tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69204218763229524502024-03-21T10:40:25.995-07:00Life & Times of Ron AbateRon Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-26307227006316450232023-12-06T08:47:00.000-08:002023-12-06T08:47:36.647-08:00 Some Recommendations for Electric Vehicle (EV) Deployment<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">A major concern of EVs is lack of charging stations, time required to recharge batteries, and range anxiety. Easily replaceable battery packs can help reduce these concerns. Rather than wait to recharge the battery, an already charged one can replace the spent battery. Such a system would require that all car manufacturers provide a standardized battery replacement system built into each vehicle.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">All charging locations and gas stations should transition to replaceable battery sites. These locations should be equipped to recharged spent batteries once collected.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">There is a concern about fires in EVs. One way to remedy this fear is to provide EVs with a built-in foam fire extinguisher located under the hood that becomes activated when a fire is detected.</span></p><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">When an extended power outage occurs due to weather, people should be encouraged to work from home where possible. All homes should have a back-up power source to keep computers and cell phones operational.</span></p>Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-65742148648744958702023-09-28T14:48:00.000-07:002023-09-28T14:48:00.649-07:00F-35 Jet Crash Has Worrisome ImplicationsThis accident remains under investigation and all details have not been released as of Sept. 26, 2023. One of the mysteries relates to why the pilot ejected and left the plane on autopilot. Apparently, he was unable to set the direction of flight over the Atlantic ocean and thereby reduce the potential crash site away from populated areas. It eventually crashed in an unpopulated rural section of South Carolina. <div><br /></div><div>A number of possible causes should be investigated: (1) system design failure resulting in a loss of control of the navigation system, (2) weather related incidents like lightning striking the jet, (3) a malicious laser striking the jet, and (4) a rouge signal designed to hack the jet's avionics. The latter two possible causes are especially concerning as any plane can be taken down, including passenger jets. The government should give this investigation its highest priority</div>Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-12876308953781725372023-08-04T12:52:00.000-07:002023-08-04T12:52:47.862-07:00The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics on Medicine In my blog entry of Sept. 11, 2012 (Some Predictions on the Impact of Technology
on Society) I mention that medicine could utilize technology in many areas of
practice. In another entry of Oct. 24, 2017, I recommended that every
individual's medical record be stored in the cloud (Internet) where it can be
accessed from anywhere at any time. In this entry I will discuss the potential
benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics on the diagnosis and
treatment of illnesses and injuries. AI can also improve the delivery of medical services while reducing cost. <i><b>Telemedicine</b>:</i> Whenever a person feels ill or is injured a call would be made to a central notification agency. Once the patient's social security number is provided, the following sequence of events transpires: The caller is greeted by a chatbot (a computer program in the form of a virtual correspondent that can vocally engage in conversation with the caller). Connected to a program on the Internet, the chatbot would immediately determine the seriousness of the ailment based on the information provided. It will then request an ambulance if it is determined to be an emergency, or request the person be driven to the hospital for further diagnosis and treatment, or the chatbot can provide advice on home treatment if there is no need for immediate attention. The chatbot can even request medication if needed. [Note: The use of chatbots has a number of advantages over a human point of contact: (1) waiting is eliminated as response time is immediate; (2) determination of the nature of the case is quickly assessed as the chatbot is programmed to diagnose the problem based on the information provided by the caller; (3) medical records are automatically retrieved and updated, which can aid with the diagnosis and personalize the treatment based on the person's history; (4) The need for a doctor or nurse is minimized, freeing them to devote more time to patient care, and (5) costs are reduced as chatbots work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without compensation.] <b><i>Telepsychotherapy</i></b>: Another use of chatbots is in the support
it can provide to individuals with mental health or addiction problems.
Conversing with a chatbot is. thanks to AI. very human sounding. The chatbot can
determine if a caller is suicidal and request home intervention. The chatbot
can deliver online psychotherapy at any time or place. Patients may be more
willing to communicate with a non-judgemental robot than to a live individual. Finally, the cost of delivering this service is minimal compared to the cost of an hour's worth of counseling with a psychiatrist or a psychologist. <b><i>Medical records</i></b>: Every individual's medical history from birth onward can be stored on the internet. These records can be retrieved at any time from any place. These are password protected using the individual's social security number. Everyone should be reminded to always keep their number in their purse or wallet. Quick retrieval of this information can facilitate diagnosis and treatment. <b><i>Diagnostics</i></b>: Another area where AI can be applied is in improving the cost, speed, and accuracy of diagnosis. Blood analysis can be automated, heart function and other measures can be accessed, and x-rays can be read automatially and immediately. A diagnosis can be completed as soon as all inputs are entered. <b><i>Surgery</i></b>: Computers connected to various medical devices can be programmed to perform surgical procedures accurately. Treatment will be facilitated and cost reduced. <b><i>Patient monitoring</i></b>: The use of various sensors can monitor a patient's condition. Medical staff can be summoned if their condition requires attention. <b><i>Dispensing medication</i></b>: Robots can be programmed to provide patients with medication in a timely manner. <b><i>Research</i></b>: As a large pool of patient information is accumulated, AI can detect relationships between human practices and the occurrance of diseases. Also, AI can associate the effects of various chemical compounds and/or medical procedures on various disease processes, and recommend these as possible treatments.
Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-15686195746043271142023-02-18T11:13:00.000-08:002023-02-18T11:13:21.266-08:00The Work at Home Trend Can Have Far-Reaching Effects.The recent COVID pandemic resulted in a work at home requirement for many employees. Once the pandemic abated, many workers continued to work at home. This trend has many implications both positive and negative. <b>Positive changes include:</b>
(1) A reduction in the expense of operating and maintaining office buildings.
(2) The need for office buildings could potentially be eliminated or reduced to a much smaller structure. Cost savings can be appreciable.
(3) Meetings could be held online.
(4) The time lost to commuting can provide workers with more time to devote to online work.
(5) Employees could realize more income by reducing the cost of commuting and car maintenance.
(6) A reduction in pollution as vehicles are used less.
(7) A reduction in the price of gasoline as transportation to work places declines.
(8) Abandoned or reduced use of office building space can be converted to much needed living spaces.
<b>Working at home could have some negative ramifications including:</b>
(1) A loss of property value as office buildings decline in need.
(2) A decrease in the construction of new office buildings.
(3) An increase in abandoned buildings where alternate uses are not found.
(4) Loss of tax revenue when cities are faced with abandoned buildings.
(5) Loss of revenue by retail establishments like restaurants and shopping centers as office workers no longer commute to cities.
(6) Loss of jobs by those needed to operate office buildings and retail establishments.
(7) A decline in mass transit (buses and trains.)
Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-11221231819721852662023-02-10T09:25:00.000-08:002023-02-10T09:25:00.135-08:00Laptop usage can automatically improve a student's vocabulary and grammarAs school districts transition to one laptop computer per student the need for dictionaries should decline. This assumes that all reading and writing takes place on a laptop. In the recent past, a student had to stop reading and resort to a dictionary when confronted with a word that was unfamiliar. Today's computers can contain a built-in dictionary. When the student clicks on an unfamiliar word, the definition appears automatically. Another advantage would be laptops that flag and correct grammatical and spelling errors as a student writes. Repeated corrections should ultimately help the student learn correct grammar and spelling.
Schools should see to it that all their computers have programs that provide word definitions and spelling/grammar checkers. These programs can help improve a student's reading and writing.
Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-21115746192722624142022-09-29T09:55:00.001-07:002022-09-29T09:55:43.103-07:00A Look at Natural Sources of EnergyWherever there is motion in nature there exists a source of renewable energy. Air (wind), water (rivers, oceans), and light (sun rays) are all souces of energy. Harnessing this energy, while free and abundant, requires expensive infrastructure such as turbines, solar arrays, and dams. Additionally, dynamos are needed to convert these energy sources into electricity. These devices create electricity by rotating magnets (rotors) through a strong magnetic field. The rotors are moved by any of the energy sources cited above. The electricity is then routed through wires to wherever it is needed.
Wind and water are probably the most efficient sources of energy. Turbines capture the energy of: wind or streams from dams. Either of these can move the rotors that generate electricity. Ocean energy in the form of tides and waves is especially abundant, but used the least. More research is needed on how to capture wave energy. Another little used abundant energy source is geothermal, the internal heat source within the earth.
Non-renewable enegy sources are contributing to global warming. Some may argue that implementing renwable energy is too expensive, but the dangerous impact of using combustables like coal and oil on climate change far exceedes this cost. Now is the best time to fund research on how to effiiently implement renewable energy sources before it is too late.Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-1285241317105190712022-08-30T08:57:00.000-07:002022-08-30T08:57:25.939-07:00What Motivated the Killing of Children at Sandy Hook?The killer responsible for the Sandy Hook massacre was a former student. He was removed from this school and placed on homebound instruction due to his aberrant behavior. At the age of 20 he returned to this school and murdered many students and staff. I believe that if the school took action to help this student rather than expel him the outcome would have been far different. Apparently, Sandy Hook had no onsite mental health services to treat this troubled child. While counseling services have traditionally been offered at most Middle and High School levels, nothing was provded in most elementary schools at the time.
Most elementary school children do not respond well to talk therapy as is common in counseling programs in middle and high schools. Play therapy is preferred as this is how young children readily express their feelings. This treatment can be provided individually or in small groups of students. The goal is to help acting out children to express their anger in socially acceptable ways. Withdrwn children are encouraged to express their feelings in an environment they percieved as safe and accepting.
Play therapy counselers require special training. They must be tolerant of noise and play activity of young children. Behavior limits are imposed only when a child's safety is at risk. Counseling services should be provided to parents as well. Finally, schools must be supportive of a play therapy program. This means providing a special room along with various play items that appeal to young children.Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-2271985676866602412022-05-31T08:34:00.000-07:002022-05-31T08:34:13.569-07:00Elementary Schools Need More Guidance ProgramsGuidance programs are common in most middle and high schools. Many districts, except the well endowed, have no services at the elementary level. This is unfortunate as emotional problems often begin in children below the age of 11. Programs aimed at thwarting emotional problems from progressing work best when services are started as early as pre-school or kindergarten.
