Well, we have certainly learned a lot this quarter. It’s still amazing to me that we have covered less than 20 years of history. Everything has changed so fast. E-commerce hardly existed when I was a young child, and now you can easily purchase just about anything online. YouTube is less than 5 years old and already has millions of viewers from around the world. Many of us can hardly imagine a life without forums, blogs, wikis, podcasts, online news, social networking sites…the list goes on. Yet this online world is new to our generation.
As we study the Web, we certainly can’t stop here. The more I learn about the Web’s history, the more I find myself anticipating its future. What will the next 10 years bring? 20 years? 50 years? Have we seen most of what the Web has to offer, or have we yet to realize its potential?
A Google search will tell you that there is no lack of people anticipating how the Web is going to change and evolve. Articles like The Future Of The Web: Where Will We Be In Five Years? offer a variety of different predictions. It’s interesting to envision the effects that some of these changes may have.
As we learned in our lecture, many people are looking forward to Web 3.0 and the Semantic Web. Tim Berners-Lee and others envision a system where machines and programs have the ability to understand, categorize, and interconnect information. Although the Web provides easy access to a wealth of content, it still requires manual sorting that can be tedious and time consuming. Think how much more powerful the Web would be if the content could be accurately identified and organized for the user, if Web browsers could “understand” your search terms and quickly provide you with the most pertinent information.
Whatever the future may be, I am looking forward to seeing how the Web changes in the years to come, and I hope to be an active part of that dynamic process.
It has been fun learning with you all this quarter, and I have benefited greatly from everyone’s contributions. I hope you all survive finals week and have a wonderful winter break!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Intro to E-Life Reflection
I'm not sure if we needed to post this week, but I figured I would reflect on this class as a whole. There was so much I didn't know about the Web before this class, and everything we've gone over has been interesting to me. In all honesty, before I started I didn't know the difference between the Web and the Internet. The most fascinating part to me was the history behind everything, and how the vision of a few select people exploded into what we have today. The possibilities seem limitless, and things are going to continue to advance.
The video lectures helped greatly, and gave me many different perspectives on the Web and what was going to happen (and what is currently happening). The Blog helped just as much, giving us an open forum for discussions ranging from Web Browsers to Web 2.0. Many of the debates made me look at some things in a way I never have before. All-in-all, I've been very happy with this class. It was much more than I had expected, and it really makes you think about new technology and how it is influencing our day-to-day lives. Thanks to everyone here for making it a good experience!
The video lectures helped greatly, and gave me many different perspectives on the Web and what was going to happen (and what is currently happening). The Blog helped just as much, giving us an open forum for discussions ranging from Web Browsers to Web 2.0. Many of the debates made me look at some things in a way I never have before. All-in-all, I've been very happy with this class. It was much more than I had expected, and it really makes you think about new technology and how it is influencing our day-to-day lives. Thanks to everyone here for making it a good experience!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Learning Through Technology
Technology has changed education for me by allowing me to take classes online. If it wasn't for The Web, I probably would have never enrolled in this course due to my set schedule. With work and family there is no way I could have continued my education through a classroom environment. Yes, it may have been alright for the first few weeks or maybe even quarters, but it would have taken it's toll eventually.
The only way that I see it could be better, is if more classes were available online. I've taken almost every class that I could online and I think I am running out of this great option. Pretty soon all of my classes will need to be face-2-face. While this sounds like no big deal, consider the fact that I get up at 3:30 am for work and I can't even start an on campus class until 5pm.
I think spring quarter I have a late class that's F2F and after class I won't be home until almost 10pm. Now if I were to spend an hour after I got home to do some online class work and wind down a little, I'm looking at close to midnight before I go to bed. With more classes offered online, this would not be a problem.
The only way that I see it could be better, is if more classes were available online. I've taken almost every class that I could online and I think I am running out of this great option. Pretty soon all of my classes will need to be face-2-face. While this sounds like no big deal, consider the fact that I get up at 3:30 am for work and I can't even start an on campus class until 5pm.
I think spring quarter I have a late class that's F2F and after class I won't be home until almost 10pm. Now if I were to spend an hour after I got home to do some online class work and wind down a little, I'm looking at close to midnight before I go to bed. With more classes offered online, this would not be a problem.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Search Engines
One of the biggest changes in the way I learn is through search engines. Search engines make finding out information a much easier, simpler, and faster process. Search engines on the web have made everything so much easier.
