Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Very Good Ideos
Being of a rather un-social (the uncharitable might say anti-social) disposition, I've never been into mobile phones. Well. I've had them, done a bit of urgent texting, made the occasional call to people (though rarely have let the number out), and in recent times mainly used them for taking photos and capturing a few random video clips on the run -- usually when the digital cameras have been caught short of battery.
But last night Michele's brother in law came round with a new acquisition -- a low end android phone, with the model name Ideos. And today we bought one, with a $30 pre-paid plan that should provide enough data download to last for our emailing needs whilst caught without regular internet access beyond occasional dial up on the current trip.
This is not phone-based internet access, however.
For those who are state of the art phone users this will doubtless be old news, but for us it came as a wonderful surprise when Chris showed us how his phone became an instant wireless internet hot spot. Just turn the thing on, activate the wireless hot spot function, then access the internet via laptop or netbook. The phone was around $150 Australian and the nice man where we bought it unlocked it for a little extra cash. Anywhere we care to buy a "pay as you go" sim card when visiting other countries we can have absolutely mobile internet access simultaneously on multiple machines -- enjoying the ease of comfortable computing with the mobility of a handset.
I've no doubt the main calling function will be to check account balances -- well, at least for me. It's very much a "desperate-measures" measure for internet access, but when staying for a month or more at a time in places without broadband access it is a brilliant stop gap.
And the rest of the time it can run off a plan and be the versatile, elegant, intuitive, highly functional little gem that it is.
And yes, it imports all your main google account settings automatically.
Delightful.
Saturday, February 05, 2011
Job opening at New York University: Primary/ElementaryTenured Associate or Full Professor
New York Uni has just issued a call for job applications as follows:
The Department of Teaching and Learning at New York University invites applications for a tenured Associate or Full Professor in Childhood Education (i.e., U.S. elementary grades 1-6). We seek a dynamic scholar and leader who is looking for an opportunity to bring new direction and vision to New York University's programs in Childhood Teacher Education.
Our Childhood Education programs have a long history of success and innovation. We are looking for a new faculty member to continue that tradition as we renew and revitalize our programs. The successful candidate will develop, support and expand the School's programs and join the faculty in advancing the visibility and reputation of this nationally recognized program. The successful candidate should be able to work collaboratively with colleagues from other fields and disciplines and take full advantage of the Steinhardt School's varied programs and departments relevant to Childhood Education.
Of note, the department has outstanding offices of support that oversee accreditation (Center for Research on Teaching and Learning), student teaching placements (Office of Clinical Studies), and the academic advising of students (Office of Undergraduate and Graduate Advisement). This support system makes NYU an ideal location for academic scholars who seek to design and/or study teacher education programs. Also, NYU's dynamic Global Network University includes NYU Abu Dhabi and many other international programs and academic centers around the world. As an NYU Steinhardt faculty member, the successful candidate may be afforded the opportunity for variable term work at these global study and research sites.
Responsibilities
Assume a leadership role in the enhancement, and further conceptual development and maintenance of the Childhood Teacher Education Programs; teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses; conduct research and seek grant funding in the area of teacher education.
Qualifications
In addition to a strong research program and demonstrated excellence in teaching, the successful candidate will have solid management and communication skills and the talent and interest in developing and implementing world-class programs in childhood education. The successful candidate will also have a doctorate in education or related field; an established record of research and program development in teacher education; and success with funding projects. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in literacy, social studies, science or mathematics education and a research focus on, or closely related to, teacher education in one of these core instructional areas.
NYU strongly encourages applications from women and members of minority groups and is committed to building a culturally diverse educational environment.
To learn more about the department and all of our programs please visit: http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/teachlearn
Applications
Candidates should apply online by submitting a cover letter, CV, names and contact information for three references, and a statement of professional experience to:
http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/faculty_positions/teachlearn/childhood_ed_tenured
Further information about the position can be obtained from:
Dr. Susan Kirch, Search Committee Chair
Department of Teaching and Learning
Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
New York University
239 Greene St, Suite 200
New York NY 10003-4713
susan.kirch@nyu.edu
Application review will begin December 15, 2010 and the position will remain open until filled.
New York University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building a culturally diverse educational environment.