Guidance services for elementary school children will require counselors skilled in play therapy as play is how young children best express their feelings. Play therapy can be provided individually or for groups of two or more chilren. Unfortunately, college training programs for these counselors has been sparse or non-existant, eventough play therapy requires more complicated preparation than that of "talk" counseling. Too often, emotionally disturbed elementary school children have been placed in homebound programs. This seemingly solves the problem for the school, but adds to the social isolation of the child and and increases their turmrmoi.
Note: Mr Abate, now retired, worked for many years as a school psychologist administering play therapy to K-5 children and counseling their parents.Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-21539571950872289522021-10-02T08:20:00.000-07:002021-10-02T08:20:01.306-07:00Autonomous Trucking AdvantagesFedEx is expected to test the use of autonomous trucks to make supply deliveries. Initially, a human will be included to monitor performance. If successful, a number of advantages will be realized:
(1) Trucks can operate 24/7, stopping only for refueling, scheduled maintenance, traffic delays, and emergency repairs.
(2) Cost reduction as human drivers will no longer be required.
(3) More timely delivery as trucks can operate continuously.
(4) Accident reduction as trucks will be programmed to follow all traffic regulations and safety practices. Also, the risk of accidents due to fatigued drivers is eliminated.
The only disadvantage is the elimination of truck drivers as a source of employment.Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-87931392387357705902021-05-12T08:24:00.000-07:002021-05-12T08:24:25.557-07:00Battery Back-up for HomesDuring storm produced blackouts some homes have backup gasoline powered generators. These contribute to air polution, are noisy, and need more maintenance. A better, more convenient solution would be battery back-up. The batteries would remain charged at all times by the house's electric grid. We have batteries that can power an electric vehicle for over 300 miles. Newer batteries are said to last substantially longer. Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-55644413102466584732021-04-25T11:20:00.000-07:002021-04-25T11:20:39.528-07:00Auto Manufacturers Can Do More to Thwart Car TheftsCar thefts seem to be increasing throughout the USA. Automakers have the hitech means to deter this activity. Intermittant horn blowing present in some cars today is one deterent, but cutting the connection will disrupt this feature. I would propose the following be built into all new autos at the factory:
(1) A system that can be activated remotely via wi-fi that will prevent the car from exceeding a speed of 15 miles per hour. This will encourage the thieves to abandon the car.
(2) Activate intermittant horn blowing <i>after</i> the car is driven a mile or less by the thief. This activity will signal that the car is stolen. This feature can be hard-wired into all new cars or it may be activated via wi-fi.
(3) Include a tracking system that activates automatically whenever the vehicle is stolen. Such a system will continuously reveal the location of the vehicle.
These features should be designed to be thwart proof. Once thieves become aware of these deterents their desire to steal vehicles will decline. Auto insurers should provide reduced premiums for all autos that have these features.Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-55474674570920065302021-03-01T04:47:00.030-08:002021-04-08T10:34:09.158-07:00The Arrival of Autonomous Vehicles (AKA Self-Driving Cars or Driverless Cars); A Quirk or Transformational Event?<p>Autonomous vehicles (self-driving cars or AVs) powered by batteries have become an interesting and intriguing topic in the literature recently. People will probably view these cars with a degree of fear; can they be safe and reliable? Surprisingly, the technology to monitor and react to changing road conditions is available and continues to improve. Some companies have produced working prototypes of these vehicles. Truck manufacturers have been especially interested in these modes of transportation as they can run 24/7 without a driver; the economics are staggering. </p><p>Assuming technical issues are resolved, the wholesale adoption of AVs can have positive outcomes. (<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Independent, serif;">QuantumScape claims to have resolved limitations with its lithium metal battery that provides fast charging that can last for 450 miles.)</span><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Independent, serif; font-size: 18px;"> </span>These vehicles would be expected to follow all road regulations like speed limits and rights of way. A large reduction in accidents could result. The cost of insurance should recede. Maintenance costs should decline dramatically as AVs have fewer moving parts and do not require oil changes. The need for a driving license may become unnecessary. Stoplights would no longer be needed as all vehicles would be aware of each other's location and any road obstacles, including pedestrians, and adjust speed and maneuver accordingly. Also, adjustments would be made according to changing weather conditions. Passing other vehicles would not be allowed except where obstacles are blocking the road. Traffic flow would become optimized automatically. Traffic tie-ups would be minimized. The problem of "driving under the influence" would be negated. Of course, all of these positives assume that the driver remains absent from the control of his vehicle. A common theme would be "sit back and let your car do the driving." Another advantage would be a large reduction in polluting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as all AVs are ultimately expected to be battery-powered.</p><p>Some authorities even foresee an era of Shared Autonomous Vehicles (SAVs) where everyone has access to transportation. Car ownership is no longer required. The need for taxis would be eliminated. Simply hale an empty AV or arrange for one to pick you up at your current location. Payment would be provided by one's credit card. Voice input would provide the trip destination desired. Rides can be private or shared with others. Autonomous buses would be available for group transportation. Autonomous trucks will proliferate. Some individuals may still prefer ownership with the option to share their vehicle for a price charged to those seeking a ride. SAVs have the potential to reduce traffic as they will only operate for specified trips. For example, one SAV could make several trips for say ten different passengers over a given day. Otherwise, these same 10 people would place up to TEN autos on the road if SAVs were not available. The need for public parking lots and garages will decline.</p><p>The adoption of AVs would have to overcome a number of negatives to be successful. First, it may take some time for people to have confidence in their safety and reliability. Secondly, many drivers may be reluctant to give up control of their car as they take a certain amount of pride in driving their vehicle or prefer to drive it differently than that prescribed autonomously. Another concern is the recharging of batteries; can this be done automatically at a remote charging station when needed? A system must be in place to thwart theft of SAVs like remote disabling of the vehicle. Finally, the transition to AVs may be complicated when both AVs and driver-controlled vehicles share the road. For example, some drivers may become annoyed when it is following an SAV driving at or below the speed limit. </p><p>Transitioning to AVs is conjectural at present as it represents a profound change in our mode of transportation similar to the transition from the horse and buggy to motorized vehicles. But if AVs do dominate the transportation industry, they will have a major impact on all levels of our society. What is your opinion? Your comments are welcome.</p><div><br /></div>Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-65424285349993090382021-02-04T10:15:00.001-08:002021-02-06T07:14:18.544-08:00Electric Vehicles, Future Implications<p>The arrival of electric vehicles (EV) will have a profound effect on global society. EVs will reduce the progression of climate change as carbon-based emissions will decline greatly. Gasoline will no longer be needed. A number of oil-producing countries will lose a significant source of income. Many petroleum-based corporations will either disappear or must seek alternate sources of revenue. Many jobs will be lost as the industry fades. Two trends will facilitate the acceptance of EVs: (1) an increase in the range of travel per battery charge and (2) a reduction in the time to complete a charge. Recent improvements in battery technology (range and charge time) will make EVs more acceptable. Charging times are expected to be reduced to 10 minutes or shorter for a "fill." </p><p>The number of gas stations will decline as they are replaced by electric charging stations. Charging locations in addition to home charging may become ubiquitous on highways, in parking lots and garages, and in other off-street locations; a trend that has already started. While some gas stations will transition into charging stations, many will become obsolete. Their removal or conversion to other uses may be problematic as aging underground gasoline storage tanks must be eliminated in order to prevent soil contamination from leaking gasoline.