How To Choose Your Motorcycle GPS System

A GPS system for your motorcycle can turn your journeys, into adventures. Opening up a whole new experience, you can find amazing places to explore by planning your trips at home, and downloading your routes to your GPS device. New landscapes, destinations, and road trips await; with the security and confidence of never getting lost again.

A GPS system for your motorcycle can also help to make your journeys as comfortable, and stress-free as possible. If you fancy a break, or you're running out of petrol, your GPS can help. More importantly, your GPS unit can guide you back to safety when you get lost, or accidentally take the wrong turning. With voice guided directions, and software brimming with points of interest (POI), such as petrol stations, restaurants, service stations, and hotels; your GPS can guarantee you a journey of uninterrupted enjoyment.

Sound like the perfect toy? Well, with GPS systems becoming mainstream, and new features and models endlessly hitting the shelves, it can be a hard task deciphering which GPS device best suits your needs.

How To Choose Your Motorcycle GPS System

To help you out, it's worth considering the following points before you go ahead and purchase your first GPS for your motorcycle.

What Type of GPS Do You Need For Your Motorcycle?

Are Its Reception Capabilities Suitable For Your Needs?

Does the Battery Life Of Your GPS Suit Your Needs?

How Resistant Is Your GPS To Vibration & Hard Ware?

Do You Want 2-Way-Communication?

How Easy Is Your GPS To Update?

How Easy Is Your GPS To Update?

What Price Is Suitable?

What Type of GPS Do You Need For Your Motorcycle?

There are 3 types of GPS units for motorbikes; portable outdoor units, GPS units designed specifically for your motorcycle/ scooter, and GPS/PDA hybrids.

If you also enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain biking, rambling, or even camping; a portable GPS that can be taken anywhere with you would be ideal. As well as navigating your off-road pursuits, versatile Sat Nav's, like the Garmin Quest 2, operate in any vehicle. As well as motorcycling, you can take it in your car, on your boat, or even on a plane with you.

GPS devices designed exclusively for motorcycles can offer you some very impressive features. Especially designed with you, the motorcyclist, in mind, units like the TomTom RIDER have tough, weather-proof casing, touch-screen options for gloves, and anti-glare screens. One of the latest features introduced by TomTom for effective communication, is a system which transmits your spoken instructions via a built-in Bluetooth audio system, using a headset that sits inside your helmet.

The final type of GPS device that may appeal to you is the PDA/GPS hybrid. Although these devices have been designed primarily with portability in mind, most come with the added bonus of having a large screen. So, like the hand-held outdoor GPS units, this type of GPS would be ideal for those of you who enjoy a range of outdoor activities. With an integrated PDA on top of this, GPS/ PDA devices, like the Mio A201 for example, can be handy for work and play. With features like Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, you will be able to catch up on work anytime, anyplace. If you prefer to listen to music on the move, play games, or store digital photos, a GPS device like this one is an ideal choice

Does the Reception Capabilities of Your Motorcycle GPS Meet Your Needs?

When selecting a GPS for your motorcycle, it is worth thinking about how accurate you want your satellite signals to be, in pinpointing your position.

A lot of GPS units available today have an accuracy of approximately 6-8 meters. However, many of the newer GPS models are designed with a WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) capability, resulting in accuracies of 3-4 meters 95% of the time. The Garmin Quest 2 for example, has a flip up external antenna equipped with a 12-channel WAAS GPS receiver; supplying position accuracy of up to 9 feet.

If you enjoy riding in dense woodlands and urban areas, it is worth noting that GPS devices incorporating the new SiRF Star III Chip Set, are units to look out for. This high performance, low power consumption chipset has superior sensitivity in high foliage surroundings. It is also worth noting that GPS units with external powered antennas are great in maintaining a signal in deep woodlands.

Does the Battery Life of Your Motorcycle GPS Suit Your Needs?

With the freedom to ride just about anywhere with a GPS; battery life is an important component to consider. Most GPS units use 2, 4, or 6 'AA' batteries, which can last up to 6 hours. GPS units with integrated rechargeable batteries are the ideal choice if you occasionally lose track of time. With GPS systems like the TomTom RIDER, you can charge your battery at home, while planning your next route, or continuously keep topped up with power, by charging your GPS directly from your bikes battery.

How Resistant Is Your Motorcycle GPS To Vibration & Hard Ware?

With the freedom to ride just about anywhere and not get lost, it is guaranteed your GPS will get a great deal of use (and reverberation). So, it is important to consider how durable your GPS is, in withstanding such conditions.

GPS devices designed exclusively for Motorcycles, like the TomTom RIDER have been designed with this in mind. Not only weather proof, its tough outer case and rugged shock proof mount has been designed to absorb any external friction.

Although most GPS devices come with a mount, it is an absolute must that you use a vibration isolated mount if your GPS will be used regularly on your motorcycle. The RAM mount by NPI, which is fast becoming the industry standard, manufacture anti-vibration ball and socket mounting systems allowing you to mount practically anything, anywhere with vibration protection and durability. This would be an ideal addition to the Garmin Quest 2 GPS if you were purchasing this portable GPS for a lot of use on your motorcycle.

Do You Want Your Motorcycle GPS To Have 2-Way Communication?

Some of the most recent GPS systems to be launched for motorcycles have taken 2-way communication to a whole new level.

If you own a GPRS Bluetooth enabled mobile phone, it is worth knowing that many Sat Nav's, like the TomTom RIDER, have incorporated a Bluetooth receiver, amongst their many features. With the ability to connect your phone via Bluetooth, and receive incoming phone calls through your GPS and Bluetooth headset, you need never have to take your gloves and helmet off to answer your phone again.

You could even use your Bluetooth enabled phones' wireless Internet, and with certain models of GPS, receive real time information on traffic conditions.

Enjoy riding in groups? It is worth knowing there are some recent hand held units that can offer built in radios that will not only allow you to communicate with other members of your group, but will also display everyone's location on your screen.

How Easy Is Your Motorcycle GPS To Update?

With Roads constantly changing, the ability to update your device easily, and at a reasonable cost, are very important factors to consider when selecting your GPS.

