Giving up a portion of your freedom

Johnson, Dan. "Anonymity and the Internet." The Futurist (July 2000):12.Acedemic OneFile. Gale.BCR Regis University.10 Oct 2007

The right of privacy on the Internet is a clear problem not only for underage persons but also for the average user that does not want big brother watching. The director of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Mark S. Frankel, clearly agrees on this point although anonymous communication is fast becoming a problem. Frankels view "The consensus view of the conference was that the positive value of anonymous communication more than offsets the dangers of abuse…" Although he agrees that abusers that impersonate, give false information, spread viruses and engage in other criminal acts are a problem, he gives ideas on how to solve the problem. Suggestions like monitoring with a warrant and "Inoculate the public" seem a little scary but probably necessary because of the obvious resources that criminals can and are feeding upon.

Opinion: Firmly in favor of strict privacy laws, I am at odds with the potential intrusion that inevitably would happen if legislation were put in place to monitor chats or blogs. I have to conclude that in order to protect our freedom we must give up a portion of it. -Teresa

Misspellings too?

Teleki, Margot W. "Lost in cyberspace. " New Jersey Law Journal. (Nov 13, 2006): NA. Academic OneFile. Gale. BCR Regis University. 20 Oct. 2007

This article is written as almost an advertisement for lawyers to have a web site with specific features. If it weren’t for slightly critical remarks, one would think this is for an advertising firm. Rather, it tells of the content that people are looking for in this rushed and impatient world. The author, Margot W. Teleki, says that the key to a successful site is the key words that it contains. This is a view that makes sense, but I personally have never thought. Of course the person that is looking for an attorney would first use a search engine to find one. Key words such as the location or kind of attorney would be the logical place to start. If the site does not contain these vital words than of course the site will be skipped and business lost. She comes across in a matter-of-fact kind of way that caught my attention from the start. Teleki also states that one should include common misspellings of the firm’s name and the misspellings of the attorney’s names also. Clever girl. Blogs were also mentioned as a use on an attorney’s site. This would be very interesting to see although I have never seen this on an attorney site. I like her ideas, and I would bet that one would be smart to follow them. -Teresa

Factors Affecting Student’s Decisions to Use Distance Learning: Research Study

Most throughout the world recognize the value of education. Few of literacy dispute the intellectual power and freedom of expression that knowledge provides. Although, for many, attendance at traditional brick-and-mortar institutions is not an option. For these individuals, employment of click-and-mortar via distance learning remains the only viable option. Although, debate continues relative to pros and cons surrounding both the value and application of this medium as a means both of dispatching and acquiring a quality education.

For many, distance learning remains the only viable medium through which to acquire an education – dispute relative to quality notwithstanding. This fact remains a simple mechanism of geographical, social, and economic condition. Scribing a boundary around treatment of this topic, distance learning remains openly defined as that learning characterized by the separation either in time and/or in space either of the teacher and/or the student as facilitated, in modern times, by technology.

One may make the case that distance learning commenced with the exchange of songs in antiquity. One could also make the case that distance learning commenced with the exchange of written information via the exchange of scrolls in ancient times. Although many modern scholars would rather flatter themselves into thinking that distance learning began more recently with advertisements listed in the Boston Globe in 1728 (Everett and Pershing, 1989). Regardless demarcation pursuant to the beginning, distance learning has matured over time. Shiao-Chuan (2002) suggests that some of these advancements include:
• Broadcasting “School over the Air” in 1966 with radio
• Broadcasting “Junior College over the Air” in 1977 with television
• Broadcasting as a medium, with Television and radio remaining a core staple of distance learning throughout the ‘60’s to the ‘80’s.
• Time delayed collaboration via networked classrooms emerged in the ‘90’s
• Flexible internet-based distance learning emerged strong post 2000

Among the pros and cons of distance learning, the research survey sought to quantify and qualify myths, perceptions, and assertions. The study spanned gender. As well, the research crossed boundaries of those working full time as opposed to those who were full time students – including a mix thereof. The principle objective remained the production of output sufficient to quantify and qualify specific areas of focus relative to improving the quality of education for distance learners.

Assertions going into the study related the “good” with alternative methods to acquire knowledge, availability for working adults and others through the progression of distance learning to higher education for which previously no viable alternatives existed, the ever increasing audience of individuals participating in distance learning. Suppositions entering the study led researchers to postulate an outcome – for which they awaited output of the survey against which to match.

Equally, assertions going into the study related the “bad” with a perception that programs are driven by individuals focused on the technology rather than the absolute educational requirements, curriculum development being led by individuals whose focus remains technology-driven as opposed to being driven by best practice and educational requirements of the students, and finally a difficulty in knitting together social and cultural needs around best practices to be later shored by technology in delivery of distance learning.

