As an adviser to Baruch college, I have some ideas to help improve the college using new media technology. Currently Baruch uses traditional email and blackboard postings to communicate to students. In an effort to improve communication and enhance the knowledge and technology of Baruch, I suggest implementing a type of skype / virtual program.
This tool could be used for many purposes. It can be used for students to have meetings or participate in a class from anywhere in the world. It can help students get to know each other through face to face contact and allow them to be studing together through skype without leaving their homes. It can also be used to provide one on one access or give a group access to view and particpate in class lecture.
This skype tool would also have an animated operator, like the kind you find on certain website that gives you live access to get answers to any questions you may have. Simply go onto the Baruch website and ask for a live operator and one will appear to answer your questions or direct you to the proper location to find what you need. This could be used to use library research or general questions. These animated operators can also provide confidential information exclusive to the student.
This type of skype/virtual tool would be a combination of a virtual world that allows the student to see the school in a virtual way. This skype virtual world can help the student experience the school and help them to undertstand what to anticipate prior to starting classes. They would be able to see the different facilities and through the virtual world interact with the school's surroundings. The virtual world could aid students with demonstrations of a listing of "how tos". From how to get your student id to how to find your classroom to how to pay your tuition.
This type of skype program would be benefit the students by providing the latest information at their fingertips. It is also helpful to the school itself by providing this type of access for students, frees up the facility to focus on other areas.
This skype/virtual tool could be accessed for any devices such as blackberry, iphone or pc.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Twitter Discussion
Twitter is a great way to experience information and have discussions real time. Twitter provides information in an instant compared to BB discussion or class discussion. Twitter can be used as an uninhibited thought process or stream of consciousness that lets users express their ideas and thoughts freely. As opposed to BB and in class discussions which are more censored and contrived to the audience.
Modeling Reality With Virtual Worlds
Virtual worlds create a place where users can go to interact in a specific environment. Beyond games, they create a “new world” for users to live and interact in. In these fantasy worlds, users can create their own perceived images and experiences for other to share in.
One of the virtual worlds is Second Life, a 3D world on the internet. This virtual world program can be used as a training tool in hospitals, as an informational tool in hotels, and can help the autistic to learn to socialize. As opposed to Facebook and twitter, virtual worlds allow users to interact fully immerse in an environment. You can virtually sit and have a conversation with someone in effect, face to face.
The benefits of virtual worlds is that it can give individuals a better understanding and knowledge of the world. It offers training, learning and interaction in a realistic way. In the medical world, virtual worlds can depict and aid in the patient-doctor relationship. It can also help learning certain tasks and techniques with a virtual hands on experience. It can also act as a different way of teaching children that can add another dimension beyond reading and writing. It can be a tool to help teens through their virtual trial and errors and help them make better choices in the real world. Companies can also use virtual worlds for networking and promoting ideas and products. Virtual worlds are be the visual tool that individuals use for ideas and inventions.
The cons to virtual world are similar to the movie depicted by Bruce Willis in Surrogates, where the real people are staying at home, while their doubles lead their lives. The concern would be that individuals would put more emphasis in their virtual world than their real ones. As stated in “I’ve Been to That Club, Just Not Real Life”, rather than experience the Club and music in real life, the author goes back to his computer and experiences it through the virtual world. There is also the affect that virtual worlds have on interpersonal relationships and the undermining of basic human values in children. The virtual world is essentially fantasy and does not promote basic values such as truth, equality and compassion. Also, as in real life, it can attract predators and potential con artists using this new world for their benefit.
Virtual world adds a new dimension of freedom of expression and allows users to explore worlds and opportunities that real life society and norms may confine them. By exploring new adventures and avenues, virtual worlds can allow users to be and act in a new way that opens up possibilities and gives them ideas for their future.
The future of virtual worlds could potentially take over the current dynamics of the teaching world. Students could potentially work and learn in their virtual classrooms without leaving the home. Employers could bring employees from all over the globe together into a virtual setting to hold meetings and conferences.
