Tag: Technology
WTAM 1100 – Is Your Smartphone a Germ Magnet?
Play Audio – WTAM 1100 Newsradio – Tech Tuesday – January 6th, 2015
As the prime flu season continues, you may want to take a look at how clean is your mobile device. Smartphones are devices we handle every day, touching them with both our fingers and our faces. Studies do show that mobile devices are a common haven for pathogens, even though most are harmless.
While you could attack your phone with all sorts of cleaning chemicals, it’s important to note that many household cleaners have the potential to damage delicate electronics. However, researchers have found that you can strike an effective balance between cleaning and carefulness by using a mix of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water. This combination is found in many screen cleaning kits available at your local Best Buy.
You can also make a mix on your own by using a 1 to 1 ratio of 70% or better pure isopropyl alcohol and distilled water. It’s important to use a purer alcohol along with distilled water to prevent minerals and other chemicals from being left behind as the solution evaporates. Isopropyl alcohol and distilled water can be found at most local groceries or drug stores.
For more tips on cleaning your mobile devices, as well as your laptop and smart TV, check out this New York Times articles on cleaning the mobile germ warehouse.
KSBY 6 News – Apps to Help Celebrate New Year’s Eve
WHRV-FM – HearSay with Cathy Lewis – Fitness Tech Tips
Play Audio – WHRV-FM – HearSay with Kathy Lewis – December 30th, 2014
One of the most popular resolutions for the New Year is to finally get off the couch and get in shape. WHRV-FM‘s HearSay guest host Liz Humes spoke to several fitness experts during her show on finding help at the holidays. I was able to help talk about using fitness tech, like the Fitbit Flex or even apps like Human on your smartphone as a way to not only keep track of your workout, but help motivate you to keep pushing for your goals through the new year.
WTAM 1100 – Computer Science Education Week
Play Audio – WTAM 1100 Newsradio – Tech Tuesday – December 9th, 2014
As mobile smart devices become common, everyone will have a computer in their pocket. Learning how to program will only become a more important skill kids may need for future careers. To help with that education, December 8th-14th has been declared Computer Science Education Week, with links and resources for students, parents and educators.
A key part of this is the “Hour of Code“, which introduces coding in hour-long tutorials, designed for all age ranges and computer familiarity. Young kids can learn basic programming skills with Anna and Elsa from Disney’s Frozen. Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and others teach you how to write your first program. As students progress, they can be introduced to more advanced topics, including JavaScript.
Educators and parents looking to help spread the word can find additional resources at csedweek.org and hourofcode.com.