Friday, 7 November 2008
Local community access
I think that the people with most to gain from IT access around here are old people. For those with visual impairments severe enough to not be able to read, e-books can read for them. It can provide them with an easy way to do the shopping. However, the IT would not have such a huge impact, as old people are not severely disadvantaged in Gosport.
Initatives to fund digital divide
Project – old people
Purpose- Provide older people with an experience of computers and their related content.
Relation – Rural areas have a decreased infrastructure when compared to urban areas. This is a way of introducing them to it, and promoting the use of digital communication within the rural area.
Targeted audience – Older generation who may be curious as to how computers work
Strengths/weaknesses – It can allow people to experience something possibly completely new, as well as further educating some people. It also provides an entirely new way of communication. However, many old people may not welcome the technology, and may instead prefer their way of life to the modern way of life.
Purpose- Provide older people with an experience of computers and their related content.
Relation – Rural areas have a decreased infrastructure when compared to urban areas. This is a way of introducing them to it, and promoting the use of digital communication within the rural area.
Targeted audience – Older generation who may be curious as to how computers work
Strengths/weaknesses – It can allow people to experience something possibly completely new, as well as further educating some people. It also provides an entirely new way of communication. However, many old people may not welcome the technology, and may instead prefer their way of life to the modern way of life.
Impact of IT on pensioners
It has provided an easy way to keep in contact with relatives, and also allows them to shop online, so they can get anything and everything they need and want (within reason) without leaving the house. As many old people have joint problems later on due to age, this can be an incredibly effective way of shopping as it does not involve a middle man, unlike other methods such as asking a person to do the shopping for you would. It is also available at almost any time, whereas the latter method is available when that person is. As for access to the community hall, it has a catch 22. It is generally better and easier to communicate face to face rather than over the internet, and far more fun. However, due to it being 3 miles away, it complicates things by how to get down there.
Who studies IT subjects
In many societies, there is still an underlying rule of girls following a more womanly role in the society (a throwback from the 50’s view on women) however, with each generation this view is becoming less prominent, and more and more girls are joining courses which previously have been predominantly male.
Impact of the internet for the homeless
The internet provides a great resource for finding jobs, setting up a small business, gaining qualifications, general information, and being in contact with the world so as to adapt to any changes.
It could severely limit them, as the internet is a huge resource. However is would not be vital as it is possible to find jobs via other methods (e.g. newspaper ads)
5 things that are more important than the internet are:
Food
Water
Shelter
Sanitation
Medical attention if needed
It could severely limit them, as the internet is a huge resource. However is would not be vital as it is possible to find jobs via other methods (e.g. newspaper ads)
5 things that are more important than the internet are:
Food
Water
Shelter
Sanitation
Medical attention if needed
What did the world summit achieve?
3 positive things that came out of the world summit are:
1. Increased interest in the development of LEDC’s
2. The UN is prepared to lead the operation
3. It has united a few more people in the reduction of the Digital Divide.
3 bad things that came out of the summit are:
1. Arguments over who should own the internet
2. Few major countries attended
3. Majority said was hollow promises
It was successful in the fact that they recognised that something needs to be done about the digital divide, however, it was less successful in deciding how to act to reduce the digital divide. The majority of things suggested was unrealistic.
1. Increased interest in the development of LEDC’s
2. The UN is prepared to lead the operation
3. It has united a few more people in the reduction of the Digital Divide.
3 bad things that came out of the summit are:
1. Arguments over who should own the internet
2. Few major countries attended
3. Majority said was hollow promises
It was successful in the fact that they recognised that something needs to be done about the digital divide, however, it was less successful in deciding how to act to reduce the digital divide. The majority of things suggested was unrealistic.
E-mail and solomons
The main problem of the Solomon Islands is the conflict. If everyone is trying to kill eachother, then no one is focusing on the development of their culture, and economy, let alone the digital divide. The first step of reducing the digital divide, is to stop the conflict. This will allow the economy to grow, a higher population will speed up the development. The UN could maybe provide some basics such as fiber optic cables, so as to let them get a foothold.
