IM-ming Puts Family at One's Fingertip!

I’ve used instant messaging for quite a while actually. I can’t even remember when I started. I use it quite a bit at work – we have our own internal Internet Relay Chat. As bad as this sounds, I really like using it because I can simply see if one of my co-workers is online and ask them a quick question. Without having to go to the other side of the building, or a different floor to ask them a question. It puts people at the click of a button. I also use Gmail’s chat feature a lot. Most of my family members have Gmail so that is what we use to communicate during the day when we don’t have time to talk on the phone. I feel like IM makes things a lot easier than say email. You get instant responses unlike email.  It can be hard to understand the flow of a conversation though – especially if there are multiple users in a chatroom or something. But other than that, I really enjoy IM-ming with friends and family!

Skype is Great for Keeping in Touch

I have used Skype for about a year – since my daughter was born. I find the program incredibly useful because my husband and I get to show off our little girl to our distant families. We have family all over the country and Skype has allowed us to communicate with one another, free of charge, via chat, voice calling or video calling. The service has a wide range of benefits beyond this capability, including the ability for users to call phones and send SMS text messages with pre-paid Skype credit.

The most widely known benefit Skype offers is free computer-to-computer calls – via VOIP. It allows members to make free phone calls between one another when logged into the service using a computer or via mobile application, such as the Skype application for the iPhone. If you're signed into your Skype account and notice one of the people in your contact list is also signed in, you can communicate with him, free of charge, in one of three ways: chat, voice call or video call.

Users can also call and text phones. Users can call and send text messages to phones (for a small fee) which varies depending on the country you're calling and the location from which you're making the call. Once the user purchases pre-paid Skype credit, they can use it to make calls and send text messages literally all over the world, either using the computer program or a mobile application. This comes especially in handy during travel without a working cell phone: one simply has to find a Wi-Fi connection, connect the phone to it, launch the Skype application and make calls.

Sype also allows for Internet access, called "Skype Access," which allows you to use Skype credit to pay for access to Boingo Internet hotspots, which can often be found in coffee shops, bookstores and airports around the world. Skype Access doesn't require you to install any additional software -- if a connection is available, Skype will automatically prompt you to use your available credit to gain access.

Usefulness of LinkedIn

LinkedIn in is a business-oriented network that contains networking and information gathering tools useful for new startups and longstanding businesses. I’ve haven’t really used LinkedIn all that much, but I did have a profile before this class – so I was familiar with it’s purpose. I created a profile when I started looking for jobs in the defense IT industry and it has proved to be useful. I’ve made connections with co-workers and friends and the website has even identified new connections on occasion. My mom has a physical therapy clinic and I suggested she create a profile for her and her business.

The site is great for…

1. Finding Answers. LinkedIn offers a feature called (LinkedIn Answers). It primary purpose is for users to ask questions of up to 200 of their immediate contacts. They get up to a period of seven days to gather answers to their question, then the user can rate the answers they received.

2. Showcase knowledge. The flipside of LinkedIn Answers is that users can respond to other people’s questions and get rated for the value of their answers. It’s good way to network with others while showing what they know.

3. Distribute polls. Users can create and send a poll to contacts for free and feature it on their profile page using the LinkedIn Polls application. This allows for quick and dirty market. There’s also an option that includes a fee starting at $50, where users can also send their poll to a targeted slice of the 75 million or so LinkedIn members.

4. Get (and give) recommendations. Users can strengthen their network and expand their presence on LinkedIn by giving kudos to other members through the LinkedIn Recommendations feature. Users can also solicit recommendations from colleagues and clients to add testimonials to their profile.

5. List the business. As mentioned earlier, LinkedIn members can list their company in the LinkedIn company directory for free. They can connect their profile and the profiles of their team members to the listing and provide news updates.  Other business professionals can then follow their business to get the latest updates.

Comparing SNS: Facebook, Myspace, Meetup

For this week's assignment, I decided to compare two popular social networking sites with one that used to be extremely popular but isn't as widely used anymore.

