Showing papers on "Laptop published in 2014"

The Pen Is Mightier Than the Keyboard Advantages of Longhand Over Laptop Note Taking

Abstract: Taking notes on laptops rather than in longhand is increasingly common. Many researchers have suggested that laptop note taking is less effective than longhand note taking for learning. Prior studies have primarily focused on students' capacity for multitasking and distraction when using laptops. The present research suggests that even when laptops are used solely to take notes, they may still be impairing learning because their use results in shallower processing. In three studies, we found that students who took notes on laptops performed worse on conceptual questions than students who took notes longhand. We show that whereas taking more notes can be beneficial, laptop note takers' tendency to transcribe lectures verbatim rather than processing information and reframing it in their own words is detrimental to learning.

Reducing legacy bias in gesture elicitation studies

Abstract: Gesture-based system are becoming ubiquitous. Trablets, phones, large displays, and even laptop computers are now commonly equipped with multitouch-recognizing screens. Third-party accessories like the Wii Nunchuck and the Xbox Kinect can also detect.

Laptop computer as a transmitter for wireless charging

Abstract: Configurations and methods of wireless power transmission using a laptop computer may include a transmitter and/or a receiver embedded in the laptop screen. The embedded transmitter may emit RF waves for the generation of pockets of energy that may be utilized by receivers in peripheral devices for charging or powering. Meanwhile, the receiver embedded in the laptop computer may collect RF waves from a separate transmitter for charging or powering the laptop computer.

Preservice teachers' perceptions about using mobile phones and laptops in education as mobile learning tools

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to investigate preservice teachers' perceptions about using m-phones and laptops in education as mobile learning tools. A total of 1087 preservice teachers participated in the study. The results indicated that preservice teachers perceived laptops potentially stronger than m-phones as m-learning tools. In terms of limitations the situation was balanced for laptops and m-phones. Generally, the attitudes towards using laptops in education were not exceedingly positive but significantly more positive than m-phones. It was also found that such variables as program/department, grade, gender and possessing a laptop are neutral in causing a practically significant difference in preservice teachers' views. The results imply an urgent need to grow awareness among participating student teachers towards the concept of m-learning, especially m-learning through m-phones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unregulated Use of Laptops over Time in Large Lecture Classes

Abstract: Students often have their own individual laptop computers in university classes, and researchers debate the potential benefits and drawbacks of laptop use. In the presented research, we used a combination of surveys and in-class observations to study how students use their laptops in an unmonitored and unrestricted class setting—a large lecture-based university class with nearly 3000 enrolled students. By analyzing computer use over the duration of long (165 minute) classes, we demonstrate how computer use changes over time. The observations and studentreports provided similar descriptions of laptop activities. Note taking was the most common use for the computers, followed by the use of social media web sites. Overall, the data show that students engaged in off-task computer activities for nearly two-thirds of the time. An analysis of the frequency of the various laptop activities over time showed that engagement in individual activities varied significantly over the duration of the class.

Get Your Hands Off My Laptop: Physical Side-Channel Key-Extraction Attacks on PCs.

Abstract: We demonstrate physical side-channel attacks on a popular software implementation of RSA and ElGamal, running on laptop computers. Our attacks use novel side channels, based on the observation that the “ground” electric potential, in many computers, fluctuates in a computation-dependent way. An attacker can measure this signal by touching exposed metal on the computer’s chassis with a plain wire, or even with a bare hand. The signal can also be measured on the ground shield at the remote end of Ethernet, USB and display cables. Through suitable cryptanalysis and signal processing, we have extracted 4096-bit RSA keys and 3072-bit ElGamal keys from laptops, via each of these channels, as well as via power analysis and electromagnetic probing. Despite the GHz-scale clock rate of the laptops and numerous noise sources, the full attacks require a few seconds of measurements using Medium Frequency (MF) signals (around 2 MHz), or one hour using Low Frequency (LF) signals (up to 40 kHz).