Wireless Tech
Wireless technology has boomed recently due to the flexibility of it. It is also a cheaper method of providing an internet service, as you do not have to pay money to lay down cables, and can be considered less of a hazard as you don’t have cables going everywhere. The maintaince of the wireless system in use can provide jobs for people in a digitally lacking country, and can now have access to all the other countries in the world, able to trade information and ultimately, further the digital technology in that country. It can provide schools with more resources, advancing the learning of their students and in the future, creating a better environment. The culture will change to form around the infrastructure, and it will collect more people together, ultimately improving the society.
Data Response
Africa is in need of people trained in IT (e.g. programmers). This is the reason any computer-aid programs have failed, as they do not have people with the required experience to maintain the technology. A primary skill that is lacking is programming. Many computers these days have programs that were created by solo programmers, downloaded for free. It is this system that allows the computer to “evolve” as it is relatively easy to find a program for your specific needs via the internet. It is also lacking a sufficient amount of people trained in the maintaince of hardware, which would be needed to have a working internet infrastructure.
What leads to being on the wrong side of the digital divide?
The least developed countries in terms of digital technology is Chad, Burkino and Fass to name but a few. This could possibly be because of the country being in debt to another country. Therefore, as it is paying the debt back, it cannot afford to research into IT as it has to deal with the bare essentials such as its population. Its primary objective is to take care of its population, and until that happens, it is impossible to spend government money elsewhere.
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Society and the Individual
We should allow society to look after us when we need it. Such as giving a roof above our heads, caring for us when we are ill, helping us when we need it. However when we don't need help from society, we shouldn't still have it helping us. Otherwise, it will start to invade our lives and take over, giving us less and less freedom and individuality.
Monitering Internet and Email use
Advantages of monitering are that it can stop employees wasting valuable company resources, by playing games or are sharing private information about the company with anyone else, along with monitering the type of content its employees are looking at (e.g unsuitable content such as pornographic material). It does however, pose the question as to whether it is an invasion of privacy. It could be seen as that, as it feels like big brother is always watching, and this can lead to the alienation of staff, as they feel like they cannot be trusted.
However it can also help employees. It can protect them from the explict material or a disturbing nature, and also stop bullying between staff. However, they will be noticed every time they mention the company, and also it can block any sites that could be helpful.
Overall, the monitering of the use of email and internet should be loosened somewhat, so as to provide an overall better workplace.
However it can also help employees. It can protect them from the explict material or a disturbing nature, and also stop bullying between staff. However, they will be noticed every time they mention the company, and also it can block any sites that could be helpful.
Overall, the monitering of the use of email and internet should be loosened somewhat, so as to provide an overall better workplace.
Monday, 20 October 2008
Teens Arrive Alive
Teens arrive alive has been bought out by intellione.com and now give regular traffic updates, speed limits and locations of speed cameras straight to your phone.
The upside of this website is that it allows people to plan their route to the best availble, using the information provided to plan a way around all the traffic congestion and use the faster roads. It also provides updates to your phone, so as you can alter your route accordingly if needs be.
The drawbacks are that it is confusing to someone new to this technology. It uses lots of techical terms, and has a poor navigation of its website. This would only serve to confuse the user, potentially steering them away from the website altogether. It is also affected by whether the mobile can get a signal, as if it can't recieve the updates.
The upside of this website is that it allows people to plan their route to the best availble, using the information provided to plan a way around all the traffic congestion and use the faster roads. It also provides updates to your phone, so as you can alter your route accordingly if needs be.
The drawbacks are that it is confusing to someone new to this technology. It uses lots of techical terms, and has a poor navigation of its website. This would only serve to confuse the user, potentially steering them away from the website altogether. It is also affected by whether the mobile can get a signal, as if it can't recieve the updates.