	Facebook	Myspace	Meetup
Summary	Allows user to keep up with friends, share photos, links and videos, and learn more about the people they meet.	Similar to Facebook where users can keep tabs on friends and share video and photos. Users maintain profiles and add friends to their network. It’s a good way to discover new trends in entertainment.	Composed of a large network of local groups where users can organize a group or find one of the thousands already in place.
Profiles	·       Allows partial customization of page ·       Standard text editing ·       Allows photo uploads ·       Allows video uploads ·       Private and public message posting	·       Custom skins and backgrounds ·       Full customization of page layout ·       Allows music plays on the page ·       Standard text editing ·       Allows photo uploads ·       Allows video uploads ·       Private and public message posting	·       Custom skins and backgrounds ·       Allows photo uploads ·       Allows video uploads
Networks	·       Event activity/invitation ·       File sharing ·       Groups ·       Instant Messaging ·       Multi-user games ·       Private Messages ·       Real-time updates from friends	·       Event activity/invitation ·       File sharing ·       Groups ·       Private Messages	·       Event activity/invitation ·       File sharing ·       Private Messages

Audio/Video Podcast Assignment

Audio:

I had difficulty with the audio portion - see the school forum for a link.

Script:

Podcast Alley

I found this website easy to use and self-explanatory. It allows users to vote on which podcasts they believe are the best. The site counts down the top 10 and the top 50 podcasts of the month – with the votes getting recalculated every month. The lists also provide RSS feeds for each site with a short description of each (which I found pretty useful when drafting my blog entries). The directory is divided in categories – I found this pretty helpful in searching the site’s content. There’s also a section where users can find information relating to podcasting. There’s a podcast software list and even a forum with interesting discussions on how to podcast.

Podcast.com

To be honest, I didn’t really like this site at all. I found it cumbersome and not very organized. I didn’t see a search feature which made looking for interesting podcasts pretty annoying. I did think the variation in podcasts featured in the home page was kind of nice. I didn’t really see that in Podcast Alley. I also felt there were a lot of ads on the site which I did not enjoy.

What is Podcasting?

Podcasting is a form of audio broadcasting on the Internet. It’s the same concept as downloading a music file and listening to it (like an mp3 on Napster/Live Wire). EXCept, it’s all about having the files come to you through syndication instead of you going to the files through search. That’s one of the big things with Web 2.0 – information is sent directly to us instead of us having to dig through the Internet each time we want to find something. With podcasts, we subscribe to them much like we would subscribe to blogs. Podcasts can be listened to on the computer or transferred to a portable music player (such as an iPod). Some podcast feed reading software is even configured to download and transfer the file directly to the portable player (like iTunes).

How does it apply to Web 2.0?

Web 2.0 is dramatically impacting the way everyone uses their computer and the Internet. It’s even having a profound impact on the workplace. Technology has changed the way work is done and Web 2.0 has changed the way relationships are forged online and has created an environment that embraces innovation, transparency, collaboration, open communication and user-generated content. Podcasts are an example of the user-generated content that Web 2.0 brings us. Podcasts provide a platform for sharing experiences, expertise, and innovative ideas. 

Podcast for Debates - Intelligence Squared

For the third podcast I chose Intelligence Squared by NPR. Now, I like to think I'm not a geek or into debates but someone recommended this podcast to me a long time ago and I just recently "rediscovered" it. I have to say, I really do enjoy some of the discussions that have taken place. The site hosts live debates from New York City and are based on a wide range of provocative and timely topics. From clean energy and the financial crisis, to the Middle East and the death of mainstream media. I like that there's a forum for intelligent discussion, that seems to be grounded in facts and informed by reasoned analysis. 