It is important to realize that each type of GPS will be updated in a different way, and so you need to choose which process is better for you.

Those which are attached to a PDA, like the Mio A201 for example, are usually updated via a PC, whereas dedicated in-vehicle units tend to be updated via a CD. These have to be purchased from the road map data supplier.

Some specific software vendors have solutions for preparing maps which can be downloaded to your GPS unit. Most notably, TomTom operate the TomTom PLUS service.

The Choice: Budget Considerations

In essence, your choice can be reasonably simple: Buy the most expensive GPS that you can afford, that suits your needs.

It is important, using my pointers above, to decide which features are most important to you. If you want an up-to-the-minute GPS for your motorcycle; with features like real-time, on demand traffic information, hands-free calling, turn by turn voice instructions via bluetooth headsets, alerts for speed camera locations, plus thousands of useful points of interest, GPS sytems like the TomTom RIDER start from approximately £550 inc. VAT.

If, however, you are looking for more of a toy to play with, and a GPS that will simply get you from A to B, then a hand held device could be a better choice. With a range of features, like simple voice guidance, compass mode, MP3 player, and essentially portability, GPS devices like the Mio 268 and the Garmin Quest 2 are ideal for motorcycles, and a range of outdoor activities. The Mio 268, and hand held GPS units with similar features, start from approximately £250 inc. VAT.

To browse a variety of discount GPS Sytems For Your Motorcycle, or Accessories & Software For Your Motorcycle GPS Systems, visit http://www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk.

How To Choose Your Motorcycle GPS System
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Having Trouble Deciding What Device To Use To Listen To Audio Books?

One of the great things about audio books is that there are the different media players that can be used to listen to them. This is wonderful news for those among us who like to have a choice rather than be limited to just one way to listen to audio books.

"Books on tape," cassette tape audio books or CD audio books are a good option for people who enjoy listening to their audio books while lounging on the sofa or in bed. The PC or laptop is also a good option for this kind of listening. Most likely your PC or laptop already has a media player built into the operating system. If, for some reason, your PC does not already have a media player, there are plenty of free downloads available on the Internet. Two of the highest quality and most popular free players available are Windows Media Player (which usually comes standard with the Windows operating systems) and Real One Player (www.real.com).

If sitting around listening to books doesn't interest you, there is also a great selection of portable media players available these days. A portable media player, such as an mp3 player or iPod, allows you to enjoy your audio books while you're on the go. Whether you'd like to listen to audio books while doing chores, exercising or walking your dog, portable players give you the freedom to do just that.

Having Trouble Deciding What Device To Use To Listen To Audio Books?

Previously, the most common portable players were CD and cassette players, also known as "walkmen," but as technology and industry expand, portable devices that play mp3 files are quickly becoming the new standard.

Products such as audio-ready PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) like the Casio CASSIOPEIA and Compaq iPAQ, for example, are gaining popularity among business professionals since these tools are primarily personal organizers, but they also have mp3 capabilities. These products are usually on the more costly end of the portable technology spectrum, selling between 0 and 0.

Compatible portable audio players are the more cost effective devices. These include your basic mp3 players, which can purchased for about as well as devices like Creative's NOMAD Jukebox 3 and the SONICblue's Rio 900. These devices are more sophisticated than your average, run of the mill mp3 players, and while being more expensive than standard mp3 players, they are cheaper than PDAs and have more capabilities than mp3 players. Some can even play and store video and picture files. Devices like these are in the 0 to 0 price range.

No matter where your preferences lie, if you're a walker, a jogger, commuter or a couch potato, there is a variety of audio players from which you can choose. From your basic, old fashioned radio/cassette tape player to PCs and laptops to the new ultra high tech personal digital assistants, there is no doubt you can find a media player you can use to listen to your audio books that suits both your style and your budget.

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Margret Lilin is the webmaster at AudioBookFanClub.com [http://www.audiobookfanclub.com], an online mega store that provides a wide selection of discounted audio books in various categories. The site constantly gives away surprise gifts and bonuses to subscribers and customers. To search for bargain MP3 players please visit our sister site IncomePlaza.com [http://www.incomeplaza.com]

You are welcome to reprint and republish this article to your websites, blogs, ezines, online and off-line newsletters, etc as long as you do NOT change the article in full or in part, leave all of the links active, and the resource box is intact.

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Choosing the Best Car Audio System

The basic components of a high-quality car stereo system are an AM/FM tuner, a CD player, an amplifier (optional but recommended) and great speakers.

Rule: No auto audio can equal the performance of fine home equipment. The car compartment is small, besieged with engine and traffic noises, and surrounded with competing electrical signals. And all of this in a moving environment. A welter of technical and personal choices dictate the final package.

General guidelines: Shop around. Car audio components are often discounted. Check mail-order houses and the Internet for the best buys.

Choosing the Best Car Audio System

Essential: Deal with reputable businesses and buy name brands. Make sure you can exchange or return components in case they prove incompatible or do not fit into the car. Remember each unit must be installed and may require custom mounting accessories. Keep personal tastes in mind. Rock and country music fans usually prefer stronger bass ranges. Classical music requires good mid and treble.

How to allocate your spending: 40% to 50% for tuner/tape player, 25% to 30% for amplifier, 25% to 30% for speakers (unlike home gear, for which half the recommended expenditure may go for speakers alone).

General recommendations: Components are a better deal than manufacturer-installed original sound equipment. Good manufacturer-installed gear can cost ,000, a price that will usually bring you far better sound if spent on components. Try to find a dealer that has set up a sound room to hear and compare different systems.

New-car buyer strategy: Buyers planning to purchase components should insist on a delete-option clause, eliminating the installed radio cost.

In-dash versus under-dash components. Under-dash components are easily installed.

Overriding disadvantage: A thief can slip out the under-dash gear as easily as an ashtray. Choose in-dash tuner/CD players unless you want to stow the components in the trunk each time you leave the car. (If you still prefer an under-dash system, Sony components are top-notch ones.)

Amplifiers: Most auto-sound packages benefit from amplifiers that strengthen bass and high-treble tones.

