Rheingold (200) stated that "cyberspace is not identical with computer media, but rather is the context in which such communication occurs; nor is it the same as the computer network. But instead is the sense of place created through such networks."
My definition of cyberspace started from chatting place in late 90s and now is a place I can get any information including movie, music, and picture along with massive data.
While was reading Rheingold’s article, I found the term telepresence. According to wiki, telepresence allows the person who is using the system to act from a distance, which interestingly is used to operate even activities in outer space. Terms like telepresence were big in the early 90s, along with virtual reality, but have not received the same popular attention over the past decade or so.
I started to notice there are many words actually start with cyber. One of the words interest me is CyberPlace. CyberPlace refers to CyberNetworks that include anything ranging from a virtual office, school to electronic versions of actual locations. I subconsciously take part in each one of those listed above-- work conference website, blackboard for school, and Google map. However, actually thinking about it reminds of what might possibly happen if this technology keeps expanding. I am wondering if the computers and CyberNetwork will replace human interaction. In my opinion, these substitutes will actually take over just like in the movies.
--Kwon
Reference
Rheingold, Howard (2000). The virtual community - Chapter Two: Daily Life in Cyberspace. MIT Press. Retrieved from http://www.rheingold.com/vc/book/2.html
Cultivating a Sense of Community in Virtual Environments
Cultivating a Sense of Community in Virtual Learning Environments
We know that the traditional classroom gives students the ability to practice working out the mathematics, and various math packages can display plots, some even in 3-D. But only Virtual Reality (VR) can let the student walk around on that math surface, climbing the peaks and valleys to see how the variables inter-relate. (p.106) So, we will explore whether these virtual environments can create the same level of community typically cultivated in a classroom as well as challenges that should be considered when educating in virtual environments.
The advance of technology has created an expectation that acquiring information must be fast paced, highly accessible and easy to find. Formal learning is no exception. As learning professional on a quest to find solutions to blasé webinars and online tutorials I have considered VR the ticket to overcoming boredom and increasing knowledge transfer. Studies support my thoughts that this highly interactive, multi-sensory option increases engagement and test scores as well. However, I have learned that while cultivating a sense of community in virtual environments can foster learner engagement (p. 104) it doesn’t come without challenges. Virtual Learning includes gathering online at a specific site simulating life like locations and environments. Each participant has the ability to creating an avatar (graphic representations of the user) that will then interact in the online environment much like they would in a real life setting.
Before dropping everything to sink my resources into developing an avatar based VR class environment I considered the challenges Stewart et al outlined in this article that are likely to arise. The greatest, time followed by software and programming issues, implementation glitches, conveying objectives and ongoing student support were all challenges that seemed a bit daunting. I was assured that adopting the guidelines below when embarking on VR development will result in a course that is well thought out, well developed and most of all well received by students.
1. Consider starting your project with needs based analysis that encompasses the software, technical capabilities and challenges of using VR as well as who your audience is the learning environment and the outcomes of learning expected.
2. Adopt a project management process to increase communication between all parties participating in the development of the course.
3. Ensure the adequate number of staff is secured for the project duration. Look for individuals who are up for a challenge that can make the time to work on a special project like this for it’s lifespan.
4. Create student resources to help you effectively test the VR modules such as training materials and available technical support.
5. Assessment and measurement of the project throughout the design and development phase helps eliminate problems that might creep up along the way. Think about creating a short electronic survey as participants log out to capture feedback.
With the flashy appeal and game like technology and interactivity it is hard to resist from taking the plunge into VR design without much thought. Instead, investment the time to create a design plan that includes collecting, creating and sustaining virtual communities of learners who in the end experience both social and personal gains for participating in your VR classrooms. In the end, everyone wins!
Reference: Stewart, B., Hutchins, H. M., Ezell, S., De Martino, D., & Bobba, A. (2010). Mitigating challenges of using virtual reality in online courses: a case study. Innovations in Education & Teaching International, 47(1), 103-113.
Angela A.
We know that the traditional classroom gives students the ability to practice working out the mathematics, and various math packages can display plots, some even in 3-D. But only Virtual Reality (VR) can let the student walk around on that math surface, climbing the peaks and valleys to see how the variables inter-relate. (p.106) So, we will explore whether these virtual environments can create the same level of community typically cultivated in a classroom as well as challenges that should be considered when educating in virtual environments.
The advance of technology has created an expectation that acquiring information must be fast paced, highly accessible and easy to find. Formal learning is no exception. As learning professional on a quest to find solutions to blasé webinars and online tutorials I have considered VR the ticket to overcoming boredom and increasing knowledge transfer. Studies support my thoughts that this highly interactive, multi-sensory option increases engagement and test scores as well. However, I have learned that while cultivating a sense of community in virtual environments can foster learner engagement (p. 104) it doesn’t come without challenges. Virtual Learning includes gathering online at a specific site simulating life like locations and environments. Each participant has the ability to creating an avatar (graphic representations of the user) that will then interact in the online environment much like they would in a real life setting.
