Digital piracy and the Kindle

After much soul searching I returned the flash drive with 1000's of books on it. I did not take any of the books for my Kindle, although I would have loved to. I chatted to lady who had given me the flash. I was informed that many many persons had downloaded those (book) files and you can get them on the Internet. I have been so busy writing (a book) this last year that the world has passed me by and I had not heard about all the 'free' books available. It is not right! We chatted – she began to think. The e-book publishers will have to do something to curb this piracy. Read this interesting article - http://internspills.blogspot.com/2011/11/kindle-swindlers-thoughts-on-ebook.html

Piracy for the Kindle

Piracy is not only for young people looking for music. It is now found among the book club set looking for books for their Kindles and e-book readers.

I was given a flash drive with many folders. I have been buying books to read from Amazon. I was not sure what I was looking at. The nice lady who lent me the flash suggested I copy some books onto my Kindle. On examining the flash drive, only when I found my favourite author and found titles I have bought for Xmas last year did I realise – this is piracy! I thought they were old books out of copyright!

I could not / cannot take any of these and put them on my Kindle. It is wrong. I would like to but … no!

Blind learners studying computers - help please!

I recently had the pleasure of visiting a wonderful school Pioneer School for the Blind where every cent collected is used to good effect. Learners come to this school in Worcester in the Western Cape from as far away as the Free State because of what this government school has to offer. It offers a way of life for those who need special care. It is a school for the blind and partially sighted. I went to see how they learn to use the computer and study the subject Computer Applications Technology (CAT). One of the learners from this school was the top learner in the country in Matric 2011 from a special needs school and she also studied CAT.
I was shown how a partially sighted learner used the screen enlargement software Magic. That worked well. I was most disturbed when I saw a totally blind youngster use the computer! He was working with Office 2003 – with Jaws, software that reads information on the screen using synthesized speech. I asked why he was using such an old version of Office. The answer – they have licenses for an old version of Jaws which only reads 2003. They need to get a newer version of Jaws in order to read Office 2010. The CAT curriculum will require 2010 soon. They have to get up to date! They need the latest version of Jaws but it costs about R120 000 for 30 licences. And they do not have the money at the moment. They are able to get the Microsoft Office Suite at a reduced cost, the same as all government schools, and then they have this additional cost!
Computers are the way these youngsters are going to earn a living when they leave school! It would be wonderful if every computer class in South Africa had a cake sale or other fund raiser and helped these CAT learners. It would be wonderful if every person who views this blog contributed in some way. The URL of the school is http://www.blind-institute.org.za/. There is a link to do an electronic donation. Let us all donate to the school, requesting that the money be used for computer needs. Please.
It would be wonderful if you dropped me an e-mail at docpam@gmail.com to tell me if you donated and if this blog posting made any difference. This posting is from me in my personal capacity.
I believe in the idiom ‘What goes around comes around’.

Computer Code of Conduct

We have provided a Sample Computer Code of Conduct on the DVD that comes with the Teacher’s Guide of our new Grade 10 CAT textbook. The one on the DVD has been improved and translated.
It is not possible to write any one single Code of Conduct that will serve the needs of all schools. Study Opportunities has provided this sample code of conduct as a generic example, so the document will have to be adapted to fit in with your local conditions and circumstances in your school, district and province, and to comply with any other existing regulations. You are welcome to adapt this one as you see fit and use it.

Sample Computer Code of Conduct - Voorbeeld Rekenaar Gedragskode

Gr 11 CV

Grade 11s usually have to make a CV in English or Life Orientation. May I make the suggestion that CAT teachers help the learners make a good Google timeline for their digital resume.  These links may help -  http://mashable.com/2011/12/31/facebook-timeline-resume/ and  http://mashable.com/2011/09/28/facebook-timeline-cover-photo/ 

Facebook is becoming essential in today's world and in addition to the timeline, what is posted in the status bar is an important part of the digital resume. What is on the About page must also be correct and correctly spelled as well.

Wise words

Wise words from a computer man for the world of life.

Jobs

I keep hearing about people who have lost their jobs. I heard about three more people high up in the business world recently who just lost their positions. What has this got to do with CAT - we teach ICT skills and problem solving, which may help those with entrepreneurial skills. Every functioning work station in a computer lab must have a learner and those principals who do not push CAT (because it is not a designated subject) should be ... The subject CAT can do so much to enhance job creation and business.

Walking past people begging and those living in cars is really getting to me.

 

Letter from Sandra

This letter is for certain schools. It contains information about invoices and payments and only applies to some schools. They know who they are.