The possibilities that virtual worlds can bring to our real world is exciting, and potentially enlightening and also a little daunting at the same time.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/03/28/sl.autism.irpt/index.html#cnnSTCText
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/03/nyregion/thecity/03virt.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/arts/television/06itzk.html?pagewanted=2
One of the virtual worlds is Second Life, a 3D world on the internet. This virtual world program can be used as a training tool in hospitals, as an informational tool in hotels, and can help the autistic to learn to socialize. As opposed to Facebook and twitter, virtual worlds allow users to interact fully immerse in an environment. You can virtually sit and have a conversation with someone in effect, face to face.
The benefits of virtual worlds is that it can give individuals a better understanding and knowledge of the world. It offers training, learning and interaction in a realistic way. In the medical world, virtual worlds can depict and aid in the patient-doctor relationship. It can also help learning certain tasks and techniques with a virtual hands on experience. It can also act as a different way of teaching children that can add another dimension beyond reading and writing. It can be a tool to help teens through their virtual trial and errors and help them make better choices in the real world. Companies can also use virtual worlds for networking and promoting ideas and products. Virtual worlds are be the visual tool that individuals use for ideas and inventions.
The cons to virtual world are similar to the movie depicted by Bruce Willis in Surrogates, where the real people are staying at home, while their doubles lead their lives. The concern would be that individuals would put more emphasis in their virtual world than their real ones. As stated in “I’ve Been to That Club, Just Not Real Life”, rather than experience the Club and music in real life, the author goes back to his computer and experiences it through the virtual world. There is also the affect that virtual worlds have on interpersonal relationships and the undermining of basic human values in children. The virtual world is essentially fantasy and does not promote basic values such as truth, equality and compassion. Also, as in real life, it can attract predators and potential con artists using this new world for their benefit.
Virtual world adds a new dimension of freedom of expression and allows users to explore worlds and opportunities that real life society and norms may confine them. By exploring new adventures and avenues, virtual worlds can allow users to be and act in a new way that opens up possibilities and gives them ideas for their future.
The future of virtual worlds could potentially take over the current dynamics of the teaching world. Students could potentially work and learn in their virtual classrooms without leaving the home. Employers could bring employees from all over the globe together into a virtual setting to hold meetings and conferences.
The possibilities that virtual worlds can bring to our real world is exciting, and potentially enlightening and also a little daunting at the same time.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/03/28/sl.autism.irpt/index.html#cnnSTCText
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/03/nyregion/thecity/03virt.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/arts/television/06itzk.html?pagewanted=2
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Social Networking
Social networking is a way an individual can grow their social and business contacts by connecting with individuals. Some social networking sites that provide these connections are twitter, facebook, linkedin and myspace. These sites bring people together by communicating ideas, thoughts or information on activities, events or to join specific groups or topics.
In today’s corporate world, these types of social technologies can be used as a marketing tool to promote a brand, bring awareness to a particular product or to introduce a company to the world. Social networking is also used for socializing, and developing relationships and forming groups
As discussed in,"Tweeting Your Way to A Job", twitter can be used by individuals as a promotional devise to endorse themselves to potential clients or organizations for a position within their company. Some companies use twitter as a type of customer service tool helping to solve issues that customers have. Also, in "AT&T uses Twitter During Service Outage", AT&T used twitter as a customer information resource to keep their customers informed and updated during the service crises. As mentioned in "What Are You Doing? "Media Twitters Can't Stop Typing", some feel that twitter can be used as a worthy news source. Some people feel that twitter can provide the breaking news and is a good source of valid communication.
The benefits of social networking is that it provides information instantaneously. From breaking news to the latest videos, social networking keeps individuals updated and informed. You can pick any topic and see the exposure it can provide. In "Getting the Most Out of Twitter", it states that a large number of posts and retweets provide links showing that it is a popular way of spreading news and brings topics to forefront. Another benefit of social networking is ability to get all the updates and information on a business conference without paying all the money to attend it. Through twitter, people can be updated on all the specifics of the conferences and the speaches from speakers. Social networking is also a way to connect with friends and family and keep people in touch socially.