US passports and RFID
RFID are Radio Frequency ID chips. The plan is to introduce them to American passports, so as to provide a quick and easy way of verifying the ID of the passport holder, along with any information about them.
The issue with this method is that many people will not know who is watching them. It could simply be the government keeping watch, or it could be a criminal intent on stealing your indentity, someone curious about your citizenship. Either way, it provides a method of checking the private information of someone without any knowledge of the person knowing, which violates human rights. Rumors of the US government setting up a protection program against the theft of private information, however no precautions have been taken to shield the passport from anything else, such as a more complicated decrypting program of the data stored on the chip, as it has already been broken as someone has been able to clone the information.
The issue with this method is that many people will not know who is watching them. It could simply be the government keeping watch, or it could be a criminal intent on stealing your indentity, someone curious about your citizenship. Either way, it provides a method of checking the private information of someone without any knowledge of the person knowing, which violates human rights. Rumors of the US government setting up a protection program against the theft of private information, however no precautions have been taken to shield the passport from anything else, such as a more complicated decrypting program of the data stored on the chip, as it has already been broken as someone has been able to clone the information.
Friday, 17 October 2008
Pros/cons of ID cards
The UK ID cards run off of database files. This stores all the fingerprint ID of all UK citizens, however not people from abroad. This is also a fail safe in case a person loses their card.
The purpose of an ID card is to provide information about the card holder, such as criminal past, GCSE results and other such. I feel that it meets this goal, however illegal immigrants will have no record of their past and it will be hard to get ahold of such a database. It will provide an easy way of locating people however, people could possibly find ways of fooling the system.
Also, it is an idea already with a huge against group against it, as it requires a big amount of information, which people may not want to have on a card.
The purpose of an ID card is to provide information about the card holder, such as criminal past, GCSE results and other such. I feel that it meets this goal, however illegal immigrants will have no record of their past and it will be hard to get ahold of such a database. It will provide an easy way of locating people however, people could possibly find ways of fooling the system.
Also, it is an idea already with a huge against group against it, as it requires a big amount of information, which people may not want to have on a card.
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Managing information overload
Spreadsheets - Mainly used at business's, they can also be used at home to keep track of finances, stocks, address's. It can provide information of a person's previous actions so as they can decide whether or not to take some action.
Simulation - Simulation software simply put, puts a person into a certain virtual situation. Examples of this include a simulation flying program for a trainee pilot. This can help train people for different situations, so they know what to do in those situations when the time arrives.
Data mining - Data mining is a tool used mainly by business's, to sort through and find relavant bits of information in large amounts of data. This can help in decision making as it allows you to find past data effectively, and decide whether or not to take action, or whether it is even relavant anymore.
Exception reporting - Exception reporting tools are used to show the difference between an expected result, and what occurs naturally. This can allow companies to look at this difference, and adapt accordingly to it, furthering their finacial gain and avoid becoming bankrupt.
Simulation - Simulation software simply put, puts a person into a certain virtual situation. Examples of this include a simulation flying program for a trainee pilot. This can help train people for different situations, so they know what to do in those situations when the time arrives.
Data mining - Data mining is a tool used mainly by business's, to sort through and find relavant bits of information in large amounts of data. This can help in decision making as it allows you to find past data effectively, and decide whether or not to take action, or whether it is even relavant anymore.
Exception reporting - Exception reporting tools are used to show the difference between an expected result, and what occurs naturally. This can allow companies to look at this difference, and adapt accordingly to it, furthering their finacial gain and avoid becoming bankrupt.
Monday, 13 October 2008
Grandma's phone
Because of previous knowledge, such as buying my new phone from tesco.co.uk, I know that they do phones as cheap as £15. After research the results were as follows:
Nokia 1208 £15.98
This filled all the required fields that she wanted, as it is availible with tesco mobile service, which is a top up service at 10p a text and 20p a minute calls, and you can choose your 5 topp favourite numbers to have half price on.