Podcast Link

Podcast - The Parenting Journal

For the second podcast I chose The Parent's Journal. I have a 16 month old little girl and while she is amazing, it is definitely challenging! The site mostly provides web-based podcasts that caters to expectant parents, new moms and dads, and parents of infants, toddlers, preschoolers (and older kids). It contains information intended to promote a healthy, happy childhood and features interviews with pediatric, child development and pregnancy experts. It also includes parenting tips from real Moms & Dads across the country—who share their parenting wisdom and experience with other parents.

Podcast

Podcast for Runners - Couch to 5k

For my first podcast, I chose an older podcast that really isn't updated at all. It's mostly a standard set of segments for non-runners that are interested in completing a 5k in about 9-10 weeks. I think that is amazing and I used this program when I first started to run. A year later, I'm training for my second 1/2 marathon :) 

Best way to describe the workout: A few minutes each week

Each session takes about 20 or 30 minutes, three times a week. It's best to space out these three day workouts throughout the week in order to properly rest and recover between efforts. There's no need to run fast in the beginning. For this podcast, the focus is on gradually increasing the time or distance of each run.

Run for time, or run for distance

There are two ways to follow this program, to measure the runs by time or by distance. Either one works just as well, it's best to choose the option that seems easiest to keep track of.

Podcast

Music

Wikis in a Young Student's Classroom

For this last wiki exercise, I read about wikis in the classroom. Up until recently, I really only thought about web 2.0 technology in higher-level education. Boy was I taken aback when I read about teachers using wikis, blogs, etc in younger aged classrooms! I am impressed and flabbergasted at the same time (but in a good way). One of the posters claims they use wikis as a "literature circle with 4th graders in another state." Where the students use the wikis to discuss books and ask questions or receive new book recommendations. This is amazing! So naturally, I was curious to find out how wikis are used in grade school classrooms. This is what I found: http://wikieducator.org/Wikis_in_elementary_schools


I'm guessing this isn't an all inclusive list, but there were enough wikis in there for me to have a discussion with my husband about how we learned about/with technology as compared to how our daughter will learn about/with technology. It will be quite different! Right now, teachers are using wikis to have discussions with other students, collaborate on projects, story time, games, and more. I think I'm going to research this further - it might even turn into my research paper!

Technology in the Classroom is just a Means to the End!

The second discussion I read was titled, "What Technology do Students Need?"  I think this is a great question and is somewhat related to my previous post, in which I tried to explain that the main obstacle teachers face with web 2.0 in the classroom is not the technology, but the application and implementation of it.  Ok so going back to the above question, given that technology is constantly changing, what is the most effective way to teach students about technology or with technology these days? I think the best way to try and figure that out is to address the questions someone posted:

1. What technology is effective in the classroom?
2. What computer classes should be more widespread?
3. What programs should be utilized in assignments?

I also added some of my own.

1. What is the latest up and coming technology?
2. How can we leverage that in the classroom?

I think I can answer most if not all of these (but only from a student's perspective). I think students should have the have to take some kind of introduction to computers class at a young age (perhaps kindergarten). My daughter is 15 months old and knows that she has to press the play button for her youtube video to start. I think that is amazing and you bet I'll be teaching her about computers soon.

So really, the best technology that students need to succeed in their future endeavors is simply one that can only be given through exposure and curiosity - both from their computer AND their teacher AND the student's parents.  It all boils down to a student and teacher's willingness to learn and adapt to an ever changing technological environment!

Web 2.0 in the Classroom - Everyone Needs to be Onboard!

One of the discussions I read for this week's assignment focused on incorporation of web 2.0 elements into the classroom (Preparation of Student's for the Future). While there were a few interesting comments made about this topic, one of them really struck with me. Many posted about the importance of collaboration and technology in the classroom and how web 2.0 was the future but that there would be some challenges in doing this. One comment noted the main challenge would not be the technology itself, but the method in which it is advocated for and "marketed." The poster claimed that the biggest challenge that comes with web 2.0 technology in the classroom is from the teacher faculty and staff. I think this is definitely true, and I definitely agree! I've witnessed this in my current job for the last 4 years.