One area where search engines have helped just about every students is research papers. As you all know, doing research on a topic before the web required you to go to the library and read books. Books are good in many ways, but being able to find the same information on the web in just a few seconds is an even better thing. Not only do you find information quicker, but you also find a lot more information than what you would in your local library. Even though some information may not be accurate, the same thing can be said about books. Just because the information is in a book does not mean it is correct. So I see nothing bad about search engines. Being able to save time during the research process, enables you to spend more time working on creating a more creative and exciting paper.
Search engines are a crucial part of the way everyone learns on the web. Having quick and simple access to any kind of information we want is something we may take for granted now. I know if all the search engines on the web stopped working I would be loss. As would many other web users. The search engine technology has had a huge impact on the way everyone learns!
One area where search engines have helped just about every students is research papers. As you all know, doing research on a topic before the web required you to go to the library and read books. Books are good in many ways, but being able to find the same information on the web in just a few seconds is an even better thing. Not only do you find information quicker, but you also find a lot more information than what you would in your local library. Even though some information may not be accurate, the same thing can be said about books. Just because the information is in a book does not mean it is correct. So I see nothing bad about search engines. Being able to save time during the research process, enables you to spend more time working on creating a more creative and exciting paper.
Search engines are a crucial part of the way everyone learns on the web. Having quick and simple access to any kind of information we want is something we may take for granted now. I know if all the search engines on the web stopped working I would be loss. As would many other web users. The search engine technology has had a huge impact on the way everyone learns!
Learning to Use Web Technology
Well, the turkey is eaten; the friends and family are gone, but what a wonderful time of fun and fellowship we had! Hopefully all of you had a great Thanksgiving and enjoyed some time with your loved ones.
It’s surprising how quickly we can take the things we have for granted. When I think of computer and Web technology, I usually consider it something that I have discovered mainly during my time in college. Yet looking back, I realize that have benefited from it for quite some time.
I didn’t really spend much time online until 8th grade. Before that, the library and our faithful set of encyclopedias were my main references for information. That changed when I took a debate class in 2002.
Our resolution was “that the United States should significantly change its trade policy with the Middle East and/or Africa.” Depending on a coin toss, each student would argue either in favor of or against the resolution during the debate round. Each of us had to develop his/her own case for fulfilling this resolution and also prepare to defend the status quo.
Considering how quickly things were changing in these regions, it was often difficult to obtain current information. Finding many of the publications in libraries to be out-of-date, we often sought information online. This was rather overwhelming at first. There seemed to be so much information to sort through, but I was able to find plenty of useful evidence.
Although we delighted in this newfound wealth of references, we quickly learned that not all information found online was credible. In a debate, it is your evidence against your opponent’s. The source, author, and publication date all came into question as we challenged each other’s arguments and references. Our research skills improved as we learned to consider every side of the argument and build a strong set of evidence to support our cases.
Seven years later, I am taking my skills a step further as I explore the capabilities of Web 2.0. Research and online learning have now become interactive as I have the opportunity to ask questions and contribute my own thoughts and feedback. Overall, it has been a rich and dynamic learning experience.
I began exploring the Web as part of my education, and that experience has strongly shaped how I use this technology. I think incorporating Web 2.0 tools into education is great way to familiarize students with using the Web productively and effectively. As we saw in several of our video lectures, there is a concern that many young people are not skilled in processing and validating online information. By using Web 2.0 tools in the classroom, instructors can communicate in a language that the students are familiar with and also guide them in using these tools effectively.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
It’s surprising how quickly we can take the things we have for granted. When I think of computer and Web technology, I usually consider it something that I have discovered mainly during my time in college. Yet looking back, I realize that have benefited from it for quite some time.
I didn’t really spend much time online until 8th grade. Before that, the library and our faithful set of encyclopedias were my main references for information. That changed when I took a debate class in 2002.
Our resolution was “that the United States should significantly change its trade policy with the Middle East and/or Africa.” Depending on a coin toss, each student would argue either in favor of or against the resolution during the debate round. Each of us had to develop his/her own case for fulfilling this resolution and also prepare to defend the status quo.
Considering how quickly things were changing in these regions, it was often difficult to obtain current information. Finding many of the publications in libraries to be out-of-date, we often sought information online. This was rather overwhelming at first. There seemed to be so much information to sort through, but I was able to find plenty of useful evidence.
