Native Language and Internet Usage

Quote:
“To the extent, however, that the younger generation drives the dynamics of the internet, the results provide some support for the hypothesis that English will retain its first-mover advantage on the internet. In such a case, as the youngest native French-speaking user’s age, they will continue to use the internet intensively in English”- Professor Neil Gandal, Harold Hartog School of Government and Policy, Tel Aviv University.

In the article “Native Language and Internet Usage” the conclusion of the article was that although many internet users may look at websites, younger generations typically look at English websites, which will result in English keeping its place as the primary language on the Internet. I believe that this is a false statement. I feel that the people who speak other languages mainly use English websites simply because there is more information that is easier to find on them.

America is a prosperous nation that has developed much of today’s technology in communication. Because of this we use mainly English in much of our internet communication especially on social websites. People from other nations may use out social networks such as Facebook, but more often than not they are able to have it translated into their own native languages. This is also true for those looking into retail, such as McDonald’s. On their website you can see McDonald’s and how they differ throughout the world. The reason for these differences is that it personalizes the American franchise to appeal to the consumers of other nations. Therefore, my conclusion is that though American websites maybe more commonly used, they are not always kept Americanized. They are made into a branch of the American website that is based in the culture of the user.

References

Gandal, Neil "Native language and Internet usage"; Lang 182 (2006), p25-40, 5p. (Retrieved from ESBCO Regis University, November 17, 2009).

Communicating in Cyberspace: Have We Lost Our Personal Touch?

“I calculated the total time that humans have waited for web pages to load. It cancels out all the productivity gains of the information age. Sometimes I think the web is a big plot to keep people like me away from normal society.” ~Scott Adams


Technology has made our lives incredibly simple, but what has happened to customer service? Customer service is now voice activated, and simply hitting zero is no longer an option. It is a shame that the more we contact our doctor’s office and other organizations, the more we become confused with which buttons to hit. And then if you are lucky enough to find a representative to speak with the chances of you understanding the conversation is minimal. My personal favorite is when a customer service representative states his name is “Bob” when there is absolutely no way his name is even close to these three letters.


So, has technology really made our lives simple or has it simply enhanced our lazy genes? Sure we can pop onto the web to find a location, transfer funds, type an e-mail to family, and find out who is popular on You Tube; but what happened to common courtesies and common language? We used to send cards in the mail to say I love you, or that I am thinking about you but now we just hit "reply all" and all the niceties have turned into indescribable acronyms.


Customer service and common courtesies seem something of the past. We are just too busy as Americans, doing what I have no idea! We do not even have time to take off from work when we are sick, and it seems to be more of an inconvenience even when the kids need a day of rest; but no worries we always have our laptops, smart phones, and other technological devices that keep us connected. Can you imagine a day without checking your phone, keeping up with e-mails, or simply enjoy the simple things like board games, and taking a walk? It probably seems a bit boring, doesn’t it?

Communication and Media for Youth Studies

"Whether in academia or more mainstream circles, it is a cliche' to talk about how children and adolescents (and all of us) today are surrounded by an array of media and communication technologies that are part and parcel of everyday life." - JoEllen Fisherkeller, Associate Professor of Media, Culture and Communication, New York University

This article highlights how different it is for the youth of today to learn and expand their communication horizon through the technological advances of modern day. In our current global society, media plays a vital role. We find ourselves in a world and culture where we communicated and gain information via computers, phones, websites, and television. Technological advances allow many of today's youth to be influenced by a variety of newer media, particularly media communicated via the computer such as websites and blogs. These advances can provide opportunities for educational programs involving and encouraging youth to become creators of their own media projects. It also provides a resource for disadvantage young people to have access to this type of media through non-profit educational programs. By allowing our youth to improve their knowledge and skill set in this new arena, we are utilizing these resources to develop them into influential members of society.

We are also providing them with a voice to express their thoughts and ideas. Creativity and communication can be an important factor of how our children continue to learn and expand their world. However, it is important to keep in mind social, cultural and traditional experiences. Every individual has their own life experiences based on the environment and culture they grew up in. Recognizing and being sensitive to these factors will keep youth media programs available worldwide.

Reference:

Fisherkeller, JoEllen,"Youth Media Around the World: Implications for Communication and Media Studies"; 2009, Vol. 28 Issue 3, p21-25, 5p. (Retrieved from ESBCO Regis University, November 17, 2009).

Against Transperancy

“America can really know just who squeezed the sausage and when, and hold accountable anyone with an improper touch”. Lessig, Lawrence. ” Against Transparency: The Perils of Openness In Government”, 2009, p38, 8p. (Retrieved from ESBCO Regis University, November 17, 2009).

Transparency has become a common theme within our government for the last couple decades. President Regan signed into law the requirement for politicians to disclose campaign funds and who the contributors were. In politics, transparency is defined as holding public officials accountable by not withholding information. Since President Regan this has been the furthest that transparency, of politicians, has gone until the election of President Obama. Transparency is now taking another direct by looking not only at contributions to campaigns but also funds that are given to politicians from special interest groups. Some suggest that there is problems that would occur by posting such information. The questions that could arise are, did the politician vote for or against a bill for the money or by conscience? Would the information be twisted by components to gather public opinion? Would the data be so large that the public would not take notice? Is it worth the money to produce?