</p><p>Another problem is what to do with all the obsolete internal combustion autos as the population transitions to EVs. Hopefully, a program of recycling will get underway. Discarded combustion engines should be melted down with the steel used in the construction of other hardware. Junkyards will become less common as the need for used internal combustion car parts is reduced by the arrival of EVs. Also, EVs will have a longer life as they have fewer moving parts to wear out. It would not be surprising to see an EV car's body wear out before its engines.</p><p>The transition to EVs has already begun. Tesla and General Motors are eminent examples. GM is expected to go all EVs in 14 years. Hopefully, the manufacture of EVs will be less costly than that of more complicated internal combustion vehicles resulting in lower prices which will facilitate the transition.</p>Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-9029519105472250352020-12-15T12:45:00.004-08:002021-01-01T10:37:00.214-08:00Advantages, Disadvantages, and the Future of Online Learning<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The arrival of the Corona Virus required schools to take measures to reduce its possible spread in the classroom. Some schools closed down and utilized online learning (aka distance learning) as a substitute for in-class learning. Other districts used a combination of in-class and online learning (hybrid model).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Online learning presented a difficult challenge to K-12 schools. Many districts were ill-prepared for the transition. Students had to be given laptops and provided with an internet connection if their homes did not have one. Also, teachers had to be trained to teach online. All these preparations had to be provided on short notice with mixed success. Further complicating the transition were students who failed to participate because they lacked familiarity with the program or they opted to ignore their responsibilities.</span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-2771e27a-7fff-09c3-104d-8c5699f79391"></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-60509bf6-7fff-eb08-65f8-8dd3eb9aa811"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Online learning was preceded by correspondence courses where the U.S. mail provided the link between teacher and student. The problem with these courses was the slow pace of the instruction. Educators should not be too quick to downplay the possible benefits of speedier internet-based online instruction. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The following are potential advantages: </span></span></p><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px; text-align: left;"><li><span id="docs-internal-guid-dd22ee0b-7fff-1078-c8fa-0976f26131f3"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Online instruction provides an alternative means of teaching when circumstances force the closing of schools. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> </span></li><li aria-level="1" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Instruction can be provided by teachers from any location at any time. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Teachers can prepare learning modules in advance, save them in the cloud, </span></p></li></ol><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>and use them as</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"><span> </span>needed, (asynchronous instruction.) </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"><span> </span><span> 4.</span>Teachers can provide instruction to an entire class in real-time, (synchronous</span><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>instruction.) </span><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"><span> </span><span> 5. </span>Learning modules can be accessed by students at any time from any location</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>and learn </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">independently of an instructor.</span><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"><span> </span><span> 6. </span>Students can have the option of advancing in the curriculum at their own pace.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>They may welcome the flexibility provided by asynchronous instruction. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"><span> </span><span> 7. </span>There exists the possibility of lowering the district cost of education when the</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> number of students working online reduces the need for educational facilities. </span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">Online learning has disadvantages:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-53ec789f-7fff-81cb-6ad2-00e3464c9362"><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A parent must be home to supervise their children - a particular problem where</span></p></li></ol><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>both parents are required to be at their place of employment. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span> </span><span> 2. </span>The normal routines of parents can be severely interrupted, especially </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">those with more than one child.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span> </span><span> 3. </span>Some students must be monitored to assure they participate in online </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">instruction.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span> </span><span> 4. </span>Scheduling of synchronous lessons can be problematic for the teacher,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>student, or both.</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span> </span><span> 5. </span>Each child will need a workspace free of distraction.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4855413d-7fff-d0b7-dfeb-bc7218f4521a"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Online learning is expected to decline after the pandemic has abated. It may be reinstituted as needed under the following conditions:</span></p><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When schools must be closed, such as inclement weather conditions.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Homebound instruction for students with health conditions and those under suspension.</span></p></li></ol><ol start="3" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As an option for students seeking to accelerate their learning via asynchronous online modules. Some may even graduate early. Ideally, these students will attend school part-time for certain minor subjects/activities like gym, music, and clubs.</span></p></li></ol><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The success of online instruction should not be judged by its performance during the pandemic. Failure may have been due to its rapid implementation. Another issue is student motivation. Those eager to achieve will probably succeed regardless of the mode of instructional delivery.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Note: Some students improved their achievement while learning online,(https://hechingerreport.org/remote-learning-has-been-a-disaster-for-many-students-but-some-kids-have-thrived/?)</span></p><br /></span></div>Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-72822492761915776832020-12-06T16:22:00.000-08:002020-12-06T16:22:24.029-08:00The Danger in Over Reliance on Technology<p> Technology has grown increasingly complex over time, a trend that will continue well into the future. Concurrently, our world has become increasingly dependant on technology to make decisions in many areas of our lives like transportation, finance, productivity, and even medicine. There are even programs that are capable of self-modification free from any human intervention. As humans, we often blindly accept decisions provided by these computer programs. A danger exists that if something goes wrong with the technology like the results of hacking or malware, we may be ill-prepared to fix it. In some situations this can be catastrophic As a society, we must make certain that we are well prepared to meet these challenges. While technology like artificial intelligence can go a long way to make our world operate efficiently, we must be prepared to step in and make corrections when needed or at least have backup systems. This will require intelligent competent individuals with a thorough understanding of technology.