Problems: Amplifiers are bulky and often must be installed under a seat or in the trunk. Unless your tuner has a bypass circuit permitting you to plug into the preamplifier, your costly amplifier will only boost the distorted output of the built-in amplifier.

Smart buying: Look for amplifiers measuring power in watts (w) per channel in terms of distortion (THD). Goal: About five watts per channel at 1 % distortion or less. To get this, the amplifier may require 50 watts per channel because few operate at better than 10% efficiency in a car.

Bi-amplifiers: They offer separate power boosts for bass and treble ranges. Bi-amplification may be called for when separate bass and treble speakers are installed.

Speakers: Speakers must be compatible with amplifiers. Their power capacity should be slightly higher than amplifier. Example: Get 60w speakers for a 50w /ch amplifier. One way to be sure of speaker/amplifier compatibility is to purchase them as a package.

Stereo sound requires at least two speakers. Many enthusiasts choose four. Non-directional bass speakers are best placed in the factory cutouts in the rear window shelf. Next best placement: In rear doors. Treble speakers can be mounted in front door panels or under dash.

Installation: Unless you are highly skilled electronics hobbyist, have the auto-sound system professionally installed. Allow 0 to 0 for installation, and get a satisfaction guaranteed agreement.

Choosing the Best Car Audio System
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Tim is a web developer, artist, musician, insurance consultant and loves to learn and try new things. He loves spending time with his wife and family.

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Discover How to Easily Connect Your iPod Touch to a WiFi Network

Successfully connecting your Apple iPod Touch to a WiFi wireless network can be a real challenge. Many owners find the process difficult and frustrating. This is mainly due to the abundant choices available for wireless standards and security protocols that can be used for setting up and securing networks.

Why is Connecting to a WiFi Network a Challenge?

A WiFi compatible device does not guarantee it will work with every network available. Wireless connections can be set up and configured in many different ways. The key point to understand is that the WiFi settings on your device need to be compatible with the network's settings. The key standards that need to be compatible, are the communication protocol and the security protocol. There are many to choose from given that these standards have historically evolved over many years.

Discover How to Easily Connect Your iPod Touch to a WiFi Network

The iPod Touch can only connect to WiFi networks that are based on the IEEE 802.11b or IEEE 802.11g wireless standards. If security is also configured on the wireless network, the same security protocol used must also be set up on the device to enable a secure connection to be made successfully. The exception to this rule is where a WiFi network has been set up with no security and is open to all WiFi devices. These are called "Free WiFi Hot Spots" and are offered by establishments such as McDonalds as an incentive to visit their stores.

11 Simple Steps to Connect Your Apple iPod Touch to a Wireless Network

Follow these simple 11 steps to quickly and easily set up your device to connect to a WiFi network:

Turn on your iPod Touch. Press the "Home" button. Tap the "Settings" icon. Tap the "Wi-Fi" menu. Slide "Wi-Fi" to "ON". Slide "Ask to Join Networks" to "ON". Wait for the device to detect a wireless network that is in range. If it is close, you will see 3 bars of signal. If it doesn't detect it, try sliding "Wi-Fi" "OFF" and "ON" again. If the detected network has a "padlock" icon, then it is secure and you will need the password to connect. Tap the menu showing the detected network and enter the password. If a connection is made successfully, then a tick mark will appear. If not, then it means the matching security protocol was not setup on the iPod Touch for the network. If you need to change the security protocol tap "Other..." to go to "Other Network" page. Enter the name of the wireless network and select the matching security protocol used by the network. You have a choice of WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA Enterprise and WPA2 Enterprise. Enter the password for the network and then tap the blue colored "Join" button on the bottom right of the screen. If the network is successfully found and connected to, then it will appear in the list of WiFi networks with a tick. Connecting to a free WiFi network is straight forward, however connecting to a secure home or business wireless network requires some technical knowledge. You need to know which security protocol is used with the network if it is secured, the network name (or ID) and the password to connect to it. If you didn't set up the network at home or at the office, then you will need to obtain the details to log-on from the person who set it up, or seek help from the administrator of the network.

Make "Smarter" Devices that Connect Automatically

As the technical standards continue to evolve and consolidate for wireless networks, the challenge of connecting to a WiFi enabled network with portable devices will become a thing of the past when devices become "smarter". Such devices will be able to automatically detect any wireless standard and network configuration in the local vicinity and connect securely and seamlessly. Hopefully we will see these advances in the next generation of the iPod Touch!

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You can find more useful information about wireless technologies at http://www.best-wireless-router.com/ that explains the best wireless router technologies.

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The Ultimate Car Audio System - The Pioneer AVH-3200BT

With a sleek sheen this car audio system really does look the part in your brand new car. Not only that, but it literally has everything you might ever need in your car. It's a hands free kit, CD player, iPod and iPhone compatible - as well as a DVD player. It's the ultimate system that will let you keep in touch and entertained.

Keep Connected

With a parrot Bluetooth module integrated into the Pioneer AVH-3200BT, you can make those much needed phone calls wirelessly. An added bonus is that the system has high quality sound, allowing you to hear the person at the other end clearly. Not only that, but the excellent quality microphone allows you to reply to the other person just as clearly. Say adieu to phone calls with cracking or distorted sounds with this car audio system.

The Ultimate Car Audio System - The Pioneer AVH-3200BT

But the real cherry on the top with this system is the fact that you can have up to a 1000 saved names and numbers under 5 different users, which is especially useful when the whole family use it! The AVH-3200BT combines the convenience needed for a busy professional with entertainment in order to get the work-life balance a little more balanced.

Be Entertained

Enjoy practically all of your music and DVD collection on the AVH-3200BT through a variety of different mediums. It can play:

-DVD's including DVD-R/-RW discs in VR Mode,

-CD's including CD-R/-RW as well as Video CD,

-Mp3, wma, wav and AAC files from a CD, an USB or SD card,

-DivX film and JPEG files from CD's, DVD's, USB and SD card,

-iPod,

-iPhone,

-USB storage device through the front input and,

-AV source's such as Mp3 players or games consoles through the Aux-in.

