This title is misleading, in that just about all the sites that we explored have value far beyond the scope of college students. I would say that at least one site in particular has value for grade school students, higher education students and adults of all ages.
yelp.com
This is a pretty interesting site. yelp.com provides reviews on just about any subject for many cities and regions in the US. The reviews are written and submitted by average people, not necessarily professional reviewers. In addition, the reviews are both positive or negative.
That being said, I think that reviews of any kind can provide helpful guidance, but should be taken with a certain grain of salt. I never know for sure when a review is from a biased individual, who may be submitting a glowing report or a damning review for personal reasons.
www.newseum.org
www.newseum.org is the official website for the Newseum in Washington D.C. This is a real museum dedicated to the subject of news events. Whether it is a historical or current (soon to be historic) event, the Newseum covers it. This is another great tool for school children to learn about our past history, with a high tech 21st century approach. It seems to me that way too many people of all ages have a dislike for history. This is very sad, because the old saying that history can repeat itself is quite true. Not knowing world history guarantees that our society will eventually make the same blunders of our past over and over again.
The Newseum covers serious subjects, announcements for upcoming lecture programs, educational programs, exhibits and even a fun page. Make sure you check out "THE NEWS COMES TO LIFE", featuring the Monty Python like routine of Winston Churchill, F.D.R. and Joe Stalin conversing on a park bench.
This is a great site that I highly recommend to everyone, and I will be visiting it many times in the future.
ispeech.org
Do you want a way to convert text files into the audio spoken word? ispeach.org can help you. This is not a free service, but it does provide a niche service for those who have a need of aids for individuals with vision impairment or for podcasting.
officelive.com and yousendit.com
officelive.com provides a free service for off site storage and file sharing of up to 5GB of information. This is a convenient way to send files to clients who do not have an FTP sits, or have e-mail file size restrictions. Just be careful what you upload, because Microsoft will also have access to the information.
yousendit.com provides a similar service as officelive.com and while it is free in a limited "Lite" version (100MB file limit) for individuals, there are business level accounts offered for professionals and corporations.
It all depends on what an individual needs. Ironically, I became aware of yousendit.com not long ago, while working on a freelance assignment. We had problems sending large photo files due to email limits. I had even tried setting up a wiki as a file transfer aid to the client, but they had firewall difficulties with their IT. In any event my contact mentioned it, which is how I became aware. Perhaps officelive.co or yousendit.com could have solved our problems.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
I am getting Googled out
As much as we seem surrounded by Google sites, not just the search engine or their variants of the social networking/chat/communication services, but there is even more to offer.
Last week we looked into 3 of their additional offerings, Google Translate, Google Finance, and Google Maps.
Google Translate
I had a opportunity not long ago to chat with a friend in Europe. In the process I decided to look for some online translation aids. I found an educational site that actually grouped a number of similar offerings from different providers, all on the same page, that the user could choose from. Google Translate was one. I tried a few of the others, but I thought that the Google version was the easiest to use and understand
The user simply chooses the 2 languages that they want to translate from and into, type or paste in the words or sentences that they want translated, and click to proceed. Once the first sentence has been completed, all the following is done automatically. There is a feature to allow reverse translating, for online conferences. It is a great aid for those of us who did not have an opportunity to learn a second or third language, and may need help from time to time. This is especially true these days with the www. connecting the whole world together instantly.
This system is not foolproof, but it is functional. My buddy told me that some of my translations where not entirely correct in the chosen language, so as a test I tried translating the same material back and forth between languages. Sometimes the results where pretty funny. So as a word of advice, double check your work when possible to avoid problems in international diplomacy.
Google Finance
I am a dummy in reading and understanding financial calculations, growth charts and reports. That's one reason I have stuck with the same financial counselor for a great number of years. Not only is Bill a great person to do business with, but he takes time to help explain to the lay person what is what. Every time I visit him at his office, he has MSNBC on with the business stock ticker running. Its amazing that he understands all the codes figures.
