It is not actually a new computer but I just uploaded the Catalina OS two days ago.
I had an interesting thought the other day - I wondered if there was a way to partition my computer and run iOS (the phone/tablet operating system), similarly to how I used to run Win via VM Fusion as a second operating system on my Mac. I searched online briefly and found that running iOS apps is one of the features included with Catalina. I knew there was a new OS but I tend to not be an early adaptor of upgrades because it seems like that makes you most vulnerable to compatability issues and things that need fixing. But given this feature, and that Catalina is not new new - I upgraded Thursday night and so far have not experienced any negative or concerning issues. The other nifty device is a new (new for me, because it is refurbished - I try to buy refurbished from Mac whenever I can) iPad Mini 5 complete with pencil (and a tempered glass cover and clear case). I went from an older 64 GB in "space gray, " with WiFi only (and a couple of cracks and dents), to a almost new 256 GB in "gold" with celluar and WiFi. I run a smart trainer (indoor cycling) program that takes up a lot of space, so I am finally going to be able to try out some new research apps without having to delete all of my ride files!
0 Comments
I have been reading a few books about design innovation, in preparation for opportunities to become more involved in my university's DI initiative. I attended a tour of the DI hub - under construction and opening in August - on Friday and was interested in some of the flexibly designed spaces.
One of the key components of DI, according to my reading, is that open access encourages innovation and growth while proprietary approaches discourage these. I know first hand the challenges presented by multiple brand-specific standards based on my almost 20 years of working on my own bicycles. At this point I cannot remember how many different bottom bracket tools I own, so clearly too many! This is further complicated by incompatibility among some drivetrain systems (e.g., Shimano versus Campagnolo) and sizing quirks in frames that require proprietary seatposts and forks. I used to be able to swap a 27.2 diameter seatpost among several bikes, which made sizing adjustments and replacement simple. Changes in wheels from rim to disc brakes, and the possibly incoming trend of tubeless for road bikes, makes me think I should just get an old steel frame, buy some vintage parts and stick with the standards of the 90s-early 00s. I have thought a lot about MIDI while working on bikes (and buying tools) - the musical instrument digital interface that came out back in the 80s to ensure communication among electronic instruments. Prior the that time I have to assume that all of the makers of electronic instruments - mostly keyboards like synthesizers - were going the direction of bicycle parts - which means going in multiple directions. MIDI allowed people to integrate across brands, so seemed like (still is) a mutually beneficial concept. Along the same lines, I was really happy to read a post yesterday about REFI-QDA, described as an "exchange standard" for analyzed qualitative data. I was also pleased to see some of the QDAS I use most often - Quirkos, Dedoose, NVivo - were members of this group. Now if only the bicycle brands would consider something like this..... I have tried a few different approaches to teach coding to students who are new to qualitative research.
I focus on coding, even though I am aware of myriad are other ways to analyze qualitative data that do not involve any coding. This is because for many students in my discipline (Public Health), their greatest need is to conduct basic analysis of descriptive data, to condense and get an understanding of the content of the data. Coding, at least as I try to teach it, requires a more systematic and thoughtful approach than some of the shortcuts (including what I have called "getting a thematic impression of your data") used by people with minimal training and sometimes minimal appreciation for qualitative inquiry. So coding - done in a two/three cycles - has proven to be a pretty useful approach for my students. But teaching it can be challenging. |
AuthorI am Sheryl L. Chatfield, Ph.D, C.T.R.S. I am a member of the faculty in the College of Public Health at Kent State University. I also Co-coordinate the Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research and I am a member of the Design Innovation Team at Kent State. Archives
February 2024
Categories
|