The Pioneer AVH-3200BT is the elite machine for in-car entertainment as it combines every possible source of entertainment within one single unit. But what makes this device the creme de la creme is that it uses the new and funky Dual Zone technology which allows the passengers at the front to listen to music, whilst the back passengers can watch their favourite DVD. It is the ultimate entertainment package simply because it can entertain everyone in the car!

Seek Quality

With a touch screen, this device is easy to navigate through without too much trouble. Moreover, you can even personalize you background, menu and even illuminate buttons accordingly to your tastes.

The Pioneer AVH-3200BT also incorporates an 8 band equalizer, allowing you to match up the sound of your system with the sounds of your car, which in turns lessens distortion and any unwanted sounds.

The Pioneer AVH-3200BT is a high quality system that it is at the top of the in-car entertainment field. It combines everything you could ask for in an entertainment package for the busy professional, the commuter and the whole family. It is a perfect system for those who need a full on entertainment package in their car, but also need convenience.

However, it may not be suitable for everyone's needs so if you don't want the full entertainment package or to be disturbed by the phone in the car, opt for a much simpler system.

The Ultimate Car Audio System - The Pioneer AVH-3200BT
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Wireless Surround Sound Systems - Samsung HT-Z310T 5.1-Channel Home Theater Surround Sound System

The Samsung HT-Z310T 5.1-Channel home theater surround sound system is a 7-piece system with 5 compact speakers and one sub-woofer. The audio is powered by a hefty 1000 watts that is more than enough for any room and household. This audio system has all the contemporary features. It is Bluetooth enabled, wireless ready and also comes with an iPod dock. There is also a strategically located USB port where you can just plug in your thumb-drive and enjoy instant audio playback.

Setting up the Samsung HT-Z310T 5.1-Channel home theater surround sound system was relatively easy. It took me just over 15 minutes to get the whole thing hooked up. It cable connections were surprisingly easy. Unfortunately, the instructions in this manual makes things more complicated than it seems. Its better that you try to set up the system without using the manual.

The price of the Samsung HT-Z310T 5.1-Channel home theater surround sound system will have to be one of its biggest selling factors. At just a little over 0 (at the time of writing), it is just an unbeatable bargain. The audio quality on this system is also quite impressive. I play a lot of dance music so it is important that I get a strong bass. The bass on this Samsung model is just astounding! I swear I saw cracks on my walls that were never there before!

Wireless Surround Sound Systems - Samsung HT-Z310T 5.1-Channel Home Theater Surround Sound System

If you have a Samsung HDTV, you must get the Samsung HT-Z310T 5.1-Channel home theater surround sound system. All Samsung devices can share the same remote. You can control the volume of the sound system through the controls of your TV. Neat! For the price, the audio quality and features that you receive in this model will exceed your expectations. In short, this sound system provides an amazing value for your money.

Wireless Surround Sound Systems - Samsung HT-Z310T 5.1-Channel Home Theater Surround Sound System
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Using Character Sheets in Fiction Writing

Writing fiction is a bit like baking a cake. You need the right ingredients in the right amounts, or it will turn out awful. For fiction, you need the right combination of plot, action, description and character development to bring your story to life for your reader.

Character development can be one of the most important things about writing fiction. You want to create a realistic group of characters to move your plot along and to do that you need to know them. But how much do you really have to know about them before you start writing?

Well, that depends on the kind of story you are writing. The length of your tale will dictate the amount of character information you will need to make them come to life. For simplicity's sake, I've broken my character sheet down into what I use for each type of writing. Your character sheets may vary.

Using Character Sheets in Fiction Writing

Flash Fiction

Writing flash fiction is one of the hardest types of writing. You have to create a story with just the minimum of words and it has to make sense. For most flash fiction, you only need the most basic character information.

Name:

Age:

Height:

Weight:

Hair color and style:

Eye color:

Complexion and skin tone:

Character's body build:

These should be enough to create a flash fiction character.

Short Stories

Short stories have a higher word count, so the characters in those should be more developed. You have more leeway with your character's descriptions and can even give background information, which will make them more real for your readers. Use the above information and add the following:

Character back story:

Identifying marks:

Facial features:

Hand features:

Scent:

Mannerisms or gestures:

Novellas and Novels

Novellas and novels require the most detailed characters because they are as much character driven stories as plot driven. Character sheets with more detailed physical description, personality traits, and an extensive background will go a long way to making your story one that pulls a reader in and keeps them reader from beginning to end. Use all of the above plus the following:

Strongest personality traits:

Weakest personality traits:

Needs of the character:

Ambitions:

Father's name:

Age:

Physical appearance:

Mother's name:

Age:

Physical appearance:

Sibling's names and descriptions:

Favorite sayings:

Interests and hobbies:

Favorite foods:

Favorite colors:

Pets:

Education:

Religion:

Financial situation:

Future plans:

Possessions this character values most:

What drives your character:

How does your character handle conflict:

What is standing in your character's way:

What is their favorite room and why:

What vehicle do they drive:

Favorite sport(s):

What are your character's prejudices:

How does your character feel about love:

About crime:

What is their neighborhood like:

What is your character's philosophy on life:

What is your character's family life like:

You also should have a rough background and timeline for this character, from childhood through the start of the story. Break it down into 5 year spans, unless your character is fairly old, then go with 10 year spans. Finally, have a profile summary, taking everything you have for the character and write up a one or two paragraph summary. It is a good way to focus your character's information, and could be used in your story.

Book Series

When writing a series of books about the same characters, it is imperative to keep some kind of record of their traits. Do not rely on your memory when it comes to writing each book. As an avid reader of series books, it is amazing the number of times a character's eyes have been dark blue in one book and dark brown in another then gone back to blue. While most casual readers won't catch that kind of mistake, your dedicated readers will. It costs you nothing to keep a notebook with your character sheets and reference it when writing the next book in your series. It will go a long way to keep the continuity of your books intact.

A note on describing clothing. Unless clothing change is crucial to your story's plot limit your fashion descriptions. You do not need to tell every single piece of clothing your character is wearing. A basic idea of their attire is enough for most readers.

