The Best Places to Live With an it Degree

Author: Ajeet Khurana Not all countries are created equally, and the job prospects in each certainly are not equal. Knowing where to pursue an IT-related job can make a difference between a miserable job search in vain and a rewarding career. Idealistically, the best places to live with an IT degree are in areas that have a high demand for IT personnel, stable economies and great salaries. This article outlines a few of the best places to pursue an IT career based on these criteria.

Depending on your long-term goals, eastern Asia is obviously a leader in technology and therefore has always has a high demand for IT-related skills. While living in a country such as South Korea or Japan may provide excellent pay, the standard of living is also high and will significantly eat into your earnings. The Philippines, however, has lower wages but also a significantly lower standard of living. If you are more concerned with enjoying a higher standard of living versus nominal earnings, then areas such as Cebu may be the first place to check out.

Western Europe is also a great place to seek out employment within the IT industry. Germany has seen a recent spike in its need for IT workers and has a very high standard of living. Other countries in the vicinity also offer comparable standards of living and moderate to elevated demands for IT growth. One of the biggest detractors for socially-mobile job-seekers is the rate of taxation, which can substantially reduce purchasing power while living there (but increases the overall standard of living of any given country). It has been argued that computer science should be compulsory in UK schools.

The United States is also a great place to work for those who are certified for certain positions. Currently, there is an under-skilled workforce that has left nearly one million IT jobs vacant even though unemployment is around 8.5%. With up to two million more IT jobs coming in the next decade, there is plenty of opportunity in this sector. With a lower rate of taxation and high pay, individuals working in IT may be able to have as much as one-and-a-half- times the purchasing power when compared to many European countries.

In the coming years, the IT industry looks optimistic worldwide. There are plenty of great places to live and explore, and with a background in Information Technology, you can have the chance to travel, move about and explore all the world has to offer.

Home assignments: Summary writing; consecutive translation; writing an essay “An ideal IT job for me”.

Lesson Twenty-Four (19/11/2014)

Future of computers and mobile devices

Google Glass is a wearable computer with a head-mounted display (HMD)

Google Glass has the ability to take photos and record 720p HD video. While video is recording, a recording light is displayed above the eye, which is unnoticeable to the wearer

What's Inside Google Glass? The team at Catwig.com has dissembled (and very impressively, reassembled) Google Glass, and even installed a pair of prescription lenses as an experiment. 

Inside, Catwig discovered a single-cell lithium-polymer battery sitting at the end of the flexprint PCB. It is marked with a capacity of 2.1 Wh. A bone-conduction speaker, which doubles as a tactile switch, sits in front of the battery pod.

The dissection also revealed that the main logic board, which was glued to the thermal pad, includes the core chips powering Glass such as a TI OMAP4430, 16GB of SanDisk flash storage and an Elpida mobile DRAM chip. Meanwhile, installing a pair of prescription lenses to the glasses was functional but "subpar" experience, according to Catwig, due to the head proximity sensor being unreliable when next to a lens.

Answer the questions:

1. What are Google Glass unique possibilities?

2. What did the team Catwig.com discover?

3. Which device doubles as a tacltile switch?

4. Which chips power Google Glass?

5. Was installing a pair of prescription lenses to the glasses wasn’t a good experience? Why? Why not?

TABLET

Tablet computer is a kind of mobile computer, usually having a touchscreen or pen-enabled interface

Devices typically have a touchscreen, with finger or stylus gestures replacing the conventional computer mouse. It is often supplemented by physical buttons or input from sensors such asaccelerometers. An on-screen, hideable virtual keyboard is usually used for typing. Tablets differentiate themselves by being larger than smart phones or personal digital assistants. They are usually 7 inches (18 cm) or larger, measured diagonally

Convertible touchscreen notebook computers have an integrated keyboard that can be hidden by a swivel or slide joint. Booklet tablets have dual-touchscreens and can be used as a notebook by displaying a virtual keyboard on one of the displays.

Most tablet computers released since mid-2010 use a version of an ARM processor for longer battery life versus battery weight. Especially with the introduction of the ARM Cortex family, this architecture is now powerful enough for tasks such as internet browsing, light production work and mobile games.

