DT315 Three Foot Rugged Drop Test from DT Research

The people at DT Research wanted to test the ruggedness of the DT315 tablet by seeing if it could withstand a three foot drop test! Watch this video to see! 



The rugged DT315 (also called the DT315CT) features the integration of a magnificent 9.7-inch capacitive touch display and weighs just under two pounds. The DT315CT rugged tablet offers a high performance yet energy-efficient Intel® Atom™ dual-core, 1.86GHz processor and a smart card reader within a slim, light, and durable package. The rugged DT315 includes 4GB RAM, and 8GB flash storage for speed and performance. In addition, the durable DT315CT rugged tablet has integrated Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth®, and an optional 3G module for HSPA+/WCDMA/ EDGE/GPRS/GSM with GPS positioning and navigation to help users stay connected while on the job. 

To learn more and order the DT315 rugged tablet, visit http://www.groupmobile.com/product.asp/sku=6456/dept_id=/mf_id=83/DT315CT+Tablet.html or call 866-RUGGED8.

E-placement programme

I participated in a conference call this afternoon, organised by E-Skills UK, to discuss how Scottish colleges can access the E-Placement Scotland scheme. Around 15 people participated in the tele-meeting.

Mark Ratcliffe, of E-Skills, went over the background to the project. The project runs over the next three years and hopes to generate 750 new work placements for students in IT companies in Scotland. Mark pointed out that the project also hoped to make better use of existing placement opportunities. IT placements declined significantly during the last decade (by 50% according to Mark) and it was hoped that this project would reverse that trend and provide students with better employability skills.

An important part of the project is the associated website, where students and employers can arange placements.

The placements must be between 3-12 months in duration. They can be full-time or part-time (but must amount to at least 3 months full-time employment). It was suggested that it might be possible to use the summer holiday between the first and second years of the HND programme to fit in some of the placement. But the timing is an issue.

Although it's not vital that the placement is credit bearing, several people expressed the view that it would be advantageous if completion of the placement was part of the HN awards (as options) and I will be looking further into this in the coming weeks.

Contact Mark if you want to know more about this initiative.

Digital Literacy Competency Framework

We've been developing a Digital Literacy Competency Framework (DLCF) for some time. This framework defines the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected from someone who is considered digitally literate.



We've used this framework to develop the new Digital Passport award, and it will be the basis of future digital literacy awards. Unlike similar frameworks, the DLCF defines not only knowledge and skills but also the attitudes and behaviours that the modern citizen needs. It's also very up-to-date, including such things as "attention literacy" - the mindfulness that is needed to overcome the distractions of the modern age.

We think that the Framework is a pretty unique mix of knowledge, skills and behaviours -- but it's still evolving so let us know, in the comment section, if you think that we've left anything out.

Contact Hilary if you want to know more about the DLCF or our digital literacy awards.

Children and new technology report

As you probably noticed via TV/radio last week, the Byron Review of children's use of new technology was published last Thursday. You can download the full report here [PDF].

It makes interesting reading. You don't have to read it all - the Executive Summary [PDF] contains the key recommendations. It seems to me to strike a good balance between seeking to protect children without scare-mongering. All of the recommendations sound sensible.

A recurring theme is the need to educate young people and adults in the correct (safe) way to use the Internet. My only disappointment with the report was that it made no mention whatsoever of SQA's Internet Safety qualification, which remains the UK's (and, probably, the EU's) only national qualification in this area.

But given the focus on formal education, the Internet Safety unit is well placed to address many of the report's findings. It will hopefully stimulate demand for this qualification and might result in healthy evening class numbers in most colleges.

Please contact Caroline if you want more information on the Internet Safety qualification.

HNC Information Technology

The HNC IT was successfully validated yesterday with the QDT (Qualifications Design Team) being led by George Johnston Reid Kerr College. It is planned that a letter will be send (by post) to centres after the Easter break with details about this award.