Your characters are as important to your story as your plot. Developing them will help bring your tale to life, but taking the time to plan them out prior to writing is a great way to make them real to you and your reader.

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Disadvantages of Computers in the Classroom

To start the most significant fact that should be stated is that the computer is a tool, and as with any educational tool, from books to crayons, it can be used to enhance the curriculum and promote learning, but it can also be misused and abused. In this essay, I will discuss the disadvantages of having computers in the classrooms due to the misuse and the abuse of this tool.

I found it hard to find research that had been done on this topic because not only is the research on the effectiveness of computers in the classroom scarce but the research that is there is often done by software companies and therefore may be biased. (Emmans 2001). Even though there is no clear-cut answer to the question of a computer being a friend or foe in the classroom, having an unsolvable question of good or bad brings many issues to light.

For example, the fact that much of the software designed for children is appealing to them. If nothing else, it at least holds the children's attention. Though this may seem like a positive characteristic, consider this, just because a television show holds your attention, does it necessarily educate you? The answer to this is simple, maybe some do, but certainly not all do, mostly they are just simply entertaining. This causes me to raise an eyebrow at some, not all, software. As a teacher, one must not use time-fillers, cause a child can watch television or play on a computer at home, but as a teacher, we must educate, and if there is no educational value in the software, what good is it for a teacher?

Disadvantages of Computers in the Classroom

On the defense for teachers, another reason for computers being a shortcoming is that sometimes the software is not obvious that it is non-educational. This can be a common mistake of any educator, being fooled that a product could be educational when it is merely entertainment software dressed up in an educational costume aimed at these gullible teachers.

According to Cindy C. Emmans (2001), a professor of Educational Technology at Central Washington University, on software in the classroom...

" Often feedback is the key to learning, and computers are appealing because this feedback can be immediate, which is of course a very effective learning tool. Unfortunately, this feedback is not often as effective as it might be, perhaps because it is not easy to return to the original question to try again, or the student must begin at the beginning to review the original content rather then backing up a step or two. In some cases, the feedback for the wrong answers is more appealing than that for the right answer, causing students to try and get the wrong answer simply for the entertainment value".

Gerald W. Bracey sums it up adequately in a journal article called Principal by basically saying that the bells and whistles are all there, but the education is not, because it was not produced by someone who understands how children learn. (1996, p.6).

More arguments in the research area continued in September of 2000, the Alliance for Childhood published a statement against the use of computers in schools. More than 85 experts in various fields including psychiatry, education, and philosophy signed the statement in which calls for a suspension on the promoting introduction of computers into the nation's elementary schools until there is a more careful assessment of their effect (Hafner, 2000). Another influence in opposition to computers in classrooms is that of Jane Healy, an educational psychologist and the author of "Failure to Connect," a book criticizing educational applications of computers. Thomas Crampton interviewed Mrs. Healy and she declared that computers "can hurt children's personal skills, work habits concentration, motivation, (and) the development of social skills" (IHT, October 2000, p. 19).

Another reason that computers in the classroom would prove to be a disadvantage is the availability of computers in the classroom to each individual student. It is rare to find a school that, in each classroom, has a computer supplied for each student. This then brings up the problem of scheduling and rotating the students to the computers available. (Tiene 2001) This begins a whole new ball game in which you are now consuming a lot of time in which could be used for more productive measures rather then scheduling computer time for each student. If this is the case, and only a specific amount of students can be on the computer at one time, then you are dividing your classroom, and not integrating it, as it should be. This causes many difficulties in teaching a whole group instruction, which leads to problems in skill development, since the attention of some students is lacking. (Tiene 2001).

On the Colorado state education web site (2003), I was able to find questions that were asked to teachers regarding computers in their classrooms. The teachers were asked, "What do you find unattractive about teaching in a computer based classroom?" The one teacher commented that, " Students have a tendency to come in a print out their papers at the beginning of class instead of coming into class with a hard copy..." Another teacher said, " Technological difficulty, your whole lesson could be shot for the day if the computer would go down". When the teachers were asked about the difficulties they faced themselves and with the students due to computers in the classroom, they answered, " It is hard to get the students attention when they are on the computers." Another teacher commented, " There are times that I send them to work and instead they are interacting with each other." Another teacher stated her fear of the computer classroom by saying that, " Students are at their own screens, they're in their own little world, and they are not talking to their classmates, sometimes I think that they don't even know half the names of all the people in their class." (Barnes 2003)

I feel that these teachers comments are very important when looking at the issue of computers in the classrooms, because these are the people that actually interact with the children in the classroom, they are not just some random research study by a software company, these people are the real thing, and they see how computers are effecting their classrooms.

Another issue of computers in the classrooms regards the child's health. If a child were to be functioning on a computer for a long interlude of time or with incorrect positioning they will inadvertently obstruct their own health, some problems caused from this include muscular-skeletal injuries and vision problems. (MacArthur & Shneiderman, 1986).

Another issue concerning computer use in classrooms is that a lot of teachers have not been trained to use a computer, and many do not know how. An enormous amount of time would have to be consumed for the teachers to learn both the hardware and the software of the computer. They also would need time to collaborate with other teachers. Time is something that many teachers spend planning lessons and the weekly events of their classroom. The other problem that was just mentioned was the training of the teachers. Some educators do not have local training options available to them. Some do not have the time or money to spend on it. Another issue is that even if a teacher does go through training, there are always unsuspected things that can go wrong with a computer. If a teacher were to base their whole lesson on a computer, and it were to crash, and the teacher just being minimally skilled in using computers, would not be able to fix the system so that they could continue their lesson. (Tiene 2001).Therefore an on-site technology expert would be needed on site at all times in case any of these incidences would happen, and quite frankly I do not think that there are too many school districts looking for another expense.

Another reason for computers being a disadvantage in the classroom is that if the computer is Internet accessible, if this is the case, then the children can be exposed to Internet content that is not appropriate for their age level. They can also be exposed to child predators, which is a huge concern in today's world.