For me, I have learned enough so that every month when we get our IRA investment statements, I can go right to the bottom line and see what we are worth from last month to this month. I'm sure that Bill would know exactly how to use Google Finance efficiently to enhance his job. For me the lay person, I might use it to get a sense as to the stability of XYZ company before investing in it or its business sector. Or if I had an opportunity to work for or do business with a firm, to do research ahead of time.
Google Maps
Up to now I have used only Map Quest to map out directions to destinations that I am unfamiliar with. Google Maps goes even better. It can provide directions, by car, public transit, walking and bicycle to just about any local destination you need. In addition, through GPS, satellite imaging, and street level photo coverage, Google Maps allow the user to visit just about any well known location around the world. We looked at the Taj Majal, Mt. Everest, Niagara Falls, Vt. Vernon, VA, and 221b Baker Street, London.
Google Maps can provide not only travel directions, but as an educational aid, a way to visit famous geographical and historical locations. I wish I had had access to this aid when I was a grade school student. I am a history enthusiast, and I think my knowledge would have been enriched even more, and my grades much improved.
Some requests are beyond the capabilities of Google Maps though. Just for fun, I tried to get a map and public transportation instructions from Chicago, Illinois, USA to Bucharesti, Romania. Google Maps could not help me. At least not yet.
Last week we looked into 3 of their additional offerings, Google Translate, Google Finance, and Google Maps.
Google Translate
I had a opportunity not long ago to chat with a friend in Europe. In the process I decided to look for some online translation aids. I found an educational site that actually grouped a number of similar offerings from different providers, all on the same page, that the user could choose from. Google Translate was one. I tried a few of the others, but I thought that the Google version was the easiest to use and understand
The user simply chooses the 2 languages that they want to translate from and into, type or paste in the words or sentences that they want translated, and click to proceed. Once the first sentence has been completed, all the following is done automatically. There is a feature to allow reverse translating, for online conferences. It is a great aid for those of us who did not have an opportunity to learn a second or third language, and may need help from time to time. This is especially true these days with the www. connecting the whole world together instantly.
This system is not foolproof, but it is functional. My buddy told me that some of my translations where not entirely correct in the chosen language, so as a test I tried translating the same material back and forth between languages. Sometimes the results where pretty funny. So as a word of advice, double check your work when possible to avoid problems in international diplomacy.
Google Finance
I am a dummy in reading and understanding financial calculations, growth charts and reports. That's one reason I have stuck with the same financial counselor for a great number of years. Not only is Bill a great person to do business with, but he takes time to help explain to the lay person what is what. Every time I visit him at his office, he has MSNBC on with the business stock ticker running. Its amazing that he understands all the codes figures.
For me, I have learned enough so that every month when we get our IRA investment statements, I can go right to the bottom line and see what we are worth from last month to this month. I'm sure that Bill would know exactly how to use Google Finance efficiently to enhance his job. For me the lay person, I might use it to get a sense as to the stability of XYZ company before investing in it or its business sector. Or if I had an opportunity to work for or do business with a firm, to do research ahead of time.
Google Maps
Up to now I have used only Map Quest to map out directions to destinations that I am unfamiliar with. Google Maps goes even better. It can provide directions, by car, public transit, walking and bicycle to just about any local destination you need. In addition, through GPS, satellite imaging, and street level photo coverage, Google Maps allow the user to visit just about any well known location around the world. We looked at the Taj Majal, Mt. Everest, Niagara Falls, Vt. Vernon, VA, and 221b Baker Street, London.
Google Maps can provide not only travel directions, but as an educational aid, a way to visit famous geographical and historical locations. I wish I had had access to this aid when I was a grade school student. I am a history enthusiast, and I think my knowledge would have been enriched even more, and my grades much improved.
Some requests are beyond the capabilities of Google Maps though. Just for fun, I tried to get a map and public transportation instructions from Chicago, Illinois, USA to Bucharesti, Romania. Google Maps could not help me. At least not yet.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Google Chrome
This past week in class we explored the Google Chrome internet browser. While generally it is just another browser, in the limited time I have worked with Google Chrome, it has been pretty stable on my main home computer. Of course my computer of choice is an Apple Imac, so perhaps that helps add to my sense of stability.