</p>Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-12599290298676981072020-11-18T09:57:00.000-08:002020-11-18T09:57:16.274-08:00Electric Cars Will Require Energy Backup<p>There is little doubt that cars with internal combustion engines will eventually be replaced by electric vehicles in the near future, a trend that is already underway. The advantages are too numerous to ignore. One area that must be addressed is the need for a backup source of electrical energy when the supply is interrupted, often by storms. A simple solution is a home backup generator, unfortunately, these require a non-renewable source of energy, usually gasoline. A more environmentally friendly backup source could be batteries which have undergone improvements over the years. These can be charged by renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Another scenario is the conversion of gasoline stations into electricity distribution centers. Hopefully, the future will bring more efficient systems for the storage and rapid dispensing of stored electricity.</p>Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-85508165687961381752020-08-31T11:56:00.000-07:002020-08-31T11:56:06.901-07:00Most Educators Were Not Prepared for Online instruction When the Pandemic Arrived<p>In my blog entry of 4/19/18, "<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Possible Solution for Making-up Missed School Days" </span>I</span> made a plea for providing all students with a laptop for use at school and at home. One use of this arrangement would be the provision of online instruction when normal school is canceled by inclement weather or other interruptions. Who knew back then that a pandemic would arise and most public schools in the U.S would be forced to close? Unfortunately, few districts sought to implement this plan. Now, many are hurriedly seeking to provide all students with a laptop and a home internet connection; all while trying to train teachers in the implementation of the program. Many educators were ill-prepared for online instruction. The blame for this quandary rests with the school administrators who failed to recognize the vital need to utilize computers for training staff and ultimately to provide students with a vital tool for research and learning.</p>Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-73688000301834707142020-08-13T09:35:00.000-07:002020-08-13T09:35:47.157-07:00Report Cards Should be Replaced with Moving Averages.<p>Traditionally, report cards have been issued two to four times per year in K-12 schools. Would it not be better if students (and parents) could be made aware of their average at <i>any</i> time? The solution can be provided using a statistical procedure called the moving average. Transition to this marking procedure can be facilitated via the use of computer technology. The result would be a student being made aware of his progress at any time or place. The grade received on a recent test or a project would automatically adjust his average for the course as soon as it is entered into the system. Another benefit is that teachers would no longer have to calculate final grades as the computer would accomplish this task automatically and immediately. Teachers could still make grade adjustments by entering a subjective value, like a mark for effort or good behavior. Parents may be kept informed of their child's progress if their email address is entered into the system.</p><p>Certain preconditions are required to make the system work: (1) provide each teacher with a computer that contains the system. (2) each teacher must determine the number of measures used to assess student progress (quizzes, exams, reports, projects, etc.), (3) each teacher must determine the weight assigned to each measure; for example, the final exam may count for a weight of 25% of the final grade, a term paper would count 10%, etc.. The total of the weights must equal 100%. The only responsibility teachers would have is to enter marks for each measure into their computer. This would be much less effort than having to determine averages using a calculator. Grade books may be eliminated as all measures are stored in a computer. Backup may be provided by automatic posting to a remote computer. (4) ideally, each student should be provided with a laptop that contains the system.</p><p>The formulas required would be created in a one-time effort by a statistician. Teachers would be trained in its use and provided with support as needed. The formula should be made available to teachers as well as students. For example, a student may have a grade of 88% in an English class before taking the final exam. He or she could enter possible marks into their computer in order to determine what would be needed to make their final grade reach a 90.</p>Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-76184935436692834452020-06-29T07:41:00.003-07:002020-10-08T08:52:51.704-07:00Moving Community Colleges Online Can Reduce Costs for Students and the State<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">Connecticut has 12 community colleges. Recently, there has been discussion about </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">consolidating them</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> into one administrative unit. Assumedly, one of the motivations</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">for this is a reduction in cost. </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">Unfortunately, the State has missed a major avenue of </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">cost reduction: the conversion of community </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">colleges to online institutions. Many </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">accredited colleges throughout the U.S. provide online options, </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">some are fully online. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">Required are (1) giving every student a laptop computer if they do not currently </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">own one, (2) the provision of a home internet connection where one is not available, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">and (3) the training </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">of faculty in the development and delivery of online courses. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Online courses can be delivered in real-time (synchronously) where instruction is provided </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">by a </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">professor at a specified time to all students in a class or asynchronously where </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">students</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">individually </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">can access course content at any time that is most convenient to them. </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">The latter </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">does not require </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">the full participation of an instructor as course content is developed </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">in advance, saved on the internet, </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">and made accessible to students from anywhere at any </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">time. However, instructors will still be needed </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">to grade assignments, provide for testing, and </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">assist needy students.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">The potential savings of transitioning to an online model are substantial due to: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(1) the closing </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">of some </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">campus buildings, and (2) a reduction in staff, especially </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">those involved in building </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">maintenance and the </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">provision of food services. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">There are many advantages for students and faculty when classes are moved online:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">* Learning modules can be developed by faculty in advance and saved permanently on the</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> Internet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">* These learning modules can be accessed asynchronously by students at any time from </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> any </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">location.