Though this may seem far-fetched it truly is not in an article published on the gurdian angel websitein 2000 states,
"The facts are plain. Children are being targeted, solicited, and made victims by pedophiles. What do the ratios or statistics matter? Isn't even one too many? These predators range from the simple minded closet pedophile who has surfaced because they believe they are safely anonymous behind their account alias, to the highly organized and skilled child pornography rings that operate predominantly off of US soil, behind quick discard web sites, and anonymous re-mailers, pushing their hideous wares for big profits. Have you ever heard of a child being molested or kidnapped in your hometown? Don't you teach your kids to watch for certain things and, not to talk to, or go anywhere with, strangers for just that reason? This is our point. Just as there are real world lessons that you teach your children, there is a necessity to teach them cyber-world lessons. " (Hook, 2000).

To put this quite simply, are you sure that your child is being watched very closely when accessing the Internet at school? It sure would be hard for one teacher to keep a close eye on each individual student in the classroom when they are all accessing the Internet at the same time. Therefore are you, as a parent or a teacher, really quite sure that a computer is necessary to learn in school? I mean, didn't you, the parent or teacher, learn in school without the computer? I agree that learning the latest technology is a necessity, but I do not agree with using computers for classes like mathematics or reading.

To sum it all up, Computers in the classroom lacks research of it being an advantage in the classroom. Computers in the classroom may not provide the students with the proper education that they need if the software being used is not adequate. Computers may not be, depending on the school, made available to each student. The attention of the students is harder to get when they are on the computer. An inexperienced teacher in the technology area may cause many problems in the classroom, and consume valuable time that could be used to educate. Most schools do not provide an on site technician in case a difficulty may arise. The children's health may be affected by long-term use of the computers, and probably the most frightening one is that these children can be exposed to child predators and unfiltered inappropriate content through the web while they are in school and in their classrooms presumed to be receiving their education.

Disadvantages of Computers in the Classroom
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Maintaining Proper Yoga Practice

Yoga practice entails complete living style and attainment of definite goals;

Good health-smooth body functions and supple limbs Weight loss- firm and toned physique Alleviation of tension-mental harmony Relaxation-soothed body and mind Spirituality through meditation You must take up a yoga practice that is suitable for your style as you will be comfortable with it and it will be the means to motivate you emotionally and spiritually. The first step to taking up yoga and maintaining its performance is to choose from Bikram, Asthanga, Sivananda or other types of yoga, one that is appropriate for you; one that will be highly satisfying for your needs and your personal development. Yoga living is a life of contentment and peace; it can only work when you are willing to make certain changes in your habits too. Your eating habits, what and when you eat, should support your exercise regimen; you must take a balanced and moderate diet that nourishes the mind and body and keeps you feeling energetic throughout the day. Your philosophy about happiness and satisfaction too should transcend beyond materialism and worldliness.

The Right Environment for Yoga

Maintaining Proper Yoga Practice

Adapting to your lifestyle, decide on a time for yoga practice; preferably it is performed first thing in the morning, before eating anything, or at sunset; if that is a problem, you can do the most at a time that suits you. Yoga tools are just a simple mat and loosely fitted clothes; take off any jewelry or accessories you are wearing.

To meditate, choose that time of the day when you are fully awake and rested, yoga performance is not recommended when you are feeling sleepy or you have a full stomach. The proper place for maintaining your schedule is a clean and airy area without any disturbance and sound; direct sunlight, chill or wind are not ideal setting for yoga. Enjoy your yoga practice with full consciousness, be mindful of what you are doing; breathing, relaxing, asana or meditation. Set your own pace and avoid from pushing or exhausting yourself; also space your sessions with relaxation poses. There are no age restrictions, anyone old or young can practice yoga; you may have to modify or vary stances to accommodate your personal limitations.

Sticking to it!

Maintaining yoga is as important as taking it up; for setting up a proper regime begin slowly and build it up gradually. You can start with rhythmic breathing exercises to increase stamina for asanas and strenuous breathing; also carry out relaxation methods to strengthen your body. Begin exercising the limbs with stretching to warm-up and then adopt different poses, repeating them two or three times; monitor the duration of each pose too; allow your body to rest after assuming each posture. An hourly workout involving a combination of several poses to benefit all parts of the body must be performed daily. Once the physical aspect is catered to, you can start with the regulated breathing (pranayama), and advance to meditative positions, the culminating point in yoga practice. In order to reap maximum rewards from your yoga session, you must approach it with consistence and then maintain the routine with perseverance.

Maintaining Proper Yoga Practice
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2009 is Your Year For Personal Growth and Self Improvement

Okay, let's go ahead and skip all the motivational pep-talk debris and get down to brass tax. It's 2009 and there is no sense in me telling you about why you need to set goals or have a New Year's Resolution. You are an adult and you know perfectly well why it is important to set goals and follow through with them. You are also keenly aware that most folks never stay on their New Year's Resolution like they should, but that does not mean you should use that as an excuse.

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So, let's talk about your personal growth for a minute and let's discuss some of your long-term thoughts on where you wish to be in 5-10 years and what sort of an attitude you'll need. Likewise, why don't you consider what skills, talents, knowledge and education you might need as well, as we all know that success does not come to us (well, usually not), we must go to it.
 
Indeed, none of us are perfect, but many of us are getting pretty close, so for those individuals that are almost there or those that expect to be in such a place some day, we ought to be discussing personal growth. And we should ask ourselves; how far along are we so far? You see, personal growth means a whole lot of different things to a whole lot of different people.
 
Luckily, in this life experience we can become just about anyone we wish to be if we focus and work at it. Yes, there is that ugly four letter word again, and despite what you may have been told by your favorite politicians, nothing good in life is easy, it takes work. And by that same token, the government can never give you anything that it didn't take from someone else the prior.
 
What you need to do is to develop a little personal philosophy and inner belief system that will help guide you to where you wish to be in the shortest amount of time. This will take some thinking time, so first, why not schedule out some personal quiet time right now and start considering the future you in 2009?

2009 is Your Year For Personal Growth and Self Improvement

2009 is Your Year For Personal Growth and Self Improvement

Lance Winslow - Lance Winslow's Bio. Just so you know, I'll be working on my talents as a public speaker in 2009; http://www.bestpublicspeakingtraining.com/ .