One of the features that we looked at the most was the map reference. There is both Google Maps, and Google World. Using both is fun, but with the integration of GPS features, and satellite photo coverage, they can be useful not only for simple way finding, or as a teaching aid in school. I think both history and geography instruction would be benefit greatly. When I was a young student, we read and learned about George Washington and his famous home. It would have been really fun and interesting to be able to see Mount Vernon via Google Wave. Or what about the Pyramids, or to climb Mount Everest, in the morning before lunch period?
I am sure some instructors are using the new technology, but many more should also start working with it. History may be history, but learning about it can be fun and interesting.
One interesting point that was made in class is that the map features have been at the base of international controversy over national security. Some countries do not like, or openly oppose the availability of satellite images of their territories. I suppose that is quite understandable. Yet today I came across a news item that The City of Chicago has a larger installed interconnected camera surveillance system than any city in the United States? That includes both private installations and public, including traffic intersections. So if it OK for big brother to watch us, who monitors big brother? And that brings us back to who owns private Internet property rights?
One other related news item that I stumbled on was from Investors.com
On Tuesday, a Washington, D.C., Circuit Court unanimously squashed the current administration's attempts to control the Internet. The court "unanimously made it clear the government has no business interfering with Internet providers' network management".
"Government would love to get its hands on cyberspace. And it wants eventually to tax it, of course...... But cyberspace is also where millions exchange information and viewpoints — some of them hostile to those in power".
One of the features that we looked at the most was the map reference. There is both Google Maps, and Google World. Using both is fun, but with the integration of GPS features, and satellite photo coverage, they can be useful not only for simple way finding, or as a teaching aid in school. I think both history and geography instruction would be benefit greatly. When I was a young student, we read and learned about George Washington and his famous home. It would have been really fun and interesting to be able to see Mount Vernon via Google Wave. Or what about the Pyramids, or to climb Mount Everest, in the morning before lunch period?
I am sure some instructors are using the new technology, but many more should also start working with it. History may be history, but learning about it can be fun and interesting.
One interesting point that was made in class is that the map features have been at the base of international controversy over national security. Some countries do not like, or openly oppose the availability of satellite images of their territories. I suppose that is quite understandable. Yet today I came across a news item that The City of Chicago has a larger installed interconnected camera surveillance system than any city in the United States? That includes both private installations and public, including traffic intersections. So if it OK for big brother to watch us, who monitors big brother? And that brings us back to who owns private Internet property rights?
One other related news item that I stumbled on was from Investors.com
On Tuesday, a Washington, D.C., Circuit Court unanimously squashed the current administration's attempts to control the Internet. The court "unanimously made it clear the government has no business interfering with Internet providers' network management".
"Government would love to get its hands on cyberspace. And it wants eventually to tax it, of course...... But cyberspace is also where millions exchange information and viewpoints — some of them hostile to those in power".
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Google, Kansas
About a week ago we had a fun in-class assignment to come up with a quick marketing plan to promote the temporary name change of Topeka, Kansas to Google, Kansas. Apparently, The city management did not follow through effectively with the idea, therefore loosing a valuable marketing edge.
This is the brief dialog that I had with a fellow student regarding the Google, Kansas social networking campaign:
Student:
So... Google, Kansas. What are your ideas for broadcasting it?
Besides the facebook fan page and adding everyone within the city limits, I was thinking about getting a twitter account.
Me:
And don't forget LinkedIn.
Student:
Great idea! Do you see a value in providing in an incentive for businesses that change their name for the length of the campaign?
Me:
Perhaps, as long as someone is helping them select a name. Otherwise there might be a lot of clunky or borderline appropriate names floating out there
Student:
I agree there would probably have to be a marketing division set up within the city government to help focus and run t he campaign.