However, in the interim you can e-mail Angela Lees angela.lees@sqa.org.uk to gain any information your centre may require at this stage. Our next steps (with the timelines) are -

1 Making the unit specifications available via the SQA website (end of April)
2 Tidying up the VPD (now Arrangements Document) (end of April)
3 Starting the production of assessment exemplars (delivery end of June)
4 Organising a central event to feedback to centres (end of May)
5 Sending a letter out to centres (beginning of May)

If anyone would like to be considered for supporting the development of these assessment exemplars then please e-mail Angela and record your interest.

Finally, I would like to record a big 'Thank You' to the QDT in all the work that they have undertaken to gain this successful validation.

Mike Jannetta



--

Re-assessing Graded Units

I had an interesting discussion this morning, among colleagues in other subject areas, about the rules for resubmitting Graded Units, either to convert a fail to a pass or to upgrade a result.

We found some useful guidance on this topic in a document entitled Guidance on the Implementation of Graded Units in HNC/Ds [PDF]. There is information on page 23 (about project-based GUs) and page 31 (about exam-based GUs). The key thing is that the re-assessment is based on a substantially different project or examination. It's up to centres whether re-assessment will be offered, and how much is charged, and suggests at least one opportunity for re-assessment is built into the programme.

Contact Caroline for more information about the Graded Units in Computing awards.

7 Google Android Tablet is Nexus 7

7 Google Android Tablet is another name of Nexus 7, which was launched in San Francisco in June 2012. At the same time, Google also announced a new Android operating system version 4.1 or Jelly Bean. Of course, the Nexus tablet 7 also became the first to use Jelly Bean 4.1

Two weeks earlier, Apple announced its iOS mobile operating system version 6. As confront competitors in the tablet market, Google launched the Nexus 7 then and is offered at a price of 199 USD. Same with the Kindle Fire, the Amazon tablet made that first rocked the tablet market because it is sold at a price of 199USD.

Nexus 7 developed a cheap tablet trend initiated by the Kindle Fire. Today, competition in the tablet market is not only determined by technological superiority, but also by the low price. It's a blow for the iPad are sold with high prices and dominate the tablet market.

Analysts predict a Nexus 7 "iPad killer", although Google's tablet in collaboration with Asus rely on Wi-Fi networks are not equipped for 3G network, and has only one camera on the front.

7 Google Android Tablet supports Near Field Communication (NFC) and became the first device using Google's Chrome browser app pre-installed.

Google's features are included to increase the benefits of the Nexus 7 is the latest digital map Google Maps, which can be accessed without an internet connection.

Cheap-Light-Fast-Sharp

Advantages Nexus 7 compared to competitors in its class is the cheap price. Nexus 7 also feels lighter and easier to grip, weighs about 340 grams because it is designed from plastic material.

In the size of 7-inch LCD screen, the Nexus 7 using IPS technology with the LED backlit display with a capacitive touchscreen. With a resolution of 1280x800 pixels with a density of 216 pixels per inch screen, the appearance of the image becomes sharp.

Based operating system Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, Nexus 7 speed and performance to be one of the hallmarks of the Android tablet for dominance of the tablet market dominated by the iPad.

Mobile learning

I attended a workshop on mobile learning today, organised by the eLearning Alliance. Eleven people attended, representing diverse organisations ranging from Lanarkshire Council to The Royal College of Surgeons.

It was a good event, and I learnt a lot about current developments. The presenter highlighted the huge growth in Internet access via mobile devices, from 0.02% of web traffic in 2009 to 13% in 2011, reflecting the huge penetration of mobile phones among the general population (94%). He also went over some of the benefits of mobile learning ("m-learning"), which include convenience (you have it with you most of the time), cost (it's cheaper than buying PCs and infrastructure), and well suited to delivering learning-on-demand.

SQA was the first awarding body in the UK to deliver an entire course via mobile phone (the original Internet Safety award), and we have recently updated those materials to look better on modern smartphones and tablet computers. I'm sure, in the coming years, we will provide many more qualification in this way.

