Thank goodness for email

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The Doctor is In

Examination time! 

So, you've picked a search engine...you entered your query...and TA-DA...you have a million options to choose from.  How do you know which sites are valid with credible information?  Are all of the sites listed accurate to your query?   Why are there so many to choose from? There are images too?  And videos? AHHHHHH its INFORMATION OVERLOAD! (IO)


Have you ever had a conversation like this  (real or in your head)...Here's a sample of the voices in my head...
Me: "Doc, I can't keep up, I'm overwhelmed with information, it's everywhere! What do I do?"
IO Doctor: "Your problem: Unlimited information on limited human bandwidth. "
Me: "What do I do, how do I fix it?"
IO Doctor: "Simple, accept that you can not keep up with the wealth of information out there, understand the difference between what you want to know and what you need to know, allow time for evaluating the site/source, and create a system that brings relevant information to you. Make a follow-up appointment to see if evaluating is working"

Sounds simple right? Well, if your tuned into Web 2.0 tools and Chapter 3, your almost good to go, we'll take it one step at a time, OK?  

Evaluating the credibility of search results has an art to it.  A few quick tips to get you started...


1.  Look at the authority of the source. Do this by checking who owns or sponsors the site, check information about the author. Look at the domain and/or the primary source.  Is it recognizable?  
            
2. Check the objectivity of the site.  Be sure to see if the information listed on the Web is not skewed and is fair.  


3.  Check the scope and quality.  Is the information detailed?  Who is the intended audience?  Is the site updated?


4.  Is the site current and updated regularly? The design and functionality are great indicators of more valid sites although not a guarantee of high-quality sources.  

http://www.wordle.net/create

Re-discovering the Internet

Searching the web has become an everyday occurrence for me.  I check Yahoo!'s OMG for juicy gossip, The Weather Channel for the forecast, and Facebook to update people on my so not exciting life. Yet, with all the surfing I do, I realized I needed a search tool to fit personal style.  

Chapter 3 has brought the search process up a notch for me.  I can now search more easily, get quicker results, find images/videos/multimedia to use, and check if a site is legit or a paid sponsor.   I'm a Google gal at heart, especially for general information.  But, when I'm doing research for a paper, I find I switch search engines for more precise and creditable information- like LexisNexis and my school's vast online library.  *Google tends to have too many options even with a specified search query.  

What's your favorite search tool?

Almost Unlimited

Businesses must deal with both structured and unstructured data from many different sources, including mobile devices and the Internet.  Utilizing mobile technology allows people to no longer be tied to their desks and desktops.  You can do so much on today's mobile devices like smartphones and tablets!  For example; you can jump on a social networking site, search for a nearby restaurant, upload a presentation, get GPS directions, check the weather, do quick banking transactions, buy something, watch a movie... and more!  Mobile devices (with a connection to the Internet and worldwide web) are not just telephones and gadgets anymore.  They represent new emerging computing platforms based on a new array of new hardware and software technologies.   Businesses and managers are using these devices to coordinate work, communicate with employees, and provide information for decision making.  The advantages of these devices continue with options like; file sharing, Web-based note taking, word processing.  Some businesses even use the poplar Apple iPhone or iPad to attend an online meetings, checking on orders, working with files and documents, or obtaining business intelligence.  Basically, these devices provide unlimited possibilities for business users from just about anywhere!

 Some disadvantages to this technology are the constantly blurred lines between work and personal life.  Because these devices are able to access information 24/7, some people are always connected to work, bosses, upper management.  Another disadvantage is the device must be able connect to the Internet.  Some remote areas may not have quick access or the data package plan with the mobile device is limited or expensive.  

Are you a fan of this emerging technology?  Do you use your smartphone or tablet a lot for business purposes?

Career Connected

I am now LinkedIn.  What a great site for networking and branching out into the work force.  Career-minded individuals flood groups with information that is geared towards my specific interests.  
I don't plan on using LinkedIn for social reasons (although a few of my friends do), it seems far too professional for casual chit chat.  
I do plan on updating my profile often with experience and knowledge gained.  Connecting with more groups/communities that can shine a light on Instructional Design.
One of the cons thus far has been the number of email updates I get.  I'm sure there is a way to filter this and I will figure it out hopefully sooner than later. 

AMAZING video from PBS and where we (the United States) are headed with the use of technology and the Internet. I just added PBS to my PLN!
*Warning this video is over an hour long. It is completely worth the time to watch* 

Watch Digital Nation on PBS. See more from FRONTLINE.