A BYOT Glossary for the School Community

The feedback loop is hinting that @jdferries and I are speaking a little too "techie" these days for the local school community.  And that feedback is probably correct as we hang out with tech-types and each other so much we speak in what sounds like code (and sometimes is code - but I digress)... So I am starting this BYOT Glossary for the School Community.  All Brebeuf students are expected to have a device, in hand, ready to use on the first day of school for 2012-13!  Devices pictured below have been piloted this year (by students - more than one - not just heavy tech users) and we feel confident saying they work at the school. The MBS electronic book platform has also been successfully tested on these devices (the electronic devices - not the mechanical pencil).

BYOT: Bring Your Own Device.  Refers to a computing model where the student chooses the device best suited for them... rather than an IT department dictating device.

For those new to the Bring Your Own Device discussion - I offer some key terminology you'll need to know in the glossary below.  Regular readers - feel free to add other suggestions in the Comments box below.  Eventually this will all go on the school website - but as the website is being redesigned I thought why not start here on the blog.


BYOT Glossary


The following are operating systems… basically what makes the device turn on, light up and run programs you want…These operating systems work on the Brebeuf Jesuit network.

Android – refers to operating system for mobile devices not made by Apple.  Marketplaces include Google Play, Amazon App Store for Android and Android Marketplace.

Examples
· Samsung Galaxy Tab
· Asus Transformer Prime
· Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet
· Motorola Zoom

Chromium – refers to operating system creating by Google.  Currently only runs on Chromebook sold by Samsung and Acer. Unlike traditional laptops, Chromebooks are “nothing but web”.  At startup, Google Chrome opens and all applications are run through browser based apps.  Marketplaces are Chrome Store and Google Play.

iOS – refers to the operating system for mobile Apple products.  Marketplace is iTunes.

Examples
· iPad
· iPhone
· iTouch

*** Linux – Open system which is mostly used by tech geeks because it allows for modifications and doesn’t involve all the licensing mess of Mac OS and Windows. We have not tested Linux extensively on Brebeuf network – if you are thinking of using a Linux machine please stop by IT.

Mac OS – refers to the operating system for laptops and desktops made by Apple (MacBook Pro, iMac).  Recently named after large, predator felines such as Snow Leopard, Lion, Mountain Lion. Helps run programs like Pages, Keynote, iMove, Office for Mac and the like in a traditional computer model.

Windows – refers to operating system for PC laptops and desktops.  Used by a variety of vendors including HP, Asus, Lenovo, Dell, Acer.  Helps run programs like Word, PowerPoint, Windows Live MovieMaker and the like in a traditional computer model.  Will not run most Apple programs.


Other terms you may hear:


App – short for “application”.  Apps are small, single use programs that run typically on mobile device (although apps for full Apple and Windows devices are in the works).

Browser – program that gets you on the Internet.  Popular browsers include: Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Opera.

Cloud Storage – back in the day, when you hit File-Save, the document saved on the computer in front of you or a server in the basement of the building you worked in.  Now there is a third option generically called “The Cloud”.  Don’t be confused, the file still sits on a server in the basement… it’s just that the basement is 600 miles away.  You can access that server from anywhere, anytime as long as you have an Internet connection.

Examples
· iCloud
· Dropbox
· Google Drive via Apps for Education (Brebeuf will give student account)
· Box
· Microsoft Skydrive

eReader – Devices specifically designed for reading electronic texts.  While some eReaders may do basic web-based activities, the primary function of the device is reading.  Think of a book that can get to your email.  These do not meet Brebeuf 1:1 BYOT requirements as you cannot create documents, presentations or spreadsheets on these devices.

Examples
· Kindle devices
· Nook and Nook Color
· Sony Reader

Marketplace/Store/Walled Garden – Each mobile operating system has online store where one buys apps, music and movies.  These stores (gardens) do not share between each other (thus the wall) very easily if not at all.  For example, an iTunes app for iPhone cannot be transferred to an Android device and vice versa.  We mention this because a garden can influence preferred device – particularly if you have money invested in one garden already.

Examples
· iTunes (Apple Devices)
· Android Market (Android Devices)
· Amazon Markets (Kindle Store, Android App Market, Cloud Player)
· Google Play (for Chrome and Android apps, music, movies, books)