You can learn more about mobile learning here. Contact Caroline if you want to know more about the new Internet Safety award.

New National Units

Following on from the new blogging unit, I have commissioned a writer to produce two additional National Units: Social Software (probably Intermediate 2) and Internet Safety (either Intermediate 1 or Intermediate 2).

The unit relating to social software is particularly interesting since this is a new and exciting field. We think that it will be the first national qualification in the world relating to this emerging area of activity.

Team building day

We had an away-day yesterday at Kelso Nursery School, in Yoker. Although the day was meant to be a team building day, it had a more concrete objective -- to improve the gardens in the nursery school.

The weather was kind and we had a great day. We planted trees, bushes and flowers, and, I think, made a real difference to the place.

The teachers and kids expressed their appreciation by awarding us a certificate for our efforts! Contact Hilary if you want your garden dug.

Have you checked out the 2009 Group Mobile Best Sellers Guide?

On our "Best Of" page we make recommendations based on our opinions and feedback from our customers. Click here to view the full page or keep reading for a sampling...

Best Multi Media Semi Rugged Laptop - This would be the Toughbook 52 (with bundle upgrade) from Panasonic. It has a large 15.4” display with WUXGA resolution. It comes with 512MB of Video RAM, a Firewire connection for fast uploads/download of photos and other digital files, as well as main memory (RAM) expandable to 4.0GB.

Read more about the Toughbook 52

Best Bargain in a Vehicle-Rated Ruggedized Laptop - Check out the General Dynamics-Itronix GD6000. This mobile computer is classified as semi-rugged, since it cannot handle use in a pouring rain, but it has all the features required for use in an in-vehicle computing setup. Police departments love this unit, for example, for use in their cruisers. And the GD6000 is priced less than the comparable fully-rugged laptops.

Read more about the GD-Itronix GD6000

Most Versatile Fully Rugged Laptop - The Getac A790 has incredible versatility. The customer can choose from a 12”, or 14” display screen. The customer can pick either the touchscreen or non-touchscreen; and between a regular or daylight-readable display. The customer can select additional RS232, RS422, RS485, or SCSI-II ports. One can even add 2 more ISA slots or 2 more PCI slots. And there are other options for this rugged mobile computer, as well. This is, without question, the most “configurable” rugged laptop in the world.

Read more about the Getac A790

For more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit http://www.groupmobile.com/ or call us at 1-866-RUGGED-8.

GD8000 - In-Field Computing Solution

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Group Mobile's In-Field Computing Solution is designed to be as versatile as the workers who rely on it. This mobile computing bundle is ideal for field service and other mobile professionals that need a laptop and the essential accessories for working indoors, outdoors, in a vehicle, and in other challenging work environments. The In-Field Computing Solution offers both savings and convenience by bundling everything you need to stay powered-up and connected at a reduced price. The In-Field Computing Solution bundle includes the GD Itronix GD8000 rugged laptop, office dock, DVD multi-drive, vehicle power adapter, spare AC adapter, shoulder strap, Swiss Army computer backpack, and Roxio EZ Creator software. Read More…

For more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-RUGGED-8.

CIW qualification

I spend a lot of my time talking to vendors. As you may know, as part of the DIVA initiative, SQA has developed links with many leading industry organisations, such as Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco and Adobe.

Caroline and I met with Marjorie Quigley of ComputerPREP this morning to talk about the CIW qualification. The newly developed PDA in Web Technologies at SCQF Level 7 covers the CIW Foundation curriculum. According to Marjorie, a large number of FE colleges in Scotland plan to offer this qualification, once the PDA is available, which it will be at the end of April (it was validated with conditions last week).

You can find out more about CIW from Marjorie, more about this new PDA from Angela and more about vendor links from Caroline.

Complexities of vocational education systems

On Friday afternoon, I attended one of SQA's occasional research seminars. This one was presented by Professor Geoff Hayward, of Leeds University, and was about vocational education systems. Or, more specifically, it was about why vocational education systems have become so complex.