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">* The need for students and faculty to travel to and from college is minimized as most </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> learning is </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">completed at home (or from anywhere with an internet connection.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">* Students can take courses that accommodate their schedules. Part-time students </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> who have jobs </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">can more easily continue working when course modules are </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> provided </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">online asynchronously.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">* Students can enroll in colleges that are too distant for traveling from their homes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">* All course materials can be made available to all students when posted online.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">* Completed assignments can be delivered to professors via the internet. The use of </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> paper is </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">eliminated, Graded work can be transmitted back to students via the internet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">* Faculty can have more time for research and writing periodicals, especially when </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> learning</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> modules </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">are provided to students asynchronously.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">* Faculty will have more time to communicate with their students at any time. Office </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> hours</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> are</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> eliminated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">* The need for expensive textbooks can be minimized when free, curated internet resources </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> are </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">utilized.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">* Class size is no longer limited by classroom capacity when students are instructed online.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">* Lab exercises can be provided online when virtual reality is incorporated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">* Some activities like graduation, social gatherings, class projects, and some labs can </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> continue on campus.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">Colleges can be totally online or a combination of online and on-campus instruction. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">Closed </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">buildings </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">can </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">be leased to businesses or used as hotels or apartment units adding </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">a source </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">of income for the State. </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">Alternatively, vacated dormitories can be used to house </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">the homeless.</span><br />
<div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">The economies and convenience realized from an online learning model are too </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">enormous </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">to i</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">gnore: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">(1) Savings can be passed to students by reducing the cost of tuition as college operating</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">expenses </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">decline. (2) The State can save money as the cost of operating </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">online community colleges decline.</span></div>
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Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-26671026164298168332020-05-19T07:44:00.005-07:002021-03-16T12:27:21.146-07:00Movement to a Universal Basic Income ProgressesIn my Blog of 9/11/2012, "Some Predictions on the Impact of Technology on Society", (<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/6920421876322952450/6003207495393219375">https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/6920421876322952450/6003207495393219375</a>)<div>I predicted that governments would seek to tax manufacturers according to the number of jobs replaced by automation. The use of robots will only accelerate since they work 24/7, are not paid, and never complain. The taxes collected will be used in part to provide a source of income for displaced workers. This income has recently been labeled, Universal Basic Income (UBI.) </div><div>Progress in the direction of UBI is described in a recent article (Click below), </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://singularityhub.com/2020/05/18/here-are-the-results-of-the-biggest-universal-basic-income-trial-yet/">https://singularityhub.com/2020/05/18/here-are-the-results-of-the-biggest-universal-basic-income-trial-yet/</a></div><div><div><br /></div><div>https://www.newyorker.com/business/currency/joe-bidens-stimulus-plan-contains-an-experiment-in-universal-basic-income?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=spotlight-nl&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_mailing=thematic_spotlight_031621_2&utm_medium=email&bxid=5cc9e24b2ddf9c1a7adf20e6&cndid=54733085&hasha=c29e0217d06ca54c67ee3c85ebf33aa3&hashb=ea6e81b3a9bb8285f8092d805543de40adcd1da0&hashc=7be763b63396dea1b37d988aba72bc42bb179ee5efab3b98a0ed35fde5ac1350&esrc=Thematic%20Business&sourcecode=thematic_spotlight&utm_term=Thematic_Spotlight</div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div>Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-69401541997908296162020-03-31T11:46:00.000-07:002020-04-05T12:01:47.577-07:00Many Connecticut School Districts are Struggling to Implement Distance LearningWith the advent of the Coronavirus, many school districts are seeking to initiate distant learning (DL) by providing a laptop for each student. They are also seeking to verify that an internet connection is available in their home. Schools must install one where one is not available. Finally, teachers must be trained in the delivery of lessons in real-time over the internet. The problem appears to be most acute in the largest districts, like Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport.<br />
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I have a number of concerns. First, is the availability of laptops, like the popular, low cost, highly reliable Chromebook. These are being purchased by the thousands by districts throughout Connecticut and elsewhere. I suspect, there will be a shortage, at least initially. The high demand may result in price increases and delayed delivery. Another concern is teacher preparation. They are being called on to instruct using a system that is foreign to most educators. And, they are expected to implement DL within a short timeframe.<br />
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Another concern is the response of students. DL puts the responsibility of lesson participation directly on the student as oversight by an adult may be absent. Hopefully, parents will take a more active role in seeing that each child participates faithfully. Consequently, a DL transition should include a parent briefing.<br />
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A third concern is logistics. Computers must be distributed to students and staff. Some may need training in the use and care of laptops in a DL setting. Laptops must be modified to prevent students from accessing certain sites, like pornographic. The homes of all students must have an internet connection. Personnel may be needed to assure that school and home connections are operating efficiently. Also, each computer must contain applications needed to complete assignments. Fortunately, Chromebooks have these preinstalled. However, students and teachers must be familiar with the use of applications, like word processing.<br />