Nokia 1208 £15.98
This filled all the required fields that she wanted, as it is availible with tesco mobile service, which is a top up service at 10p a text and 20p a minute calls, and you can choose your 5 topp favourite numbers to have half price on.
Saturday, 11 October 2008
Computer games.
Video games are incredibly popular, as they can allow people to escape from the problems of everyday life. I myself, play video games regularly, for at least an hour a day to help me relax. The reason it is so relaxing, is because it allows us to escape into an entirely different world. For instance, a game called oblivion, allows use to create your own character in a huge vast virtual world, and then just simply raie your character to become a warrior magician, thief and other various sorts in a medievil inspired world, something which is practically impossible to do in real life.
In my opinion, video gaming doesn't make you more violent. It is well known that there have been many cases where children have played extremely violent games and then recreated what they saw in real life. A common factor however, is that these children are usually incredibly underage for these games, with 8 yr olds playing an 18+ game, or the child suffers from a mental condition. However, there is a good side to video games. One of the most critised game series Grand Theft Auto, helped an 11 yr old girl pull her family to safety after their car flipped in a car accident. More on this story can be found in the link below:
http://www.destructoid.com/grand-theft-auto-helps-young-girl-save-family-102304.phtml
As for games making you more isolated, it really depends on the type of person. I myself, regularly play games, however I always find time to go out with my friends on weekends, and I have a very strong social life. Some of my other friends however, do nothing but play video games throughout their spare time. I think really it depends on the person, as to whether they enjoy the games enough to stay in and isolate themselves from the outside world. This can also apply to online gaming. I use the xbox live service for the xbox 360, and I play online very competitively, and I am reasonably skilled at these games. However I have friend who, yet again, spend almost all their time on these online games, playing and playing and generally, they are vastly better than me, however they do not enjoy it as much as me, because they take it seriously. This is possibly because they do not know what else to do.
In my opinion, video gaming doesn't make you more violent. It is well known that there have been many cases where children have played extremely violent games and then recreated what they saw in real life. A common factor however, is that these children are usually incredibly underage for these games, with 8 yr olds playing an 18+ game, or the child suffers from a mental condition. However, there is a good side to video games. One of the most critised game series Grand Theft Auto, helped an 11 yr old girl pull her family to safety after their car flipped in a car accident. More on this story can be found in the link below:
http://www.destructoid.com/grand-theft-auto-helps-young-girl-save-family-102304.phtml
As for games making you more isolated, it really depends on the type of person. I myself, regularly play games, however I always find time to go out with my friends on weekends, and I have a very strong social life. Some of my other friends however, do nothing but play video games throughout their spare time. I think really it depends on the person, as to whether they enjoy the games enough to stay in and isolate themselves from the outside world. This can also apply to online gaming. I use the xbox live service for the xbox 360, and I play online very competitively, and I am reasonably skilled at these games. However I have friend who, yet again, spend almost all their time on these online games, playing and playing and generally, they are vastly better than me, however they do not enjoy it as much as me, because they take it seriously. This is possibly because they do not know what else to do.
Pirate content
Downloading legal content has its advantages. For one, you are being assured the best quality, and won't have some kind of glitch in the track, such as a part missed out or people speaking in the background. It also doesn't give you a guilty conscience, for anybody who would get one easily.
That said, pirated content is generally either A. cheaper or B. just free. One major disadvantage however is quality. This isn't such a big problem with music as it is with films. The latest blockbuster movies for instance, can be out on pirate stores within hours of its actual release however, quality is generally rubbish and when you buy a copy, you forfiet your consumer rights, and cannot return it if its unacceptable.
Due to all these reasons, it has made the entertainment industry a lot harder to succeed in, as investors need to be sure they will get a profit, and with free music and movies on the internet, it is getting harder and harder to gain that profit.
That said, pirated content is generally either A. cheaper or B. just free. One major disadvantage however is quality. This isn't such a big problem with music as it is with films. The latest blockbuster movies for instance, can be out on pirate stores within hours of its actual release however, quality is generally rubbish and when you buy a copy, you forfiet your consumer rights, and cannot return it if its unacceptable.