Before dropping everything to sink my resources into developing an avatar based VR class environment I considered the challenges Stewart et al outlined in this article that are likely to arise. The greatest, time followed by software and programming issues, implementation glitches, conveying objectives and ongoing student support were all challenges that seemed a bit daunting. I was assured that adopting the guidelines below when embarking on VR development will result in a course that is well thought out, well developed and most of all well received by students.
1. Consider starting your project with needs based analysis that encompasses the software, technical capabilities and challenges of using VR as well as who your audience is the learning environment and the outcomes of learning expected.
2. Adopt a project management process to increase communication between all parties participating in the development of the course.
3. Ensure the adequate number of staff is secured for the project duration. Look for individuals who are up for a challenge that can make the time to work on a special project like this for it’s lifespan.
4. Create student resources to help you effectively test the VR modules such as training materials and available technical support.
5. Assessment and measurement of the project throughout the design and development phase helps eliminate problems that might creep up along the way. Think about creating a short electronic survey as participants log out to capture feedback.
With the flashy appeal and game like technology and interactivity it is hard to resist from taking the plunge into VR design without much thought. Instead, investment the time to create a design plan that includes collecting, creating and sustaining virtual communities of learners who in the end experience both social and personal gains for participating in your VR classrooms. In the end, everyone wins!
Reference: Stewart, B., Hutchins, H. M., Ezell, S., De Martino, D., & Bobba, A. (2010). Mitigating challenges of using virtual reality in online courses: a case study. Innovations in Education & Teaching International, 47(1), 103-113.
Angela A.
Online Learner
Many adults want to go back to school, but they don’t know which choice is good for them, the online or the traditional. Some people seek online for their convenient, but they wonder about the online degree quality.
Online learning became the most quality education throughout the nation. As the world changed in time, technology became a major part of everyday life. The new technology gave business a leading edge that it also created an online education opportunity for schools to teach their education through long distance. The online learning got the same quality of the traditional learning.
First of all, the population chose to complete their degree in an online learning environment. For example, many adults chose online education for their convenient time, so they could have time for their family and work. The online education became so popular when many people recognized what online education was about. It wasn’t a joke that it actually worked in the real world. According to the survey of the national Post-secondary Education Cooperative reported, the online learning was increased dramatically by 61% between 2006 and 2007 (Huang. E.Y, Lin S.W, Huang T.K, 2001). Consequently, the online degree was a good choice for those busy adults, and it really worked in the real world.
Secondly, the online learning provided the quality online education software as same quality as the traditional learning had. For example, when we lived in the new advance technology world, technology became secondary nature. Schools provided their E-learning environment software, so everyone could gather there to participate “Online participation includes spend reading online materials and their use of online functions.” (Huang E.Y, Lin S.W, Huang T.K, 2011).
The instructors usually got their software that they could be able to track their students trail such as Microsoft words, Excel, Access, Outlook, and etc. Also, there were schools’ software that it allowed instructors to track on their student; therefore, when their students participated more, they would understand more about their class objective. Consequently, the online learning got the same tradition learning quality.
Third, students and instructors developed a close relationship that they were their students’ motivation tools. For example, when online learners were unfamiliar with these new online tools, the instructors would guide them with the new E-learning environments. Also, instructors helped them to develop their strategies how to overcome their learning throughout online “instructors can help students to understand and master e-learning strategies during class time.” (Huang E.Y, Lin S. W, Huang T.K 2011). Consequently, the online learning could also develop a good relationship between students and instructors. Especially, when it was long distance, students needed extra help for their homework.
In conclusion, the online education became the popular icon that the majority of the population used it to complete their degrees for their convenient. The online education quality was similar to traditional education. It increased more than 61 percent of online students to complete their degree. Next, the student used the basic software tools such as Microsoft Office Suites, and schools got their own software to communicate and track their student progress. Lastly, students and instructors develop a good relationship that they assisted their students to overcome their challenges’ courses. At the end, they got the most quality education ever, so it was similar to the traditional education.
Vincent Tu
Reference:
Huang E.Y, Lin S. W, Huang T.K (2011). What type of learning style leads to online participation in the mixed-mode e-learning environment? A study of software usage instruction. Establish: 10-11-2011.
Online learning became the most quality education throughout the nation. As the world changed in time, technology became a major part of everyday life. The new technology gave business a leading edge that it also created an online education opportunity for schools to teach their education through long distance. The online learning got the same quality of the traditional learning.