He pointed out that vocational education has become complex in every country in the world but that England has "unquestionably the most complex in Europe". This, he said, was due to several factors, including the introduction of qualification frameworks (credit and levelling systems) in most countries. This evolution towards complexity increased costs and reduced transparency - resulting in many employers not understanding the qualification system. Geoff was also critical of the tendency to reduce learning to small chunks, comparing this to the traditional apprenticeship, which took years to complete. He pointed out that modularisation increased complexity.

Geoff's main point was that vocational education has become more complex because governments, across the world, "try to make qualification systems do too much". This "mission creep" has produced the complexity.

It was an interesting talk. I was particularly interested to learn about the history of vocational education and to hear Geoff challenge some of the orthodoxies in modern education.

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What Is The Best Antivirus For An Android Tablet ?

 

Why Tablet PCs require the best antivirus? Because the virus in the form of malware or spyware are also evolving to become more intelligent and deadly. So the old version antivirus program will not be able to anticipate the latest viruses. Similarly, to protect tablet Android needed the best anti virus program.

Compared to desktop PCs, Tablet PCs use much more connected to the internet. In the internet world there are many threats and viruses that are harmful to your tablet. To protect your tablet, at least the best antivirus needed, though that is free or trial.

If using pirated antivirus, you get less tablet maximum protection. Because the pirated antivirus security features are not complete. Besides, you can not update the database every day. Update is a very important factor for the optimization of an antivirus program.

It is not difficult to get antivirus, because the internet is quite a lot. Some antivirus products usually offer a free version, a trial or paid. Of course, the three versions are also different qualities. We suggest you try the antivirus trial before deciding to choose paid antivirus.

Providers antivirus programs also continue to take development to provide antivirus latest version, so it can anticipate new viruses every time of entry into the world of the internet. If you use Android tablet, what is the appropriate antivirus, latest and match Android tablet?

Here are some of the best antivirus for your Android Tablet:

Avast

Avast is an anti-virus program developed by Alwil Software based in Prague, Czech Republic. Avast was first released in April 1988. Avast Pro Latest able to protect the tablet from viruses, malware, spyware and others. Avast security provided sufficient, because the database is updated daily.

Kaspersky Mobile Security

Kaspersky Anti-Virus has a real-time protection, detection and removal of viruses, trojans, worms, spyware, adware, keyloggers malicious tools and auto-dialers, as well as detection and removal of rootkits. It also includes automatic updates through "Kaspersky Security Network" service.

McAfee Security

McAfee Antivirus Enterprise is a proven antivirus and recognized. McAfee has the ability to clean up a virus-infected file without having to remove the file. But McAfee antivirus requires huge resources and can android tablet specification burden low.

AVG Antivirus

AVG Antivirus is one of the best antivirus for Android, Malware Protection feature, Av real-time scanner, backup assistant, task killer, malware protection, a backup assistan, app locker and local device phone locator wite. etc. Previously, AVG is also recognized as the best antivirus for Windows or PC.

Lookout Security & Antivirus

Antivirus is arguably relatively new but it has nice features, and become one of the best among the users of the Android operating system. It has a variety of features such as Lookout Security & Antivirus supports phone locator, real-time security, scanning apps, backup, restore, etc.

Dr.Web Anti-virus Light

Antivirus is specially made for android users. Dr.Web Anti-virus Light also comes with many nice features. To detect viruses, Dr.Web will investigate and try to find the source of the virus family and if there is. This antivirus also scan every file and scan apps are installed into the system.

NC Computing Developments - Stirling Management Centre Event

On Friday the 24th of March we held a very productive meeting in Stirling Management Centre to gain feedback from individuals representing centres to help shape the first steps of the NC Computing developments. The principles behind this meeting were

1 to explain the ‘design principles’ relating to the development of these awards

2 to gain feedback from the field from the seven workshops which each having a particular focus

The data/information gathered was in order that the QDT (Qualifications Design Team) can initially get a handle on the shape of this award. Walter Patterson (walt@paris.com) is the lead consultant/developer on this initiative and will be collating a report which will be considered by the QDT before their recommendations are published. It's my intention as QM (Qualifications Manager) to keep the sector informed and call another meeting to discuss this feedback. There will be a vote on the nccomputing Smartgroup on a suitable date when the QDT will present their findings and carry out additional research to assist them in moving these developments forward.