Due to all these reasons, it has made the entertainment industry a lot harder to succeed in, as investors need to be sure they will get a profit, and with free music and movies on the internet, it is getting harder and harder to gain that profit.
Access to original conent
It has never been easier to express yourself via the internet. Websites such as youtube, allow people to upload their own homemade movies, whereas MySpacemusic allows upcoming artists and bands to get their music noticed by someone.
Softawre has also been made freely availible, such as GIMP and Flash, allowing people to make cartoons on the internet, and publish it on such websites as newgrounds, along with making games as well. Due to such a wide variety of opportunities, I feel that is has never been easier to see or hear original entertainment, due to the huge websites devoted to user content, and allowing them to express their own creativity.
Softawre has also been made freely availible, such as GIMP and Flash, allowing people to make cartoons on the internet, and publish it on such websites as newgrounds, along with making games as well. Due to such a wide variety of opportunities, I feel that is has never been easier to see or hear original entertainment, due to the huge websites devoted to user content, and allowing them to express their own creativity.
Reliable Information
Something which regularly occurs in the hoax websites provided is a badly designed website. Backgrounds and colours are often the same and very blocky, with very little if any professional feel to it. Some of the evidence provided also is clearly fake, such as a scene from a movie with a Jackalope copy/pasted into it.
Information which is provided on the subjects is also usually either too good to be true, or just sounds down right outrageous. Many of the facts and images are also repeated throughout different websites on the same subject, such as the jackalope ones.
Overall, I think it is up to the users and viewer to decide whether or not a website is reiable.
Information which is provided on the subjects is also usually either too good to be true, or just sounds down right outrageous. Many of the facts and images are also repeated throughout different websites on the same subject, such as the jackalope ones.
Overall, I think it is up to the users and viewer to decide whether or not a website is reiable.
Friday, 10 October 2008
Business communications
Face to face: Face to face requires a certain skill. It has a broader language so to speak, as a person will also be reading body language. It can provide a quick, easy way of transferring information and is generally a very useful skill that almost everybody is skilled in. As such, business would require it, because it is deemed more formal to meet and discuss options, and people particularly skilled in face to face conversations can manipulate the other person.
IM: This is very similar to face to face in a way, as certain IM programs can allow you to setup a "call". What this is, is that if both particiants have a microphone and webcam, they can setup a webcam and microphone link, being able to see eachothers face, and hear and speak to eachother. The only problem, is it is sometimes unstable on lesser networks, and can be prerecorded, along with network interuptions. (E.G power cut)
Presentation: This can provide a background slide, providing video and audio information to support business decisions.It can however, be an entirely useless way of communicating, as it only applies to certain circumstances.
IM: This is very similar to face to face in a way, as certain IM programs can allow you to setup a "call". What this is, is that if both particiants have a microphone and webcam, they can setup a webcam and microphone link, being able to see eachothers face, and hear and speak to eachother. The only problem, is it is sometimes unstable on lesser networks, and can be prerecorded, along with network interuptions. (E.G power cut)
Presentation: This can provide a background slide, providing video and audio information to support business decisions.It can however, be an entirely useless way of communicating, as it only applies to certain circumstances.
Thursday, 9 October 2008
Evaluation of my communication
I use e-mail, IM and SMS in my day to day life.
E-mail: I mainly use it to send my work from school to home and vice versa, and I don't tend to use it for social purposes. I recieve updates for my bebo webpage via e-mail as well, and I sometimes e-mail songs and links to friends.
SMS: I usually use as a kinda IM when I am not at home. I have chats with my friends in other colleges, and organise events and days out with others. I have 5 of my favourite numbers as half price, so I save a lot. =D
IM: My most used of all the communication methods, I use it regularly, almost every day. I can send a recieve songs from my friends, and I generally have a chat with them. Overall, this is the method I use the most, as it is simple and easy to use, with many updates making it more useful to me than SMS and E-mail (such as offline messaging!)