Grade 11 Paper 2 Theory Memo

Grade 11 Paper 2 Theory Memo

• English Memo
• Afrikaans Memo

Grade 11 Paper 1 Practical Solutions

Grade 11 Paper 1 Practical Solutions

• English marksheet
• Afrikaans marksheet
• Solutions

Grade 11 Paper 2 Theory

Grade 11 Paper 2 Theory

• English question paper
• Afrikaans question paper

Efficiency

I am amazed at how technology and the World Wide Web have changed our lives. We are now celebrating 20 years of Internet in South Africa.

I needed some particular files. I looked online, unsuccessfully. I asked for help on my Facebook page. A friend in New Zealand responded. I searched further. I contacted a firm in the US via email who recommended a software application. I went to that URL, ordered the application, paid via VISA, all on Friday 11 November. FedEx phoned me yesterday (Sunday) re paying VAT. I paid for it with Internet banking. The box was delivered this morning. Whole process took 3 days.

I am becoming used to this speed and efficiency!

Gr 11 Practical Paper 1 Errrata

Errata - Use the same password you used for the practical paper

Gr 10 Theory paper 2 Memo

Gr 10 Theory paper 2 Memo

• English memo
• Afrikaans memo

Gr 10 Practical

Errata - have a look Use your password for the CAT Gr10 Prac MEMO to open

Word form fields and Fields

A question was posed on the Comp-Studies mailing list about - a Word query where a person wants sections of text that are duplicated in a document, say in an appendix to be automatically updated if the same 'original' text is changed elsewhere.

Here is my solution in a school scenario, one is a MOV file and the other a SWF. The SWF file has a quiz attached. Comments are welcome about the videos.

ICT and teachers

I have just seen the UNESCO ICT Competency Framework for Teachers. Take a look - http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0021/002134/213475E.pdf Amongst the contributors are Sarietjie Musgrave (ex CAT teacher from Bloemfontein), Trudi van Wyk (ex Department of National Education), Fiona Beal (primary school teacher in Fish Hoek), Neil Butcher (consultant), Gerald Roos (consultant) and Kevin Sherman (Schools Unit at University of Cape Town) – all from South Africa. There may be more but I did not recognise their names.

My wish is that CAT teachers help the teachers at their schools upgrade their ICT skills. Give courses at your schools for teachers. My experience is that my colleagues did not come to my courses but the neighbouring school's teachers came.

Gr 10 Nov Exam Paper 1

Gr 10 Nov Exam Practical Paper 1

• English marksheet
• Afrikaans marksheet
• Eng / Afri solutions

Gr 11 Practical Paper 1

Gr 11 Practical Paper 1

• Data files
• English questions
• Afrikaans questions
• To the teacher

Gr 10 Theory paper 2

Gr 10 Theory paper 2

• English questions
• Afrikaans questions

Gr 10 Nov Exam Paper 1

Gr 10 November Practical examination

• Data files
• English question paper
• Afrikaans question paper
• To the teacher

Exam time

Exam time in the CAT laboratory is a good time for checking the system – replace or refresh the image, check that the required features of the programs are functioning, empty the recycle bin, check that all programs are still installed, check LAN connections, etc., etc.

Exam invigilation in the CAT laboratory is a good time to look at the room and plan improvements, e.g. the layout and wall notices. Being in the room for the long invigilation sessions is a wonderful opportunity for contemplation and planning. Also walking around with a duster collecting dust (without disturbing those doing the exam) is a useful task if one needs something to do (use Wet Ones if there is not too much dirt ).

The change of tempo is actually refreshing!

Hope preparation and exams go well.

Courses offered

These grand courses are offered by UCT School Development Unit in December - Internet Basics, Google Earth for Educators and Interactive Whiteboard for Maths Teaching. Have a look.

2011 Final matric exam Question 7 Access

In a previous posting I indicated that one should go over old examination papers before the big exams. I will now add go over old examinations papers in the venue which will be used for the examinations. Exams have to have questions on a specific set of skills so exam papers ask those skills. So those skills should be practised in the venue where the exam will be written to check if the computers ‘can’ answer the questions (as well as checking learners’ skills). Most computers centres have some or other feature which is unique to them and although they may be re imaged before an examination, I always suggest ‘use’ the centre, test it. And after this question, I suggest practicing mail merge with different versions of Access and your version of Word.
Have a look at how to solve the question.

Laptops and mobility

Laptops are mobile and allow one to work where ever. Family men have to work but also want waves so this man has the laptop with him while waiting for the right waves. Such a good illustration.