A significant trait of tablet computers not based on the traditional PC architecture is that most mobile apps including third party ones are supplied through online distribution, rather than more traditional methods of boxed software or direct sales from software vendors. These sources, known as "app stores", provide centralized catalogues of software from the OS supplier or device manufacturer and from outside parties, and allow simple "one click" on-device software purchasing, installation, and updates. The app store is often shared with smartphones that use the same operating system

The most successful tablet computer is the Apple iPad using the iOS operating system. Its debut in 2010 popularized tablets into the mainstream. Apple is often credited for defining a new class of consumer device. 

Samsung's Galaxy Tab using the  Android OS and others were also released, continuing the now common trends towards multi-touch and other natural user interface features, as well as flash memory solid-state storage drives and "instant on" warm-boot times; in addition.

State if the following sentences are true or false:

1. Tablet computers aren’t provided by a conventional computer mouse.

2. Booklet tablets have single-touchscreens.

3. ARM processor is suitable for light production work, mobile games and internet browsing.

4. The Android Operational System is installed in Samsung’s Galaxy Tab.

5. Apple iPad lacks the iOS operating system.

Home Assignment: Get ready for the vocabulary quiz.

Lesson Twenty-five (25/11/2014)

1. Quiz -15 min

2. Reading Comprehension

Mobile OS

The mobile operating systems of today's tablets have a different kind of interface than the traditional desktop OS. These mobile OS tablet computer devices are normally finger driven and most frequently use capacitive touch screens with multi-touch, unlike earlier stylus-driven resistive touchscreen devices.

Most frequently the operating system running on a tablet computer is a Unix-like OS, such as Linux or Darwin. Google's Android operating system is frequently used by tablet manufacturers, as it is open source under the Apache license. Android is a Linux-based operating system designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. Android supports low-cost ARM systems.

The second of the dominating tablet platforms to hit the market was Apple iOS. Recently there was IOS 7 released.The redesign architected by chief designer Jony Ive embraces a more "flat" design; say goodbye to bubbled text messages, for example. But it's still colorful, and moves with you, letting you "look" behind apps, according to Apple. The font, meanwhile, is much slimmer than in previous versions of iOS.

Windows 8, the 3-th mobile OS, uses the Metro user interface suited to touchscreen devices such as tablets.The Windows RT version of Windows 8 runs the ARM architecture which can run on processors from NVIDIA, Qualcomm and Texas Instruments.Microsoft launched their own series of tablets called Surface in 2012. The Surface RT uses Windows RT as its operating system while the Surface Pro runs Windows 8 Pro. In addition to the tablets from Microsoft, Acer, Asus, Lenovo, Samsung, and Sony have also released Windows 8 or RT tablets and hybrid

Mozilla has been experimenting with an interesting idea called Boot 2 Gecko. Essentially, B2G (as it’s called) is a mobile operating system based on the Web, as opposed to what the project’s wiki calls “proprietary, single-vendor stacks”. Mozilla has something there--open Web technologies indeed increasingly provide an intriguing platform for lots of things, mobile and otherwise.

The project proposal was to "pursue the goal of building a complete, standalone operating system for the open web" in order to "find the gaps that keep web developers from being able to build apps that are – in every way – the equals of native apps built for the iPhone [iOS], Android, and WP8

Exercise 4. Complete the following table to compare different mobile OS:

Type of OS	Sybtype:	Types of Kernel	Characteristics:
Unix-like OS	Linux
	Darvin
The 3-th mobile OS	Windows 8
	Windows8Pro
Web-based OS	B2G

Lesson Twenty-Six

ONLINE-VIDEO – VIDEO ON-DEMAND – MOBILE VIDEO

Technology.

H.264/MPEG-4 Part 10 or AVC (Advanced Video Coding) is a standard for video compression, and is currently one of the most commonly used formats for the recording, compression, and distribution of high definition video. The final drafting work on the first version of the standard was completed in May 2003.

H.264/MPEG-4 AVC is a block-oriented motion-compensation-based codec standard developed by the ITU-T Video Coding Experts Group (VCEG) together with the ISO/IEC JTC1 Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). The project partnership effort is known as the Joint Video Team (JVT). The ITU-T H.264 standard and the ISO/IEC MPEG-4 AVC standard (formally, ISO/IEC 14496-10 – MPEG-4 Part 10, Advanced Video Coding) are jointly maintained so that they have identical technical content.