E-mail: I mainly use it to send my work from school to home and vice versa, and I don't tend to use it for social purposes. I recieve updates for my bebo webpage via e-mail as well, and I sometimes e-mail songs and links to friends.
SMS: I usually use as a kinda IM when I am not at home. I have chats with my friends in other colleges, and organise events and days out with others. I have 5 of my favourite numbers as half price, so I save a lot. =D
IM: My most used of all the communication methods, I use it regularly, almost every day. I can send a recieve songs from my friends, and I generally have a chat with them. Overall, this is the method I use the most, as it is simple and easy to use, with many updates making it more useful to me than SMS and E-mail (such as offline messaging!)
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Mobile Phones
I often use my mobile phone, as many of my friends go to different colleges now, yet we can text eachother to organise what to do at the weekend. It is quick and easy, and due to its portability, I can be contacted and contact someone almost anywhere provided I or they aren't in a "dead spot" (area of little or no reception).
I use my phone everywhere, whether at home or out and about, as it is mine, and if people call me, they know I will be the only one to answer my mobile due to it being my own personal phone. The major disadvantage is that calling and texting people requires credit, and if I run out, I cannot reply to anyone texting me, however I can still recieve calls. I use my phone a huge amount, and as such it fullfills its intended purpose for me.
I use my phone everywhere, whether at home or out and about, as it is mine, and if people call me, they know I will be the only one to answer my mobile due to it being my own personal phone. The major disadvantage is that calling and texting people requires credit, and if I run out, I cannot reply to anyone texting me, however I can still recieve calls. I use my phone a huge amount, and as such it fullfills its intended purpose for me.
I only really have one or two uses for e-mail personally, at that is to send information to myself via e-mail. Usually this is school work, and as a result I use an online e-mail account (windows live e-mail) as it is far easier to access from multiple computers, and allows me to e-mail myself with homework or classwork. I also get sent e-mails every time someone posts something on my own personal website (bebo) so I also use e-mail to keep track of my bebo.
The reasons for this is, due to my e-mail being linked to my Instant Messenger (IM) it is far easier to IM someone than send them an e-mail. Also, due to recent updates, I can now send someone who is offline a messenge via IM, and they will recieve it the next time they sign offline. As such, it has made social and work related e-mails redundant for me.
The reasons for this is, due to my e-mail being linked to my Instant Messenger (IM) it is far easier to IM someone than send them an e-mail. Also, due to recent updates, I can now send someone who is offline a messenge via IM, and they will recieve it the next time they sign offline. As such, it has made social and work related e-mails redundant for me.
Digital Communication vs. Voice communication
Digital communication has changed vastly, with new technology bringing methods such as IM, SMS and e-mail to communicate. How well do these ways of communicating stand up to traditional voice communication though?
Some methods, particularly SMS, use "modern language", which is a shorter way of talking (I.E you shortened to u). This has spread to the other methods as well, and branched off into other forms of text (I.E a commonly used internet language called "Leet language" where letters are replaced with numbers: hello, h3110). These languages vary however, as different people shorten words in different ways, so there is no fixed way of saying a certain word. As a result, it can often be hard to understand a message you recieve, ending up with you spending about half an hour just trying to decifer the message. Voice communication however, is quick at trading information, and is easier if you are having a long conversation with someone, as it is quicker to speak the word, rather than type it out on a 9 button keyboard.
Overall, Digital communication is a better way of do quick, shortfire messages (such as organising where to go with your friends) whereas voice communication is easier if your just looking for a friendly chat or discussion.
Some methods, particularly SMS, use "modern language", which is a shorter way of talking (I.E you shortened to u). This has spread to the other methods as well, and branched off into other forms of text (I.E a commonly used internet language called "Leet language" where letters are replaced with numbers: hello, h3110). These languages vary however, as different people shorten words in different ways, so there is no fixed way of saying a certain word. As a result, it can often be hard to understand a message you recieve, ending up with you spending about half an hour just trying to decifer the message. Voice communication however, is quick at trading information, and is easier if you are having a long conversation with someone, as it is quicker to speak the word, rather than type it out on a 9 button keyboard.