Canadian university students in wireless classrooms

Abstract: Two studies were conducted to examine what undergraduate students do on their laptops during class time and the extent to which laptop usage behaviors are associated with academic success. In Study 1, a sample of 1129 students from a Canadian university completed a survey measuring prototypical behaviors emitted on laptops during class time. Results of factor analyses indicated that laptop behaviors can be regrouped in two dimensions: School related and school unrelated laptop utilization. School unrelated laptop behaviors were significantly associated with lower levels of self-reported academic achievement and satisfaction. School related laptop behaviors were positively associated with academic satisfaction. These results were invariant across different faculties on campus. In Study 2, another sample of 88 students was recruited to examine the longitudinal association between laptop behaviors and semester grade point average obtained at the end of the semester. Results of Study 2 showed that school unrelated laptop behaviors were prospectively associated with lower semester grade point average, even after controlling for a series of potentially confounding influences (i.e., self-regulation failure, motivational deficit, disorganized learning, internet addiction, and school disenchantment). Overall, these results provide theoretically important support to suggest that in-class laptop utilization is a unique and contemporary mode of learning that should not be treated as an epiphenomenon merely accountable and reducible to other sources of psychological influences. Students emit school related and unrelated behaviors on laptops during class.School unrelated laptop behaviors predict lower semester grade point average.School related laptop behaviors are associated with higher academic satisfaction.Results replicated across four faculties on campus.Laptop explains unique variance beyond other sources of psychological influence.

Balancing the One-to-One Equation: Equity and Access in Three Laptop Programs.

Abstract: Seeking to improve teaching and learning and to narrow gaps between students of high and low socioeconomic status, many school districts in the United States are implementing one-to-one laptop programs. In this comparative case study, we examine one-to-one laptop programs in Colorado, California, and Alabama, all of which deployed low-cost netbook computers and open source software with the aim of enhancing digital participation and increasing educational equity. In spite of overlapping goals, the projects had very different outcomes. We analyze the roots and implications of these differences.

Get Your Hands Off My Laptop: Physical Side-Channel Key-Extraction Attacks on PCs

Abstract: We demonstrate physical side-channel attacks on a popular software implementation of RSA and ElGamal, running on laptop computers. Our attacks use novel side channels, based on the observation that the "ground" electric potential, in many computers, fluctuates in a computation-dependent way. An attacker can measure this signal by touching exposed metal on the computer's chassis with a plain wire, or even with a bare hand. The signal can also be measured at the remote end of Ethernet, VGA or USB cables. Through suitable cryptanalysis and signal processing, we have extracted 4096-bit RSA keys and 3072-bit ElGamal keys from laptops, via each of these channels, as well as via power analysis and electromagnetic probing. Despite the GHz-scale clock rate of the laptops and numerous noise sources, the full attacks require a few seconds of measurements using Medium Frequency signals around 2 MHz, or one hour using Low Frequency signals up to 40 kHz.

Bring-Your-Own-Device: Turning Cell Phones into Forces for Good

Abstract: Over the last few years, classroom response systems (or “clickers”) have become increasingly common. Although most systems require students to use a standalone handheld device, bring-your-own-device (BYOD) systems allow students to use devices they already own (e.g., a cell phone, tablet or laptop) to submit responses via text message or through a Web browser. In this article, the author discusses the benefits and costs specific to using a bring-your-own-device system and compares these systems to traditional handheld clickers. She particularly focuses on the issues associated with allowing the use of cell phones and laptops in the classroom and offers some advice based on her own experience with a bring-your-own-device system.

Illumination systems and methods for computer imagers

Abstract: The present invention can provide solutions to many common imaging problems, such as, for example, unevenly distributed illumination, shadows, white balance adjustment, colored ambient light and high dynamic range imaging Imaging systems and methods can be provided through a computer (eg, laptop or desktop) such that the system or method can take advantage of the computer's processing power to provide functionality that goes beyond typical camera Such an imaging system may include an imaging device, a camera, a light source and a user interface

Student Use of Mobile Devices in University Lectures.

Abstract: Mobile devices are increasingly used by students in university lectures. This has resulted in controversy and the banning of mobile devices in some lectures. Although there has been some research into how students use laptop computers in lectures, there has been little investigation into the wider use of mobile devices. This study was designed to investigate which mobile devices students use, what they use them for and the duration of each activity within 1 hour lectures. Students in six cross faculty core classes (n=74 students total) at Bond University responded to a survey asking them to document and comment on their mobile device use over the previous hour at the end of their lecture. A focus group of students who had not been surveyed was conducted to cross-validate the survey results. The key results were that 66% of students responding to the survey reported using a mobile device in the lecture. Of this group, 45% used a mobile phone and 38% a laptop. The most common activity was typing notes on a laptop, followed by accessing lecture slides. The vast majority of mobile device usage was on task and related to the lecture .

