Glogster

Emerging Technologies

I chose the article about Ultra-Efficient Solar. The article is about a company called Semprius who is making solar cells. These solar cells aren't made with silicone, but with gallium arsenide. This material is more costly than silicone, so Semprius is trying to cut down on other costs. They are also making solar cells more efficient. Their solar panels can convert nearly 34 percent of the light that hits them into electricity. It's going to be very hard for solar energy to become a standard energy resource, because of how fixed the fossil fuel companies are.
1. Some inferences that can be made about this technology are that it is something that people are becoming really serious about using. There are already some places that are using the silicone solar cells, and now that they are trying to innovate solar cells, people will take notice. But I also think that it's going to be a while coming. Some people won't be willing to change, and the oil companies don't want to give up their monopoly. I think the only way solar cells are going to be able to compete with oil companies is to be way cheaper than the oil compaines.
2. The thing that surprised me the most was how unefficent solar cells are. Silicone solar cells can only be 23 percent efficient, and that's the record. These new solar cells made with gallium arsenide are only 34 percent efficient. I thought solar cells would be way more efficient.
3. There is so much room for this technology to grow. We need a new energy source because one day, fossil fuels will run out. Solar energy is renewable, so we'll never lose it. Plus,it's so much better for the environment. And since they're making it more efficient, people will be more willing to use it, especially if it becomes cheaper than fossil fuels.
4. The Intelligent Software Assistant is like the software on the iPhone. The software on the iPhone allows you to talk to it and it will do what you ask it. For example, you could ask directions to a place, and it will get them for you. The Intelligent Software is more about a computer being able to reason and "think." So the technology isn't exactly right yet, but it's getting there.

Distracted Driving Survey

Digital Storytelling

Personally, I liked using Movie Maker better than Photostory. I thought Movie Maker was a lot easier to use. Movie Maker had specific steps to help you get your project done. It told you what to do and when, to make it easier on you. Also, the program gives you tons of options, for transitions and effects. I could play around with them to make my project look cooler. Lastly, the story board was really easy to organize. Movie Maker has little boxes at the bottom of the screen where you drag your pictures and put them in the order you want. It also has little boxes in between the boxes for pictures where you drag your transitions.
I don't think that I would use a digital story in a project for another class. I like doing things on paper, and I don't like to record my voice in a script. I would rather talk in front of the class or turn in a paper. Also, I might not always be able to find a picture for a subject I'm talking about.

Texting and Driving Survey

First Impressions

Voki