Answer the questions:

1. When was the first version of the standard for video compression completed?

2. What does VCEG stand for?

3. What does MPEG stand for?

Video on demand (VOD)

or audio and video on demand (AVOD) are systems which allow users to select and watch/listen to video or audio content on demand. IPTV technology is often used to bring video on demand to televisions and personal computers Catch up TV is a form of video on demand.

Television VOD systems either stream content through a set-top box, a computer or other device, allowing viewing in real time, or download it to a device such as a computer, digital video recorder, also called a personal video recorder or portable media player for viewing at any time. The majority of cable- and telco-based television providers offer both VOD streaming, including pay-per-view and free content, whereby a user buys or selects a movie or television program and it begins to play on the television set almost instantaneously, or downloading to a DVR rented from the provider, or downloaded onto a PC, for viewing in the future. Internet television, using theInternet, is an increasingly popular form of video on demand.

Some airlines offer AVOD as in-flight entertainment to passengers through individually controlled video screens embedded in seatbacks or armrests or offered via portable media players. Airline AVOD systems offer passengers the opportunity to select specific stored video or audio content and play it on demand including pause, fast forward, and rewind.

Download and streaming video on demand systems provide the user with a large subset of VCR functionality including pause, fast forward, fast rewind, slow forward, slow rewind, jump to previous/future frame etc. These functions are called 'trick modes'. For disk-based streaming systems which store and stream programs from hard disk drive, trick modes require additional processing and storage on the part of the server, because separate files for fast forward and rewind must be stored. Memory-based VOD streaming systems have the advantage of being able to perform trick modes directly from RAM, which requires no additional storage on the part of the processor.

It is possible to put video servers on LANs, in which case they can provide very rapid response to users. Streaming video servers can also serve a wider community via a WAN. Download VOD services are practical to homes equipped with cable modems or DSL connections. Servers for traditional cable and telco VOD services are usually placed at the cable head-end serving a particular market as well as cable hubs in larger markets. In the telco world, they are placed in either the central office, or a newly created location called a Video Head-End Office (VHO)

Push video on demand is a technique used by a number of broadcasters on systems that lack connectivity to provide true video on demand or by broadcasters who want to optimize their video streaming infrastructure by pre-loading the most popular contents to the consumer device. A push VOD system uses a personal video recorder (PVR) to store a selection of content, often transmitted in spare capacity overnight or all day long at low bandwidth. Users can watch the downloaded content at the time they desire, immediately and without any buffering issue. As content occupies space on the PVR hard drive, downloaded content is usually deleted after a week to make way for newer programs. The limited space on a PVR hard drive means that the selection of programs is usually restricted to most popular content. A new generation of Push VOD solution recently appeared on the market which, by using efficient error correction mechanisms, can free significant amount of bandwidth and that can deliver more than video e.g. magazines, interactive applications.

Near video on demand (NVOD) is a pay-per-view consumer video technique used by multi-channel broadcasters using high-bandwidth distribution mechanisms such as satellite and cable television. Multiple copies of a program are broadcast at short time intervals (typically 10–20 minutes) providing convenience for viewers, who can watch the program without needing to tune in at a scheduled point in time. This form is bandwidth intensive and is generally provided only by large operators with a great deal of redundant capacity and has been reduced in popularity as video on demand is implemented.

Answer the questions:

1. What can VOD and AVOD do?

2. 'What do ‘trick modes' include?

3. In which case do video servers provide a very rapid response to users?

4. What is NVOD?

Lesson Twenty-seven

Scan reading

E –LEARNING – WEBINAR – THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION

E-learning is a broadly inclusive term that describes educational technology that electronically or technologically supports learning and teaching. Bernard Luskin, a pioneer of e-learning, advocates that the "e" should be interpreted to mean "exciting, energetic, enthusiastic, emotional, extended, excellent, and educational" in addition to "electronic." This broad interpretation focuses on new applications and developments, and also brings learning and media psychology into consideration.

