Get $10 off SYSTAT 13

For a limited time* students, faculty and staff are eligible to receive $10 off their purchase of SYSTAT 13, the latest advancement in desktop statistical computing.

Simply use the following promo code and follow the steps below:

Promo Code: SYSTAT-SPRING11 (code is case sensitive, please enter in upper case)

Steps to redeem your discount on SYSTAT 13:

· Visit the OnTheHub eStore at: http://estore.onthehub.com

· Create an account

· Get verified as a student or faculty member

· Add SYSTAT 13 to your cart

· Respond to a few quick survey questions

· Enter your billing information

· Enter the code (shown above) at the billing stage and the $10 discount will be automatically applied

· You’ll receive your copy of SYSTAT 13 in a convenient download!

Features of SYSTAT 13 include:

· ARCH & GARCH Models in Time Series

· Best Subsets Regression

· Confirmatory Factor Analysis

· Environment Variables in Best Statistics

· Polynomial Regression

· Enhancements to existing methods such as ANOVA, Bootstrapping, Crosstabulation, Fitting Distributions, Hypothesis Testing and more!

* Promotion ends on April 31st, 2011

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Write for OnTheHub and You Could Win a $100 VISA Gift Card!!!

Calling all college students! OnTheHub is looking for student bloggers to contribute fun, current and entertaining content that’s relevant to everyday students like you!

If your post is published during the month of March, the post with the most hits wins a $100 VISA Gift Card!

Send us your story at info@onthehub.com with Guest Post in the subject.

Rules & Regulations
- You must be a student in Canada or United States
- Content must not be political or offensive in nature
- OnTheHub reserves the right to edit or reject any post
- The most hits within 7 days of the post date, between March 1st and 31st, 2011
- Contest winner will be announced in April 2011

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What’s On Your College Bucket List??

As a lady not too far out of college, I found this article called the Senioritis Bucket List rather amusing; it really hit home!

I literally laughed out loud at this one: “Start a food fight: You stand up from the table with your fistful of spaghetti raised and just as you are about to throw it at your roommate from freshman year, you scream “FOOD FIGHT.” And the entire cafeteria breaks into the most epic battle of food flinging ever seen.”

I think for me, the most fun I had on campus was seeing my favourite band of the moment perform live in the courtyard. It was my first year, and seeing the crowd around me get down to the music felt like a snapshot from a movie.

What experience do you absolutely HAVE to have before you graduate?

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Guest Post: Starting university like a n00b? Never!

This post was written by Cathy Pierce (@mrscathypierce)

Noob (or n00b) is another name for “newbie” meaning someone who is just learning.

For some people, coming across as a n00b just will not do. This can be especially true when starting out in a major that relies on the use of computers. Although they realize they don’t know everything, they do at least want to display a working knowledge of computers and how they operate.

For these people, there are courses they can take when they first start studying computer related fields that will help them with this. Some people may even take these courses along with other basic subjects, before declaring their major. And that is fine because no matter how they choose to do it, the basic knowledge is going to help. Here are the best computer science classes to start with:

● Those not wanting to come across as a n00b can take courses in anything that has to do with databases. After all, databases are basically the first steps in generating information over the computer, whether it is local or worldwide. Knowing how databases work, as well as having a working knowledge of how to build or upgrade databases can be a tremendous when continuing computer science studies.

● Basic computer technology courses are also very beneficial. Many people don’t have a clue as to how a computer really works; therefore, when something happens, they are unsure (if not totally clueless) as to how to fix it. By taking basic computer technology courses, people pursuing a degree in computer science can learn how to “troubleshoot” most common problems themselves—something they can carry with them into their career lives.

● Visual Basic courses, and other courses on basic computer programming languages, are a great way to become familiar with how computer languages function. Students are introduced to how to write basic algorithms and produce programs such as a hangman game or collecting information into a database. You also learn basic functions of a computer program that will be built on later with more complex programming languages.

Online colleges as well as dual enrollment or taking advanced placement classes (which many high schools offer) are two ways that basic computer courses can be taken. With these options, it is possible for a graduating high school senior to already have some college credits at the end of their high school education.

By going into a computer related major with some basic computer knowledge, one can be better prepared for the other courses that will be required.

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Debate: Are iPads fit for the classroom?

The classroom is thought of as a place of innovation and learning, a place where the only limits are our imaginations. Over time, there have been drastic changes in the classroom. Teaching styles, class materials and even the architecture of the classroom have changed. Where we once had one room schools, with children of all ages getting whacked on the knuckles by nuns, we have progressed to gigantic lecture halls with instructors using projectors to teach students, many of which are using laptops in the place of pen and paper as a means to take notes and learn.

The next step for classroom technology seems to be the integration of tablet devices such as the iPad, and electronic books such as the Kindle. Is this departure from real textbooks and Duo-Tangs necessarily a step forward, or are they more toy than tool?

One study, done in an eighth grade math class[1], reported that the use of the iPad allowed for students to watch videos on how they were reaching the answers, instead of just looking to the back of the book for answers, which they felt was a helpful step. The iPad was (obviously) more engaging than a normal textbook, piquing student interest, at least for the first few months. However, the marks of students were initially lower than those who used the traditional textbook, as the students tested the capabilities and limits of the device as a learning tool. The teacher, Ms. Mitchell, reminded her students that the iPad was not a fix-all device, “You have to be engaged. It’s not giving you the answers; it’s helping you get the answers.” The marks rose as they got more familiar with the iPad and how to use it in a classroom setting.