The comments gathered by the individual QDT member at each workshop are being collated, at the moment, and will be available through the nccomputing Smartgroup as soon as practical. If anyone has any issue that they want to raise they can do this via the Smartgroup or directly to Walter, myself (Mike.Jannetta@sqa.org.uk) or Angela Lees (Angela.Lees@sqa.org.uk).

FYI - The other members of the QDT are:

Jim Spry (Central College of Commerce)
Joanna McGillivary (Edinburgh’s Telford)
Carol Davie (Cumbernauld College)
Tom Rodgers (Glasgow College of Nautical Studies)
Mary McGuinness (Motherwell College)
Douglas Liddle (Glasgow Metropolitan College)
Bob McGonigle (Microsoft)

Mike Jannetta

0141 242 2235

SQA DIVA Programme
Apple Education Update for Colleges
10:00-16:00, Wednesday 26 April 2006
Jury’s Inn Hotel, Glasgow
Find out about the latest Apple hardware including the Intel-based desktop, portable, iPOD and Server devices.

The morning session will focus on Apple’s award-winning Operating System iLife06 and Keynote software, including hardware and software overviews for education users.

The afternoon session will include specialist sessions in Final Cut Pro and Logic.

With lots of opportunity for networking and informal discussion.

Depending upon volume of registration and interest it may be possible to have other product demos, so please sign up and tell us your interests.

For more information and to book your place, please email showmeapple@scotsys.co.uk or call 0845 606 2641 for more details.
The Apple Education Update for Colleges is part of SQA DIVA.
The Digital media and ICT Vendor Alliance (DIVA) Programme is SQA’s initiative to update and expand its range of Information & Communication Technology (ICT) and digital media qualifications working with global industry partners. For more information, visit: www.sqa.org.uk/diva

Visit to Stow College

Some time ago, I mentioned how much I enjoyed visiting centres to see at first hand what's involved in delivering SQA awards and also hear about some of the issues that face lecturers "at the chalk face". Well, another one of my ex-colleges took me up on my offer. My old boss, Ron Dillon, invited me to Stow College to participate in the weekly staff meeting, which is held every Wednesday afternoon (yesterday).


My presentation covered the range of IT qualifications available to centres - and particularly the new ones such as the new NPAs and PDAs.

Read this doc on Scribd: Computing developments (Stow) - March 2008

It was an interesting and lively meeting - the sort that reminds me about the real issues in centres. I'd be happy to do more, time permitting.

Rugged Tablets for Highly Mobile Workers

Motion F5v with Touch

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At only 3.3 lbs the Motion F5v makes it easy to take technology into the field to streamline processes and increase productivity. Available with up to an Intel® Core™ i7 vPro™ processor, the F5v offers uncompromising levels of power, security and manageability. With extended battery life, a hot-swap battery feature, superior performance and advanced remote management capabilities, mobile workers are equipped with a robust computing tool for accomplishing virtually any task. Read More...

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For more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-RUGGED-8. 

Computing for Change

I attended the second meeting of the Computing for Change group this afternoon. The meeting was held at Glasgow Metropolitan College.

I updated people on the actions that the QST planned to carry out to review SQA units and assessments. Today's meeting focussed more on the factors other than the curriculum such as teaching and learning, and support for Computing lecturers.

A number of actions were agreed, including a comprehensive review of the statistics relating to student performance in HN Computing and related subjects.

My major task is to look at specific units and assessments to see if there is a quick and simple way of reducing the assessment load on lecturers and students.

Contact Ron Dillin if you want to know more about the work of this group.

