Logical TechnologyUsing Logic to Figure Out Technology

By Mr. T6/30/12

You want to get better at using technology, mainly computers, but sometimes it seems

overwhelming.

This presentation will give you tips and tricks to make you a 21st century learner.

Logical Technology

i. Theoryii. TV's and Camerasiii. Tablets (iPads) & Phonesiv. Computersv. Quick Integrationvi. Now You're a Pro

Table of Contents

Theory of Technology

So, when you're working with technology, you need to think about the input and output in a

logical order.

Technology is basically robotics. You press a "go" button and it goes.

What you press is what you get. It is cause and effect (or input and output).

Interface is what you can use to interact with technology. It is a remote controller, a keyboard and a mouse, a touch screen, etc. If there's a button, assume it does something... assume it does many things. E.g. a watch has 2-4 buttons, but it has 10+ features. One of the buttons is a menu button, which leads to the other features.

Interface

Interface

Terminology. Two major aspects of technology are nomenclature and guts. What is the name of the tech? What components does it have?

New technology has the latest stuff and usually in tiers. The $100 model has A. The $200 model has B. The $300 model has C. With each price bump, you get a faster & more capable device. It only matters if you actually need more.

Tip: Know What You Have

Tip Cont'dKnow What You Have!Know What It Can Do!

Camera? Newest model?Price? Brand? Accessories?

Print. Copy. Save. Email. Video.

Your goal is to figure out what you want to do and which buttons you need to press to do it.

How do I get from point A to point B?

Is there an instruction manual?- Usually, but not for computers

Your Goal

Troubleshooting Tip - Hardware

When I think "logical," I think "connected."

When dealing with a smart cart, or other tech devices, make sure:● Everything is plugged in (power to device)● Follow the wires, label with colors if need be● Tech is maintained and cleaned

There are different ports for each device: Power, Audio, Visual, Microphone, Headphones

*usually what fits is meant to fit *

CamerasThey are basically point and shoot. dSLR's have more options. Cameras have buttons to give you

immediate options.

I see a button for video, flash, timer, trash,

review and the menu. Nothing extravagant.

Press it to edit.

Transferring To a ComputerA cord connects the camera to the computer.1. Connect the cord. 2. Turn on the camera.

Computers should auto-detect the camera, but check "My Computer" (PC) or "Finder" or "iPhoto" (Mac) if it doesn't.

Copy the files, or cut them to clear the card.

They probably need to be edited, especially if they are over 1 MB in size.

TV's and DVR'sTV's and DVR's

TV's are simple. Then you add in Air and

Cable, a cable box, red-white-yellow wires, a

DVR, and two+ remotes. Hello, complicated.

The DifferenceWhile cameras and TV's are both relatively simple devices to use, TV's have more options. You can do more with them, so there are more buttons to learn.

Troubleshooting Tip: SoftwareThink of which devices are involved.

Just like kids. Two kids involved, who started it? Think of reasons why either one could have be the

"problem."

Sound Isn't OnDevices: Computer and Speakers

Logically: Plugged in? Connected to each other?Speaker volume up? Computer volume on?

Check the settings on the computer.Try the computer's sound with another speaker. Try the speaker's sound with another computer.

Both are the wave of the future. People need phones more than tablets, but they are more limited. Tablets can't fit into your pocket, just like how computers can't either. Tablets are the middle ground between phones and desktop computers.

Tablets and Phones

An Apple tablet (iPad) and an iPhone are almost identical, so I'm talking about other companies.

The major differences between tablets and phones are the buttons and menus.

Tablets vs. Phones

TabletsTouch Technologyis the current step.It is easy to pick up.iPads have an app called "Settings," where you can adjust any option on your iPad.[ Wifi, background, Email address, etc.]

Tablet HelpThe future is easier.Tablets are easier to use than computers.

THOUGH, when you get more creative, it gets more complicated. You need a few things to make it tick.

● iPad WiFi or 3G● iTunes/Apple ID

Complicated● Computer to sync

and manage the iPad● Transfer photos &

movies to the computer

● Use multiple iPads

I'm focusing only on an iPad tablet, because Apple, not Android, has the most apps and educational apps.

Websites / Tutorials:● MakeUseOf.Com Guide● Easy iPad Tutorial● iPad Academy● About.Com Tutorial● Learning in Hand

Troubleshooting an iPad

You double-clicked on a program. 10 seconds has passed and it has not opened. Logically, the computer is either slowly opening a large program OR it only read one click.Solution: Try again, or wait for the large program to open.

The mouse is frozen.Solution: Unplug and plug in again, even try a different slot.

Logical Computers

The Restart

● Restarting tends to solve most computer problemsWhy? Maybe the computer is old OR has been on for

awhile and it needs to recalibrate, clear its RAM, and get on the right track.

