This Jet Lag App Does The Math So You'll Feel Better Faster

Linda Poon reports, "Jet lag is nobody's idea of fun. A bunch of mathematicians say they can make the adjustment less painful with a smartphone app that calculates the swiftest way to adjust."

You've been there, and you know it doesn't feel good.
But an app based on the science of circadian rhythms could help reduce the suffering of jet lag.
Photo: NPR

Users plug in the time zone they're traveling to, and the app will do the calculations before spitting out a schedule specifying when the user should stay in bright light, low light or be in the dark, says , a graduate student at the University of Michigan who designed the app.

"In your brain you have a central circadian clock ... [that] sends signals all throughout the body," says , a professor of mathematics and computational medicine at Michigan and the mastermind behind the app. And that central clock controls all of the body's biological functions.

Unlike with many of the apps out there, Forger and his colleagues have more than 80 pages of complex science and calculus in a study, published Thursday in PLoS Computational Biology, to support their product.

Using two mathematical equations that predict how light affects the human circadian clock, Forger and his colleagues simulated the optimal schedules for more than 1,000 possible trips. They then applied two basic principles. One is to be exposed to one big block of light and one big block of dark in your day, Walch says. Another is to be exposed to the brightest possible light.
Read more... 

Source: NPR (blog)

This Jet Lag App Does The Math So You'll Feel Better Faster

Linda Poon reports, "Jet lag is nobody's idea of fun. A bunch of mathematicians say they can make the adjustment less painful with a smartphone app that calculates the swiftest way to adjust."

You've been there, and you know it doesn't feel good.
But an app based on the science of circadian rhythms could help reduce the suffering of jet lag.
Photo: NPR

Users plug in the time zone they're traveling to, and the app will do the calculations before spitting out a schedule specifying when the user should stay in bright light, low light or be in the dark, says , a graduate student at the University of Michigan who designed the app.

"In your brain you have a central circadian clock ... [that] sends signals all throughout the body," says , a professor of mathematics and computational medicine at Michigan and the mastermind behind the app. And that central clock controls all of the body's biological functions.

Unlike with many of the apps out there, Forger and his colleagues have more than 80 pages of complex science and calculus in a study, published Thursday in PLoS Computational Biology, to support their product.

Using two mathematical equations that predict how light affects the human circadian clock, Forger and his colleagues simulated the optimal schedules for more than 1,000 possible trips. They then applied two basic principles. One is to be exposed to one big block of light and one big block of dark in your day, Walch says. Another is to be exposed to the brightest possible light.
Read more... 

Source: NPR (blog)

Speak Up: The current state of digital learning

Tweet me: Laura Devaney

Laura Devaney, Managing Editor writes, "While girls use many digital tools for learning more than boys, more boys than girls say they are interested in STEM careers–however, student interest in STEM careers has not increased significantly in seven years, according to the annual Speak Up survey results from Project Tomorrow." 

Photo: eSchool News 

This year’s report focused on how K-12 students use digital tools and resources to support schoolwork, how they use digital tools and resources to enable out-of-school-time learning activities, and what K-12 students’ aspirations are when it comes to using digital tools and resources in new and innovative learning environments.

As digital technologies becomes more ubiquitous and as more and more efforts support expanded internet access, students are making their technology preferences clear.
Read more... 

Source: eSchool News    

Speak Up: The current state of digital learning

Tweet me: Laura Devaney

Laura Devaney, Managing Editor writes, "While girls use many digital tools for learning more than boys, more boys than girls say they are interested in STEM careers–however, student interest in STEM careers has not increased significantly in seven years, according to the annual Speak Up survey results from Project Tomorrow." 

Photo: eSchool News 

This year’s report focused on how K-12 students use digital tools and resources to support schoolwork, how they use digital tools and resources to enable out-of-school-time learning activities, and what K-12 students’ aspirations are when it comes to using digital tools and resources in new and innovative learning environments.

As digital technologies becomes more ubiquitous and as more and more efforts support expanded internet access, students are making their technology preferences clear.
Read more... 

Source: eSchool News    

American Libraries Learn To Read Teenagers by Linton Weeks

Photo: Linton Weeks

"Way, way back in the 20^th century, American teenagers turned to the local public library as a great good place to hang out.", writes Linton Weeks.