The dark side can be that overtweeting can be a negative thing. It can annoy customers with overexposure and potentially take away from your brand or company promotions. Also, if you are using twitter or facebook as a customer service tool, one bad tweet from a customer, could hurt a company and put them at the mercy of the customer. Another dark side of social networking is that it can expose information on an individual and delve into their privacy. It can give scammers and stalkers, every detail on an individuals comings and goings. Also, depending on the information and photos an individual posts, can lead to career suicide.
In the future, social networking could evolve to be a valid source that would provide resources on emergency situations, such as evacations or information on potential natural disasters real time. Also, social networking, if streamlined and used appropriately, could be used for voting. People could cast their polictical votes right from their computers or ipads as opposed to go to the ballots.
"Tweeting Your Way to a Job," by Laura M. Holson, The New York Times, May 20, 2009. Available from http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/21/fashion/21whiz.html
"AT&T uses Twitter during service outage" by Marguerite Reardon, cnet News, April 9, 2009. Available at: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-10216712-94.html
What Are You Doing? Media Twitterers Can’t Stop Typing" by Alessandra Stanley, The New York Times, February 28, 2009, p. C1. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/28/arts/television/28twit.html
Getting the Most Out of Twitter By CLAIRE CAIN MILLER, The New York Times, March 4, 2010, p. B5. Available at: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/04/technology/04basics.html
In today’s corporate world, these types of social technologies can be used as a marketing tool to promote a brand, bring awareness to a particular product or to introduce a company to the world. Social networking is also used for socializing, and developing relationships and forming groups
As discussed in,"Tweeting Your Way to A Job", twitter can be used by individuals as a promotional devise to endorse themselves to potential clients or organizations for a position within their company. Some companies use twitter as a type of customer service tool helping to solve issues that customers have. Also, in "AT&T uses Twitter During Service Outage", AT&T used twitter as a customer information resource to keep their customers informed and updated during the service crises. As mentioned in "What Are You Doing? "Media Twitters Can't Stop Typing", some feel that twitter can be used as a worthy news source. Some people feel that twitter can provide the breaking news and is a good source of valid communication.
The benefits of social networking is that it provides information instantaneously. From breaking news to the latest videos, social networking keeps individuals updated and informed. You can pick any topic and see the exposure it can provide. In "Getting the Most Out of Twitter", it states that a large number of posts and retweets provide links showing that it is a popular way of spreading news and brings topics to forefront. Another benefit of social networking is ability to get all the updates and information on a business conference without paying all the money to attend it. Through twitter, people can be updated on all the specifics of the conferences and the speaches from speakers. Social networking is also a way to connect with friends and family and keep people in touch socially.
The dark side can be that overtweeting can be a negative thing. It can annoy customers with overexposure and potentially take away from your brand or company promotions. Also, if you are using twitter or facebook as a customer service tool, one bad tweet from a customer, could hurt a company and put them at the mercy of the customer. Another dark side of social networking is that it can expose information on an individual and delve into their privacy. It can give scammers and stalkers, every detail on an individuals comings and goings. Also, depending on the information and photos an individual posts, can lead to career suicide.
In the future, social networking could evolve to be a valid source that would provide resources on emergency situations, such as evacations or information on potential natural disasters real time. Also, social networking, if streamlined and used appropriately, could be used for voting. People could cast their polictical votes right from their computers or ipads as opposed to go to the ballots.