● New is king. Old computers have more problems, especially with updates and new software. Restarting might not help old computers. You can push it as far as it can go, but that might not be far enough for you. If it's 5 years old, then it might be half of a new computer... or even less (power, capability, and ability).

Right-Click Happiness

Right-clicking adds another level● More options, like cut, paste, save

○ Faster important options (cut, paste, save)Some functions can found in 3+ places

● Save photos on the Internet● Desktop: See display and background options● Open websites in a new window or new tab● Faster computing - saves time with easy options

LOCATIONWhere is my file?

If you aren't comfortable with computers, save things on the desktop in folders. Right-click and make a folder, even nest folders (folders in folders). That way, you can click "Desktop" when saving and searching.

PC: Use Documents/Photos/Music albums to store files, using labeled folders

Mac: Use Finder to find files and even applications (Applications folder)

Microsoft Office*.docx *.xlsx *.pptx

The 'x' at the end is an advanced version, Office 2007+

If you have an older version, download the compatibility pack to open it.

Or use an Online converter

Go to the Options to save as an Office 97-2003 non-x version.

The newer versions have small advancements that aren't too noticeable.

Learn ShortcutsPC (Personal Computer)● Copy: Ctrl + C● Cut: Ctrl + X● Paste: Ctrl + V● Select All: Ctrl + A● Close: Alt + F4● Switch: Alt + Tab● UNDO: Ctrl + Z

(as many times as needed)

Mac (Apple)● Copy: Apple + C● Cut: Apple + X● Paste: Apple + V● Select All: Apple + A● Close: Apple + Q● Switch: Apple + Tab● UNDO: Apple + Z● Zoom: Apple + +/-

Quick Integration● Think logically● Know what you

want to do● Connect the steps

on how to do it● Play around

(search)● Repeat to

memorize

Once you find the volume on one device, odds are you will have a better chance on finding it for a new device. You will build up your knowledge and learn how to spot the buttons & features on any device.

The new generation usually knows more and that's especially true right now. They are more exposed at a more impressionable age when their brains are learning.

I learned 99% of what I know about technology by myself, exploring and testing out. If it didn't work, I tried again. If that didn't work, I tried something else similar. Sometimes, it was like guessing: 8, 9, 12, 11, 10!

You might not have extra time to play around, but just remember, persistence is a virtue. Challenges aren't easy and when you conquer, you win!

Persistence

When You Need HelpWhere can you turn for help?● manual● family, friends● students, kids● online help● local tech wiz● tech support

I want to stress one option: Online Help

The Internet is dangerous, because you can find almost everything on it and you don't need to know about everything.

<see next slide>

Type your summarized question into a search (google, yahoo, etc.)

How do I lock my iPad screen, so it doesn't rotate? = lock iPad screen

Why won't the video play? It's gray and says plug-in = video plug-in[No good results? Investigate again -> "Flash" = video plug-in Flash

Read: Google Search Tips

Online Help: How?

Online Help Screenshot

Google Search: lock iPad screen

Depending on the search, you'll get a direct answer, nothing, or a message board post that you have to sift through... and maybe even a blog post!- Direct: Good!- Nothing: Change your search words, or

Go to the company's help site, or(e.g. Apple's Support)

use another resource- Message Board: <see next slide>- Blog Help: An "article" on your topic

Online Help: Sorting Through

Company's Support Site: A vital resource e.g. Apple Support: http://www.apple.com/support/ It has manuals and tutorials. Company's Forum: Consumers and Technicians asking and answering questions e.g. Apple's Forums: https://discussions.apple.com

Online Forums: People make forums to discuss problems and help each other troubleshoot

All are valuable in that, they usually have the answers!

Message Boards / Forum

Search for your problem, ask a question, search via the device e.g. iPad.

https://discussions.apple.com

Message Board Screenshot

Blog Help

Blogs are more specific resources to use, other than message boards. Bloggers give tutorials, how-to's, or just blog about some simple fix.

http://ipadacademy.com/2011/11/how-to-control-screen-rotation-on-your-ipad-two-ways-to-choose-use

Online help is definitely free! From there, you can ask your friendly technology expert.

If they can't fix it, you can try face-to-face professional help, e.g. Geek Squad or on-call IT people, who charge by the hour.

http://www.geeksquad.com/

Online Help is Free!

● Think logically● Check the devices● Know your goal and the steps to complete it● Don't get discouraged about new problems● Be persistent. Odds are, kids are much more

persistent than you are, and that's when they learn and get better than you

● Use your tools: ask others, online help● Work smarter, not harder● Pick your battles, my weakness is TV & its

components. I skate by with the basics.

Now You're a Pro

PROTECT what you have!● If you break things, get the insurance● If you drop things, get the durable case● Get the screen protector● Store it in a safe place, not your pocket● Don't eat or drink by technology● Accessories, Shop around: Amazon.com

○ What you see for $50 is usually sold for $20

● Charge it, but don't let it sit charging when it's full (battery strain).

Enjoy the future!

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