It was a hotspot for meeting up, and sharing thoughts with, other like-minded people – in books and in the flesh. It was a wormhole in the universe that gave us tunnels into the past and into the future. It was a quiet spot in an ever-noisier world.

The library was a gentle mentor. It accepted us as we were and let us grow at our own pace – as teens are wont to do. It taught us about sports and sex. About fashion and finance. About life and death.

Nostalgia: Lego librarian with cup of Shhh!
Photo: julochka/Flickr

Now that the Internet is in full flower, you would think that the American Public Library would be a victim of its own success. And in a way it is: Library use is down 
Read more... 

Source: NPR (blog)

American Libraries Learn To Read Teenagers by Linton Weeks

Photo: Linton Weeks

"Way, way back in the 20^th century, American teenagers turned to the local public library as a great good place to hang out.", writes Linton Weeks.

It was a hotspot for meeting up, and sharing thoughts with, other like-minded people – in books and in the flesh. It was a wormhole in the universe that gave us tunnels into the past and into the future. It was a quiet spot in an ever-noisier world.

The library was a gentle mentor. It accepted us as we were and let us grow at our own pace – as teens are wont to do. It taught us about sports and sex. About fashion and finance. About life and death.

Nostalgia: Lego librarian with cup of Shhh!
Photo: julochka/Flickr

Now that the Internet is in full flower, you would think that the American Public Library would be a victim of its own success. And in a way it is: Library use is down 
Read more... 

Source: NPR (blog)

Two ed-tech experts offer tips on how to incorporate apps in more effective ways

Tweet me: Laura Devaney

Laura Devaney, Managing Editor writes, "We explore tips for using game-changing apps, as outlined by two top ed-tech enthusiasts." 

Educational apps have skyrocketed in popularity, leading more and more educators to realize that the way they use these apps is key to changing classroom culture and student engagement.

These classroom tools and apps help educators advance teaching and learning, said Brad Waid and Drew Minock, educators who head up 2 Guys and Some iPads.

Photo: eSchool News   

"Learning is different, and teaching is different now," Waid said. "The days of standing up and orating are over. Students can find information on devices—that’s not our job anymore, to give them information. Our job is to help them love learning, collaborate, and be deep thinkers.

Read more...

Source: eSchool News   

Two ed-tech experts offer tips on how to incorporate apps in more effective ways

Tweet me: Laura Devaney

Laura Devaney, Managing Editor writes, "We explore tips for using game-changing apps, as outlined by two top ed-tech enthusiasts." 

Educational apps have skyrocketed in popularity, leading more and more educators to realize that the way they use these apps is key to changing classroom culture and student engagement.

These classroom tools and apps help educators advance teaching and learning, said Brad Waid and Drew Minock, educators who head up 2 Guys and Some iPads.

Photo: eSchool News   

"Learning is different, and teaching is different now," Waid said. "The days of standing up and orating are over. Students can find information on devices—that’s not our job anymore, to give them information. Our job is to help them love learning, collaborate, and be deep thinkers.

Read more...

Source: eSchool News   

Can Open Source Solutions Benefit Your Organization for Training? by Ken Myers

My guest blogger today is Ken Myers. Please be sure to check out his unique guest post. Guest posts are always welcome, please contact me.  

Furthering the education and training of your employees can be very beneficial to your organization. It is a method that can keep your company competitive and knowledgeable while making your staff more versed in your business niche. Unfortunately, many businesses simply can't afford to send their staff to take college courses or specialist classes. In light of the costs, can an open source application  be used to encourage additional training for your staff?

What Are they? - Open source software are essentially free applications that you can use to teach anyone virtually anything. They are designed to be operated and maintained with the full functionality of online educational facilities. The best part about these applications is that they are free to use. Most of the time, they can be easily installed on a local network server or on your own website hosting provider in order to provide classes covering any subject you want including images, sounds, files and more.

Learn from Home - By installing these applications on your website or allowing remote access to your business network, you can allow your staff to learn new aspects of your business from home. This means you don't have to sacrifice down-time in order to promote training of any material to those within the company. You could develop long, information-rich classes that users can benefit from without having to clock out or schedule attendance. No one would have to come in on his or her day off in order to attend a class that they can access from home - at any time of the day.