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Obviously, initiating DL is a challenging order for all involved, especially in districts that have been slow in the use of computers for instruction.Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-46967321560363885542020-03-28T08:30:00.005-07:002020-08-26T14:55:18.037-07:00Distance Learning in PK-12 Education, A Transformative Event<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 24pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 24pt; text-align: left;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Distance learning in PK-12 Education, A Transformative Event</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-91f5ccdc-7fff-af64-be35-34d378c4e5b5" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Ronald L. Abate</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">April 12, 2020</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">The current pandemic has resulted in public school closings throughout the </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Nation. Districts </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">have been hastily assembling distance learning (DL) programs </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">in order to provide continuity to </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">every student’s education and avoid conducting </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">school during summer vacation. Distance </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">learning has been successful at the </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">college level; some institutions are totally online. Three </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">conditions are required </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">for a PK-12 transition: (1) a laptop for every student (1:1 distribution), </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">(2) a home</span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">internet connection, and (3) teacher preparation. </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">The high cost of computers </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">has been a barrier to DL. Fortunately, the arrival of low-cost, </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">cloud-based </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">laptops, like those with the Chrome operating system, have made 1:1 </span></div>
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">distribution more common. </span><span style="color: #303030; white-space: pre;">Many homes today have an internet connection, but </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 24pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 24pt; text-align: left;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">districts must provide one for homes </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">that do not.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 24pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 24pt; text-align: left;">
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Advantages and Disadvantages of Distance Learning</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Some educators erroneously see DL as a temporary fix with many limitations, but </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">there are </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">many possible advantages. These and the disadvantages are </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">s</span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">ummarized below:</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Advantages:</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(1) Instruction (learning) modules, once prepared by teachers can be saved in </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">the cloud and </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">used repeatedly by students at any time and from any place. </span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(2) Students may rerun modules as often as needed for improved </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">comprehension.</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(3) Learning modules can be improved and refined continuously as feedback </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">is </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">provided by student progress.</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(4) Instruction delivered at a prescribed time (synchronously) for a class can be </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">provided online </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">with full-class </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">interaction between students and teachers. Teachers </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">may work </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">from home or other locations. </span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(5) Problems with disruptive student behavior that occurs during in-school </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">classes can be </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">minimized resulting in less time lost to disciplinary actions.</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(6) The cost of building maintenance can be reduced when students learn at </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">home.</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(7) Parents can be encouraged to take a more active role in their child’s education.*</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">(8) Improved communication between teachers and parents can be done online </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">individually or </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">en-masse. </span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(9) More capable students could have the option of accelerating their learning </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">by moving faster </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">through the curriculum via learning modules provided 24/7. </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">They may earn their diploma sooner.</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(10) Students who are homebound will have more time to continue their schooling </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">at their own </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">pace.</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(11) Through the use of technology, instruction can be more personalized </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">according to the </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">needs of the student.</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(12) The use of virtual and augmented reality can be used to reduce the need for </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">field trips and </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">school laboratories.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">(13) Classroom guest speakers may present online rather than in-person making</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">them more prone to participate in supplementing instruction.</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(14) The need for school buses may be reduced as schools use DL.</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(15) Student assessment may be performed more expeditiously online.</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(16) DL instruction may continue when schools close due to weather or</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">other interruptions.</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(17) Faculty meetings and in-service training may be delivered online.</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Disadvantages:</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(1) Less face-to-face contact between students and between teachers and</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">students.</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(2) Less student home supervision, especially in households where both</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">parents work.</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(3) Disruption of meal programs provided by school cafeterias.</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(4) Problems associated with subjects that require student group projects.</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(5) On-line testing needed to determine final grades or State and National</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">assessments will need monitoring.</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(6) The added cost of purchasing and maintaining laptops can be significant.</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(7) Efforts must be made to prevent students from visiting inappropriate sites.</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Some of these problems could be reduced with a “blended” schedule where</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">students receive a combination of instruction online and in their school building.