Overall, Digital communication is a better way of do quick, shortfire messages (such as organising where to go with your friends) whereas voice communication is easier if your just looking for a friendly chat or discussion.
Good old days
The programs I would use to replace a paper-based system would be microsoft Excel and access.
These programs can work out sums and formulae in seconds, along with storing huge amounts of information in one place. Excel has a huge variety of calulations at its disposal, with Access having even more. it is easier to organise files on a computer, and as a result of all of the above, has made many jobs redundant. This is because the 2 programs can do calculations faster and easier than any accountant could, and typing is a skill that comes with being IT literate. As a result, people who could grasp ahold of new software easily were employed instead, along with IT assistants to manage the software and hardware, fixing anything wrong with the system, as well as updating it so as it had the latest software at its disposal.
One advantage that the paper-based system has however, is that it cannot be infected with something, deleting al the data it stores. A virtual-based system however will not be damaged over time by things such as age, water damage and the general test of time.
These programs can work out sums and formulae in seconds, along with storing huge amounts of information in one place. Excel has a huge variety of calulations at its disposal, with Access having even more. it is easier to organise files on a computer, and as a result of all of the above, has made many jobs redundant. This is because the 2 programs can do calculations faster and easier than any accountant could, and typing is a skill that comes with being IT literate. As a result, people who could grasp ahold of new software easily were employed instead, along with IT assistants to manage the software and hardware, fixing anything wrong with the system, as well as updating it so as it had the latest software at its disposal.
One advantage that the paper-based system has however, is that it cannot be infected with something, deleting al the data it stores. A virtual-based system however will not be damaged over time by things such as age, water damage and the general test of time.
Monday, 6 October 2008
Ambulance
Websites I used are: http://www.wmas.nhs.uk/
http://www.cs.ucl.ac.uk/staff/A.Finkelstein/las/lascase0.9.pdf
Both ambulance services have benifited greatly from the increase in IT. For one, the equipment added to the vehicle has allowed the ambulance teams to arrive at the situation quickly, and the upgraded equipment for treating injured patients allow them to treat the patient far more effectively, possibly preventing them from needing to go to the hospital, thus saving space.
One of the main disadvantages however, is that if the power failed, all the equipment the ambulance service uses would fail, causing the effectiveness of the service to decrease. However, the increase in IT allows the ambulance to know exactly what is wrong, and how to treat of support the patient before they even arrive.
http://www.cs.ucl.ac.uk/staff/A.Finkelstein/las/lascase0.9.pdf
Both ambulance services have benifited greatly from the increase in IT. For one, the equipment added to the vehicle has allowed the ambulance teams to arrive at the situation quickly, and the upgraded equipment for treating injured patients allow them to treat the patient far more effectively, possibly preventing them from needing to go to the hospital, thus saving space.
One of the main disadvantages however, is that if the power failed, all the equipment the ambulance service uses would fail, causing the effectiveness of the service to decrease. However, the increase in IT allows the ambulance to know exactly what is wrong, and how to treat of support the patient before they even arrive.
Tool man
PDA: He could store notes and dates that he needs to remember, thus eliminating the need to carry countless diaries, along with a rechargable battery (depending on the PDA model) it would save money needed to buy diaries.
GPS: will be incredibly useful, as it will get rid of the "large road atlas and numerous A - Z's" he has in his car, compacting it into a small box mounted on his dashboard. Not only that, but it will automatically plan the route for him, freeing up potientally countless hours sat at home planning out routes to his destination. Depending on the make, it could also provide regular traffic updates, allowing him to avoid the traffic jams. It would however be wise to keep a map in the back just in case of a GPS malfunction.
Laptop: The main function he could use this for is for all the administrative work, also, due to the portability, it can allow him to do some in his van during spare time between clients. It can also be used to backup files for his PDA.