First of all, the population chose to complete their degree in an online learning environment. For example, many adults chose online education for their convenient time, so they could have time for their family and work. The online education became so popular when many people recognized what online education was about. It wasn’t a joke that it actually worked in the real world. According to the survey of the national Post-secondary Education Cooperative reported, the online learning was increased dramatically by 61% between 2006 and 2007 (Huang. E.Y, Lin S.W, Huang T.K, 2001). Consequently, the online degree was a good choice for those busy adults, and it really worked in the real world.
Secondly, the online learning provided the quality online education software as same quality as the traditional learning had. For example, when we lived in the new advance technology world, technology became secondary nature. Schools provided their E-learning environment software, so everyone could gather there to participate “Online participation includes spend reading online materials and their use of online functions.” (Huang E.Y, Lin S.W, Huang T.K, 2011).
The instructors usually got their software that they could be able to track their students trail such as Microsoft words, Excel, Access, Outlook, and etc. Also, there were schools’ software that it allowed instructors to track on their student; therefore, when their students participated more, they would understand more about their class objective. Consequently, the online learning got the same tradition learning quality.
Third, students and instructors developed a close relationship that they were their students’ motivation tools. For example, when online learners were unfamiliar with these new online tools, the instructors would guide them with the new E-learning environments. Also, instructors helped them to develop their strategies how to overcome their learning throughout online “instructors can help students to understand and master e-learning strategies during class time.” (Huang E.Y, Lin S. W, Huang T.K 2011). Consequently, the online learning could also develop a good relationship between students and instructors. Especially, when it was long distance, students needed extra help for their homework.
In conclusion, the online education became the popular icon that the majority of the population used it to complete their degrees for their convenient. The online education quality was similar to traditional education. It increased more than 61 percent of online students to complete their degree. Next, the student used the basic software tools such as Microsoft Office Suites, and schools got their own software to communicate and track their student progress. Lastly, students and instructors develop a good relationship that they assisted their students to overcome their challenges’ courses. At the end, they got the most quality education ever, so it was similar to the traditional education.
Vincent Tu
Reference:
Huang E.Y, Lin S. W, Huang T.K (2011). What type of learning style leads to online participation in the mixed-mode e-learning environment? A study of software usage instruction. Establish: 10-11-2011.
Internet usage in Congo
Internet usage is not the same around the world. For instance in Congo, where the statistics showed that in 2010, only 0.6% of population or 696,520 people were able to use the internet. The country’s population is about 71,712,867. The population wants to be part of the technologies expansion in the world via the internet but they cannot afford it. Some people who can afford it make it a business. That way, everyone who uses the internet has 1hour for 2 or 3 dollars and the price is not fixed in local money. The internet usage in Congo is limited not only by lack of computers and service, but also electricity. The computer and the internet usage are rare and thus have become expensive. A computer with small memory space cost around 1000 to 1500 dollars. In United States, emailing someone is the fastest way to reach them while, In Congo It takes time. This is usually because the person receiving the message doesn’t have regular access to the internet. Their email box cannot be regularly checked. They may only be able to check their email once a month or every six months. Some people are only able to access the internet at their work place. The internet is still a luxury in Congo.
My sister in law sent me her family picture on July through my e-mail. She asked me for my picture too. A few days later, I sent her a picture of my family too. We kept in touch over the phone. Recently she asked me to send her some pictures of my kids. I had already sent some of them last July she did not check her email yet. I bought a laptop for my brother; I thought it would help us communicate regularly instead of buying phone cards that only allow 18 minutes. After sending to him many messages without answer, I called him to figure out why he is not responding. He told me that he hadn’t responded for a variety of reasons. Half the time, their electricity was off. He also mentioned that he couldn’t pay for internet service. I can imagine his laptop is sitting there like a decoration, never in use in the house.” Having a computer, internet service, and electricity at the same time is challenging”.
Thus, the development of the internet usage is not the same around the world. In some parts of the world internet usage is growing very fast and creating a new culture while in another part of the world, the internet increase is very slow. Will that growth be the same around the world one day? Yes there is hope for everyone who is still alive.
References
Articles: Democratic Republic of Congo telecommunications market over view report
www.internetworldstats.com
Clarisse Kizinga
My sister in law sent me her family picture on July through my e-mail. She asked me for my picture too. A few days later, I sent her a picture of my family too. We kept in touch over the phone. Recently she asked me to send her some pictures of my kids. I had already sent some of them last July she did not check her email yet. I bought a laptop for my brother; I thought it would help us communicate regularly instead of buying phone cards that only allow 18 minutes. After sending to him many messages without answer, I called him to figure out why he is not responding. He told me that he hadn’t responded for a variety of reasons. Half the time, their electricity was off. He also mentioned that he couldn’t pay for internet service. I can imagine his laptop is sitting there like a decoration, never in use in the house.” Having a computer, internet service, and electricity at the same time is challenging”.
Thus, the development of the internet usage is not the same around the world. In some parts of the world internet usage is growing very fast and creating a new culture while in another part of the world, the internet increase is very slow. Will that growth be the same around the world one day? Yes there is hope for everyone who is still alive.
