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.

True or False?

The Internet and World wide web are the same thing?  Hopefully by now we all know that these two terms describe two different things.   

Chapter 2 had some more terminology that was clarified further for me.  For example, I now know what an IP address is, a URL is, as well what a domain name is.   I thought they were all the same thing all this time, haha, chalk it up to ignorance ;) 
*An IP address is the unique numerical address of a computer on a network, a URL or web address that consists of the hypertext transfer protocol (http) domain name (path if necessary) and file name; ex: http://www.julieisawesome.com (not a real site fyi) and a domain is the easy to remember text alias for one or more IP addresses.*

ICANN is a non-profit organization that operates under the U.S. Department of Commerce? !?!?!  Well, color me surprised.  I had no idea ICANN controlled domain name registration.  The top-level domains I was familiar with, however, I was not prepared for how many there are. I can't wait to see how fast the domains in the DNS will grow.  I had no idea so many existed already!  
Finding out web browser shortcuts was beneficial as well.  Especially for customizing my screen.  I now have RSS feeds in a more handy spot.  Thanks Web 2.0 & Shelly, Napier, Rivers!
I'm still tweaking with browser options and am more aware of security while surfing the web.  Security is a BIG issue with me so I'm very interested in finding out more about this. 






them.pro

Personal Learning Network (PLN)

*I'm looking for a job in warmer weather* lol

This is great...I've been creating a PLN and didn't even know it! Before I enrolled in school, I created a "favorites list" of websites/blogs that were important to my future.   First of all, when I want to "find out" the answer to a question I have, whether its personal or professional, my go-to place is the web.  Google, Yahoo, and BING are my search engines of choice. (I find the world wide web is the quickest, most accurate source of information.)   Then from there, I weed through the millions of options that usually pop-up and choose one or more that peak my interest.  


Some sites link me to more reputable sources, for example:
The word "reputable"...I can simple type it into the Yahoo search bar, (spelled incorrectly on purpose)  and BAM...Yahoo displays a merrian-webster's definition and several other definitions of the word including pronunciations, etc; companies that have this word as their name, legal definitions, and more.  I can click on "images" within the Yahoo page and WHAM-O logos and visual representations show up.  It's amazing...anything I want to learn about is literally at my fingertips, 24 hours a day, seven days a week!


That brings us to my PLN... I recently made the commitment to my degree plan and my future plans.  I want to be able to help people learn about technology while using the web.  I want to enable, motivate, and empower people to utilize this awesome source of information!

I am still in the beginning phases of what will be a HUGE personal network, but for now, I'm reading blogs, micro-blogs, Facebook, twitter, wiki's, YouTube as well as hard copy magazines.  I've been watching certain blogs, not following as of yet, about the career path I'd like to pursue.  I kind-of feel like an detective when I find a subject that intrigues me.  


*A side note* when I watch YouTube tutorials about Web 2.0 Tools such as the video below (podcast on iMacros), I often get bored by the person's demonstration and monotoned voiceover.  I feel as though these presentations could be "spiced up" and engage the audience more, take it to the next level if you know what I mean......i've embedded the short video from one of my searches...what do you think? 

 

Someone's Following Me!

I feel like I've been a wizard on the computer lately... registering for twitter, tweet deck, JING, Symbaloo, updating Facebook and using Wordle for a home project.  
I hope I remember all these passwords I had to create :)

*still trying to figure out how to fit these pictures on here nicely*

 I love to use what I learn as soon as I can. I recently started making wine at home and immediately thought to use Wordle to create the simple, clean labels for the bottles.  

Which one do you like?

1.

2.

3.

4.

By the way- follow me on twitter:

JulieKras

*All pictures/icons captured by using JING :)

Symbaloo is a visually appealing way for me to organize my "go-to" websites.  The tiles can be rearranged to fit my personal likes and I change out the icons.  

Bookmarking my favorite sites this way gives me an easy access page from any computer that has an Internet connection.  


It's also a great add to my PLN for quick references like blogs, wiki's, twitter, etc.