For the first decades of computing, the term “algorithm” wasn’t much mentioned. But as computer science departments began sprouting across campuses in the 60s, the term acquired a new cachet. Its vogue was the product of status anxiety. Programmers, especially in the academy, were anxious to show that they weren’t mere technicians. They began to describe their work as algorithmic, in part because it tied them to one of the greatest of all mathematicians – the Persian polymath Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, or as he was known in Latin, Algoritmi. During the 12th century, translations of al-Khwarizmi introduced Arabic numerals to the west; his treatises pioneered algebra and trigonometry. By describing the algorithm as the fundamental element of programming, the computer scientists were attaching themselves to a grand history. It was a savvy piece of name-dropping: See, we’re not arriviste, we’re working with abstractions and theories, just like the mathematicians!
John Pearce on 27 Feb 12This is a neat annotated list of apps that address the following needs I want my students to record and edit video on the iPad. I want my students to record and / or edit audio on the iPad. I want my students to read class content on the iPad. I want my students to annotate course readings on the iPad I want my students to be able to use audio books on the iPad. I want my students to use the iPad as a digitial notebook / note-taking device. I want my students to use their iPads to create screencasts to share and demonstrate their understanding. I want my students to create presentations on the iPad. I want my students to create digital stories on the iPad. I want my students to be able to study with the iPad. I want to use the iPad as a student response system. I want my students to create written content on the iPad. I want my students to blog on the iPad. I want my students to create ePubs / iBooks to read on the iPad.
Chris Telfer on 23 Jul 12app recommendations teachers in classroom