References
Articles: Democratic Republic of Congo telecommunications market over view report
www.internetworldstats.com
Clarisse Kizinga
Cyberspace?
How has the Internet, so called ‘cyberspace’, allowed its users to operate in a world? Some people see it as a new world of freedom and creative opportunities while others see it as a dumping place for businesses.
The term ‘cyberspace’ was first used by science-fiction writer William Gibson in his 1984 novel Neuromancer. He described it is a futuristic computer network that people use by plugging their minds into it. This term now refers to the Internet and lends a romantic image to a world where an almost limitless pool of information can be plucked from a network of computers and computer users around the world.
The Internet allows freedom to share information and ideas. Cyberspace can be explored by almost anyone who has access to a modem and a computer. This can also be viewed by mobile phones and televisions. One of the contributing reasons for the popularity of cyberspace is the freedom to share knowledge with others. Another way in which cyberspace can be seen as a platform for creative expression is when it is used as a device to disclose information that would normally be guarded by political parties. For instance, China is known as the biggest abuser of Internet freedom. The government has suppressed several hundred thousand websites and, according to Amnesty International, has jailed 61 people accused of using the Internet to spread anti-Communist propaganda.
Along with cyberspace’s popularity and its freedom, there are criticisms of those who champion cyberspace are based on the content of what can be found online. Some argue that there are subjects that should not be disclosed to the population at the same time as others complain that the facts are weaken at best, and completely missing in some cases.
The most significant argument against the freedom of cyberspace has always been about pornography. Pornography is the biggest generator of traffic on the Internet and the latest trend of providing pornography direct to a mobile phone has witnessed commercial breaks on some mainstream digital television channels flooded with semi-naked women selling images directly to the customer.
Furthermore, there are no real rules or regulations to cyberspace, there will always be content that is considered to be so inaccurate and unreliable.
The Internet is a vast and powerful tool and as such it is there to be used or abused by anyone with access. The arguments that the Internet should be regulated are important and should not be completely ignored. The power that some governments and big business corporations have over the flow of information is very real and this is something that should be examined closely. However, picking out certain aspects from cyberspace to be scrutinized will open a precedent for all content to be regulated.
It is my belief that the ability to take on board information and decide whether to accept it on your own terms is far more important to personal and social development than being told what you can or cannot digest. As such I believe that the World Wide Web, the Internet, cyberspace, or whatever moniker it falls under does constitute a new world of freedom and creative opportunities and the fact that it is not regulated by self-appointed censors should be applauded and defended.
Reference
Brown, Andrew (1999) The Limits of Freedom – Censoring the Internet and Offensive Internet Sites New Statesman (12 February 1999 Issue)
Castells, Manuel (2002) The Internet Galaxy: Reflections on the Internet, Business and Society Oxford University Press
Flanagan, Mary (2000) Navigating the Narrative in Space: Gender and Spatiality in Virtual Worlds Art Journal (Fall Issue 2000)
Turner, Annie (2002) Censorship and the Internet: Just Where is the Real Threat to Internet Freedom Coming From? Communicate Magazine (June 2002 Issue)
Who’s Really Reading Your Wall?
“Thirty five percent of employers reported not hiring an applicant due to detrimental information found on a SNS.”
Risky Business
It is fair to say that most job seekers likely use a SNS, as Facebook alone reports having 500 million current users. And hopefully most of them think twice before posting a picture from the crazy party last weekend. But the increased likelihood of a potential employer viewing a SNS of a job applicant, brings up risks for both employer and applicant. Some of these issues include perceptions of invasion of privacy by applicants, lack of clearly identifiable theoretical constructs used in the screening process, and the absence of data to support that the information used in screening is job relevant. In addition, many suggest that context is an important factor and one that may not be able to employers. For example, an employer may see a photograph of a job applicant sleeping on a bathroom floor and assume the applicant parties too much and was passed out. However, the context in which the photo was taken may actually be very different circumstances. Perhaps the photo was taken as a joke or as a result of a medical condition. Furthermore, this article presented the argument that it may not be fair to place judgement on a candidate for having access to their SNSs, while the information provided on another candidate’s SNS may be unavailable. “The level of publicly available data obtainable by employers is highly unstandardized across applicants, as some applicants will choose not to use SNSs at all while those choosing to use SNSs customize the degree to which information they share is made public to those outside of their network” (Brown, 2011). All of these risks introduce a possibility of discrimination and other legal issues or challenges. Implications