The Impact of a One Laptop per Child Program on Learning: Evidence from Uruguay

Abstract: We present evidence on the impact on students' math and reading scores of one of the largest deployments of an OLPC program and the only one implemented at a national scale: Plan Ceibal in Uruguay. Unlike previous work in the field, we have unique data that allow us to know the exact date of laptop delivery for every student in the sample. This gives us the ability to use a continuous treatment, where days of exposure are used as a treatment intensity measure.We use a panel data framework including fixed effects at the individual level. Given that there is some variation in the date of laptop delivery across individuals within the same school, we can identify the effect of the program net of potential heterogeneity in the rate schools gain improvements on student's achievement over time in the absence of the OLPC program across the country (i.e. we allow each school to follow a different learning growth curve over time due to unobservable time-varying heterogeneity). We also run an alternative specification where we allow for different learning growth curves over time between schools located in Montevideo and the rest of Uruguay. Our results suggest that the program had no effects on math and reading scores. The zero effect could be explained by the fact that laptops in class are mainly used to search for information on the internet.

Wireless thermostat and system

Abstract: A secure wireless thermostat and system comprising the thermostat are described and taught. The temperature control unit replaces the traditional thermostat by attaching to the wall and using the existing wiring from the traditional thermostat. This temperature control unit has no display or programming buttons, rather a user interacts with the temperature control unit via electronic devices such as smart phones, laptop computers, and desktop computers. The settings of the system can be modified by the user from these access ports. If the user opts to interact with the system via a third party IP server, a local DHCP web server can be employed to store data safely and securely.

How Modernization Instigates Social Change: Laptop Usage as a Driver of Cultural Value Change and Gender Equality in a Developing Country

Abstract: This research examines how technology usage can instigate social change in a developing country. We expected that technology usage leads to changes in modern cultural values and attitudes toward gender equality while traditional values persist. This was tested in an information and communication technology (ICT) for Development Aid project among Ethiopian children who had received a laptop. A longitudinal field experiment compared children who received a laptop (n = 573) with a matched control group without a laptop (n = 485). Measures were taken before laptop introduction and 6 months later. Laptops had medium to strong effects on value and attitude change, particularly in rural areas. Children with laptops endorsed modern values more strongly, but traditional values were bolstered as well. Modern value change mediated the effect of laptop usage on the endorsement of gender equality. Theoretical and practical implications for cultural changes related to gender equality are discussed.

Xbox—A Source of Nickel Exposure in Children

Abstract: Macintosh laptop computers and iPhone5s were recently added to the list of potential nickel sources The Xbox gaming controller also joins the list

Method of Controlling an Auxiliary Vehicle System

Abstract: A method of preparing a car for travel is provided. The system incorporates a user's calendar into the vehicle's navigation system, synchronizes the on-board calendar with the calendar contained on the user's device (e.g., cellular phone, laptop computer, tablet computer, personal digital assistant, computer system, etc.), determines the locations corresponding to each of the appointments contained on the calendar, estimates the travel time between locations, and determines appropriate departure times corresponding to each appointment on the calendar. Using this information, the system may be configured to automatically activate a thermal management system or other auxiliary system prior to an intended departure time.

Benefits of laptop computer ergonomics education to graduate students

Abstract: Laptop computers are used more often than desktop computers, especially among graduate students. Many common laptop habits can have severe physiological effects on the user ranging from eye strain, poor posture, upper extremity pain, and overuse injuries. Thus, it is important to educate students on the best ergonomic position to use laptops. This study investigates the efficacy of a laptop ergonomic education session and its effects on graduate students’ knowledge and behaviors regarding proper laptop use. A convenience sample of control and experimental groups was used and consisted of 83 occupational therapy (OT), 63 physical therapy (PT), and 26 nurse anesthesia (NA) graduate students. The sample size was 172, with 94 graduate students in the control group and 78 graduate students in the experimental. All study participants completed an initial ergonomics questionnaire. The experimental group was given an ergonomics education session following the questionnaire. Approximately 4 weeks after both groups completed the initial questionnaire; a follow up questionnaire was administered. Results showed that subjects demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in ergonomics knowledge after they completed the ergonomic educational session. Some participants reported making adaptations to laptop positioning and equipment use following the educational session. Thus, participating in ergonomic education can positively influence awareness of body mechanics relative to laptop workstation design.