Although we delighted in this newfound wealth of references, we quickly learned that not all information found online was credible. In a debate, it is your evidence against your opponent’s. The source, author, and publication date all came into question as we challenged each other’s arguments and references. Our research skills improved as we learned to consider every side of the argument and build a strong set of evidence to support our cases.
Seven years later, I am taking my skills a step further as I explore the capabilities of Web 2.0. Research and online learning have now become interactive as I have the opportunity to ask questions and contribute my own thoughts and feedback. Overall, it has been a rich and dynamic learning experience.
I began exploring the Web as part of my education, and that experience has strongly shaped how I use this technology. I think incorporating Web 2.0 tools into education is great way to familiarize students with using the Web productively and effectively. As we saw in several of our video lectures, there is a concern that many young people are not skilled in processing and validating online information. By using Web 2.0 tools in the classroom, instructors can communicate in a language that the students are familiar with and also guide them in using these tools effectively.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Technology in Education
Over the years, every time there was an advancement in technology it changed the way I learned and gathered information. I have to say the biggest shift was when I started college, and I started viewing the Web as a viable resource. Things like search engines and video lectures/tutorials really helped me learn new concepts. For me, it is the fastest and easiest way to gather information and study subjects that I don't have a good base of knowledge for. For classes like "Multimedia II", video tutorials helped me with the more advanced capabilities of ActionScript 3.
After thinking about it for some time, I can only think of a few ways to improve on what's already here. After studying Web trends in this class, things seem to be becoming more interactive. Between things like Skype chats and interactive tutorials, I think this would be a massive improvement on what we have. Under most circumstances, students can learn much more in an interactive setting than in typical "Cram & Test" environment. With the technology advancing at an exponential rate, this type of learning is becoming easier to utilize in a Web environment.
After thinking about it for some time, I can only think of a few ways to improve on what's already here. After studying Web trends in this class, things seem to be becoming more interactive. Between things like Skype chats and interactive tutorials, I think this would be a massive improvement on what we have. Under most circumstances, students can learn much more in an interactive setting than in typical "Cram & Test" environment. With the technology advancing at an exponential rate, this type of learning is becoming easier to utilize in a Web environment.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Evolving Web has been the most advanced class that I have taken online using newer technologies. The use of the video lectures has been extremely beneficial because of how vivid the points being expressed are communicated. I can see how using podcasts would be beneficial; I could take the lectures from class with me and watch them on my own time and not be tied to my computer screen. I would like to see this be used more often for lectures and maybe assignments like 'guided notes'. This class has been the most advanced in using Web 2.0 technologies for teaching purposes. I can see how much easier learning would be if other classes were to implement the technology Evolving Web already uses.
Most of my Web 2.0 knowledge has been derived solely from this class. Otherwise, I have only heard of some of the available technologies. I have used Wikis for information and used social networking before, but never blogged, watched podcasts, edited or contributed to a Wiki, etc. Having this kind of information at my disposal and learning how the technology of Web 2.0 improves communication has opened my eyes to a lot of new possibilities. I like the idea of Wikis but I think it is hard when a bunch of designers are running the page because it seems like people focus on the cosmetics rather than the content, but I see where they can be beneficial. I think the blog has been a nice tool for reflecting on what we have learned and reiterate the knowledge we have gained. Likewise, responding to others blogs allows us to use our knowledge for discussion and aids comprehension. If other classes were able to implement the tools Evolving Web has (at the minimum) I feel that online classes will be more educational and interesting, with the ability to take learning to a new level.
Most of my Web 2.0 knowledge has been derived solely from this class. Otherwise, I have only heard of some of the available technologies. I have used Wikis for information and used social networking before, but never blogged, watched podcasts, edited or contributed to a Wiki, etc. Having this kind of information at my disposal and learning how the technology of Web 2.0 improves communication has opened my eyes to a lot of new possibilities. I like the idea of Wikis but I think it is hard when a bunch of designers are running the page because it seems like people focus on the cosmetics rather than the content, but I see where they can be beneficial. I think the blog has been a nice tool for reflecting on what we have learned and reiterate the knowledge we have gained. Likewise, responding to others blogs allows us to use our knowledge for discussion and aids comprehension. If other classes were able to implement the tools Evolving Web has (at the minimum) I feel that online classes will be more educational and interesting, with the ability to take learning to a new level.
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