Depending on whether a particular aspect, component or delivery method is given emphasis, a wide array of similar or overlapping terms has been used. As such, e-learning encompasses multimedia learning, technology-enhanced learning (TEL), computer-based training (CBT), computer-assisted instruction (CAI), internet-based training (IBT), web-based training (WBT), online education, virtual education, virtual learning environments (VLE) which are also called learning platforms, m-learning, digital educational collaboration, distributed learning, computer-mediated communication, cyber-learning, and multi-modal instruction. Every one of these numerous terms has had its advocates, who point up particular potential distinctions. In practice, as technology has advanced, the particular "narrowly defined" aspect that was initially emphasized has blended into "e-learning." As an example, "virtual learning" in a narrowly-defined semantic sense implies entering the environmental simulation within a virtual world.

The worldwide e-learning industry is economically significant, and was estimated in 2000 to be over $48 billion according to conservative estimates. Developments in internet and multimedia technologies are the basic enabler of e-learning, with consulting, content, technologies, services and support being identified as the five key sectors of the e-learning industry.  technology-enhanced learning (TEL), computer-based training (CBT), computer-assisted instruction (CAI), internet-based training (IBT), web-based training (WBT), online education, virtual education, virtual learning environments (VLE)are used extensively by young people.

E-learning may either be synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous learning occurs in real-time, with all participants interacting at the same time, while asynchronous learning is self-paced and allows participants to engage in the exchange of ideas or information without the dependency of other participants involvement at the same time.

Asynchronous learning may use technologies such as email, blogs, wikis, and discussion boards, as well as web-supported textbooks, and social networking. At the professional educational level, training may include virtual operating rooms. Virtual Learning Environments (VLE), also known as learning platforms, utilize virtual classrooms and meetings which often use a mix of communication technologies. One example of web conferencing software that enables students and instructors to communicate with each other via webcam, microphone, and real-time chatting in a group setting, is Adobe Connect, which is sometimes used for meetings and presentations

Computer-based learning or training (CBT) refers to self-paced learning activities delivered on a computer or handheld device such as a tablet or smartphone. CBT often delivers content via CD-ROM, and typically presents content in a linear fashion, much like reading an online book or manual. For this reason, CBT is often used to teach static processes, such as using software or completing mathematical equations. Computer-based training is conceptually similar to web-based training (WBT), the primary difference being that WBTs are delivered via Internet

Collaborative learning is distinguishable from the traditional approach to instruction in which the instructor is the principal source of knowledge and skills. For example, the neologism "e-learning 1.0" refers to the direct transfer method in computer-based learning and training systems (CBL). In contrast to the linear delivery of content, often directly from the instructor's material, CSCL uses blogs, wikis, and cloud-based document portals

A learning content management system (LCMS) is software for author content (courses, reusable content objects). An LCMS may be solely dedicated to producing and publishing content that is hosted on an LMS, or it can host the content itself. 

Answer the questions:

1. What does e-learning include?

2. What do Virtual Learning Environments  use?

3. What does Computer-based learning mean?

WEBINAR

Web conferencing refers to a service that allows conferencing events to be shared with remote locations. These are sometimes referred to as webinars or, for interactive conferences, online workshops. In general the service is made possible by Internet technologies, particularly on TCP/IP connections. The service allows real-time point-to-point communications as well as multicast communications from one sender to many receivers. It offers information of text-based messages, voice and video chat to be shared simultaneously, across geographically dispersed locations. Applications for web conferencing include meetings, training events, lectures, or short presentations from any computer.

Web conferencing technologies are not standardized, which has been a significant factor in the lack of interoperability, transparency, platform dependence, security issues, cost and market segmentation. In 2003, the IETF established a working group to establish a standard for web conferencing, called "Centralized Conferencing (xcon)". The planned deliverables of xcon include:

• A basic floor control protocol. Binary Floor Control Protocol (BFCP) published as RFC 4582

• A mechanism for membership and authorization control

• A mechanism to manipulate and describe media "mixing" or "topology" for multiple media types (audio, video, text)

Answer the questions:

1. What does web conferencing mean?

2. What do webinars include?

3. What connections make Web conferencing possible?

4. What is "Centralized Conferencing (xcon)".?

5. What is BFCP?

A View into the Future of eLearning

The evolution of eLearning is an interesting one. Twenty-some years ago, computer-based training (CBT) was the next big thing in job skills advancement. It was generally well received by both employers and the workforce as a way to supplement classroom or on the job training. But soon, the limitations of CBT became apparent.