With this framework at hand, researchers set out to document statistical facts surrounding the assertions. Among those, a focus area was that of students who work full time while attending school; seeking therein to determine if these individuals held a higher priority surrounding time flexibility and physical location vs. students who do not work full time. Another focus area was that of students working full time and attending school; seeking therein to determine if these individuals had a higher value for the reputation of the institution and its educators. The final focus area was that of students who already expend an inordinate amount of time on the computer; seeking therein to determine if these individuals had a divergent perception surrounding the application of technology relative to distance learning vs. a student with minimal existing exposure.

Researchers found that motivators for distance learning include career development, collaboration with other students possessing diverse backgrounds and socializing with those individuals in pursuit of studies, and the vast increase in supplemental material that becomes available to students beyond the confines of that which remains immediately available. Output of the study suggests that these motivators are, in fact, valid elements attracting students.

Not surprising, researchers found constraints exist which influence the decision of prospective students, principally among them: Time, distance, and finances. Again, the flexibility of time surfaces; albeit in this instance, time flexibility remains a constraint heavily influencing a student’s decision of whether to attend a traditional brick-and-mortar institution or seek the alternative of distance learning by means of click-and-mortar.

Another finding of little surprise was a fact that gender issues exist. Responses to the research remained consistent with norms of geographical demographics. As output of the survey, those responses suggest that females focus on cost, time flexibility, and reputation of the school more than do males. This is not to say that males do not hold those elements in high regard; albeit, the study suggests that females hold the same elements in yet higher regard, overall.

Outcome of the research study remains quite fascinating. There exist no disputes that for many, distance learning remains the only viable medium through which to acquire an education, disputes relative to the quality notwithstanding. The study suggests that many elements are of great influence, including: Culture, institutional reputation, reputation of educators, the social setting of the students (home life), subject matter provided by the institution, and values the institution and its staff place on time flexibility.

Debate shall continue relative to the pros and cons surrounding both the value and application of the internet and other technology mediums as a means both of dispatching and acquiring a quality education. Although for individuals for whom choices remain preordained, employment of click-and-mortar for distance learning remains the only viable option. Most throughout the world recognize the value of education and for many, attendance at traditional brick-and-mortar institutions is simply not an option. Yet in the end, few of literacy dispute the intellectual power and freedom of expression that knowledge provides.






Works Referenced


Everett, C. and Pershing, JA. (1989). Distance Education and its Implications for Vocational Education. A VES Monograph, Vocational Educational Services, Indiana University – Bloomington.

Shiao-Chuan, Kung. (2002). Factors that Affect Students’ Decision to Take Distance Learning Courses: A Survey Study of Technical College Students in Taiwan. Educational Media International. Volume 39, n3-4, pages 299 – 305. Database: ERIC. Persistent Link: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ661478&site=ehost-live



- David

Peer Feedback in Online classes, are we qualified?

This article debates whether peer feedback in online classes is a quality based instructional tool. Many of the test subjects felt that they needed to make sure their answers were clear enough for the other classmates to understand. This meant that they had to research the topic more and really know the subject before posting.

On the other hand some of the test subjects felt that the feedback was shallow and superficial. In these cases, people felt that the feedback was only given because it was required and it held no substance or credibility. They felt that any instruction should come from the facilitator, the person responsible for instructing the entire class.

I believe that peer feedback is totally acceptable and welcome as the comments are well intentioned and can spur good discussion. I also believe that getting many insights from people with different experiences can only help others grow scholastically and personally.



Using Peer Feedback to Enhance the Quality of Student Online Postings: An Exploratory Study

Ertmer, P. A, Richardson, J. C., Belland, B., Camin, D., Connolly, P., Coulthard, G., et al. (2007). Using peer feedback to enhance the quality of student online postings: An exploratory study. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 12(2), article 4. http://jcmc.indiana.edu/vol12/issue2/ertmer.html


Viki

Live Blogging

Live blogging; interesting concept, what choice would you make if instead of attending a 3 day convention or training? People are now taking advantage of what is referred to as "Live blogging", this is where one person will attend an event and keep other remote people informed of the proceedings through a blog. The attendingperson remains logged on to the blog consistantly and uses it to update other people who are also logged on.

This allows the remote people to take in the experience and multitask in other parts of thier job or life They are able to catch the "cribnotes version" of the event.

