TensorFlow with Jupyter Notebooks using Virtualenv

Been trying to learn TensorFlow by working on the Udacity Deep Learning mooc.  All the programming assignments are based on Jupyter Notebooks.  Unfortunately, since I setup my computer with a NVIDIA GPU I've been using Virtualenv to mange my Python distributions as recommended in the Tensorflow installation documents.  However, I've had a really hard time getting IPython and Jupyter configured so I can access all the packages I needed until I read this.

The solution is quite simple.  From your tensorflow environment, first install ipykernel. Then you register the kernel with the tensorflow environment.

$ source ~/tensorflow/bin/activate
$ pip install ipykernel
$ python -m ipykernel install --user --name=tensorflow

Finally, when you open your notebook you will have to change kernels from the default Python ones to the special tensorflow one.  

Vanderbilt's Android App Component MOOC

I just completed the Android App Components - Intents, Activities, and Broadcast Receivers MOOC taught by Vanderbilt University on Cousera.  Since I did pay $49 for the course, I'd like to share my thoughts.  

This is definitely a useful class.  I think if you plan to be an Android developer, its important to understand the intricacies of the architecture and structure of apps.  I was disappointed by the fact that there were no mandatory programming assignments.  Also, beyond the normal instructional videos, there were a lot of videos on code walk-throughs.  After a certain point my brain just shut down.

Will you learn how to program Android with this class alone? Absolutely not.  Will it explain how to app screens communicate with services and other screens? Yes.  Will you be able to implement real Android apps without other courses/education? No.

This class is part  of the Android App Development Specialization.  I think you need to take most of these classes before you can really start Android development.  Is this MOOC worth $49?  Yes, only if you plan to complete the whole specialization.

OBTW, I did find out that Udacity has an interesting single MOOC course on Android development. It would have probably made more sense to try that first before going down this more academic route.