I think it is often very hard to get people to adapt to change, so naturally adapting to technology can be a bit difficult. I work in a job setting where there is a large number of technology-driven individuals and a decent amount of individuals that are NOT technology-driven. This can be difficult to deal with when trying to incorporate web 2.0 in the office.

I think the biggest challenge teachers have been facing lately is not web 2.0 (or the Internet). Really, it's adapting and learning how use this technology to their advantage in order to better teach and prepare children for their future challenges.

I really enjoyed the discussion - you can find it here.

Delicious Bookmarks

I never really used Delicious before this assignment but I feel it's an excellent method for storing my favorite information from various websites, tracking hot topics, and discovering new sites. This is definitely a form of “collective intelligence”, because it is constantly adding, reviewing, and filtering new information from users. These users help save time because they really minimize the amount of junk to sort through with the help of their linked bookmarks! I also liked it because it become a centralized management system for information. There are a number of useful features I liked as well. 

1. Firefox extension
2. keyword searching
3. Google Reader bookmark
4. Planning (grocery shopping, movies, trips)

However, as much as I liked it, for some reason I kept thinking of Pinterest. I really felt like in some way this service was no match to Pinterest's. I don't really use bookmarks all that often anymore because I used to use them as a means to plan and organize my life. So I'm not quite sure if I find this useful. I much rather use Pinterest :-)

-Gina

Flickr Assignment

I posted 3 pictures depicting some of my favorite concepts that Web 2.0 offers us.

1. Marines @Iwo Jima - Collaboration (Social Media)
2. Twitter (Mashup)
3. Web 2.0 Enterprise (The Whole Shebang)

You can find my pictures here! 


I picked these because I feel they best describe what Web 2.0 means - they harness collective intelligence! Collaboration is the epitome of harnessing user information and is what makes Web 2.0 so prosperous. However, even though collaboration is what creates and defines the information, mashups are what make it available as a valuable data source. Twitter is amazing really. It's a microblogging service and one would wonder its usefulness, but it's been proven very very useful actually. Take this Time article for instance. The gist of the article is that although Twitter is mostly used as a quick means to vent or spread news to your friends, it has the potential to spread short bursts of real time information on the latest, newest information occurring around the world! During the 2009 Iran protests, Twitter made its world-wide debut, it delivered street-level information in real time. That has so much potential, it's kind of frightening.


So I felt Flickr was very user friendly. I didn't feel the tutorials were really necessary but they did help. I did like to see that Flickr is compatible with iPhoto via third party app. I may end up looking into that if I start using Flickr more often. Right now I use other software to edit and manage my pictures. There were a lot of tags that were similar to the ones I used for each picture but the one with the lease similar tags was definitely the picture of the Marines @Iwo Jima. I used that one to depict collaboration because I feel this is the essence of the word. I feel this every time I lay eyes on it.   


-Gina

GNU Free Call/SIP Witch and Skype, Free Call Will be AMAZING!

I decided to compare the GNU Telephony’s Free Call which is open source software that offers secure voice over internet protocol communications; this means it offers free internet phone calls for use by the general public. It will be similar to the well-known Skype. So I said “it will be” and there’s a reason for that – its still in the development phase. Even though it’s still not ready for prime time, I was able to download their SIP Witch, which is basically what Free Call will be based on. SIP stands for Session Initiation Protocol and it basically creates, manages, and terminates call sessions during its session (on the Internet).  SIP Witch has call forwarding, call distribution, holding, and call transfers. With SIP, the Witch provides secure telephone extensions for making calls over the Internet, and is an intercept/decrypt-free peer-to-peer audio and video program.

Ok so eventually, when Free Call is off and running, it will offer essential utility in public service by enabling the continuation of emergency services without requiring existing communication infrastructure. That is amazing! So I’ll be able to use Free Call (on my cell phone) during a crazy emergency, like during the crazy random earthquake we had in Northern Virginia last year.