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What to Do When Your Dog Or Cat Won't Eat

Your dog won't eat. Or your cat is a picky eater. So what on earth do you do?

First, a caveat. No animal will willingly starve itself. But ALWAYS have your pet seen by a vet when there's a change in behavior. You need to rule out illness before embarking on solving a pet's eating problem. Be sure to check for a bad tooth as this is often overlooked as a cause of eating issues. The second caveat: Eating problems can be complex and the tips offered here are simplistic. I offer them with 30 years of experience as a dog owner, breeder, handler and fancier in the world of dogs, but you should discuss them with your vet to see if any are a plausible remedy for your pet's situation.

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We'll start with dogs, and assuming that your dog is healthy but not a good eater, here are some potential reasons why and ideas for fixing it.

What to Do When Your Dog Or Cat Won't Eat

If you feed your dog treats during the day, stop. You want your dog hungry at meal times.If your dog is a show dog, remember that bait should be offered in TINY pieces, it's not meant to be dinner. When it comes to meals, put the dog's food bowl on the floor, give her 10 minutes to eat it, and if it isn't touched, pick it up and put it away. Don't feed again until the next meal, and resist the temptation to give treats. Do this for a whole week because what you're doing here is behavior modification. Remember, a healthy dog won't starve itself to death, but a stubborn, healthy dog could modify YOUR behavior if you cave in.

If you change pet foods frequently, stop. Frequent diet changes can create a finicky eater. The dog learns to "holdout" to see what will be offered next. When you find a nutritious diet your pet will eat, stay with it. If you MUST change the pet's diet, do it gradually over a two week period. Add a small amount of the new diet to the old food, and each day, increase the amount of the new feed while decreasing the amount of the current food. This gradual change will help prevent diarrhea, vomiting and finicky eating.

With picky eaters, it's important to feed a "super premium" brand of dog food. These foods cost a little more and are made with better ingredients, but they are nutritionally dense. This means that your dog is actually eating less in quantity than the cheaper brands bought at grocery stores (these foods have the nutritional value of bark), but because there are more "calories per cup" in a premium food, they're actually getting more nutrition. Look for brands such as Merrick's "Grammy's Pot Pie" (canned food), California Natural, Prarie, Canidae, Flint River, Nutro, Wellness, Eagle Pack Holistic or Nutrisource.

Mixing kibble with a small amount of canned dog food and water will also make it enticing. This next part is important: The single most natural way to increase a pet's appetite is to warm their food because it increases the smell and makes it more appetizing.

Perhaps your dog has a health issue or is on a medication that makes him not want to eat. She's under a vet's care, but the task of getting nutrition into her falls on you. Now what? First, understand that the less a dog eats, the less he WANTS to eat. Add to that the dog who comes to associate food with nausea and you have a real problem, so the sooner you can get your dog to WANT to eat on his own, the better. So much for the obvious.

We'll start with the simplest remedies and work our way up to a radical solution that worked for one of my dogs. Assuming that your dog is on a high quality feed but still not eating, you may need to go to the next step: making dog food taste even better.

You don't want to make these next foods a daily staple, mostly because the high sodium content of many of them would be contra-indicated for dogs in renal failure or with heart issues (if your dog does have kidney issues, check out a really informative web site here.) The following foods have been tried and tested by people in the dog fancy and are suggested ONLY as a means to jump start the appetite in a sick or compromised dog: Sardines, canned cat food, Gerber's baby food - especially turkey or sweet potato, braunschweiger, Limburger Cheese, broth, pureed liver, Dinty Moore Beef Stew, yogurt, cottage cheese/cream cheese, canned mackerel, scrambled eggs with cream cheese, chicken noodle soup - and even this one: hard-boiled eggs smashed up in French Vanilla yogurt, slightly warmed.

Sometimes, you may need to "jump start" an appetite with something so enticing, it's irresistible. Here is the original recipe for "Satin Balls," one of the most requested recipes on Wellpet, Showdogs-L, VetMed, and other popular e-mail lists for serious dog people:

10 pounds of cheap hamburger meat
1 lg. box of Total cereal
1 lg. box oatmeal
1 jar of wheat germ
1 1/4 cup veg oil
1 1/4 cup of unsulfured molasses
10 raw eggs AND shells
10 envelopes of unflavored gelatin
pinch of salt

Mix all ingredients together, much like you would a meatloaf. Divide the batch into 10 quart freezer bags and freeze.Thaw as needed and feed raw! (This is also a good way to put weight on a skinny dog, increase energy, and to alleviate itchy, flaky skin). This isn't a substitute for meals, it's meant to whet a dog's appetite. If the dog is eating this eagerly, start mixing it with kibble gradually. The idea is to wean them off the Satin Balls and onto kibble.

Next, we move on to "fixes" that come in a tube or pill. Remember that the point of these products is to stimulate an appetite and are not long term solutions; We start with Re-Vita whose products are said to be effective for problem appetites; "Pet-Tinic" is a liquid dietary supplement containing iron, copper and 5 essential vitamins. The palable meat-flavored liquid is readily accepted and one "tester" reported that it brought back her pet's appetite almost immediately, Because of its contents, you'll want to have your vet's approval before using this. "Nutri-Cal" is pure nutrition that squeezes out like toothpaste; dogs like its taste and it's a quick way to get nutrition into a dog. When diluted with water, Dyne High Calorie Dietary Supplement can be used to combat dehydration and provide energy because each ounce provides approximately 150 calories containing vitamins and minerals that maintain constant therapeutic blood levels.

If none of the aforementioned tips work, this is where I get pretty serious because my own philosophy is that a lack of appetite is a lousy reason for a dog to die. What you'll read next isn't pleasant - but if you love your dog, you have to get nutrition into her. As far as I know,there are four ways to do this when the dog can't eat on his own: syringe food into the dog's mouth, stuff food down the dog's throat, hook the dog up to an IV, or insert a stomach tube. I've done all of them at one time or another. And they all stink, but they're preferable to the alternative: a dog who wastes away and dies.