Outside of the positive revenue impact for companies of this trend there is the issue that people are taking the information that is being delivered, and interpreting it based on thier own experience and views of the importance. This activity runs the risk of loosing the true meaning or essence of the message getting lost in the perception of the "editor".

http://web.ebscohost.com.dml.regis.edu
Fernando,A (2007) Communication World,Sep/Oct2007, Vol. 24 Issue 5, p13-14, 2p, Retrieved on September, 17, 2007

Posted by Viki

Online Support Groups

What are the advantages and disadvantages of online support groups? The article I read covered this topic and provided some answers to the question. I thought this was an excellent article to share with all of you because I have noticed many of our fellow employees expressing their concerns about blogging. I know that online support groups and blogging can be two different methods of communicating over the World Wide Web. However, I'm fairly certain that these online support groups are designed in a very similar manner as a blog.

The author of this article, Mary Ann Bell, gave several examples of when she personally used online support groups to get her through tough situations in the past. She found that the support groups she used were very useful and she discovered that the groups were extremely effective. She completed her own survey by asking others that had experience with online support groups whether or not their experiences were worth while. The majority of the responses were positive. The author also conducted some research finding many benefits to online support groups. Ms. Bell provided some negative aspects of using online support groups such as the possibility of group members misrepresenting themselves and overly negative groups. Mary Bell's final statement in her article "Online support groups are examples of positive uses of the Internet whose benefits greatly outweigh possible problems." concluded her findings.

References Bell, Mary Ann. "Celebrating Communicating: Online Support Groups." MultiMedia & Internet@Schools 14.4 (July 2007): 37-38. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=25912210&site=ehost-live>

Learning Aspects Enhanced Online

What aspects of education are found to be superior when delivered in an online environment as opposed to a traditional classroom? Stephen L. Baglione and Michael Nastanski conducted extensive research and analysis on this question and many others in order to provide us with the answer. The first step in their research involved the development of three separate hypotheses. They made some assumptions based on learning characteristics proposed as being critical to effective educational growth.

The first assumption was that online discussion “facilitates more substantive discussion than the traditional classroom” (Baglione & Nastanski, p 4). This assumption is based on logical ideas also provided in the article. The next assumption was that a significant number of professors favor teaching online over the traditional method. They will also show that teaching online is very enjoyable for the professors. The last assumption didn’t seem to be as important to substantiate the message being delivered.

The authors sent invitations to over 300 professors with a fairly good response rate of 122. Each of their assumptions was validated with the results of the completed surveys tallied. They also recognized that further research was necessary to expand on the idea that online learning is superior to the traditional classroom experience. Research will need to be completed on the side of the student experience in an online environment. One suggestion was that a good method to measure the effectiveness of online learning can be obtained through the same testing of students that already occurs.

References
Baglione, Stephen L., and Michael Nastanski. "THE SUPERIORITY OF ONLINE DISCUSSION." Quarterly Review of Distance Education 8.2 (Summer 2007): 139-150. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=26266357&site=ehost-live

A Breach in Confidentiality?

In April 2007, a survey was conducted by Harris Interactive Healthcare News. The results of this survey showed most internet users would rather communicate with their doctors online in regards to making appointments, asking questions, refilling prescriptions, and receiving medical test results. Those in the medical field are not on board just yet. “….most physicians have serious reservations about giving patients their email addresses because…of concerns about reimbursement, privacy of patient information and potential malpractice liability.” (This according to the author’s of the survey). Thought this is a reasonable concern, those surveyed feel differently.
The article goes on to say that a little over one-third of those surveyed would be willing to pay out-of-pocket to receive more online services and communication from their physicians. Those in the medical field may not be on board just yet, but because of the internet’s ability to provide constant communication and information, it won’t be long before doctors are on board.



Vogin, Gary D. (2007, April 10). Patients Want Online Communication With Their
Doctors. Medscape Today. Retrieved October 3, 2007, from
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/431849

One Stop Shop For Small Business

One Stop Shop For Small Business

By Greg Eich

A one stop shop for small business. Is it to good to be true? Business with less then 500 employees make up 99.7% of the business today. Information is a must have but in particular with small business.The author is attempting to educate small business owners and let them know there is help out there. Business.gov provides information on compliances with government regulations,OSHA EPA and Uncle Sam. The site has received over 11,000 visits per day since October 2006.

The hope to make it easier for businesses and to streamline through red tape in a quick manner. They continually have focus groups to look at ways to improve the website. Business owners who visited the site said they saved 25 hours by accessing the website.