"Tweeting Your Way to a Job," by Laura M. Holson, The New York Times, May 20, 2009. Available from http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/21/fashion/21whiz.html
"AT&T uses Twitter during service outage" by Marguerite Reardon, cnet News, April 9, 2009. Available at: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-10216712-94.html
What Are You Doing? Media Twitterers Can’t Stop Typing" by Alessandra Stanley, The New York Times, February 28, 2009, p. C1. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/28/arts/television/28twit.html
Getting the Most Out of Twitter By CLAIRE CAIN MILLER, The New York Times, March 4, 2010, p. B5. Available at: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/04/technology/04basics.html
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Check Out Social Networking Sites
In comparing some popular social medias, I looked at facebook, myspace, friendster and linkedin.
All of these social medias provide a social connection, but the connections can be different based on the desired outcome.
Facebook is a social tool that helps you connect with old friends, keep in touch with your current ones and basically socialize. You can show photos of your vacation, your new baby and invite your friends into your world without a phone call. This is a way to connect and stay up to date with those you want to stay connected to. This site opens up your world to the public and shares personal information to all who you choose to be your friend. The functionality of this site is to add friends and groups and have them exposed to your notifications you post.
Myspace goes beyond the social connection. It keeps you connected to current events in the media. It has the feel of a social magazine with the latest in movies, tv and music. Like Facebook, it connects you to friends, but it also keeps you up to date with the hollywood gossip.
It posts the latest in music videos and clips of the latest tv shows and music like twitter, invites followers and comments. To compete with Facebook, Myspace has redesigned its website to look more like facebook but added additional functions to try to keep up with facebook's growing popularity.
Friendster has a different element that the other two media tools, in that as well as connecting finding friends, it posts free classified ads, like craigslist that offers ad categories to choose from. They offer listings that includes 20 different states, that you can find information on buying a car, renting an apartment and finding a babysitter. In searching for friends, it offers different avenues to search from, such as through a particular school or group.
Linkedin is a social network site that is used for business purposes. This is a site connects individuals looking for employment or it can be a tool used to get answers to business questions. This professional network keeps individuals connected in the business world. Individual profiles depict resumes and accomplishments. You stay connected to keep up to date on the current events in your field and your industry. Companies join this site and post profile telling about their firm, employees and career opportunities. Individual connect, to socialize, but also for business purposes. The people you connect with on this site are former colleagues, groups, and potential recruiters.
The common thread in all of these sites is the desire to connect. These sites provide socialization, entertainment, information and business opportunities.
All of these social medias provide a social connection, but the connections can be different based on the desired outcome.
Facebook is a social tool that helps you connect with old friends, keep in touch with your current ones and basically socialize. You can show photos of your vacation, your new baby and invite your friends into your world without a phone call. This is a way to connect and stay up to date with those you want to stay connected to. This site opens up your world to the public and shares personal information to all who you choose to be your friend. The functionality of this site is to add friends and groups and have them exposed to your notifications you post.
Myspace goes beyond the social connection. It keeps you connected to current events in the media. It has the feel of a social magazine with the latest in movies, tv and music. Like Facebook, it connects you to friends, but it also keeps you up to date with the hollywood gossip.
It posts the latest in music videos and clips of the latest tv shows and music like twitter, invites followers and comments. To compete with Facebook, Myspace has redesigned its website to look more like facebook but added additional functions to try to keep up with facebook's growing popularity.
Friendster has a different element that the other two media tools, in that as well as connecting finding friends, it posts free classified ads, like craigslist that offers ad categories to choose from. They offer listings that includes 20 different states, that you can find information on buying a car, renting an apartment and finding a babysitter. In searching for friends, it offers different avenues to search from, such as through a particular school or group.
Linkedin is a social network site that is used for business purposes. This is a site connects individuals looking for employment or it can be a tool used to get answers to business questions. This professional network keeps individuals connected in the business world. Individual profiles depict resumes and accomplishments. You stay connected to keep up to date on the current events in your field and your industry. Companies join this site and post profile telling about their firm, employees and career opportunities. Individual connect, to socialize, but also for business purposes. The people you connect with on this site are former colleagues, groups, and potential recruiters.
The common thread in all of these sites is the desire to connect. These sites provide socialization, entertainment, information and business opportunities.
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