Title: Mobile Computing
Course: 21 Things for Students > Section: Mobile Computing

Mobile Computing

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Congratulations agent! You have now earned your first virtual mobile device from the agency! Before you are trusted with a virtual smartphone, we need to be sure that you understand some of the essential rules of what, and what not to do with a smartphone. Watch the following videos and complete the quests so you can earn your mobile computing badge, and your first virtual smartphone.

Take a look at the following and quests and listen for directions from your SSI Department Chief.

Quest 1 Texting

You might already have a cell phone and you might already be a proficient texter. There are many dangers that come along with cell phone use. In this quest we will talk about one of them.

Quest 2 Emoticons

What are emoticons? Why should you use them? These are questions that you will be able to answer after completing this quest.

Quest 3 Too much information

Your mission is to watch the videos and look at the questions at the end of quest. You are going to use your reasoning skills to uncover the public service announcements hidden meaning.

Quest 4 Design a Cell Phone

In this quest you are going undercover as an engineer. You are going to need your smarts and investigative skills to succeed!

Quest 1: Texting

Introduction

Texting is a popular way for agents to communicate with each other. Sometimes it can get out of hand. You are going to watch a short video. The video shows one the dangers of texting.

You might have a cell phone and feel you are already a proficient texter, but I think that you need to watch the video "Mike-Tosis". Ask your SSI Department Chief if you are going to watch the video as a class, or if you need to do it individually. After watching the video, wait for instructions.

Steps

1.  Watch the video "Mike-Tosis" as a class or individually.

2. Look at the following questions. Your SSI Department Chief will let you know what to do with them.

      a. What rumor were the students at NSHigh spreading in Allie's daydream?
      b. What technologies were they using to spread the rumor?
      c. Why did the rumor spread so fast?
      d. What could have happened to Allie as a result of this rumor?

Check this Quest off after you have completed it.

Quest 2: Emoticons

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Introduction

Texting is a great way to keep in touch with your friends and fellow agents. There are a couple of problems with it though. It is missing something that is vital to good communication:  tone of voice and facial expression. Have you ever texted someone and they got mad at you? Texting, emails, and IM'ing are all ways that we can communicate without seeing or hearing each other. How can you convey meaning when you can't use these things? In one word, emoticons!

  :)  Odds are that you have seen them before. In fact, you might have even used them before. But how often do you use them? Which ones do you use? Are there many of them? Let's go find out.

Steps

1. Read this short article on emoticons.

2. Okay, next go to this web page and take a look at the list of emoticons.

3. To complete this quest you are going to make a table. Talk to your SSI Department Chief to discuss what type of program you should use to do this. Make a table with two columns.  Label one column "symbol" and the other column "meaning". Now, pick 10 of them that you think that you could use in your texting and fill out the table. Have fun! Your SSI Department Chief will tell you what to do with it.

Extra Credit:

If you get done early, why don't you have some fun with emoticons. You can make a short story with them or maybe just a couple of sentences using emoticons and words together.

Check this quest off

Quest 3: Too Much Information

Introduction

Watch each video and read the "Think About It" questions that follow them. Your SSI Department Chief will tell you what they need you to do with them.

Steps

Watch the following videos.

"Think About It" Questions:

1. Why is Sarah so popular?
2. How do you think Sarah feels?
3. Would setting the right privacy settings have helped Sarah?

"Think About It" Questions:

1. What does the picture on the bulletin board represent?
2. What sound does it make when the picture comes back after someone takes it down?
3. Why does the picture keep coming back?

Check this quest off.

Quest 4: Design a Cell Phone

Introduction

Technology advances in mobile computing have occurred rapidly over the past few years. Texting, internet, and apps are used by more people on their phones every day. But, not everyone wants to be connected 24/7. In this quest you will go undercover as an engineer. Your job will be to develop a new cell phone for senior citizens. To maintain your cover you need to use all the resources at hand to make the best product you can. We are depending on you!

Steps

1. Go to the EdHeads "Design a Cell Phone" activity.

2. Click on the big orange button to begin the activity.

3. Watch the introduction and go through each section; research, design, test, and sales results, in order. Go through the activity and when you are happy with your results capture a screenshot and post to your secret file space; show them to your SSI Department Chief. They will let you know what you need to do with them.

Check this quest off your list and now it is time to proceed to collect your Badge.

Mobile Computing Award

Congratulations you have completed the Mobile Computing Mission.

To receive your Badge or certificate for completion from your SSI Chief :

1.  Take the Mobile Computing quiz. Do your best!

2.  Please take this short survey to share your ideas on how to improve these activities and this 21things4students resource.

3.   Show your completed work for this mission to your SSI Chief to receive your Mobile Computing Badge.