Examination papers

I have noticed on a number of social networking services that people are busy setting their November exam papers.  The CAT teachers could use the papers available from Study Opportunities, link http://www.studyopportunities.co.za/downloads/2011/07/EntryFormStudyOppCATPapers2011.pdf with extra information extra information at http://www.studyopportunities.co.za/downloads/2011/07/InfoPapersStudyOpp.pdf 

Comments on 2011 CAT Matric paper

One of the benefits of this blog is that you can comment Anonymously or by using your name.   
How did the examinations go? How did the September paper set by Study Opportunities help prepare learners for the final examination?
Looking forward to seeing responses.

Blackberry

Latest information for CAT learners 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAG39jKi0lI

 Have a smiling day

Guide to using Email

We teach such a useful subject! This week the local librarian was telling everybody about her fear of an assessment which she will be doing this week on Email. Mmmm – about not using capital letters for the whole email, how to reply, etc. I listened and tried not to brag about what a valuable subject we were teaching at school. Have a look at the file which I used at an adult course about email.

Here is part of the file

When to use

1. When it is necessary to send information to many people
2. When copy of instructions is needed by the receiver and the sender
3. When sent to a distance and it is cheaper to communicate via e-mail than voice
4. When unable to get the person in voice contact for time or distance reasons
5. When sending a file attachment for perusal

When not to use

1. When emotionally responding to a message
2. When sending confidential information

Was the file/information useful?

Computer Applications Olympiad

I had the pleasure of attending the awards evening of the Computer Applications Olympiad at Kelvin Grove Newlands tonight. The finalists were a lovely bunch of young people from across the country. Well done to the Computer Society of South Africa for arranging the Olympiad. Congratulations to the finalists!

Computer Applications Olympiad

Today are the finals of the Computer Applications Olympiad! Good luck to all contestants!

AUP for Social media

Our learners will probably be going into a world where social media is available from their office computer.  Their office/employer may not have an AUP policy however the learners should be made aware of do's and don'ts.  Have a look at this site for an acceptable use policy for social media.  Some very good comprehensive ideas.  http://www.websense.com/content/social-media-acceptable-use-policy.aspx?reg=duodenom

2011 Census and the PAT

I have just started working for StatsSA on the 2011 census. It is a month of hard work doing training and then making contact with the respondents in the area in which I will be working. We all have to get information from the 150 households in our designated areas. After today's training I thought of databases and the PAT.

• In the PAT you need to find information. In the Census the government wants to get information.
• In the PAT data collected has to be in a format which can be analysed. In the Census data is in a number format which can be analysed.
• In the PAT data collected is meant to be confidential. In the Census all information collected is confidential.
• In the PAT you often give a questionnaire a number to help with sorting and checking. In the Census questionnaires are also given a code for checking purposes.

Between 10 and 31 October households will have enumerators visiting them with questionnaires that need to be completed for the Census. Make sure you see them. As you look at them, think PAT.

Grade 10 textbook

Hoping that everybody is buying the best textbook for their needs. - Here is an advert.

Searching in Windows 7

Here is a screencast (video) in MOV (8 MG) and WMV (6 MG) file format on doing a search in Windows 7.

Here is a different screencast in the form of a PowerPoint presentation in doing a search in Windows 7 in MOV (3 MG), WMV (3 MG) and Flash with a quiz (2 MG) format. Download or look at online.

Please let me know which of these 5 files presents the information the best. Which is these is best to use for teaching? Thanks

Gr 12 September Theory memo

Grade 12 - 2011 September Theory memo

• English and Afrikaans

Gr 12 September Theory

Gr 12 September Theory

• Question paper English and Afrikaans

Samples from new CAT Gr 10 textbook

Samples from new CAT Gr 10 textbook: Computers, part of your life

• Contents per term (Eng / Afr)
• Table of contents (Eng / Afr)
• Module 1.1 (Eng / Afr): Introduction to computers
• PowerPoint for Module 1.1 (Eng / Afr)
• Module 3.1 (Eng / Afr): Start working with text
• PowerPoint for Module 3.1 (Eng / Afr)
• Sample video for Module 3.1: Symbols as mov or wmv format (more than 50 videos included with teacher’s guide)

Gr 12 September Memo

Paper 1 Memo
CAT marksheet, RTT marksheet Solutions

Do not judge a book by its cover

I had a bad day. I went decided on retail therapy to improve matters – I wanted an e-reader.

The bad day continued. I went to computer shop at a small mall nearby. I was told it 'was expensive, about R1500' and they did not have any. I could not think why the man told me they were expensive, as for me that amount was not unreasonable.