Learners generally sat in front of a small computer screen and sometimes watched an embedded video of a task being performed. They were then prompted to answer a multiple choice question correctly and the program advanced to the next section. There was very little about CBT-based learning that taught a worker how to perform a specific job function. Let’s call this one job familiarity preparation – it didn’t take the place of instructor-led training.

The next iteration of eLearning was slightly more interesting and interactive. Advances in computer graphics and increases in processing and storage capacity gave us the ability to virtually represent a task being performed. Learners now had a greater ability to participate in simulations and to direct the path of the lesson. But as with CBTs, the limitations of computer simulation were soon reached.

Easier Said Than Done?

The temptation for organizations to save money by eliminating classroom time in favor of self-directed eLearning is a great one – but care must be taken in this transition. As someone once said, converting a bad ILT course into an eLearning format results in a bad eLearning course. For this reason, a complete review of the organization’s learning program – including its Learning Management System (LMS) is a required course of action.

Advances in the features and functionality of LMS platforms in the past few years have opened up a new realm of possibility in redesigning and converting instructor-led courses. In fact, in many cases the role of instructor can be assumed by a community of experts. The interface to the eLearning experience is now a personalized portal, where the learner can interact with the learning environment – including peers, subject matter experts, experienced veterans in his field and even the course designer.

Source: http://elearningindustry.com/a-view-into-the-future-of-elearning

State the following sentences as true or false:

1. Twenty-some years ago, computer-based training was unimportant for job skills.

2. There are still limitations of computer-based training.

3. Converting a bad ILT course into an eLearning format gives its results.

Home assignments:

Exercise 1. Read the definitions to the given key terms and analyze the context in which they are used:

Webinar	a service that allows conferencing events to be shared with remote locations that are sometimes referred as online workshops or web conferencing Think about a webinar as a way to attend a conference without leaving home.
E-learning	the use of any electronic technology to aid in the acquisition and development of knowledge and understanding in order to demonstrable and positively influence behaviors. E-Learning can help us adapt while controlling costs, increasing quality and modernizing the workforce.
Workshop	a meeting at which a group of people engage in intensive discussion and activity on a particular subject or project; a room or building in which goods are manufactured or repaired In the case of medium risk projects a shorter half-day planning workshop is usually more appropriate.
TCP/IP connections	(Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is the basic communication language or protocol of the Internet. It can also be used as a communications protocol in a private network (either an intranet or an extranet). When you are set up with direct access to the Internet, your computer is provided with a copy of the TCP/IP program just as every other computer that you may send messages to or get information from also has a copy of TCP/IP. TCP is responsible for breaking data down into IP packets before they are sent, and for assembling the packets when they arrive.
Binary Floor Control Protocol (BFCP)	standard for managing floor control during collaboration sessions across dedicated video endpoints, mobile devices, and personal computers running collaboration software. These capabilities can be delivered using an enabled Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) standards-based endpoint or as a software implementation in a collaboration application stack. BFCP provides the ability to manage multiple streams being presented during a collaboration session using floor control.
Technology-enhanced learning (TEL)	learning platforms, m-learning, digital educational collaboration, distributed learning, computer-mediated communication, cyber-learning, and multi-modal instruction. Every one of these numerous terms has had its advocates, who point up particular potential distinctions. In practice, as technology has advanced, the particular "narrowly defined" aspect that was initially emphasized has blended into "e-learning." As an example, "virtual learning" in a narrowly-defined semantic sense implies entering the environmental simulation within a virtual world,[5][6] for example in treating PTSD. In practice, a "virtual education course" refers to any instructional course in which all, or at least a significant portion, is delivered by the Internet. "Virtual" is used in that broader way to describe a course that not taught in a classroom face-to-face but through a substitute mode that can conceptually be associated "virtually" with classroom teaching, which means that people do not have to go to the physical classroom to learn. Accordingly, virtual education refers to a form of distance learning in which course content is delivered by various methods such as course management applications, multimedia resources, and videoconferencing. Students and instructors communicate via these technologies.
Computer-based training (CBT)
Computer-assisted instruction (CAI)
Internet-based training (IBT)
Web-based training (WBT)
Online education
Virtual education
Virtual learning environments (VLE)