This intercept/decrypt-free extension is a major milestone for the GNU Free Call team because Skype is surrounded by a wealth of major security concerns! But lots of people, like me, use Skype! So does this mean my computer is at risk when I use it? Probably.  While Skype encrypts users' sessions, unauthorized individuals can monitor call initiation. This topic even warrants a wiki page! A few years ago security flaws were discovered and patched. Those flaws made it possible for hackers to run hostile code on computers running vulnerable versions of the program. While these problems were fixed, no one still really knows how safe Skype is to use, especially since the source code is closed to the public. With open source software, one could argue there is at least some kind of accountability – especially when it comes to security! 

So while I really couldn’t test Free Call, I was really impressed by the tool’s potential. Based on my readings, it appears Free Call will greatly surpass Skype because it will offer users a more secure and reliable telephone service that will always be available, free of unwanted listeners!  And did I mention, IT'S FREE people.

Click here for more information on the GNU Free Call Project.

Firefox and Chrome = Apples and Oranges, Well Not Really.

Ok for the browser comparison I chose Mozilla’s Firefox and Google’s Chrome web browsers. Firefox is an open-source product whereas Chrome is a closed source browser based on Chromium. Sooo…which is better? Well, according to an article from the website, Lifehacker, the answer to that question depends a lot on the type of Operating System and it’s easiest to separate the answer for Windows and Mac users. Regardless, the gist of the article claims that Chrome beats out Firefox in most browser performance tests. But most browsers actually perform really well these days, so the fact that Chrome beat out Firefox doesn't mean it’s extremely slow—it just means that compared to Chrome, it's not the fastest.

Ok so what’s the deal then? Why do I (for example) keep going back to Firefox, even though a) I’m using Safari to type this post..hehe.. and b) I’ve used Chrome and still prefer Firefox? Well, I think my main reason for preferring Firefox over Chrome over Safari, is because of all the free extension support it gets! I swear, Firefox has a great extension community when compared to all other browsers. Extensions add functionality to the browser and enhance the user interface in a way that is not directly related to the viewable content of Web pages...it's the stuff that gives us bookmark toolbars, Pinterest browser pins, etc.

I think the real difference is if a person is used to Firefox’s obscure extensions, chances are they may not be able to find replacements for everything in Chrome. But if they only use a few of them, then the transition to Chrome would probably be a little easier!

Once again I feel like the customization and community support that open source products have make them win over users and gain wide acceptance. I’ve used Internet Explorer (mostly at work), Safari, Thunderbird, Netscape, and Firefox and I still prefer the latter! Hands down. 

Gimp VS Photoshop...Fight of the Picture Tools!

Ok so I chose two photo-editing and image enhancement software tools: GIMP and Adobe's Photoshop. GIMP, or GNU Image Manipulation Program, can be easily compared to the widely known Adobe Photoshop. Aside from cost, GIMP and Photoshop are very similar. However, although there is a sizeable market for Photoshop, I read somewhere that GIMP users swear by the scope and wide-ranging flexibility that it offers them. I think I agree. While I’ve used GIMP more that Photoshop (I've used GIMP for 2 years now and I just downloaded Photoshop this week) I honestly prefer GIMP because I think it’s more than an ‘image manipulation’ tool, it’s very versatile, and it’s free! 

I think the best feature that GIMP can offer is its customization – which is the epitome of the open software movement.  With GIMP, users can develop personalized scripts and commands that can render the user’s desired effect. This is mostly for image layers and enhancements. All one has to do is take the time to figure out what they desire, look up similar effects online, and bam! The user can customize their tool and image at the same time. This is genius, and it’s free. 

Now, I’m not saying Photoshop doesn’t offer the same thing. Actually, it does – but at a price. Photoshop charges for every object layer and enhancement (or action) based on your desired look. Some of these are free, like red-eye removal.  Some well-known photography schools like the Digital Photography School online even offer free actions; however, more advanced layers and actions are not free.