I went to the V&A Waterfront. I went to the largest computer shop, part of a chain. I saw three salesmen playing a computer game and asked if I could interrupt them, and could I see an e-reader. They showed me the three models they had on offer. The one I liked had no price but the salesman went and found the price – R2500. I told him I would like to see others at the Waterfront, probably at the large bookshop and may come back. (He neglected to encourage me to return or tell me the bookshop had none, and there were none to be bought anywhere at the Waterfront.) I walked around not able to find any other e-readers and finding a total lack of interest in selling me anything. Eventually I went back to my home town without an e-reader and puzzled about my lack of success.

I went to a large mall in my area, to a computer shop, part of the same chain as found at the Waterfront, but no salesperson even bothered to attend to me when I was peering in the locked display window of e-readers. I left the shop without an e-reader and fuming.

I HAD to have an e-reader but the bricks and mortar shops could not be bothered to sell me one. So I bought it online.

I have spent the last few days puzzling on the lack of service and have reached a solution. I looked too poor to afford one or I looked too old to know how to use computer equipment or I looked wrong, whatever that is.

Well, to all those shop assistants, do not judge a book by its cover! I have enough to pay cash for an e-reader and also bigger things. 

Errata

Rekordeksamen: Errata by AFR data: Maak Vraag 4 se datalêer OpeDag reg. 
Data-werkblad, Sel C11 moet Mnr Wilson wees en nie Mev Wilson nie..

Procedural memory

For a CAT practical examination the skills examined should have been converted into procedural memory in the minds of the learners.

Procedural memory is a type of long-term memory of how to perform different actions, procedures and skills, e.g. riding a bicycle. This is "know how" memory. When needed, procedural memories are automatically retrieved and utilized for the execution of the integrated procedures involved in both cognitive and motorskills (Wikipedia).

Procedural memory is created through "procedural learning" or, repeating a complex activity over and over again until one figures out how to make all of the relevant neural systems work together to automatically produce the activity.

So learners should go over old practical examination papers before writing the final paper, as well as thoroughly repeat those complex procedures during the year.

2011 September Matric exams

2011

Paper 1 English question paper, Afrikaans question paper, Data files, To the teacher

Computational thinking

Some time ago on the CompStudies mailing list CAT and IT teachers were encouraged to join the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) at http://csta.acm.org/. Since I joined I have been receiving printed copies of their journal.  

The article on Computational thinking as the Fourth "R" in the July 2011 edition caught my eye. The definition of computational thinking found at http://csta.acm.org/Curriculum/sub/CurrFiles/CompThinkingFlyer.pdf  and the article at http://csta.acm.org/Curriculum/sub/CurrFiles/LLCTArticle.pdf describe so many activities encouraged and promoted in CAT and IT. One realises how CAT and IT are helping to bridge the digital divide not just in access but in way of thinking.

Gr 10

Full ordering details of the new Gr 10 CAPS edition of Computers, part of your life textbook.

Power of social networking sites

Social networking sites can keep one up to date on what is happening. I have watched events in Egypt, England and Libya this year and know that social networking sites have kept people informed.

The terrible events on Aquila Game Reserve in the Western Cape on 20 August and the desperate battle to keep their rhinos alive are being followed by thousands on Facebook and Twitter. I only hope that the details of the poachers and the reward of R100 000 will be spread and the culprits soon caught.

New books

New Grade 10 book cover! The CAPS edition!

Google Translate

I love Google Translate!  When I was overseas walking the Camino I met many people from Sweden, Germany, Spain, France, Korea and Holland. I am now friends with them on Facebook. We have all uploaded pictures on which many people post comments in their own languages.  I can copy/paste their comments into Google Translate and set their language, for the translation.Great!

Social media

I wish that all CAT teachers discussed this with their learners – good article called 'To Teens, Tweens and the People Who Love Them: It's Time to Get "Social Smarts" ' found at http://socialmediatoday.com/brandsprout/330622/open-letter-teens-re-social-media

Internet access on Camino

Maybe you wondered why I have been so quiet recently. I have been busy walking from St Jean Pied de Port in Southern France to Santiago de Compostela near the Atlantic coast in Spain, 800 kms. I walked the Camino. I did the first 220 kms then my foot gave trouble, then I bussed a few hundred kms, then walked the last 100 km with two sticks and one leg.

Along the way I stayed in hostels, in tiny towns, which had Internet access machines. I was able to watch and reply to all emails but paid! When I reached the large city of Santiago I treated myself to a hotel. The hotels (not hostels) did not seem to have Internet access machines, only wi-fi. I came to the conclusion that in places where 'poor' people stay, i.e. hostels, they provide Internet access machines, but where rich people stay, i.e. hotels, they have their own iphones, ipads, laptops, etc. so access is not required. I had to walk right across town to find an internet café.

The pictures of my trip are on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/docpam - start from June 27. Hope you have joined the Study Opportunities Facebook page, link at side.