Exercise 2. Match the words with correct definitions:

Webinar	communication protocol for communication between computers on the Internet
E-learning	a basic floor control protocol
Workshop	refers to the use of electronic media and information and communication technologies (ICT) in education.
TCP/IP connections	seminar conducted over the Internet
Binary Floor Control Protocol (BFCP)	an intensive discussion on a project or a room or building where things are made or repaired using machines and/or tools

Exercise 3: Complete the following scheme:

Exercise 4. Watch the video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8kHfhiBKHQ

Webinar Tutorial

Answer the questions:

1. What are the computer requirements to run a successful webinar?

2. What will you get if you registered early for the webinar?

3. How is attendance checked at the webinars?

Exercise 5. Make the tapescript of the video from the previous execise:

Exercise 6. Watch the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTWK78gtj5I

Webinar Marketing: The Gateway to Your Ideal Clients

Answer the questions to the video:

1. Why is a webinar convenient form of learning?

2. Why are the webinars effective?

3. How can webinars help save money?

Exercise 7. Make tapescript of the video from the previous exercise.

Exercise 8. Don’t translate like this!

1. The planned deliverables of xcon include a basic floor control protocol. Binary Floor Control Protocol (BFCP) published as RFC 4582.

2. Bernard Luskin, a pioneer of e-learning, advocates that the "e" should be interpreted to mean "exciting, energetic, enthusiastic, emotional, extended, excellent, and educational" in addition to "electronic."

Планируется подготовить из XCON включают в себя основной протокол управления этажа. Двойной Этаж Control Protocol (BFCP) опубликован в RFC 4582.

Бернард Ласкин, пионер е-лернинга, выступает за то, "е" следует понимать в значении "захватывающие, энергичных, увлеченных, эмоциональные, расширенные, отлично, и образовательный" в дополнение к "электронным".

Give your translation variant.

Lesson Twenty-eight

Lesson Twenty-nine– Second Assessment Test

Lesson Thirty–Revision before the exam

Lesson Thirty-One. IT Jobs

1. The Practice Manager uses a payroll package based on spread sheet to calculate salaries for each employee of health center.

2. Reception staff use specially tailored software developed from a database to enter all appointment dates and times for each doctor.

3. Programmer or Software developer

Description: A job that requires the development or continued development and maintenance of a software program.

Requirements: A basic to extensive understanding of a programming language. Because most job positions will require a person to develop sections of a program or the whole program, they often require several years of past experience or a degree before even considering you.

Recommendations: Learn one or more programming languages. Depending on what programs or scripts you wish to create may change the language you wish to learn. See the dictionary programming languages definition for a listing of popular programming languages and programs they create. If you need experience, creating your own software programs is a great way to learn a language and demonstrate your abilities at a job interview.

4. Cloud engineer. Cloud engineering is the application of engineering disciplines to cloud computing. It brings a systematic approach to the high-level concerns of commercialisation, standardisation, and governance in conceiving, developing, operating and maintaining cloud computing systems.

5. Quality Assurance (QA), System analyst or Tester

Description: This job requires that the employee test out all features of a product for any problems or usability issues.

Requirements: Requires that the person have a good understanding of computer software, hardware, and the product being tested.

Recommendations: Become familiar with software, hardware, and the products the company makes

6. Security expert

Description: Test and find vulnerabilities in a system, hardware device, or software program.

Requirements:This position is for someone who has a strong familiarity with how software, hardware, and networks work and how to exploit them. Often, you will need to have a good understanding of how the overall system works as well as good programming skills.

Recommendations:Keep up-to-date with all security news, advisories, and other related news. The majority of security vulnerabilities are through software, and in order to understand these vulnerabilities or find new security vulnerabilities, you'll need to understand how to program and have a good understand of how software works and interacts with computers

Answer the questions:

1. Which job requires the development or continued development and maintenance of a software program?

2. Who deals with the application of engineering disciplines to cloud computing?

3. Who tests out all features of a product for any problems or usability issues?

4. Who tests and finds vulnerabilities in a system, hardware device, or software program?