</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Cost Savings Provided by Distance Learning</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Significant economies can be realized by: </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(1) reducing the need for textbooks </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">as </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">s</span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">chool </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">districts provide online learning </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">modules. Textbooks can be </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">expensive, </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">become outdated, </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">worn out, lost, or </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">abused. Further savings can </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">be gained when </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">districts share modules and </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">utilize </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">free online resources. </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">Learning modules, being </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">an online resource, will last </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">indefinitely </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">but will </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">need to be revised periodically. </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">(2) The need for school laboratories and the equipment required can be replaced by</span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">modules utilizing virtual and augmented reality.</span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">(3) A reduction in </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">staff as </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">schools transition to a blended schedule reducing </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">the number of days per week </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">t</span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">hat </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">school is in session. </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">(4) An additional reduction in staff can be realized when motivated </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">students graduate</span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">earlier as they</span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;"> progress through the curriculum at an </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">accelerated pace.</span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">(5) The closure of some school </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">buildings as districts </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">transition to an online or</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">blended </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">schedule. The transition could be gradual as teachers </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">retire. Alternatively, </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">more teachers can become available to assist needy students.</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I foresee distance learning as a transformative event that will continue long </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">after </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">the Coronavirus </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">subsides. It will probably take the form of blended </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">learning where </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">the best of both online and in </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">school learning thrive.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">*</span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Checkout Soliday's excellent article, </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">"</span><span style="color: #333333;">6 things no one tells you about teaching online."</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">(Mr. Abate, now retired, served in public education as a teacher, psychologist, and</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">district </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">computer coordinator. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Also, served as a </span><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #303030; white-space: pre;">research associate at Yale University and a computer instructor at </span></div>
<span style="color: #303030; white-space: pre;">Briarwood College.)</span><br />
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Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-33599698258868033132019-12-29T12:44:00.000-08:002019-12-29T12:44:25.953-08:00Machine Vision has the Potential to Improve Vehicular Traffic FlowOften cars must stop for a red traffic signal even when there is no traffic coming from the opposing side of the intersection. This results in time lost, aggravation, decreased gas mileage, increased air pollution due to idling cars and can even limit the life of most cars. Technology can be applied to improve traffic flow if signals can interactively respond to changes in traffic flow through intersections. The application of machine vision can regulate the timing of signals in response to the traffic volume approaching an intersection from all directions. One way is to have cameras used to count cars and transmit data to computers that can actively adjust the timing of signals to maximally improve the flow of traffic.Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-68846539881942159042019-10-29T11:05:00.000-07:002019-10-29T11:05:14.821-07:00Cultured Meat: Economic and Environmental ImplicationsThere are many reasons for supporting a decline in human meat consumption. Included, is the need to reduce the production of greenhouse gases produced by animals, reduce water consumption, and the morally questionable killing of animals. Efforts have been underway to produce plant-based meat substitutes with mixed success. Of greater significance is the development of cultured meat. This source is derived from the use of cells extracted from animals. The specimens are treated in a lab and grown into meat that is biologically indistinguishable from the donor animal. The slaughtering of animals is completely eliminated. Similarly, the same process can be used to produce dairy products; cows not needed.<br />
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A number of ramifications are to be anticipated assuming that animals will no longer be required as a food source. The economic impact on animal farmers would be severe as their livelihood and that of employed workers would be substantially eliminated. A huge amount of land will no longer be required for grazing and the harvesting of animal feed. Then there is the problem of what to do with the millions of cows, hogs, chickens, and sheep. Ideally, the transition to animal-free food production will be gradual allowing for a natural die-off of existing herds. The slaughtering industry will be largely eliminated. Slaughterhouses will be replaced by labs. The need for butchers will decline, but the need for lab personnel will increase. There would be a need to preserve some of the animal stock in order to prevent the extinction of species. The transportation of animals will be impacted as the movement of cultured meat is far less demanding as is the transportation of livestock.Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920421876322952450.post-88533243060192990882019-09-04T09:52:00.000-07:002019-09-04T09:52:23.797-07:00Using Open Educational Resources (OER) in K-12 schoolsK-12 school districts can spend large sums of money for the purchase of textbooks. These can become outdated, can wear out, abused, and even lost by students. Also, they add significant weight to a student's backpack. An alternative is using Open Educational Resources (OER) as a replacement for textbooks. Each student would need a laptop or tablet and an internet connection to make this plan workable.<br />
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OERs have many advantages over traditional textbooks:<br />
1. Are free of cost.<br />
2. Are immediately available for downloading onto student devices.<br />
3. Can be edited and updated to meet the needs of each class.<br />
4. Can be shared with other classes, schools, or districts.<br />
5. Being stored in the cloud, are always available to students 24/7, from any location.<br />
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Faculty would have to screen OER resources before adoption to make certain curriculum goals are supported.Ron Abatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355827823721326428noreply@blogger.com0