Pulsed Light Communication Key

Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus (USB) key may include an optical transceiver having a USB interface for engagement to an electronic device such as a laptop computer or other USB-configured device. The USB key may include a converter or buffering, isolation, modulation or amplification circuitry. The USB key sends and receives data signals which may be carried upon an optical transmission as generated by an LED light source which in turn is in communication with a host device such as a network processor. The USB key may also include operational amplifiers (op-amps) and transistor amplifiers.

International Distance Consulting via Web Conferencing

Abstract: The objective of this research is to study the result of the use of international distance consulting via web conferencing. The research discovered that: 1) the open source programs can be only used with desktop computers, but not with laptop computers 2) the result of the use along the consulting process is considered normal 3) there are some observations that are different from the criteria of evaluation: the picture quality, the sound quality, the interaction during the consulting, and the files management of the system. The students agree with the international distance consulting via web conferencing process that consists of 5 steps: 1) Preparation of the consulting system 2) Problem survey 3) Problem study 4) Determine the objective and resolve the problem 5) Make the conclusion of the consulting system.

Interrogating the Divide: A Case Study of Student Technology Use in a One-to-One Laptop School

Abstract: .................................................................................................................................... v LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................................... viii

Vehicle Computer System

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a dashboard computer system for a vehicle. Systems and methods are provided for installing a computer system in a vehicle dashboard. The dashboard or dashtop computer system includes components designed for installation of the system into the vehicle dashboard, such as a wiring harness for connection to the vehicle battery and/or audio speakers. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the dashtop computer system is configured for efficient and intuitive operation, such as by providing gesture-based commands to the computer system, and/or enabling the computer system to be disconnected from the vehicle battery and connected to an external device, such as a laptop computer, for software updates or data transfer. In an embodiment, the dashtop computer system utilizes a tablet computer, including a thin design, a touchscreen, and an internal battery.

A case study of the D4R laptop

Abstract: The D4R (Design for recycling, repair, refurbishment and reuse) laptop was developed in conjunction with MicroPro Computers (MPC), a Dublin-based computer manufacturer. MPC formed an industrial network with end-of-life information technology (IT) asset management firms, IT refurbishers, component manufacturers and local industries to produce a new design that has created a new use for their wastes, thus turning waste into resources. This has been made possible through: D4R product design features that facilitate integration of by-product materials and components into the manufacturing process; the creation of an industrial network of suppliers and local assembly agencies permitting industrial metabolism of by-product materials and components into state-of-the-art laptop products; and the creation of a resource exchange platform that increases the visibility of by-products to be incorporated in newly manufactured systems. MPC has been able to successfully manufacture a universal shell composed of a motherb...

Security cover on web cameras with parental control

Abstract: Shielding device for web cameras built into mobile devices such as smart-phones, tablets, netbooks and laptop computers providing such web cameras with a security cover to prevent unintentional or malicious recording of video or images. This security cover or lid allows for parental control through its activation via a driving elements which only the administrator or owner of the device possesses.

Laptop-to-tablet mode adaptation

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present disclosure a computer-implemented method for automatically transitioning a user interface in a personal computing device between a laptop mode and a tablet mode is provided. The method includes detecting a hardware configuration change in the personal computing device. When the hardware configuration changes to a tablet mode, the method includes maximizing an active window in a display of the personal computing device and maximizing a second, inactive window, underneath the active window. And when the hardware configuration changes to a laptop mode, the method includes configuring the user interface to a windows icons menus and pointers (WIMP) mode. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a personal computing device having a base portion coupled to a display portion is provided. The personal computing device is configured to perform a computer-implemented method as described above.