As Brown suggests, the instances of employers checking out your online identity isn’t going to stop anytime soon. Either is the use of social networking sites by job seekers. So, where does that leave us? The use of SNS in the hiring process could help some applicants or be detrimental to others and provide false judgements. As college students, many of us are currently or will soon be job searching. It is important to keep in mind who may be viewing your posts, pictures, videos or tweets and communicate appropriately. At the same time, “research should begin examining how employers and applicants might harness SNSs to their advantage, as well as addressing legal and ethical considerations surrounding this employment practice” (Brown, 2011). Further research into the use of social networking sites in the hiring process might also address a) personal aspects beyond personality that may be inferred from an evaluation of an individual’s SNS profile as well as b) assist employers in assessing the job relatedness of SNS information and ensure consistency with business necessity. While this issue is on the rise and more research clearly needs to be done, it is important for all members of the work force- job seekers and job providers- to be aware of all the issues associated with using SNS in hiring decisions. In the meantime, keep your wall PG!Works Cited:
Brown, V. (2011). The Writing on the (Facebook) Wall: The Use of Social Networking Sites in Hiring Decisions. Journal of Business and Psychology. Retrieved from: http://www.springerlink.com.dml.regis.edu/content/n42p63512mj68vxw/fulltext.html
Article By: Jodi Nasser
Saying Good-Bye to Technologies
“People want to know what to buy and why, but, more and more, they also want to know how to get rid of the stuff they don't need anymore. At the top of this list is "How do I get rid of this damn, useless old computer?" (Rensberger, 2011, p. 43)
It is not surprising to know that most people would like to get the latest and greatest technology out there as technology is ever changing and growing rapidly, but users should think twice before they decide to recycle or throw away their old computers. We often hear in the media how computer companies such as Apple, Dell, or Hewitt Packard designed a newer “model” of a lap top, home computer, or maybe even a new smart phone that users can essentially run their entire business from. Many consumers run to the stores to purchase these items to possess the feeling they have the leading edge of technology and competitive business advantage. After purchasing these new technologies, the next step is to install and start utilizing the new equipment as soon as possible right? What happens to the information in the old equipment? Does it just go away? Sure, the computer is unplugged and it is not working any longer because there is no power to it so, what is the next step?
Users do not realize that once they are done with their old computers they are still at risk to have their personal information taken or stolen. Unless the proper steps are taken to remove or destroy the information within hard drives of their old computer and phones, they are susceptible to identity theft and vulnerable to providing personal information to the wrong people.
Here are some solutions regarding the proper steps to removing or destroying personal and sensitive data prior to disposing antiquated computer like devices and gadgets.
• Remove the hard drive and put it in a bucket of water or destroy it physically.
• Format the hard drive, meaning it completely wipes the hard drive clean and reformats the hard drive.
• Download free or paid software that specializes in deleting any and all information off for certain.
Users should be aware that once they take any of these steps their valuable and private information they were trying to protect will now be gone forever.
Having the latest and greatest technology is exciting and provides people with innovative tools to help them keep up in the ever changing world of communication. The old cliché of “out with old and in with the new” is a very applicable to the world of changing technology, but users should take care and beware of what can happen if they decide to give, donate, recycle, or throw away their valuable information. It would be a great customer service if the computer companies would provide an information guide instructing their customers of how to dispose and recycle their old hard drives.
Victoria R.
Reference:
Rensberger, D. (2011, Sempteber). Saying good-by to technologies. Searcher, 19(7), pp. 43-46.
It is not surprising to know that most people would like to get the latest and greatest technology out there as technology is ever changing and growing rapidly, but users should think twice before they decide to recycle or throw away their old computers. We often hear in the media how computer companies such as Apple, Dell, or Hewitt Packard designed a newer “model” of a lap top, home computer, or maybe even a new smart phone that users can essentially run their entire business from. Many consumers run to the stores to purchase these items to possess the feeling they have the leading edge of technology and competitive business advantage. After purchasing these new technologies, the next step is to install and start utilizing the new equipment as soon as possible right? What happens to the information in the old equipment? Does it just go away? Sure, the computer is unplugged and it is not working any longer because there is no power to it so, what is the next step?
Users do not realize that once they are done with their old computers they are still at risk to have their personal information taken or stolen. Unless the proper steps are taken to remove or destroy the information within hard drives of their old computer and phones, they are susceptible to identity theft and vulnerable to providing personal information to the wrong people.
Here are some solutions regarding the proper steps to removing or destroying personal and sensitive data prior to disposing antiquated computer like devices and gadgets.
• Remove the hard drive and put it in a bucket of water or destroy it physically.
• Format the hard drive, meaning it completely wipes the hard drive clean and reformats the hard drive.
• Download free or paid software that specializes in deleting any and all information off for certain.
Users should be aware that once they take any of these steps their valuable and private information they were trying to protect will now be gone forever.
Having the latest and greatest technology is exciting and provides people with innovative tools to help them keep up in the ever changing world of communication. The old cliché of “out with old and in with the new” is a very applicable to the world of changing technology, but users should take care and beware of what can happen if they decide to give, donate, recycle, or throw away their valuable information. It would be a great customer service if the computer companies would provide an information guide instructing their customers of how to dispose and recycle their old hard drives.
