login

Happy Summer

Have nothing to do?

The CodePlayer

Learn to Code: The Basics

Coursera: Creative Programming for Digital Media/Mobile

Cambridge Raspberry Pi Coding Resources

Stanford Coding for iOS 

CodeAcademy

Code.org

How to write good code haha

End of the year!

Guess the Blog Writers!

Who among your peers are the writers since January 2013 of this blog?

The list of names is here:  
GenYES Students

Complete your entry here:  
Guess the writers!

(S14) Internet Blackout!

Read this:  One Web Many Spiders

Read this:  What happens if the Internet goes down?

1. What do you imagine would be the effect of an internet blackout in the USA? Think of ALL the things that would happen!

2. How would you personally have to alter your life if this were to to occur? How would you find information about...anything?

(S13) Tablets Taking Over Gaming?

The new Wii U System from Nintendo’s main selling point is it’s tablet-like controller, which allows you to use not only the buttons, but the touch screen as well.  The controller serves as a second, and separate screen to the TV, much like the Nintendo DS’s dual screens. However, with the flick of your finger, you can bring the entire game to the tablet controller and play from anywhere in the house.  Integrated with features such as Netflix, Hulu Plus and an internet browser with HTML5 support, the controller, on it’s own could potentially serve as a tablet or computing device.

The Razer Edge Pro is powered by Intel Core processors an NVIDIA GeForce graphics powering a 10.1 high def multi-touch display and a rugged high speed solid state drive that screams incredible performance in a portable form-factor.


1) Since games are usually played on either a PC or a Console, what changes do you think will happen to the gaming industry with these entry of these tablet innovations? What do you think of the two devices above? Are there others?

2) Were you one of the kids who predicted the "Desktop PC" will never die because of gaming? Are you going to change your mind?

3) Relative to gaming, how have tablet technologies affected TV? Entertainment Industry? Exercise? Your general lifestyle? Cite some pro's and con's of gaming and tablets, even if you are not a gamer, think of the world around you. Cite sources / research to support your personal position.

(S12) New Technologies

What is this?

Link

1. Why would anyone want one?

2. Why would anyone need one?

Mobile Computing

This week: We will take time to use this blog as an 'in classroom assignment' with discussion instead of blog homework.  The completed assignment will be due by Friday.   Read through the articles.  Answer both questions (1 & 2) with a minimum of 100, thoughtful words each.  Add your own relevant commentary based on the information presented in the articles.


1.  Read through this website thoroughly.  Pick four of the most important points, that appeal to you personally and support your point of view!  Your points can be taken from either side; all pro, half pro, all con or any combination.  Four points...

Tablets vs Textbooks Pro/Con Debate

2.  Pick one of the links below and comment on the content or a sublink.

Ruled by Tablets

LA School Plugs into the Future

Teenagers changing the World

(S11) HTML5

Even if you don't plan on going into programming or gaming, this is great information to put in the tech toolbox part of your brain. Different programming languages will affect the way you use the internet and perhaps influence the way you approach your future job.

Go to these links for more information:

About HTML5

HTML5 Game Development

What Is a Markup Language?

HTML 5: A closer look at the technology that will replace Flash

Adobe Flash: I'm not dead yet

1. What is HTML5? How does it differ from a single programming language?

2. Is HTML5 capable of replacing Adobe Flash as the ultimate game or programming tool? If yes, why do you think so? If not, what do you think might?

3. Why is this useful knowledge?

(S10) Desktop vs. Laptop

What do you think is the future of desktop computers?

Take a look at these links before you answer:

Intel Kills Desktop Production

Top Ten Desktop Computers 

Forget Mobile vs Desktop



1.  So what do you think?  Will desktops be necessary in 3, 5, 10 years?  And will you be using one?

2.  Do the "Computer Configurator" exercise on the Top Ten link.  What device does it suggest for your needs?

3.  Comment on someone else's answer and provide facts along with your opinions on why you agree or disagree with their answer.

(S9) Power

Batteries are the power for many tech devices; phones, tablets, laptops, tv's. 

Technology is constantly advancing and so are batteries. 

Here are links to view four different kinds of batteries:

• Transparent Batteries
• Paint-On Batteries
• Lithium Ion Batteries
• Flexible Batteries

1. What implications could these batteries have on new technologies?  For example the flexible battery might launch the development of a wearable phone.   What potential creations could you imagine with these types of power sources?
2. Which of the options do you believe is most useful? Why? 
3. What other power sources, that you know of, or have researched that are available out there to compete with battery power?