The new Duo-Touch II Rugged Tablet PC by General Dynamics Itronix

The new General Dynamics Itronix Duo-Touch II is the refresh of the original Duo-Touch, but with many new Features. The new Duo-Touch II features an 80GB Shock Mounted Hard Drive, Intel Core Duo Processor, 8.4" SVGA TFT Transmissive display with DynaVue for optimum outdoor viewability plus dual mode touchscreen and 3 year warranty. This machine is the ultimate tool for use out in the field.

More on the General Dynamics Itronix Duo-Touch II

HN review update

I know I said that I wouldn't contaminate this blog with lots of posts about the HN review, but I posted a summary of progress yesterday on that blog, which pretty much brings you up-to-date with where we are right now with that development. So, if you are at all interested in the changes to a number of Higher National Computing qualifications, please check it out.

Android Tablet Will Lead Tablet Market

Android Tablet getting into various tablet market share. Android market in 2013 will expand because some vendors have also started using Google's open operating system. Android is not only used as a base tablets, smartphones as well - it could be a variety of gadgets linked to the Internet.

Android Tablet expansion is not only done by giants Samsung, Amazon and the owner of Android Operating System, Google, but also carried out by electronics company that already has a name, such as Polaroid and Hewlett Packard. Although better known as a different brand of the product, at least - their tablet more easily attract the attention of consumers.

Research Institute IDC (International Data Corp.) had predicted that tablet shipments in this year that use Google Inc's Android devices will exceed iPad. IPad shipments will control 46% of the tablet market this year, down from 51% last year. Meanwhile, the market share of devices using Android is expected to rise from 42% to 49% this year.

According to IDC, sales of Android tablets that are smaller and cheaper, from Google to Amazon.com Inc. will increase this year. Along with the growing number of consumers, Apple's dominance will also decrease since the iPad first launched in 2010.

Android tablet expansion not only in the secondary market that officially more easily monitored, the expansion of the same magnitude occurred in the market. Many tablets are manufactured by local firms using the Android operating system, sold cheaply to users with lower economic class.

Android tablets are not just grab the iPad market, but also established a new market by selling tablets at a bargain price with a base Android operating system that is open and continuous update by Google, local producers do not need to pay for research and development. Their products will also never "outdated".

Competition in the tablet market has begun to heat since early last year. When Amazon launched its first tablet, the Kindle Fire, Android-based 7-inch and priced at under 200USD, the price is lowered and the Apple iPad immediately announced to launch iPad Mini.

Followed by the presence of Google Nexus 7 with the latest Android base, also sold at a low price, then the vendor to make corrections on the cost of production so that they could sell the tablet at a cheaper price. Since then the price of tablets entering the era of cheap tablets

Although it is not rational to follow the trend created by Amazon, because Kindle Fire it functioned as a device to download and shop at the online store Amazon. Gain on sale of Kindle Fire will be obtained from the customers who download content from Amazon.

The era of cheap Android tablet marked with the number offered with a 7-inch tablet, priced at 150-250 USD. More and more vendors are using the Android operating system, as well as local vendors producing cheap Android tablet and create their own market. Of course, these conditions eroded the dominance of the iPad is sold with high prices and eventually Android will become the leader in the tablet market.

New CompTIA Membership Scheme

We work with a range of global vendors in a non exclusive way through the DIVA Programme.   A number of Scottish Colleges use CompTIA Certification as part of their National Certificate programmes.  We have been asked to alert School ,  Colleges and Universities in Scotland to their new membership scheme.  The details of this can be found on the CompTIA Website here.

New 8.4-inch Fully Rugged Tablet PC - The Duros

Introducing the new Duros Rugged 8.4-inch Tablet PC from Roper Mobile. This powerful XP-based Tablet PC has been intelligently designed for handling in the field. Its brilliant, sunlight-readable touch screen display, hot swappable batteries and fully rugged design make it an indispensable tool, outdoors or mounted in a vehicle. Weighing around 4lbs and sealed to IP-65 levels for dust and water ingress and manufactured to MILSPEC 810F, this tablet pc is the perfect rugged machine to meet all your ourdoor computing needs.