One other feature that I forgot to mention is that GIMP is a bit more user friendly than Photoshop. I’ll admit, I felt pretty awkward using both tools at first, but I found that the more I used GIMP the more I wanted to learn how to use it. I don’t recall feeling the same way about Photoshop. I also felt like GIMP had more high-performance features like a better gradient tool and definitely a better ink tool. GIMP had drag handles for both rectangle/ellipse select tools, which made it a bit more comfortable to use than Photoshop. GIMP definitely made for quicker and more intuitive use.

Before I go on, the gradient tool allows you to create nice color fill with smooth color changing effects. The ink tool creates the simulation of an ink pen with a controllable nib to paint solid brush strokes which allows you to create intricate drawings. I really like this inking tutorial.

Gradient Tool Example - see the different colors in the sky and how well they blend together? That's what the tool can do.

So, I'm not saying Photoshop is not good as a technical tool. It is, but the price tag is obscene. The only reason I was able to get access to Photoshop is because I downloaded the free trial. Otherwise, I would NOT have purchased it and I would have been forced to pick other tools to compare...bummer! Anyhow, I feel like GIMP wins hands down because it’s very similar to Photoshop, it’s versatile where Photoshop is not, and most importantly it’s free. I can do basically the same thing with both programs at no charge. Sign me up!

TechCrunch! Nom Nom Nom Nom...

So this blog is a little much for me. I think it's because there's A LOT of information in this one and it looks a bit disorganized. I felt a little overwhelmed while reading the articles. The good thing is that most of the articles are non too tech geeky for me and I was able to understand and relate to some of the posts. 

The first article on this blog caught my eye. The title was this: "Study: Hispanic Smartphone Owners Want Mobile Shopping Apps To Be Social." Now, this caught my eye because 1) I'm Hispanic and 2) I have a smartphone user! So naturally, I was interested in what this study was about. It claims that Hispanic users prefer to shop with friends and family members instead of shopping by themselves. I think I agree with this! Nowadays whenever I do go shopping it's usually by myself. This is mainly because one of us has to stay and watch our little 1-year-old gremlin. If my husband and I find ourselves at the mall, we don't end up buying much because we're so focused on entertaining her! So when I do go shopping by myself, I usually end up feeling odd and a little out of place. I think this is because I miss having that second person with me! 

The main point of this article is that mobile shopping apps currently ignore users that want more of a social aspect to shopping! I wonder how this affects online mobile shopping apps like Amazon, Overstock,  and eBay? We shall see! You can find the full article here.

Overall, I somewhat enjoyed this blog but I feel it's lacking in style - I think it's too plain looking and disorganized to keep me interested....Side note, it took FOREVER to load in my browser!


- Gina

Mashable...A bunch of random neat gadgets.

So I really enjoyed reading the articles on this blog. One of my favorites was from a week ago, Wednesday April 4. It was on Google's new Project Glass which is basically an amazing concept. The Google engineering team (Google X Lab) is developing a set of glasses with augmented reality. This means the user can view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented by a computer. It would allow us to view the weather, get phone calls, play video games, and more! All through our glasses as we're doing something else. If you ask me, that's kind of crazy and creepy all at the same time. 

Another article talks about Pinterest, one of my new favorites sites! This website (also an iPhone app) is a virtual "pinboard" that allows users to "pin" things they find interesting to an unlimited number of pinboards in their account. For example, I have a number of different boards. I have one for nail art, clothing, and cooking recipes. I use this to plan out weekly meals and my next shopping mall trip. The article here talks about how teachers can "...organize lesson plans, distribute curricula, collaborate with other faculty, and even encourage student participation." This is a neat concept that makes me wonder if our teachers will start using it. 

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this blog and I might even add it to my Google Reader account! I hope you guys enjoyed it as well.

-Gina

Hello class! I chose TechCrunch and Mashable for this assignment.  I started reading GigaOm but that got a little too tech geeky for my taste! But so far I really like the material the bloggers write about in each of these blogs. They write a lot of interesting articles in them. Hope you guys enjoy this assignment as much as I am.