Me:
Or a consulting contractor. Especially if this was to be a limited run. the cost would probably be better managed using an outside consultant or firm. Topeka Kansas probably already has a PR agency of some sort.
Student:
Good point! If the city already had a social networking person they might have to be temporarily refocused to work solely on this project.
This is the brief dialog that I had with a fellow student regarding the Google, Kansas social networking campaign:
Student:
So... Google, Kansas. What are your ideas for broadcasting it?
Besides the facebook fan page and adding everyone within the city limits, I was thinking about getting a twitter account.
Me:
And don't forget LinkedIn.
Student:
Great idea! Do you see a value in providing in an incentive for businesses that change their name for the length of the campaign?
Me:
Perhaps, as long as someone is helping them select a name. Otherwise there might be a lot of clunky or borderline appropriate names floating out there
Student:
I agree there would probably have to be a marketing division set up within the city government to help focus and run t he campaign.
Me:
Or a consulting contractor. Especially if this was to be a limited run. the cost would probably be better managed using an outside consultant or firm. Topeka Kansas probably already has a PR agency of some sort.
Student:
Good point! If the city already had a social networking person they might have to be temporarily refocused to work solely on this project.
Friday, March 26, 2010
The Technology Challenged Embrace Web 2.0 (And she doesn't know It)
I am referring to my wife. While she is very good at her job, a wonderful gardener, and a great cook, when she sits in front of her PC she more often than not is very challenged, even after having her own computer for over 5 years.
In my wife's case, it was the recent purchase of an up-to-date mobile phone that was a trigger. After attending a free phone orientation class at her service providers store, she came home and immediately sequestered herself in her computer room for the remainder of the day. I didn't hear from her until early evening.
The next thing I heard was her calling from the lower floor that she needed my help in accessing a new account on Facebook. It's a brave new world when my wife takes this kind of step forward.
It turns out that her orientation class demonstrated all the features that was now offered on her phone and the the opportunity and fun of making contact with old and new friends served as a platform for her be more involved in new technology. Being a social person it was something she felt she could understand and desired.
As it is with so many of us it took an outside influence to spark her interest in learning more. For me it was my interest in airbrush illustration, followed by the introduction of Adobe Photoshop 1.0 as a graphic design aid, that drove me to want to understand more about computers as a tool and eventually grasp desktop publishing. Again, a practical need for the technology is the key.
In my wife's case, it was the recent purchase of an up-to-date mobile phone that was a trigger. After attending a free phone orientation class at her service providers store, she came home and immediately sequestered herself in her computer room for the remainder of the day. I didn't hear from her until early evening.
The next thing I heard was her calling from the lower floor that she needed my help in accessing a new account on Facebook. It's a brave new world when my wife takes this kind of step forward.
It turns out that her orientation class demonstrated all the features that was now offered on her phone and the the opportunity and fun of making contact with old and new friends served as a platform for her be more involved in new technology. Being a social person it was something she felt she could understand and desired.
As it is with so many of us it took an outside influence to spark her interest in learning more. For me it was my interest in airbrush illustration, followed by the introduction of Adobe Photoshop 1.0 as a graphic design aid, that drove me to want to understand more about computers as a tool and eventually grasp desktop publishing. Again, a practical need for the technology is the key.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
More on Google Buzz
As it turns out there was a new story about both Google Wave and Google Buzz on the March 16 cnet news. While both Wave and Buzz are similar they each address slightly different audiences.
According to the story, Wave is supposed to be "designed around making users more productive in their work lives as a collaboration tool", in other words a work related tool. Buzz is "more about social sharing and passive sharing with people who are interested in what you think." In other words a social networking tool.
Google apparently wants the general public to use both technologies for an unspecified time, and based on feed back Google would then decide which technology survives or if a merger of the two might occur.
The writers add that the major downside to this approach is that there might be a perception that Google is being indecisive and is guessing at which technology will really work the best. Ultimately any companies considering partnering with Google could become confused with which project Google is really committed to following through with.