More on the Roper Mobile Duros Tablet PC

Special Offers on Rugged Computers and Accessories from Group Mobile!

Occasionally, Group Mobile has overstocks or returns, as well as special deals on rugged computers and accessories. These computers and accessories are discounted so you can find great deals. Learn more about closeouts and specials at Group Mobile...

Getac B300

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This 4th Generation Getac B300 rugged computer is loaded with upgrades, including an Intel Core i7-3520M processor, 1400NITs QuadraClear™ sunlight readable LED display with touchscreen, SuperMulti DVD drive, and integrated GPS. The fully rugged Getac B300 is both MIL-STD-810G and IP65 compliant, boasting a Magnesium Alloy design, shock-mounted hard disk drive, vibration and shock resistance, and sealed I/O caps and doors to prevent damage from solid particles and moisture. This rugged laptop also includes many impressive features such as 4GB RAM for amazing speed and efficiency, a 500GB hard disk drive to store plenty of data, Bluetooth® and 802.11 Wi-Fi for connectivity, a backlit keyboard for working in dark environments, and a 5-year bumper-to-bumper warranty! 

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Nomad 900L

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fliTablet Hands-free Tablet Floor Stand

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The fliTablet hands-free tablet floor stand securely holds the most popular, lightweight tablet computers, including the iPad, Kindle Fire, Nook, Galaxy, Nexus, and many other lightweight tablet computers.The heavy base on the fliTablet stand ensures stability amd secures your computer in place without scratching or damaging it. It allows you to tilt and swivel your tablet, as well rotate it a full 360° to view your tablet in both portrait and landscape modes. It is an ideal tablet accessory for cooking, reading, watching movies and videos, playing games, surfing the Internet, presenting and performing, web conferencing, and many other hands-free activities. The fliTablet floor stand is lightweight and easily portable. You can use it while working at your desk, working on your car, lounging on your sofa, or lying in bed. It also makes an incredible music stand!  

To learn more and order the flitablet, visit www.flitablet.com.

The Three-in-One USB Power/Sync Cable offers a standard USB connector at one end and three commonly used tips at the other: Micro-USB, Apple 30-pin, and Apple Lightning connector. 

*Free charger offer ends March 31, 2014. 

HN Conference

Today the Computing Team attended the HN Conference which was held at Murrayfield Stadium. The conference was well attended by Colleges, Universities and Industry and presentations were made by SQA, Anniesland College, Scottish Funding Council and the University of Aberdeen.

The afternoon session was dedicated to various workshops on E-Assessment, DiVA, Graded Units, Marketing HNC/Ds etc and delegates had a chance to discuss these topics in detail.

E-Safety Live

I attended the E-Safety Live event at the Edinburgh Conference Centre at Heriot-Watt University today, to present a couple of workshops on SQA's qualifications in this area.

SQA has developed a reputation as the leading awarding body in the area of online child protection, so it was flattering to be the only UK qualification body to be invited to speak at the conference. I spoke about our two awards in this area:

1. National Unit in Internet Safety
2. Professional Development Award in Online Child Protection.

My workshops seemed to be well received. There was a lot of interest in the awards. Part of my presentation dealt with the need for national qualifications (rather than informal learning). I emphasised the motivational advantages and the teaching and learning materials provided to support centres.

E safety live

View more presentations from bobbyelliott.

I used the conference to launch the new online materials for the new Internet Safety award, which are designed to work on PC, tablets and smartphones.

I managed to squeeze in a couple of workshops myself. I particularly enjoyed the presentation from Facebook, which was about how you can configure Facebook for maximum protection.

Contact Caroline if you want to know more about SQA's online protection qualifications.

Sector Panel meeting

The Sector Panel for Computing and Call Centres met today for the first time at Lauder College in Dunfermline.



The Sector Panel's remit is to support the Qualifications Manager (that's me) and advise SQA about potential developments that we should consider. Members have been selected from colleges (such as Stow College and Cumbernauld College), industry (such as Microsoft and Oracle), training centres, and special interest groups (such as the Scottish Executive).