In a technical writing class at Penn State[2], the implementation of the iPad in the classroom was useful as a complementary device, but did not have the power or complexity to be truly useful independently. Students appreciated the portability of the tablet, along with internet access, and the possibility of having all their class textbooks on one device. However, using the iPad as a device for writing essays and reports was seen as problematic. “Documents requiring complicated formatting, such as resumes and instruction sets, have proven to be especially difficult to create on the iPad because of over-simplified commands and reduced control of touch-pad versus keyboard and mouse,” says one student. He compares writing on the iPad’s touchscreen to texting with a cellphone. Another problem found with the iPad was the substandard data transfer and hardware compatibility abilities.

It seems that the laptop and the textbook have not yet reached obsolescence, but hopefully tablet devices - like the iPad - will emerge as useful supplementary learning devices as their technology improves.

What do you think? Do you have an iPad that you use for school? or do you prefer other tools to learn? Let us know!

Cheers,

Alex B and the OnTheHub Team.

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[1] Tina Barseghian writes about the study here: http://mindshift.kqed.org/2011/01/a-day-in-the-life-of-the-ipad-classroom

[2] Rebekka Coakley writes about the Penn State iPad experiences here: http://live.psu.edu/story/50757

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Guest Post: Five Tips to Help Students Compute on a Budget

This post was written by Lindsey Wright.

When it comes to attending college, having a computer is important. While most colleges have plenty of computer lab space, you are still better off having your own computer. Not only will a computer allow you to study from home whenever you want, but it will also keep you connected with family and friends. Of course, most people are well aware of the high price of college. Tuition in itself can be quite pricey and you will also need money for living expenses. Therefore, it is important to save money where you can while you are in college. In order to help reduce the burden of doing so, here are five tips for computing on a budget in college.

1. Use an Old Computer

Using an old computer doesn't mean using one that is out of date. Instead, talk to your parents about taking the family computer with you. If you can put off buying a new computer until after college, you can save a lot of money. Of course it is important that you make sure the computer your parents have is up to date. Not everything has to be new, but you want to ensure the software on the computer is usable. Even if you have an older version of an operating system, it will still perform all of the tasks you need.

2. Skip the Printer

Unless you already have a printer, there is really no need to bring it college. Even if you do have one, you can save on paper and ink by printing on-campus. Most colleges offer students an allotment of paper they can use in a computer lab. If they don't, sheets are likely only going to cost a few cents. With more assignments being done through e-mail, you may not need to print much. However, if you are required to print something, you can create the document on your own computer and then visit the computer lab to print things out. The few extra minutes it will take are well worth the money you will save.

3. Search for Deals

If you find that you do need a new computer before going to college, do a lot of research. First of all, search everywhere for student discounts. Many companies, including Apple, offer special rates on computer hardware. There are also rebates and discounts on software. Your college may also offer special deals on certain types of computers. Aside from student discounts, search the ads for stores that offer the best deals. Plan ahead so that you can use any money that you may receive as a gift to buy hardware or software. There will always be a store that has a deal that fits your budget. It is important to make sure you find that store.

4. Get a Desktop

Laptops may seem convenient for college, especially when it comes to taking notes. However desktop computers are much cheaper. Not only that, but desktop computers come with far less risk. Laptops are easily lost, broken or stolen. That means the chances of having to replace it are higher. If you really feel like you need to take notes using electronics, download a smartphone app that fits your needs. Otherwise, you can always jot notes and transcribe them to your computer when you get home. Laptops may be convenient, but they are risky. Given how much moving around you do in college, you are usually better off with a desktop.

5. Investigate University Offers

Most colleges have some sort of licensing program with software companies. For example, your college may have a deal with Microsoft that enables you to get a discount on Windows programs. Sometimes, you can even get software for free. Universities have special offers for all types of software. You should always look and see what your college offers before you buy something. In addition, see if they have a discount for anti-virus software. Computer viruses are a constant threat. They can ruin your software and even your hardware. Having a solid anti-virus program on your computer is essential.

Having a good computer in college is likely to make your life a lot easier. However you should always consider the financial implications. With a little research you will find that there are a variety of ways to save while computing in college. Ensure whatever type of computer you want to buy will fit you’re needs. Once you know what you want, search all available resources for the best possible deals.

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Protect Your PC: Trend Micro Titanium Antivirus+ 2011

We are happy to announce that the newest release of Trend Micro AntiVirus+ software is available on the eStore. Trend Micro Titanium AntiVirus+ 2011 offers cloud protection, which prevents viruses, spyware and other malicious software from ever reaching your computer. This offers strong defence without slowing you down! Trend Micro Titanium AntiVirus+ also gives you control. You can run scans and see reports to keep up to date on your computer’s security.

Students, faculty, and staff are eligible for this offering at $22.99 USD – 42% off retail price!

Get your copy here.

Cheers,

The OnTheHub Team

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