Course in Review: Thoughts of Effectiveness & Enhancements… October 15, 2008

My Thoughts on Effectiveness: 

    Reflecting on the past five weeks comes to a surprise to me because I honestly can not believe I am six weeks into the semester! The five weeks went by very quickly, but they were effective. Before entering the first IT course, I was overwhelmed to say the least. I felt that I would never understand the foreign language of IT. LIttle did I know that I would be the one shouting out the name “IP” in the middle of class to answer a question! Or that I would understand the interworking of Wikis and Blogs. 

 

Now, not only do I understand what and how an IP works, but I can use a Wiki and Blog. I have grasped the elementary form of using Blogs to generate public advocacy and opinions. To my surprise, I was talking to a professional who works for a firm that create public advocacy campaigns. I mentioned my involvement in my IT course with blogs. Her excited and supportive response to my knowledge was very encouraging. She felt that blogging and wikis are the new wave in social research that helps to create public advocacy campaigns. Needless to say, this the conversation would not have happened if I did not participate in this course. 

Overall, I can say that I learned much more about the advancement of technology, built my toolbox of IT lingo and knowledge, and I also was able to learn how to apply internet tools in enhancing the mission of a non-profit or public agency. 

 

My Thoughts on Enhancements: 

      As mention before, the course was effective in opening “my world” to the importance of IT advancement. However, I felt that the course could be improved in certain areas. I understood the concept of the business proposal, but I felt that I was unable to use the new knowledge of IT and apply it effectively. My suggestions are to: 

1. Focus on the proposal the entire course, using elements to focus on enhancement- making them easy to apply with the project in mind

2. Focus solely on IT advancement, such as wikis, blogs, etc. — learning the how to use them effectively and how to make them interactive. 

 

These are just suggestions, but I feel that they could help enhance the quality of the course for the students who enter the class with little IT knowledge. 

Overall, I honestly feel that the combination of the business proposal and the other knowledge presented were not connected well enough for me to grasp. I had little prior knowledge and it would have taken me longer than 5 weeks to effectively apply that knowledge to actual complete business proposal. For future, maybe the IT course could be longer or changed a bit.

Week in Review : IT projects October 15, 2008

I was surprised last week to find that the four presentations took three hours to complete, but for a good reason. They were complex and simple at the same time. The complexity was trying to visualize the projects in their entirely. With my lack of IT background (well after this class I feel a little bit better…), it was difficult for me to visual the different components of the projects. However, I felt the that “Governor Blog” project did a great job to relating the IT tools. They should the visual needed and aspects that would enhance the project. 

   The presentations were also on the simplistic side. Several of the presentations, mine included, proposed a business plan that was more of a concept than actual product. This is the case because of the warning not to dive into a topic that one might know too much about, hence, the fact that a few of the presentations were solely done on powerpoint versus the use of the IT tools. 

     Overall, the presentations showed a great way to combine the IT and the public sector. Several of the projects were more IT complex, while others more IT simplistic. I think both worked well. However, I do have one improvement for the future… try to spilt the groups with a combination of who in the class is more IT knowledge with those that are more concept business knowledgeable.

Week 4 topic: Computer Worms September 30, 2008

The term “worm” has multiple meanings. It could mean an unattractive insect that lives in the soil. Or in the IT world, it is an undesirable term that causes and eliminates computers one at a time. “Worm” is the term used to describe an infection that moves from computer to computer through the internet or network connection. A worm can be caught though email, instant messaging, and surfing websites.

 

While it is infected, the computer will slow down the daily program and network functions. The consumer will notice new toolbars, icons, and constant pop-ups while surfing the internet to indicate a worm has entered the computer. After discovering a worm, it is recommended that consumers use antivirus software. 

 

To find out more information on computer worms check out : \”How to get rid of Worms\” ( Smart Computing)

Epic 2015: A vision for the future… September 30, 2008

The video Epic 2015 showed a dark and disturbing prediction of what is going to happen to the internet era between various web empires. It seemed far fetched and over the top. However, the past four years would have been hard to predict for any web guru. It seems that there is huge level or uncertainty when it comes to predicting the future of the internet.

In all reality, 2015 is less then seven years away and the changes that have happened in the last year have been incredible. I would not underestimate the predictions made in the video. As of right now I would like to think that they are a bit dark and extreme. I would hope that individuals will have the vision in their head and stere clear. It could represent “what not to do” for the internet age.

I hope for the future that things are made easier, but constantly positive and more optimistic then what Epic 2015 envisions.

Week in Review: The Wikipedia phenomenon 9.24.2008 September 30, 2008

Throughout this class we examine the various tools online that connected individuals around the world. We focused on the multiple amount of “wikipedia-like” websites that focus on the domestic and international news. Before this class, I did not realize that blogsites and wikipedia sites like newsvine and social news existed. The idea of creating places of individuals can edit, write, and create news stories is incredible. It changes the ability for individuals to have an opinion and connect with others around the world who have the same view.