Since this was the first meeting, most of the time was spent explaining the role of the Panel and introducing the members. But a number of key developers (such as Mike Janetta and Jack Robertson) came along to explain recent changes to Computing provision [WMV].

It was a good meeting. The Panel meets twice per year and the next meeting is scheduled for September.

Rugged Computer Features - Power and Batteries

Choosing the correct power accessories is an important aspect of ensuring you have the right solution for your rugged mobile computing requirements. Below we have listed the various choices and considerations:

AC Adapter - All mobile computers come standard with an ac adapter for plugging into a wall outlet. Some users buy an additional ac adapter in order to have one at work and one at home. Please note, desktop docks often do not come with an ac adapter as the manufacturer assumes you will use the ac adapter that came with your computer. Make sure you order an extra ac adapter with your desktop dock if you need more than one.

Vehicle Power Adapter - All rugged mobile and in-vehicle computers can operate from the power provided by a vehicle's battery. Usually this is accomplished by a 12V vehicle power adapter, also known as a cigarette lighter adapter. Your rugged mobile PC can also be connected directly to the vehicle's battery via a hot wire. But it is highly recommended that a power protection device is used in between any in-vehicle computer and battery to avoid hard-shut downs and other issues.

Battery - All portable computers come with a battery. The battery is normally a Lithium-Ion type and can be recharged 200+ times before it can no longer hold a charge. Therefore the batteries inside any rugged mobile pc need to be replaced every 1-3 years, depending on usage. The length of time that a charge will last varies greatly. The range is 2 hours to 10 hours depending on the battery, the computer and the usage.

Click here to read more about power and battery options for your rugged mobile computer. For more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-RUGGED-8.

March Madness - Trimble Yuma On Special!

Special March Savings on the Trimble Yuma. Save an additional $200

The Trimble Yuma Rugged Tablet is designed to be fully functional in the most challenging work environments — especially the outdoors. With the Trimble Yuma, conducting inspections, collecting data and information, capturing geo-tagged photographs, communicating with headquarters, and real-time transferring of data is made easy — all with the peace of mind that your important information is protected from dust, sand, mud, humidity, and temperature extremes by the Yuma tablet's rugged magnesium alloy shell. It also comes with an IP67 rating, meaning the Yuma tablet PC is completely sealed against dust, and can survive immersion in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes! Read More…

For more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-RUGGED-8.

HND Computing validation event

The HND Computing validation event was held today. More information on the HND Computing review blog.

Computer Basics

Bobby recently posted a message about the new Computer Basics Unit at SCQF level 3.  This has now been coded H3LJ 09 and is available [PDF] on NQ Unit Search.

http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/controller?p_service=Front.searchNQ&g=0&t=nq_unit&q=&r=&pContentID=3&pMenuID=133

E-Qualifications assessment writers

A small group of writers spent yesterday and today at the Stirling Highland Hotel writing assessment exemplars for the new suite of E-Qualifications awards. It was a very productive weekend with most of the work complete by the time the team went home on Sunday afternoon.

Qualifications Support Team for HN awards

The QST for HN awards met this afternoon. This committee advises me about how courses are actually being implemented and suggest changes that could be be made to improve things.

Today's meeting was very busy, with almost 20 forms received from centres with suggestions for changes, clarifications or simplifications. Most of the suggestions were accepted and you will see some changed units or improved assessments as a result.



The QST is going to play a major role in addressing the previously mentioned problems with performance indicators in this area. A subset of the QST is going to look at all of the component units in the HN awards in the Computing/IT/Multimedia areas to see how we can simply and thin-down the assessment load. I'll say more about this in a future post, once my ideas about how to take this forward are clearer... but I'll be looking for volunteers so please contact Caroline if you want to be involved.

I'm always looking for people to work on committees like the QST, so please contact Shirley if you want to know more about serving on this team - or any other SQA comittee.