Victoria R.
Reference:
Rensberger, D. (2011, Sempteber). Saying good-by to technologies. Searcher, 19(7), pp. 43-46.
E-learning; Making Higher Education Available to Working Adults Through the Internet
Symonds’ (2001) article on higher education found the following:
Nearly two years after the dot-com fizzle began, e-learning has emerged from the wreckage as one of the Internet's most useful applications. Nearly half of the 4,000 major colleges and universities in the U.S. now offer courses over the Internet or use the Web to enhance campus classes…Change comes slowly to higher education, but e-learning has revved up the pace. Even if it takes years to fully take hold, it has already achieved one oft-cited goal of the knowledge economy — getting more adults to study throughout their working lives. (pp. 76 and 80)
Life as an adult is a constant juggling act. Every day, we juggle the demands of work, our families, and maintaining a home. Today, many career paths require ongoing education to keep abreast of new changes and rules within our chosen fields. Additionally, many people feel the need for education to start new career paths. As adults, how do we add sitting in a classroom to our ever-growing list of responsibilities? For many people, the answer is e-learning. Although there are disadvantages to e-learning, there are also many advantages.
E-learning uses technology to put education into an online setting. One advantage is that e-learning allows adults the flexibility to take classes around their work and personal schedules since the work can be done from any computer, 24 hours a day. This benefits not just people who work long hours or can’t get away from the house to attend classes, but also people who travel for work or who work in areas such as the military where attending school is virtually impossible. Additionally, e-learning may be less intimidating than a classroom to someone that has been out of school for a while because of the anonymity that sitting at a computer provides.
Some disadvantages are that e-learning requires a student to be disciplined and able to complete the required work by designated deadlines. Additionally, some schools such as Harvard will never offer an online degree because they feel that “it would be impossible
to replicate its classroom education online” (Symonds, 2001, p. 80). This might require a backup plan for people who have their heart set on getting their education from a specific institution.
As more and more colleges and universities are jumping on the e-learning bandwagon, more and more adults are taking advantage of educational opportunities that previously may have been out of reach. Additionally, employers are seeing the benefit of e-learning and offering webinars and other web based learning opportunities for employees who need or want to advance in their careers. While there are advantages and disadvantages to e-learning, e-learning is making higher education a manageable piece of our every day juggling acts. The only question that remains is where do I sign up?
Reference: Symonds, W.C. (2001, December 3). GIVING IT THE OLD ONLINE TRY. BusinessWeek, 3760, 76-80.
Jennifer P.
Nearly two years after the dot-com fizzle began, e-learning has emerged from the wreckage as one of the Internet's most useful applications. Nearly half of the 4,000 major colleges and universities in the U.S. now offer courses over the Internet or use the Web to enhance campus classes…Change comes slowly to higher education, but e-learning has revved up the pace. Even if it takes years to fully take hold, it has already achieved one oft-cited goal of the knowledge economy — getting more adults to study throughout their working lives. (pp. 76 and 80)
Life as an adult is a constant juggling act. Every day, we juggle the demands of work, our families, and maintaining a home. Today, many career paths require ongoing education to keep abreast of new changes and rules within our chosen fields. Additionally, many people feel the need for education to start new career paths. As adults, how do we add sitting in a classroom to our ever-growing list of responsibilities? For many people, the answer is e-learning. Although there are disadvantages to e-learning, there are also many advantages.
E-learning uses technology to put education into an online setting. One advantage is that e-learning allows adults the flexibility to take classes around their work and personal schedules since the work can be done from any computer, 24 hours a day. This benefits not just people who work long hours or can’t get away from the house to attend classes, but also people who travel for work or who work in areas such as the military where attending school is virtually impossible. Additionally, e-learning may be less intimidating than a classroom to someone that has been out of school for a while because of the anonymity that sitting at a computer provides.
Some disadvantages are that e-learning requires a student to be disciplined and able to complete the required work by designated deadlines. Additionally, some schools such as Harvard will never offer an online degree because they feel that “it would be impossible
to replicate its classroom education online” (Symonds, 2001, p. 80). This might require a backup plan for people who have their heart set on getting their education from a specific institution.
As more and more colleges and universities are jumping on the e-learning bandwagon, more and more adults are taking advantage of educational opportunities that previously may have been out of reach. Additionally, employers are seeing the benefit of e-learning and offering webinars and other web based learning opportunities for employees who need or want to advance in their careers. While there are advantages and disadvantages to e-learning, e-learning is making higher education a manageable piece of our every day juggling acts. The only question that remains is where do I sign up?
Reference: Symonds, W.C. (2001, December 3). GIVING IT THE OLD ONLINE TRY. BusinessWeek, 3760, 76-80.
