Digital Audio Players

Today there are generally two types of digital audio players: those that use Flash RAM and those that are disk-based. The Flash RAM models generally top out at 1 GB. The disk-based models, like the iPod, can come in capacities of 40 or 60 GB or more. The main difference is, if a device is disk-based, it needs to be at least as large as a hard disk. Flash RAM-based audio players can be tiny - the size of a credit card for 50-150 songs.

The other major issue that differentiates digital audio players is the audio format used for the song files. An iPod, for instance, can play back files stores as MP3, WAV, or AIFF, although the default is the AAC format. MP3 has been the most popular for years, although AAC and another format, WMA are beginning to dominate the market. The important consideration is that you can create the necessary files on your desktop computer for transfer to the digital audio player.

One other option is a handheld computer which can serve as a digital audio player - thus allowing you access to music and much much more.

Variables to consider when purchasing a digital audio player:

• Interface - should be easy to operate
• Sound quality - check it out at high volumes
• Battery Life - get the one with a long battery life
• Storage - how many songs can it store
• File Transfer - should have a USB 2.0 or FireWire port
• Portable Speakers - consider getting portable speakers for listening to music at home. JBL On Tour have received an excellent reviews.

Online Music Stores

• Apple iTunes
• All of MP3
• Napster 2.0

Devices Update

iSun Solar Charger

The iSun is a personal solar panel that can supply power to any small electronic device (handheld computers, portable audio players, cell phones). All you need to do is position the iSun toward the sun and then plug in your portable device. It is a great accessory when you run out of juice far away from the nearest power outlet.

Tips/Tutorials

PowerPoint

Turning PowerPoint files into HTML documents is really nothing more than a " Save As" procedure. PowerPoint packages all of the pieces and generates the coding needed to turn your presentation into something Web browsers can understand and Web users can navigate with clickable links to slide titles, buttons for flipping through slides, and the option to view slides in a full-screen mode. You can fine tune your "new" web pages by clicking on Web Options for more decision-making options.

Web Pages for February

Teacher Resources (including grants):

http://www.topteachingresources.com/

NASPE Resources:

http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/

Spring 2004 Online Courses
February 15, 2005 - May 15, 2005

• Fitness Software
• Record Book Technology
• Web Design and Activities
• Instructional Software
• Technology Devices
• Electronic Portfolios
• Spreadsheets

Each course is $100 plus an additional $50 for college credit if needed. Click on each course for more information.

Questions and Answers

Q: What are the pros and cons of plasma screens?

A: Plasma screens are large, but ultra-slim. The least expensive plasmas are usually not HDTV.
Pros: Bright pictures with excellent viewing angles. Better contrast than LCD TVs, though not usually as good as CRT
Cons: Can suffer from burn-in when a static image is left on for extended periods though most new plasmas include features to minimize this risk.

Q: What do I need to receive high-definition programming?

A: You need an HDTV-ready television and an HDTV set-top box tuner) or an integrated HDTV that includes a built-in tuner that may receive off-air, cable or satellite signals, or some combination of the three. Many new HDTVs are Digital Cable Ready to receive HDTV via cable out of the box. Remember HDTV is a subset of digital TV. that means that all HDTV is digital, but not all digital TV is HDTV. The digital part refers to the way the television signal is transmitted from the broadcaster.

Future Devices

Mobile Floors

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba and the Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute in Japan have developed an interface that lets user negotiate virtual spaces physically. Four square tiles, about 70 centimeters on a side, zip around on motorized wheels to form a moving platform under a person's feet; the user can step in any direction but remain in the middle of the room. Ultrasound and optical sensors on the floor let the system predict where the user is about step. The tiles communicate with a computer that synchronizes the person's movements with a virtual scene on a head-mounted display.

Funding Sources

Box Tops for Education

Thousands of schools nationwide are a "billion times better" thanks to Box Tops for Education fundraising program. Since its inception in 1996, more than 80,000 schools have collectively redeemed more than one billion Box Tops coupons, earning a total of $100 million to use for everything from computers or playground equipment to textbooks and art supplies. Go to http://www.boxtops4education.com for more information.

A Program Announcement for Research on the Economics of Diet, Activity, and Energy Balance (NIH)
Go to: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-05-009.html

Obesity has become a major focus of public health efforts at the national, state, and local levels. The major focus of the Program Announcement (PA) is to solicit projects that enhance the state-of-the-science on the causes of obesity and to inform federal decision making on effective public health interventions for reducing the rate of obesity in the United States. Research strategies that nest economic analysis within a broader interdisciplinary context of other social and behavioral sciences as well as the epidemiological, bio-statistical, medical, and biological disciplines relevant to public health policy are especially encouraged.

Funding Sources

Bonnie's Fitware Inc Grant Program

Software Choices:

1. Health Related Fitness
2. Volleyball Complete
3. Sim Athlete
4. Biomechanics Made Easy
5. Muscle Flash
6. Elementary Physical Education Dictionary

The application is simple (no more than two pages): Name of person submitting the proposal and email address; Name of school, address, phone number; Name of software (one title per proposal) and platform (Windows or Macintosh); Description of how (specifically) you will use the software; Description of how (specifically) you will determine if the software makes a difference in student learning.