Investigating the Benefits and Challenges of Using Laptop Computers in Higher Education Classrooms.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefits and challenges using laptop computers (hereafter referred to as laptops) inside and outside higher education classrooms. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 156 university students (54 males, 102 females) enrolled in either education or communication studies. Benefits of using laptops in class were active note taking, particularly when instructors provided materials ahead of time, searching for academic resources, use of subject-specific software, communicating and sharing information with peers, and engaging with online interactive tools. Challenges of using laptops inside the class included surfing the web for personal reasons, social networking with peers and, to a lesser extent, entertainment in the form of watching video podcasts or playing games. Benefits were reported far more often than challenges inside the classroom. Benefits of using laptops outside of class included collaboration with peers, increased productivity, and conducting research. Challenges of using laptops outside of class included surfing the web for personal reasons, social networking, and entertainment. Benefits and challenges were reported equally often outside the classroom. More research needs to be conducted on the extent to which distractions impede learning and productivity inside and outside the class. Cette etude avait pour but d’examiner les avantages et les defis associes a l'utilisation d’ordinateurs portables a l'interieur et a l'exterieur des salles de classe d’enseignement superieur. Des donnees quantitatives et qualitatives ont ete recueillies aupres de 156 etudiants universitaires (54 hommes, 102 femmes) inscrits dans des programmes d’education ou de communication. Les avantages de l'utilisation d’ordinateurs portables en classe incluaient la prise active de notes, en particulier lorsque les instructeurs fournissaient la documentation a l'avance, la recherche de ressources universitaires, l'utilisation de logiciels specifiques, la communication et le partage d’informations entre pairs, ainsi que l’utilisation active d’outils interactifs en ligne. Les defis incluaient le fait que les etudiants naviguent sur le web pour des raisons personnelles, utilisent les reseaux sociaux avec des pairs et, dans une moindre mesure, se divertissent en regardant des podcasts ou en jouant a des jeux video. Les avantages ont ete beaucoup plus souvent signales que les defis. Les benefices de l'utilisation d’ordinateurs portables en dehors des cours incluaient la collaboration entre les pairs, une productivite accrue et la recherche en ligne. Les defis de l'utilisation d’ordinateurs portables en dehors des cours comprennent le fait que les etudiants naviguent sur le web pour des raisons personnelles, utilisent les reseaux sociaux et se divertissent. Dans le cas de l’utilisation des portables en dehors des salles de classe, les avantages et defis ont ete signales de maniere egale. Des recherches supplementaires doivent etre menees pour determiner dans quelle mesure les distractions entravent l'apprentissage et la productivite a l'interieur et a l'exterieur de la salle de classe.

Focused Ubiquity: A Purposeful Approach to Providing Students with Laptops.

Abstract: Laptops have been introduced into classroom across the nation as a way to improve teaching and learning. In 2007 Littleton Public Schools (LPS) introduced a focused approach to providing all students with a laptop at a significantly lower cost to the traditional ubiquitous laptop programs. The purpose of this study was to document the LPS model and measure its impact on instruction and learning. In addition, a cost analysis comparing the LPS model to other approaches at infusing laptops into classrooms was conducted. The LPS is not only cost effective, the quantitative and qualitative data collected in this study suggest that this approach to laptop infusion in the classroom positively impacts instruction and learning. One implication from this study is that school districts, when considering adopting a ubiquitous laptop program, should work to incorporate a focused curricular approach to increase the likelihood of the laptops improving instruction and learning.

The Politics of Laptop Ensembles: A Survey of 160 Laptop Ensembles and their Organisational Structures.

Abstract: This paper reports the results of an online survey of 160 laptop ensembles and the relative democracy of their organisational and social structures. For the purposes of this research a laptop ensemble is defined as a performing group of three or more musicians for whom the laptop is the main sound generating source and who typically perform together in the same room. The concept of democracy (i.e. governance by members of the group) has been used as a starting point to assess what types of organisational structures are currently used in laptop ensembles. To assess this we recorded a number of data points including ensemble size, whether the group has a director or conductor, use of homogenous vs. heterogenous hardware and software, whether they perform composed pieces or mainly improvise, the types network interaction and whether or not the ensemble has an academic affiliation. The survey suggested defining a scale of democracy in laptop ensembles and typical features of the most and least democratic groups. Some examples are given of democratic and autocratic activity in existing laptop ensembles. This work is part of a larger scale project investigating the effect of social structures on the musical output of laptop ensembles.

Smart Charging Technologies for Portable Electronic Devices

Abstract: In this article we describe our efforts of extending demand-side control concepts to the application in portable electronic devices, such as laptop computers, mobile phones and tablet computers. As these devices feature built-in energy storage (in the form of batteries) and the ability to run complex control routines, they are well-suited for the implementation of smart charging concepts. We developed simple hardware and software based prototypes of smart charging controllers for a laptop computer that steer the charging process depending on the frequency of the electricity grid and in case of the software implementation also based on the battery charge status. If similar techniques are incorporated into millions of devices in UK households, this can contribute significantly to the stability of the electricity grid, help to mitigate the short-term power production fluctuations from renewable energy sources and avoid the high cost of building and maintaining conventional power plants as standby reserve.