Jennifer P.
E-Learning - Opening the Doors of Opportunity
E-Learning – Opening the Doors of Opportunity
"One of the greatest challenges facing educators in today's technology enhanced world...is transitioning from age-old position of providing information to a new status as a 'chief orchestrator' of learning" (Murphrey, 2010, p.212).
In essence, eLearning has opened the doors of opportunity to those individuals that before could not pursue a higher education due to a variety of reasons. Issues of time, job constrains, family obligations, or rigid classroom structures inhibited many from going to a campus based classroom. An advance in technology has now opened the door of opportunity for many who've dreamed of advancing their education.
Yet, technology alone will not achieve the goal of enhancing or providing the opportunity to engage in online learning. Instructors must use new strategies of learning to provide an environment that will combine the student's background and experiences and new knowledge to reflect and gain a greater understanding. By facilitating an interactive learning experience, students are able to draw from and learn by engaging with each other and completing the learning assignments. Instructors can plan online learning opportunities by guiding and monitoring students’ written thoughts, providing feedback, and using critiques.
In summary, I feel that eLearning has grown in popularity because it has provided opportunities to many that before could not pursue the traditional classroom structure. Yet to ensure students are engaged, learning and the course is relevant, instructors must consider the students' background and experiences along with new knowledge to create a learning environment to meet their needs. By utilizing different media of learning and having a forum of communication, students can grow in their studies.
References: Murphrey T. A CASE STUDY OF EELEARNING: Using Technology to Create and Facilitate Experiential Learning. Quarterly Review of Distance Education [serial online]. Winter2010 2010;11(4):211-221. Available from: Academic Search Premier, Ipswich, MA. Accessed October 2, 2011.
AnnMarie M.
"One of the greatest challenges facing educators in today's technology enhanced world...is transitioning from age-old position of providing information to a new status as a 'chief orchestrator' of learning" (Murphrey, 2010, p.212).
In essence, eLearning has opened the doors of opportunity to those individuals that before could not pursue a higher education due to a variety of reasons. Issues of time, job constrains, family obligations, or rigid classroom structures inhibited many from going to a campus based classroom. An advance in technology has now opened the door of opportunity for many who've dreamed of advancing their education.
Yet, technology alone will not achieve the goal of enhancing or providing the opportunity to engage in online learning. Instructors must use new strategies of learning to provide an environment that will combine the student's background and experiences and new knowledge to reflect and gain a greater understanding. By facilitating an interactive learning experience, students are able to draw from and learn by engaging with each other and completing the learning assignments. Instructors can plan online learning opportunities by guiding and monitoring students’ written thoughts, providing feedback, and using critiques.
In summary, I feel that eLearning has grown in popularity because it has provided opportunities to many that before could not pursue the traditional classroom structure. Yet to ensure students are engaged, learning and the course is relevant, instructors must consider the students' background and experiences along with new knowledge to create a learning environment to meet their needs. By utilizing different media of learning and having a forum of communication, students can grow in their studies.
References: Murphrey T. A CASE STUDY OF EELEARNING: Using Technology to Create and Facilitate Experiential Learning. Quarterly Review of Distance Education [serial online]. Winter2010 2010;11(4):211-221. Available from: Academic Search Premier, Ipswich, MA. Accessed October 2, 2011.
AnnMarie M.
Are you ready for YOYO time?
No I don’t mean spending time with the osculating toy on a string but the time “You're On Your Own” (YOYO) from the time a disaster or emergency happens and when help arrives. As we have seen in the past few years natural disasters happen and happen in areas that are sometimes not known for having disasters. To date in 2011, according to FEMA (FEMA, 2011), here have been 86 disasters in the first nine months of the year draining FEMAs operating budget for the year and we still have three months to go.
So getting back to the YOYO time. What will happen in this time? How long will it take for help to arrive? Why will it take so long for help to arrive? These are but a few questions that come up in the time of a crisis. Let’s start off with the last question first; why will it take so long for help to arrive? City and county resources are limited even for normal day-to-day operations, through in a disaster and they are stretched even more by the needs of the people. First responders are dispatched to areas requiring the most help first like the scene of the disaster or the area with the most people in harm’s way. How long will it take for help to arrive? Good question it could take minutes if you are at the source of the disaster or in harm’s way. It could also take many days if weather conditions hamper rescue personal or utility crews. Let’s look at hurricane Irene. While not producing the damage predicted many people were without power for up to two weeks – can you live without power for that long? The final question, what will happen during this time? Just about anything you can think of depending on the disaster. You need to be prepared to take care of yourself, family, and possible your neighbors for several days. Are you prepared?