Transparency, or also known as naked transparency, is difficult and novel idea. Many factors come involved not by just giving information but also regulating the information. For example the Sunlight Foundation launched a campaign for all congress members to post their daily schedule on the Internet. If you think about this the first thought maybe that it is fine but security may become an issue. When a society comes up with ideas we must take time to make sure that we don’t move too fast. As I stated earlier transparency is a novel idea but implementation must be deliberately discussed and posted with clear and concise information to avoid misunderstanding and confusion.

Reference
Lessig, Lawrence. ” Against Transparency: The Perils of Openness In Government”, 2009, p38, 8p. (Retrieved from ESBCO Regis University, November 17, 2009)

The use of Voice over Internet Protocol in businesses and homes.

“Services such as VOIP, video, music, radio, news and instant messaging coupled with mobile devices such as a WiFi enabled iPod, and the ubiquity of broadband will result in 100 million consumer mobile VOIP users in 2011”
- Mareca Hatler, ON World’s Director of Research

Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP), was envisioned as a great design for large businesses spanning multiple states or several countries around the world. By using their Internet connection as a mean to communicate through their telephone system, businesses did away with long distance charges associated with state to state or International calls (2008). With today’s technology, many users carry devices that function both as a telephone and as a medium used to receive their email, as well as other functions. However, now with advances in VOIP technology, people are now able to use mobile phones to access VOIP services to make long distance calls with no additional charges (2008). More and more companies are offering this service in place of traditional land lines and with this same technology now accessible to mobile users, this service will only continue to grow as the technology does. With these services, users can now telephone colleagues anywhere in the world as if they were just down the hall in their local office, with the only concern being the time difference in each country (Kharif, 2008).

I work for a petroleum company that has their corporate office in Houston, TX; a large office in Tulsa, OK; and many remote sites locations throughout several states. I have no real experience with VOIP over mobile phones, but my company uses a Cisco VOIP telephone system at work and it offers many advantages. Users simply need to be connected to the Internet and have access to the corporate network, which can be done using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection. The phones are programmed through a web browser using nothing more than the telephones Media Access Address (MAC) and they are connected. They can be located anywhere in the world and dial a company extension as if they were in the office. All the features of the phone work the same. I have the same setup at home in Washington with our corporate office in Houston. I also have a software package that works as a virtual phone on my laptop when traveling. All I need is an Internet connection, a headset, and I have access to the phone as if I am in the office. While a VOIP telephone system will not benefit all companies, businesses that operate in several locations will save a large amount of money using a VOIP telephone system instead of a traditional land line. I believe VOIP services and usage will continue to grow at a rapid rate, both in the business world and with home users.

References
Kharif, O. (2008). VoIP Goes Mobile. BusinessWeek Online, 3. Retrieved November, 19 2009 from Academic Search Premier database.

Training in a Virtual Reality

“Virtual worlds provide a shared visual space for students to meet and interact (via avatars). Not only do students share the quasi-realism of a 3D environment where participants can see and hear one another. These factors provide a strong sense of group presence, which leads to engaging group learning interactions.” Katherine Franceschi is an Assistant Professor of Information Systems at the University of Puerto Rico.

In this age of electronic communications, the human resource discipline of policy makers and strategic business partners, find themselves the beneficiaries of emerging technology in the workforce management, human resources information systems and distance learning arena. New technologies like social networking, PDA and iPod software are influencing how employee training and development occur in many organizations. Training through virtual reality will become the e-learning tool of the future, and my strong belief is that it will eventually replace the traditional stand-up trainer saving companies significant dollars in salaries and benefits for instructors.

The use of Avatars allows students to create different or “like” personas which make the learning experience even more engaging. These virtual training forums create 3D environments with interactions via avatars. Unlike videoconferencing, these do not (yet) fully capture facial expressions, but the real life like images make for an interesting replica of the real thing by offering aspects of full body appearance, gestures, locomotion, and directional voice. In addition, they offer a strong sense of being in the same “place”—with the other group members, as well as the possibility to explore that place and interact with (virtual) artifacts that are available (Franceschi, Katherine, Group Presence in Virtual Worlds: Supporting Collaborative E-Learning - Dissertation February 3, 2009).

Many gaming companies are prepared to capitalize on this new cyberspace trend for training. The Cyberlore Studios, for example, announced the company is re-launching as Minerva Software – will be switching gears from entertainment titles to customized training games for large corporate clients. The new company with its new e-learning component will launch with a new product: a remake of Cyberlore's most recent entertainment game, a Sims-style title called Playboy: The Mansion, which has sold 750,000 copies to date. At a virtual gaming convention in 2006, it was reported that the game's designers altered the graphics and scenarios so that they no longer have models or potentially offensive avatar references, and replaced them with sales reps and customers. With virtual training models that mimic game environments I am convinced we will see employees signing up in droves (especially the generation Y’ers), to create their avatars and explore the virtual reality of the learning world.