Occupational Hazards, March 2007 v69 i3 p39(2)
(Small Business Safety)(www.business.gov)(Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002. Sandy Smith


http://galenet.galegroup.com.dml.regis.edu/servlet/BCRC?vrsn=160&locID=regis&sgcmd=MAIN&srchtp=art&c=1&sub=%2522Business+%28Website%29%2522&ste=21&tab=2&tbst=tsAS&atp=SG&docNum=A161601244&art=business&bConts=0
Article A161601244

Cyberspace War

Cyberspace War by Gregory Eich

Most of the world learns of conflict through stories on the web. Nearly 1 billion people are now connected digitally. At the same time, the digital realm of cyberspace has its share of rapscallions and scoundrels. Internet users have to develop a skeptical as well as a discerning eye, particularly about information coming out of war zones from sources that have chosen sides. When verified as truthful, images potentially have a sledgehammer impact on viewers' opinion formation by creating iconic images of an event (Perlmutter & Wagner, 2004.
Readers are urged to contact journalists directly with their comments via email links, and to offer their opinions by way of message boards. Some large news organizations, like Fox and CNN, weave these comments into some of their programs or present them as opinion blocks. During the 2003 Iraq War, comments all along the political spectrum brought out many disputes that may have changed people's perspectives on the war. These perspectives changed the main stream of people based on information from the web or even bog sites.

The personal flow of information can be transferred by cutting and pasting as well as sending large folders of information through email. Some may have discarded the original posting and forwarded it anyway. Many views can be influenced because of sites such as Google news. It captures news minutes after it has happened and people can access and download and forwarded the information to family and friends.

Berenger, R. D. (2006). Introduction: War in cyberspace. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 12(1), article 9. http://jcmc.indiana.edu/vol12/issue1/berenger.html

How many Bloggers are there? Any idea?

Israel discusses the Gartner Group’s chief fellow Daryl Hummer’s predictions, “that blogging would reach an apex of about 100 million bloggers worldwide around June 2007 and then level off” (Israel, 2007, para. 1). Admittedly, there is no real method to accurately count the number of people blogging on the internet.
Estimates for bloggers in China range from a low of 50 million to a high of 200 million. Add to that the number of bloggers on MSN, YAHOO, and GOOGLE. According to Israel, “MySpace will be 200 million strong by year-end” (Israel, 2007, para. 8). Most MySpace users are Internet savvy users under the age of 25.

There is no doubt that Hummer’s predictions are extremely conservative. Looks like “Blogging” is fast becoming the preferred method of communicating with others around the world. Emails limit your intended audience, but bloggers join together to comment on common interests and ideas. It appears that bloggers have found a means to collaborate with others they would otherwise not have access to in developing and discussing topics of interest to them.


Reference: Israel, S. (2007, May). Why Gartner's blog estimates are shortsighted. Communication World, pp. 48,48. Retrieved October 6, 2007, from Communication & Mass Media Complete database.

Ain't he just so cute?



My grandson is computer savvy at three, and he spends time with me every week. He like to sit on my lap and "help" me with my homework. He likes my COM215 course, because we get to surf the internet and look at bunches of pictures, and I am helping him to learn to read. Great tool.
More importantly, he has taught me more than any classroom, ever will, about communication. He never settles for a very direct answer, always wanting to know more. This forces me to have to look at the world though his eyes and his mind to communicate. When I don't, it all seems to become dribble.

Cyberspace War

Most of the world learns of conflict through stories on the web. Nearly 1 billion people are now connected digitally. At the same time, the digital realm of cyberspace has its share of rapscallions and scoundrels. Internet users have to develop a skeptical as well as a discerning eye, particularly about information coming out of war zones from sources that have chosen sides. When verified as truthful, images potentially have a sledgehammer impact on viewers' opinion formation by creating iconic images of an event (Perlmutter & Wagner, 2004.
Readers are urged to contact journalists directly with their comments via email links, and to offer their opinions by way of message boards. Some large news organizations, like Fox and CNN, weave these comments into some of their programs or present them as opinion blocks. During the 2003 Iraq War, comments all along the political spectrum brought out many disputes that may have changed people’s perspectives on the war. These perspectives changed the main stream of people based on information from the web or even bog sites.
The personal flow of information can be transferred by cutting and pasting as well as sending large folders of information through email. Some may have discarded the original posting and forwarded it anyway. Many views can be influenced because of sites such as Google news. It captures news minutes after it has happened and people can access and download and forwarded the information to family and friends.

Berenger, R. D. (2006). Introduction: War in cyberspace. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 12(1), article 9. http://jcmc.indiana.edu/vol12/issue1/berenger.html

Introduction: War in Cyberspace
Ralph D. Berenger, Guest EditorJournalism and Mass Communication The American University in Cairo