Yes are you prepared? Most people in the US are not. A 2007 poll by the American Public Health Association found that "only 23% of the public had taken steps to be prepared" (Taylor, 2007, p. 430). The same poll found that 27% of the population said they were prepared but only half of them said they had three days food, water, medicine, and first aid kits. Family planning and communication plans were lacking and a surprising 23-28% of the population was not prepared at all. My personal feelings, based on people that I have spoken with is that these number of people not prepared are much higher than that.
So how do we get prepared? What do we need to stock up? Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
Where do we go or find information on getting prepared for a disaster? There are so many additional questions and so many different answers these questions that identifying one single source is impossible. With today’s internet technology and social networking all we have to do is Google “disaster preparedness” and you will find thousands of web pages, links, forums, blogs, face book, twitter pages, the list goes on. On top of the list for resources are the government and Red Cross web sites:
• http://www.fema.gov/
• http://www.redcross.org/
• http://www.ready.gov/
Personal or private Blogs:
• http://www.disasterpreparednessblog.com/
• http://www.all-things-emergency-prepared.com/emergency-preparedness-blog.html
• http://survivalblog.com/
Podcast are my favorite to listen to. I typically listen to three a day, sometimes for the content and some days for the humor. Of these podcast I like “The Survival Podcast” by Jack Spirko. His motto is “Helping you life the live you want, if times get tough or even if they don’t”.
• http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/
• http://www.prepperpodcast.com/
• http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper
There are also numerous videos on www.YouTube.com just look up videos for Dave Canterbury or Jack Spirko.
No matter where you look on the internet you will find information on disaster survival. Look it up, get involved with a forum, blog, or podcast, and most important, get prepared.
Jerry R.
Works Cited
FEMA. (2011, Oct 2). Disaster Totals Annual. Retrieved Oct 2, 2011, from http://www.fema.gov: http://www.fema.gov/news/disaster_totals_annual.fema
Taylor & Francis Group. (2010). Theory-Based Approaches to Understanding Public Emergency Preparedness: Implications for Effective Health and Risk Communication. Journal of Health Communication , 428–444.
So getting back to the YOYO time. What will happen in this time? How long will it take for help to arrive? Why will it take so long for help to arrive? These are but a few questions that come up in the time of a crisis. Let’s start off with the last question first; why will it take so long for help to arrive? City and county resources are limited even for normal day-to-day operations, through in a disaster and they are stretched even more by the needs of the people. First responders are dispatched to areas requiring the most help first like the scene of the disaster or the area with the most people in harm’s way. How long will it take for help to arrive? Good question it could take minutes if you are at the source of the disaster or in harm’s way. It could also take many days if weather conditions hamper rescue personal or utility crews. Let’s look at hurricane Irene. While not producing the damage predicted many people were without power for up to two weeks – can you live without power for that long? The final question, what will happen during this time? Just about anything you can think of depending on the disaster. You need to be prepared to take care of yourself, family, and possible your neighbors for several days. Are you prepared?
Yes are you prepared? Most people in the US are not. A 2007 poll by the American Public Health Association found that "only 23% of the public had taken steps to be prepared" (Taylor, 2007, p. 430). The same poll found that 27% of the population said they were prepared but only half of them said they had three days food, water, medicine, and first aid kits. Family planning and communication plans were lacking and a surprising 23-28% of the population was not prepared at all. My personal feelings, based on people that I have spoken with is that these number of people not prepared are much higher than that.
So how do we get prepared? What do we need to stock up? Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
Where do we go or find information on getting prepared for a disaster? There are so many additional questions and so many different answers these questions that identifying one single source is impossible. With today’s internet technology and social networking all we have to do is Google “disaster preparedness” and you will find thousands of web pages, links, forums, blogs, face book, twitter pages, the list goes on. On top of the list for resources are the government and Red Cross web sites:
• http://www.fema.gov/
• http://www.redcross.org/
• http://www.ready.gov/
Personal or private Blogs:
• http://www.disasterpreparednessblog.com/
• http://www.all-things-emergency-prepared.com/emergency-preparedness-blog.html
• http://survivalblog.com/
Podcast are my favorite to listen to. I typically listen to three a day, sometimes for the content and some days for the humor. Of these podcast I like “The Survival Podcast” by Jack Spirko. His motto is “Helping you life the live you want, if times get tough or even if they don’t”.
• http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/
• http://www.prepperpodcast.com/
• http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper
There are also numerous videos on www.YouTube.com just look up videos for Dave Canterbury or Jack Spirko.
No matter where you look on the internet you will find information on disaster survival. Look it up, get involved with a forum, blog, or podcast, and most important, get prepared.
Jerry R.
Works Cited
FEMA. (2011, Oct 2). Disaster Totals Annual. Retrieved Oct 2, 2011, from http://www.fema.gov: http://www.fema.gov/news/disaster_totals_annual.fema
Taylor & Francis Group. (2010). Theory-Based Approaches to Understanding Public Emergency Preparedness: Implications for Effective Health and Risk Communication. Journal of Health Communication , 428–444.
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