Sources

Engaging Group E-Learning in Virtual Worlds -
Katherine Franceschi, Ronald M. Le, Stelios H. Zanakis, and David Hinds, 2009 –
Franceschi, Katherine, Group Presence in Virtual Worlds: Supporting Collaborative E-Learning - Dissertation (February 3, 2009). Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1337342
Franceschi, K. Group presence in virtual worlds: Supporting collaborative e‑learning. Ph.D. dissertation, Decision Sciences and Information Systems, Florida International University, Miami, 2008. (available at http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1337342). Retrieved November 17, 2009

Jenna, R. (2006, Mar. 27). In Virtual Training and It’s Fun!. Retrieved Nov. 24, 2009, from http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/03/training_games/index_01.htm

Businesses and Social Networking

Barnes and Barnes (2009) stated that “from a business perspective, it is unwise to remain disconnected and on the sidelines.” Social Networking has grown tremendously over the years as a way for friends and families to stay connected. The Internet tools from Facebook, Twitter, and various other sites and blogs have allowed the global sharing of information that has essentially replaced the need for postcards and phone calls just to chat. Families are able to share pictures without copying and mailing them to everyone and friends can keep other friends informed about what is going on in their life….like work. People have started using these social networking sites to express their opinions, feelings, and experiences about everything from school, relationships, kids, and even work.

Companies employ normal people that like to stay in contact with their families. As a result, employees have person lives. Those lives sometimes include many of those social networking sites as a way to keep in contact with their friends and families. Companies didn’t start off by taking too well to the social networking sites and the global access to other people’s opinions about the work place. However, “it is important to recognize that individuals from across the lifespan are becoming more attuned to the benefits of this technology.” (Barnes, N. & Barnes, F., 2009). Employees from the delivery driver on up the executives of a company are using technology more and more to communicate. As a business, this is something that must be embraced and not repelled. If used properly, the social networking sites can actually be a tool to provide a more collaborative and personal touch to your company image. The proper use and encouragement of these social networking sites will build better camaraderie and cohesion among employees.

Barnes, N., & Barnes, F. (2009). Equipping Your Organization For The Social Networking Game. Information Management (15352897), 43(6), 28-33. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.

what did she say?

"There is no question that many a library book club owes its inception to Oprah Winfrey. Of course, there were plenty of library-sponsored and private reading groups in existence before Ms. Winfrey discovered the joys of reading and sharing, but when Oprah picks up a new hobby, so does a nation." MK Chelton

Oprah has brought book clubs back into popularity and the Internet has made it very accessible for nearly everyone with a computer and a connection to the World Wide Web. Book clubs are great fun and books with high popularity can have a lot of fans participating in discussions. Books like the recent Twilight Saga story about a modern vampire love story.

Chelton's article explains how book clubs originally met in salons or parlors, and the participants would debate the selected book. The Internet has open up the ability of those with an interest to participate in a variety of clubs regardless of location. The use of the Internet media allows for different types of discussions - emails, forums, blogs, and websites.

The Internet also allows for anonymity of the participant. Perhaps the rough and tough type of guy may not have wanted to be associated with intellectual ladies and would have avoided such group gatherings in the flesh, but the Internet allows for privacy and therefore encourages those that may have had some inhibition to participate in a gentle sport!

Book Clubs have been an enjoyable pastime for many years, and thanks to Oprah, and the Internet, they have been revitalized for many years to come.



References:

Chelton, MK (Fall 2001). When Oprah meets e-mail:virtual book clubs. (Readers' Advisory). Reference & User Services Quarterly, 41, 1. p.31(6). Retrieved November 20, 2009, from Academic OneFile via Gale: http://find.galegroup.com.dml.regis.edu/gtx/start.do?prodld=AONE&userGroupName=regis

Globalization of the Media

In their Annual Report, The Economist (2005) noted: “We are well positioned to benefit from the long-term trends towards globalization and the expansion of the high-end audience: wealthy, influential people with intellectual curiosity and an international outlook, with an increased appetite for information in the English language.” – Melissa Wall and Douglas Bicket in Window on the Wider World (2008)

Americans are turning to the British media to supplement the news coverage they receive from the mainstream U. S. media outlets. Cultural affinity, common history, genre proximity, and political and religious heritage affect the flow of information between countries. Genre proximity also affects programming such as news and soap operas. News is a genre that transports well across borders. (Wall, 2008) The BBC, The Economist, The Financial Times, the Guardian, the Independent, and The Times of London have all seen an increase of American readers and some have sought readers through marketing or by making an American version of their product. This increase is due to a decrease of U. S. mainstream media coverage of foreign news over the last two decades and mainstream media’s reliance on talk shows, celebrity anchors, and other gimmicks that have reduced the amount of time spent reporting on “hard news.” British news media offers American news consumers a worldview that is not radically different, but is more complete.

References
Wall, M., & Bicket, D. (2008). Window on the wider world. Journalism practice, 2(2), 163-178. doi:10.1080/17512780801999345.