A new study of mobile device users indicates that almost half use their handhelds to get some kind of local news or information. But will they pay for it? Here's the latest data: just ten percent of adults who use mobile applications to get local news/info pay for these services—one percent of all adults. And most of them say they're not particularly interested in paying much more.
"Many news organizations are looking to mobile platforms, in particular mobile apps, to provide new ways to generate subscriber and advertising revenues in local markets," notes Lee Rainie of the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project, one of the sponsors of the report. "The survey suggests there is a long way to go before that happens."
The poll of 2,251 people was conducted in January by the Pew Research Center, the Project for Excellence in Journalism, and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
Profound as it may be, the Internet revolution still pales in comparison to that earlier revolution that first brought screens in millions of homes: the TV revolution. Americans still spend more of their non-sleep, non-work time on watching TV than on any other activity. And now the immovable object (the couch potato) and the irresistible force (the business-model destroying Internet) are colliding.
Jeff Galinovsky is regional manager for Intel’s classmate PC in North America where he focuses on expanding education products as well as building an education ecosystem. You can follow him on Twitter at @ClassmatePCDude.
Most of us didn’t have today’s technology options when we were in school, so while parents realize technology has become an integral part of their child’s education, they’re sometimes finding it difficult to incorporate it into the learning process.
It’s much more than choosing the right hardware (desktop, iPad, netbook, etc.). Parents need to consider several other factors: Appropriate software, interactive e-reading programs, how to educate children about online safety when exploring social media, and how to integrate technology into the current curriculum.
However, technology is important in today’s world and taking a comprehensive approach to technology education will ensure that children thrive in the modern education system and in the jobs of the future. Here are five tips for streamlining the process.
1. Get the Wiggles Out
Take learning out of and beyond the classroom. Children learn in a multimodal manner -– they want to be able to touch and hear and see things up close. Netbooks or laptops that feature tools like a camera, writing stylus and audio recording capabilities help to encourage a multimodal approach to learning. The more learning modes (auditory, visual, and experiential) that are exercised, the more likely the material they are learning is likely to stay with them long-term.
Use tools and devices that help kids feel comfortable in their spaces and get them up and moving around when it’s appropriate. This can keep kids focus while making the lessons more interesting and exciting. For example, in a field trip to the Central Park Zoo in New York, a group of fifth graders measured the temperature and humidity in the Tropical Zone, drew penguins and built robots — all using tools and software integrated and available on their convertible tablet netbooks.
2. Make Topics Real and Applicable
Rote memorization is not always the best approach for teaching kids. It’s important to demonstrate how subjects like math and science are important and exciting outside of the classroom and in the real world. Having access to real-world examples can help bring tough subjects to life in new ways. Learning math is more fun and easier when fractions are part of a cooking recipe, for example.
In my daughter’s fifth grade science class, she developed an experiment to determine if she could generate electricity with a soda and Mentos reaction, using a convertible netbook and equipment from Pasco to test her hypothesis. She only became that excited about science once she got hands-on and explored things that were interesting to her. She told me at the end of last year that she really loved science. You don’t often hear that from tween girls these days, do you?
3. Give Kids a Sense of Ownership
Technology opens up opportunities for kids to really take ownership of their own educations and to be a part of the process. With 1:1 learning devices, learning becomes about students and their needs. This can mean more engaged learners with pride in their work and what they are learning about. According to a recent study by Project RED on the key technology factors for student achievement, a strong student/computer ratio is tied to improved test scores and graduation rates. Kids like to move around, so if you’re worried about the device taking a beating, look for netbooks or laptops that are rugged and offer some waterproof resistance.
4. Facilitate Self-Paced Learning
Everyone learns at a different pace, and in a different way. Some kids do well when given a task and a deadline and then set free; others need more guidance and time. Technology allows parents and teachers to provide the right amount of discipline for each student individually, and to supplement where necessary. It also allows students to learn at their own pace, which can help keep them interested and excited about the material.
One example is McGraw-Hill’s LEAD21 reading program, which offers a personalized and interactive experience for various reading levels. It can adjust vocabulary, concepts, word counts, font size and spacing for different grade and age levels.