My opinion is still why are two such similar products being released by one company so close together? Sure, it does appear confusing. But to me it also seems counter productive. One company having two development teams working on similar projects sounds like a lot of duplicated effort, and not cost effective. I personally only adopt new technology if I see a personal need for it. If Google Buzz was released alone, but also offered work related productivity benefits, then sure, why not try it? If it is really another social networking tool, then I don't think I am interested. Linkedin is more to my liking, thanks.
According to the story, Wave is supposed to be "designed around making users more productive in their work lives as a collaboration tool", in other words a work related tool. Buzz is "more about social sharing and passive sharing with people who are interested in what you think." In other words a social networking tool.
Google apparently wants the general public to use both technologies for an unspecified time, and based on feed back Google would then decide which technology survives or if a merger of the two might occur.
The writers add that the major downside to this approach is that there might be a perception that Google is being indecisive and is guessing at which technology will really work the best. Ultimately any companies considering partnering with Google could become confused with which project Google is really committed to following through with.
My opinion is still why are two such similar products being released by one company so close together? Sure, it does appear confusing. But to me it also seems counter productive. One company having two development teams working on similar projects sounds like a lot of duplicated effort, and not cost effective. I personally only adopt new technology if I see a personal need for it. If Google Buzz was released alone, but also offered work related productivity benefits, then sure, why not try it? If it is really another social networking tool, then I don't think I am interested. Linkedin is more to my liking, thanks.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
The World of Wikis
Last week in class we participated as a group in creating and using a wiki. The weird thing for me was conducting an online discussion with someone who was sitting 20 feet away from me.
The purpose of the exercise was to familiarize the class with this particular technology and to explore the possibilities. We discussed a current event related to technology, in this case a pending law suit by Apple Computer about copyright infringement on their telephone technology. After an bit of an awkward start my wiki partner and I had a fun discussion. I am not always up to date on all technology current events, but we both made interesting observations that followed our individual points of view.
My point of view was based mostly on the practical need for the Apple product, and what their litigation really meant to me. In a nutshell my opinion is that the law suit would no doubt be settled out of trial, simply because technology these days seem to become outdated in about a years time, then companies are on to the next generation of product. I have other opinions, but they are not important at the moment.
My need for a practical use for any new technology seems to take the high priority over just accepting or adopting a technology because it is new. Generally I view something new from a comfortable distance, deciding in time if it is for me or not. In the case of wikis, my experience last year was positive, in that we used it to communicate together on our ideas for a group web design project including the sharing of graphics files. This to me served a more practical use, then simply posting of ideas.
I would continue to use the wiki that we started last week, provided there was a need for it in the class. Outside of this class, I would probably use new wikis on an as needed basis, perhaps as a way to communicate with a future client on a web site, where we needed to share files when an FTP site is not available.
The purpose of the exercise was to familiarize the class with this particular technology and to explore the possibilities. We discussed a current event related to technology, in this case a pending law suit by Apple Computer about copyright infringement on their telephone technology. After an bit of an awkward start my wiki partner and I had a fun discussion. I am not always up to date on all technology current events, but we both made interesting observations that followed our individual points of view.
My point of view was based mostly on the practical need for the Apple product, and what their litigation really meant to me. In a nutshell my opinion is that the law suit would no doubt be settled out of trial, simply because technology these days seem to become outdated in about a years time, then companies are on to the next generation of product. I have other opinions, but they are not important at the moment.
My need for a practical use for any new technology seems to take the high priority over just accepting or adopting a technology because it is new. Generally I view something new from a comfortable distance, deciding in time if it is for me or not. In the case of wikis, my experience last year was positive, in that we used it to communicate together on our ideas for a group web design project including the sharing of graphics files. This to me served a more practical use, then simply posting of ideas.
I would continue to use the wiki that we started last week, provided there was a need for it in the class. Outside of this class, I would probably use new wikis on an as needed basis, perhaps as a way to communicate with a future client on a web site, where we needed to share files when an FTP site is not available.
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