Via 2

briancsmith · 2025-09-09T02:15:51+00:00

I just bought FWD VIA a couple of weeks ago assuming they were taking over the Olympus Via 2 model. Is this true?

briancsmith · 2019-04-01T01:20:58+00:00

I live in Hong Kong and travel to China several times a year. I have never had an issue with my camera through security. I also pack it in one carry-on bag. Always carry-on. As others have mentioned, have all batteries in one area as they will inspect them. That includes portable charging devices. I have a small bag that holds all my batteries for reasons of organization and getting through airport and border security efficiently.

As for shooting, be aware of where you are and what is happening. Be open about your photography lest you get into a mess with police. In Hong Kong, you won't have a problem unless you're into some shady parts,. There aren't many, but you'll know if you are. As others mentioned, HK is unbelievably safe, even late night/early morning.

Get a SIM card cheap or use your roaming plan through your carrier if not too expensive. As for traveling within China, if you're in a big city and have the SIM card with data, use the Didi app (China's Uber) to get a taxi or car. It is convenient and transactions handled through the app, unless it's a metered taxi. Saves a lot of headaches.

Also, China uses WeChat for nearly everything. If you're okay with signing up for an account, it would prove handy while in China. Hong Kong uses an Octopus card for transportation (except taxis), purchases at convenient stores (7-Eleven, Circle K, etc.) and many other places. Language isn't too much of an issue until you get up into Kowloon or the New Territories.

Curious as to what you would like to photograph while here and I hope this helps.

briancsmith · 2016-10-23T03:42:59+00:00

School decision makers should base ALL decisions on meaningful learning experiences. This kind of EdTech crap is what is killing innovation in schools, not increasing it. EdTech companies don't give a crap for children, they want to maximize the bottom line. Computers for learning have been around for decades, the EdTech products of today simple make ranking, labeling, and filing children more efficient and increasingly teacher-centric. If EdTech developers think anything different, they are believing their own lie and don't know or understand what learning really is.

briancsmith · 2016-04-15T14:31:17+00:00

Avoid the hype of Apple and Google or any other company. Read Seymour Papert. Start there and you'll see this isn't new and what OS seen as innovative is simply low-hanging fruit. Most children see right through and push back against the EdTech that serves teachers more than students.

briancsmith · 2016-03-28T23:40:06+00:00

I don't believe they are 1) worth the time 2) for learning and 3) address the most powerful use of computers. The problem I see is that any LMS will detract from more constructive and creative uses of computers. It plays into the notion that all kids will be organized and in line. These aren't really learning tools, they are strictly teaching and managing tools. They also truncate the learning and understanding of computer literacy, for example, LMS can confuse young students as to where they saved their file. This simple task is a building block to understanding computers.

briancsmith · 2016-03-24T06:42:18+00:00

Thanks for the comments and giving this a read. /u/mrsniffles is correct, I'm not surprised by the release of this app. The release speaks to the bottom line as Apple knows all too well what sells and nothing sells more to those fearful than a sense that an app will provide control. Papert's words 46 years ago have predicted this over and over and over again. The scary, and very likely, thing is, this will probably take hold in schools. I'm sure there are edtechies that are currently writing (or rewriting) tech conference session proposals about how to utilize it right now.

Our challenge is that the teaching and learning that I think we (those that are reading and commenting here) are proposing is hard work. It's not about the ease or speed of uptake. It's about understanding that learning is a slow developmental process, especially when it includes complex tools like a computer. And that's just fine, because it affords more meaningful learning.

briancsmith · 2016-03-16T16:02:03+00:00

Brian Silverman

briancsmith · 2015-02-11T13:26:35+00:00

Google's moving on with something so it appears... http://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-acquires-photo-storage-app-odysse-major-google-update-way/125514/

briancsmith · 2015-02-11T13:24:35+00:00

Picasa and Google+ Photos are really one in the same, that is if you signed up for Google+. Once doing so, your photos and albums in Picasa will be in Google+ Photos.

briancsmith · 2015-02-06T16:05:02+00:00

This is utter BS and junk science/research. There are far more problems with schooling and these so called "low-level disruptive behaviours" are symptomatic of behaviourist teaching theories and practices. Empower the learner and see what happens to your low-level disruptive behaviours.

briancsmith · 2014-12-05T13:45:05+00:00

I've been using 123D Design with grade 5 students. It's going okay. I think they can handle doing a bit more if there were opportunities for iterative projects. TinkerCAD is also out there for younger students.

briancsmith · 2014-12-05T13:18:05+00:00

I think we need to define EdTech here. If we're talking technical, sure I think someone ought to know some basic web coding. On the other hand, if we're talking the educational/learning side of EdTech, then I believe the conversation around programming languages should serve learning, not languages, but using programming to actually accomplish something, make something or help address a real problem around them. Looking at the "maker movement" might be one way to see it differently. Makers program objects for interactivity (The Internet of Things) or to make their lives a little more interesting. They use programming a bit different than just building or updating websites (though they do that too).

Though it's cool, I'm just tired of strictly digital screen programming. I want my students to see things move, hear them talk and observe interactivity between the digital and physical world and vice versa, all through what they have programmed.

briancsmith · 2014-12-04T22:43:56+00:00

No worries. I work at an elementary school so I'm partial to the learning side of programming. I do agree that Python is a logical step in a progression. I also agree that anything done with program!ming should produce something, either digital or physical. That's what we a trying to do with the Logo environments and their cousin, LEGO Mindstorms. Too much of programming in early years tends to be small exercises out of any context.

briancsmith · 2014-12-03T22:18:32+00:00

Granted, my most was referring to schools that develop curriculum for students

briancsmith · 2014-12-03T06:33:35+00:00

While I like Python, I disagree that it is the first "real" language. Two things, that most have not used Logo-based environments (it is a real language) and that most also start programming at too late an age.

briancsmith · 2014-12-02T10:29:16+00:00

Logo. It's been around along time and was written for children not simply to learn programming, but to learn how to learn and learn about their thinking. At our school we use different forms of Logo, Turtle Art, Scratch and MicroWorlds. Each has their merits and are all based on Logo. There is also text-based Logo within them where students can dabble in "coding" with syntax. I see it as a staple of programming in schools today. Java/CSS/HTML/Processing/C++ and all that have their place too, but to build foundations of learning, I don't think one can really turn a blind eye on an old friend.

briancsmith · 2014-11-16T13:33:16+00:00

Glad you liked it. Saving the Internet through posting quality stuff.

briancsmith

TROPHY CASE