Full Control - Another enticing aspect of using open source applications is the ability to have full control of the content and registration aspect. If you don't want certain material in your "classroom," then you can simply omit the information. You are in complete control of who learns what when in the application's environment. You can make the courses as easy or as difficult as you need them to be without spending extra money on changing levels.

The Cost of Success - The only real drawback to using an open source solution for your education and training materials is you have to develop the courses yourself. This can take a great deal of time depending on how detailed you want the information to be. You can always pay a third-party professional to develop the material, and it still may be considerably cheaper than paying an organization to teach your staff. Perhaps you could hire a part-time teacher to help you develop the course or even hire someone in-house that has vast experience to share.

Encouraging Employees - Providing certificates to staff can be incentive to develop online courses for the business. This information can then go into personal records within the company in order to boost promotions and career advancement. Although the certificate won't be from an accredited college or school, it can still be added to a resume especially if the employee is young and hasn't developed marketable skills themselves.

Advancing knowledge in any field is always beneficial to the organization. By providing training and education, you keep your business performing at optimal levels for continued growth and success. Take a closer look at what open source educational applications can do for your company and see the difference in how well your staff performs afterwards.

About the Author:

Ken Myers is a father, husband, and entrepreneur. He has combined his passion for helping families find in-home care with his experience to build a business. Learn more about him by visiting @KenneyMyers on Twitter.

Many thanks to Ken Myers.
Enjoy your reading!

Can Open Source Solutions Benefit Your Organization for Training? by Ken Myers

My guest blogger today is Ken Myers. Please be sure to check out his unique guest post. Guest posts are always welcome, please contact me.  

Furthering the education and training of your employees can be very beneficial to your organization. It is a method that can keep your company competitive and knowledgeable while making your staff more versed in your business niche. Unfortunately, many businesses simply can't afford to send their staff to take college courses or specialist classes. In light of the costs, can an open source application  be used to encourage additional training for your staff?

What Are they? - Open source software are essentially free applications that you can use to teach anyone virtually anything. They are designed to be operated and maintained with the full functionality of online educational facilities. The best part about these applications is that they are free to use. Most of the time, they can be easily installed on a local network server or on your own website hosting provider in order to provide classes covering any subject you want including images, sounds, files and more.

Learn from Home - By installing these applications on your website or allowing remote access to your business network, you can allow your staff to learn new aspects of your business from home. This means you don't have to sacrifice down-time in order to promote training of any material to those within the company. You could develop long, information-rich classes that users can benefit from without having to clock out or schedule attendance. No one would have to come in on his or her day off in order to attend a class that they can access from home - at any time of the day.

Full Control - Another enticing aspect of using open source applications is the ability to have full control of the content and registration aspect. If you don't want certain material in your "classroom," then you can simply omit the information. You are in complete control of who learns what when in the application's environment. You can make the courses as easy or as difficult as you need them to be without spending extra money on changing levels.

The Cost of Success - The only real drawback to using an open source solution for your education and training materials is you have to develop the courses yourself. This can take a great deal of time depending on how detailed you want the information to be. You can always pay a third-party professional to develop the material, and it still may be considerably cheaper than paying an organization to teach your staff. Perhaps you could hire a part-time teacher to help you develop the course or even hire someone in-house that has vast experience to share.

Encouraging Employees - Providing certificates to staff can be incentive to develop online courses for the business. This information can then go into personal records within the company in order to boost promotions and career advancement. Although the certificate won't be from an accredited college or school, it can still be added to a resume especially if the employee is young and hasn't developed marketable skills themselves.

Advancing knowledge in any field is always beneficial to the organization. By providing training and education, you keep your business performing at optimal levels for continued growth and success. Take a closer look at what open source educational applications can do for your company and see the difference in how well your staff performs afterwards.

About the Author:

Ken Myers is a father, husband, and entrepreneur. He has combined his passion for helping families find in-home care with his experience to build a business. Learn more about him by visiting @KenneyMyers on Twitter.

Many thanks to Ken Myers.
Enjoy your reading!