In addition, I had always “known” about wikipedia, but have tried to stay away from using the site as a resource. I did this because I have been told that it can have incorrect information, but I never realized why. After this class, and watching the video on TEDTalks about Jimmy Wales presentation on Wikipedia, everything clicked! I had no idea that people could change the information so quickly, nor did I realized people actually spent the time to change the information. It proves that if you are passionate about a topic, making sure the information presented to the world is accurate… or in their perspective accurate.

Overall the class was interesting in learning more about the various news blogsites and what wikipedia is all about.

9.16.2008 Week in Review: Technology and Protecting Your Persona September 23, 2008

This week we focused on the concept of IT. Also, we focused on the role that creating websites have on developing a persona for individuals. We focused on blogging and being concerned that without upholding professionalism, it can look bad for future employment or personal impressions.

With the combination of the Facebook era and searching for internships, I have been told numerous times that I need to be careful of the internet persona I create. Today solidified that fact. I learned about the Waybackmachine.com that archives internet websites from over a decade ago. This was amazing to me.

With this in mind, I approached the assignment for week 2 with caution. I chose a blogsite that focused on the pro-choice stance. When I was commenting on the blog, I was extra cautious in the words I chose and the stance I took. I exemplified my support, but I tried to keep my strong opinions on hold for fear they would end up on the Waybackmachine.com! This is importance rule of thumb to remember since I will be entering the public sector. My comments on a random blog could possibly come back to haunt me.

Blog for Thought : “Blog for Pro-Choice” September 23, 2008

After searching for less then two minutes, I found a fantastic blog. Since I have not jumped on the bandwagon of the world of blogging, I did not realize how easy it is find blogs on just about anything. A special interest of mine is creating and promoting pro-choice policy issues in the United States. In searching for a blog, I found one that fits perfectly with the issue that I support. It is called “Blog for Choice” set up by NARAL Pro-Choice America.

In addition to the blog that I commented on, it had multiple posts and video blogs commenting on current pro-choice policy issues. The blog that I commented on was concerning major issues with decreasing the cost of birth control and improving family planning programs. The blogger was promoting ways for individuals to take a stand and make a change. It focused on how to contact lawmakers to gain support for these issues.

This blog allowed me to experience how blogging can create a quick change similar to a domino-effect and a “pay it forward” mentality. Blogging is a way to create interaction across ages, ethnicities, languages, and geographical location. It is an excellent way to address and learn about issues that can develop a change in policies. This is essential for the future of agenda setting and policy making.

Critique of a website: Mypryamid.gov September 12, 2008

 I have found that the more interactive and engaging a website is the more credible and effective it will be to its audience. Since my concentration is in Health Policy and my final project focuses on improving a program from the Delaware Department of Health, I felt it was only fitting to critique a health-related website. The USDA has an interactive website called My Pryamid (http://www.mypyramid.gov ). This website is excellent in its ability to create an personalized meal and health plan. It has multiple interactive features, such as “MyPryamid Podcasts” that allow for individuals to see a video on easy steps to a healthier body. They also feature a “menu planner”, children’s games, tips of the week, and a pregnancy tracker. These features break through the clutter of other health websites. My Pryamid is an excellent resource and website.

9.10.2008 Week in Review: A little bit Overwhelmed September 11, 2008

My feelings after week one of UAPP 677 can best be described as signing up for a marathon when the longest distance you have ever run has been two miles; a bit of an overwhelming challenge.  Lets just say I am a bit IT-illiterate! Basically my IT skills extend to a cell phone that only receives incoming and outgoing text messages and phone calls, updating my elementary form of Facebook, and the basic fact that I have had my MacBook for almost a year and still do not know how to use it to its full potential; I have my work cut out for me during UAPP 677.  

 

 

With all of this in mind, the upcoming weeks seem scary and overwhelming. At the same time, the IT tools seem useful to my future. Like Professor Sine stated, I will be entering the public and nonprofit sector with a stereotype of being the “young tech-savy guru”. This means I better get started now, and the UAPP 677 class is the first step. 

The constant use of the Wiki and the creation of the Blog will allow me to dive into right my minor fear of IT. It might even change my mind of steering away from Blogs and Wikis. Also, I might even learn how to use a Wiki! In addition, the project will be engaging by allowing me to assess and seek out solutions to problems facing the Delaware Department of Health. I hope it will build my skills by thinking critically and finding solutions by using IT.  

 

 

If my perspective is forever changed of IT and I am able to learn a little more about how newest forms technology can make organizations more efficient, I am able and willing to learn all that I can from UAPP 677. I am excited for the upcoming weeks. I know it will go fast, but hopefully I will be successful. I might even add a concentration in educational technology, but I highly doubt it! 

 

Looking forward to blogging next week.

Hello world! September 10, 2008

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