5. Create a Safe Environment to Explore
When left on their own, kids can independently explore, discover, and make learning more exciting for themselves. However, just as you want to make sure your children are safe playing in the neighborhood, you need to teach them about Internet safety. It’s important to warn about predators, inappropriate material and mature content, but hovering over them to ensure they are safe will only stifle them.
Look for built-in safety tools in computers that allow parents to ensure that kids access approved sites and content. Parents can choose when, where and what they want their children to access. According to a recent survey on kids and Internet safety, 68% of teens have at some point accepted Facebook friend requests from people they don’t know, opening the door to sharing personal information — like where they live — with strangers.
My 11-year-old daughter started a Twitter account unbeknownst to me. I am not ready for my 11-year-old to be plugged into the social web. When I found out that she had an account, I logged into her netbook and started using a monitoring software product. I could confirm that she did start a Twitter account and was sending messages to someone she thought was Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers.
This tool allowed me to validate the problem and to have a web safety conversation with my daughter. The software allows her to have freedom, and me to have peace of mind. We have been able to discuss what is good and real on the net and what is not.
What are your tips to integrating tech and education? How do you balance freedom and supervision? Let us know in the comments below.
New York-based interactive agency Breakfast (of auto-Foursquaring “Conan blimp” and Precious-the-tweeting-bike fame) released Monday the beta version of Instaprint, a lunchbox-sized device that turns photos modified with the iPhone app Instagram into physical prints.
The device can automatically detect and print photos (comments included) tagged with a particular location or hashtag. That makes it ideal for an organized gathering of iPhone-wielding tech enthusiasts, which is why the agency is taking two of the devices down to the SXSW conference in Austin this week.
Each photo is printed with an ink-less printing technology called Zink to more closely mimic the authentic Polaroid experience. Like traditional Polaroid photos, the color comes from the paper instead.
Processed photos will be posted in real time and collected in an archive at Instaprint.me. From now until March 10, users can tag Instagram photos with #instaprint and watch their photos get printed live on the site.
The finished version of Instaprint will be released to event organizers and other interested parties on March 18. (So, you know, if you’re throwing a party with one of these, toss me an invite.)
There are three distinct advantages to making your own drinks from the comfort of your desk. First, it’s cheaper than buying out all the time. Second, there’s less waste and litter. And third, it saves time on fetching and carrying.
Whether you take tea, can’t live without coffee or are partial to pop, we’ve found 10 solutions that will help you provide your own liquid refreshments throughout the working day.
Have a look through the gallery to find your perfect desktop beverage maker and let us know which one it is in the comments below. Cheers!
For the ultimate in desktop coffee convenience, this mini machine uses Senseo coffee pods, so you don’t even have to fuss with measuring out the required amount.
If tea is more your thing, then this clever 16oz teapot will let you enjoy the finest of fresh brews at your desk. You simply add loose leaves and hot water, wait for it to brew, put the pot over your mug and hit the spring-loaded valve to pour.
This dinky-looking USB-powered fridge boasts cool retro styling. It will chill one can of drink and even has a blue LED light that turns on when you open the door!
If plugging in a coffee machine at work isn’t an option for you, then consider the Aeropress. It promises to make your coffee less bitter. You simply spoon in your preferred coffee, add hot water, wait a few minutes and then press the plunger for your java hit.
Are fizzy drinks your beverage of choice? Then this retro vending fridge has you covered. It can chill and hold 10 12oz cans, ready to be dispensed at the press of a button.
With a reusable mesh filter and a coffee scoop that’s just the right size for one cup of coffee, this machine is ideal for anyone who likes fresh, ground coffee. It comes complete with an insulated mug to keep your coffee warm.
Using Wolfgang Puck coffee pods, this single cup machine will take up little space on your desk and ensure you have a piping hot supply of the good stuff just a few moments away.
This soda maker will save you money with one bottle of flavor mix making about 12 liters of soda, the equivalent of about 33 cans. It’s also kinder to the planet than getting your cans from a vending machine. Plus, it’s fun to use — just remember to put the flavor in after you add the fizz.
Finally (and we’re kind of having fun with this one), if your office is the kind of cool place that turns from workplace to social club when the clock hits six, then this portable cocktail maker could really liven things up.
Take learning out of and beyond the classroom. Children learn in a 
Processed photos will be posted in real time and collected in an archive at 