Syringing: You'll need a couple of large syringes from your vet. Using canned food; determine the amount your dog needs to sustain his weight, divide that amount in half and spoon that much into a blender (you and this blender will become inseparable over the coming days). Add enough warm water to blend easily into a very fine puree and for each meal, gently syringe the puree into the side of the dog's lips. Or, you can cut to the chase. Pry the dog's mouth open and squeeze the syringe plunger down so that the food trickles to the side and back of the dog's mouth. It takes a bit of time to get the hang of this since you don't want the dog to aspirate food into his lungs. Speak to the dog soothingly and praise him when you're done. Remember, it's not the dog's fault he's unable to eat and it's only temporary until the appetite comes back.

Stuffing: This was my least favorite means of getting food into a dog. It was messy and degrading. In a nutshell, you make "food bombs" that are narrow enough to slide down the back of the dog's throat. These "bombs" are a mixture of wet & dry food that's been pureed into a texture that allows shaping. There are folks out there who are really good at doing this - and some dogs who just don't eat well become so used to eating this way that they'll stand calmly, lift up their little heads and open their mouths like guppies in anticipation for the next "bomb." Since all we care about is getting nutrition into the dog, if this works for you,that's what counts.

IV: A "no brainer." At this point, a dog is so ill that this is pretty much the last resort. It's no substitute for the calories gotten from real food, but sometimes it serves as a band-aid until the dog is back on its feet and able to eat the real thing.

Stomach tube: Proverbially speaking, this is what separates the men from the boys. When I was faced with a dog whose heart medication caused anorexia but who was otherwise healthy, I had but little choice to pull out all the stops. Syringe feeding, food bombs - these were not long term solutions. Guided by my vet, we made an informed decision to insert a stomach tube. Mind you, at the time we thought it would be a short term fix until my dog ate on his own. Keep reading.

The first tube put in was an ugly, brown rubber tube that was SO long, it had to be wrapped around my dog's mid section and secured with a lady's tube top when not in use. I prepared the food as if I was going to syringe it into my dog's mouth, only it was syringed into a tube that had been inserted into his side over the stomach. In less than a week, the dog knew the sound of the blender, knew what was coming and would lie down on his side in preparation for his meal.

Each day before I approached the blender, I always offered the dog his meal in a bowl since it was my fondest desire that the dog eat like a dog. After many weeks, however, I knew this wasn't going to happen. Ever. At this point, my vet and I had a frank discussion about options and he mentioned a permanent tube, one inserted from the inside out. The "Bard" was a gastronomy device made of silicon that was successfully used to feed disabled children but had never been used in canines. My nearly 14 year old Puli would be the first dog to have the slick silicon "button" inserted. It fit flush against his stomach and a little "lid" flicked open like the flip-top portion of a tube of toothpaste. Compared to what I had been working with, it was a Porsche compared to an Edsel and no one else ever knew it was there.

The tube enabled my dog to live a couple of more years. Feeding him took less than five minutes and afterwards, he would run with the other dogs,bark into the wind, enjoy the sun on his back and know that I adored him. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Because of the seemingly radical step we took to ensure this dog's survival, it wasn't something I discussed openly. Too many people out there feel that if a dog can't eat on his own, he's not meant to live. To them I say, "Phooey." The dog wanted to live, to survive and feel the hand of those who loved him rubbing his ears. But he couldn't eat. His spirit was willing and he would have done anything to please me, but this one thing he couldn't do. How then, was I to deny him the one thing I could do to help him?

Cats: Needless to say, cats are not like dogs. They can get liver damage from not eating even for just a day or two. When a cat stops eating, their body will start to use its fat stores as fuel. The old fat stores are mobilized to the liver, which should begin fat burning. But when the fat arrives at the liver, the liver doesn't burn the fat efficiently and it accumulates in the liver.

The resulting liver disorder is known as "hepatic lipidosis", or "fatty liver disease." This condition may be suggested when blood tests show impaired liver function. Getting fatty liver disease is not isolated only to cats, and fasting cats don't always get this condition, they just seem more prone to it when they don't eat.

But according to the Cornell Online Consultant, there are 454 more possible Diagnoses for Feline Anorexia. Wow. A good web site you can visit here explains the different reasons a cat might not be eating, from acid stomach to ulcers and including fatty liver disease. The bottom line, however,is that you have less "wiggle room" when a cat won't eat. Tries these tips:

-Warm the food because warmed food has a stronger smell which will make a cat want to eat.
-Handfeeding: Sit with your cat and talk to her. Offer a little piece of food to her.
-Offer special treats like canned or pouched food instead of dry kibble.
-Offer tuna and cheese or milk or cream, all in small amounts.
-Tasty liquids, like water from tuna packed in water or, rarely, oil. Avoid tuna packed in vegetable broth as itmay contain onions. Try clam juice or low-salt chicken broth. Avoid onions and anything made with bouillan as it's too salty;
-Sprinkle some catnip on the food.

Pull out all the stops and make some Home Made Cat Food with this recipe:
Switch off the protein sources with each batch or two. Switch between:
- Half Pound of minced boneless chicken breast or thigh
- Six Ounces of dark-mean ground turkey or minced turkey
- Half Pound of lean, minced beef
- Half Pound of minced beef, chicken or turkey heart. About three times a week, include one chopped hard-boiled or scrambled egg. Occasionally substitute a five-ounce can of salmon or tuna for the meat. Avoid canned salmon or tuna for cats that are prone to urinary tract infections.

Mix foods together.

There are some drugs that can help stimulate a cat's appetite including Diazepam (Valium). Other drugs to ask your vet about are Periactin (generic name Cyproheptadine), Serax (generic name Oxazepam) and Dalmane (generic name Flurazepam). All have potential side effects so it's important to talk with your vet.

Syringe feeding and feeding tubes as mentioned in the section for dogs is also an option for cats.

Good luck and know that you're not alone. Feeding issues are among the most frustrating of concerns.

What to Do When Your Dog Or Cat Won't Eat

S.E. Szeremy is a writer, breeder/owner/handler of Pulik and creator of [http://www.KnobNots.com], the friendly alternative to "Beware of Dog" Signs that won't make your pet sound vicious: Transform a door into a safety billboard for people and pets.

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