Mobile: As long as he has a hands free kit, it will allow him to call his customers, giving them updates such as whether he will be late due to traffic. It will also allow him to call the emergency services, without him having to run to a pay phone, as long as he isn't in a spot where he can't get any reception. Due to this reason it would also be wise to keep some change on him for a pay phone.
Internet: Look up background information on his clients, along with using it to build his own website, bringing in more business due to the increase in advertisement.
The disadvantages of this however, is the electricity he uses will increase quite a bit, along with the fact he will have to manage certain hardware so as to avoid viruses (e.g PDA, laptop). It is also harder to fix a laptop than it is to recover a torn page.
GPS: will be incredibly useful, as it will get rid of the "large road atlas and numerous A - Z's" he has in his car, compacting it into a small box mounted on his dashboard. Not only that, but it will automatically plan the route for him, freeing up potientally countless hours sat at home planning out routes to his destination. Depending on the make, it could also provide regular traffic updates, allowing him to avoid the traffic jams. It would however be wise to keep a map in the back just in case of a GPS malfunction.
Laptop: The main function he could use this for is for all the administrative work, also, due to the portability, it can allow him to do some in his van during spare time between clients. It can also be used to backup files for his PDA.
Mobile: As long as he has a hands free kit, it will allow him to call his customers, giving them updates such as whether he will be late due to traffic. It will also allow him to call the emergency services, without him having to run to a pay phone, as long as he isn't in a spot where he can't get any reception. Due to this reason it would also be wise to keep some change on him for a pay phone.
Internet: Look up background information on his clients, along with using it to build his own website, bringing in more business due to the increase in advertisement.
The disadvantages of this however, is the electricity he uses will increase quite a bit, along with the fact he will have to manage certain hardware so as to avoid viruses (e.g PDA, laptop). It is also harder to fix a laptop than it is to recover a torn page.
Friday, 3 October 2008
Researching Elearning websites
Below is a list of 5 Elearning websites I choose to examine, in order of their usefullness from best to worst.
1/
2/http://www.leeds.ac.uk/educol/ - This website is essentially a collection of "conference papers, working papers and electronic literature which supports educational research, policy and practice." It has the potential to be incredibly useful, however it is more a support than actual education.
3/
4/
5/
1/
http://www.icslearn.co.uk/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=education_online
2/http://www.leeds.ac.uk/educol/ - This website is essentially a collection of "conference papers, working papers and electronic literature which supports educational research, policy and practice." It has the potential to be incredibly useful, however it is more a support than actual education.
3/
http://www.e-learningcentre.co.uk/eclipse/Resources/contentmgt.htm
A huge collection of learning Objects, some made by the website producers, others made by members.4/
http://www.virtualclassroom.org/
Provides resources to help support students in their education, along with lessons and exams for practicing.5/
http://www.christianeducation.org.uk/
In my opinion, this is a very weak Elearning resource, primarily because of the fact its aimed at only 1 subject, that is, R.E. It is my opinion that Elearning websites become more effective the more subjects they support.Using an Elearning object
Elearning Objects are a very useful way of learning. it can potentially be better than actual learning from presentations, Due too that fact that you can replay, pause, rewind the Learning Object at your whim, so as you can evaluate the part you are struggling with over and over. This could apply to science experiment demos, where you are looking at a Elearning Object of how to do a certain experiment, and need to just replay that little bit because you didn't quite catch it.
The disadvantage to Elearning objects is that it does not have the same experience as being taught it by another person. It is possible to ask an expert a question about the content of the Elearning object, however it would depend on if they were online at the time and willing to answer. Also, people may just enjoy being taught by a teacher more than learning from premade videos, as they are both entirely different experiences.
The disadvantage to Elearning objects is that it does not have the same experience as being taught it by another person. It is possible to ask an expert a question about the content of the Elearning object, however it would depend on if they were online at the time and willing to answer. Also, people may just enjoy being taught by a teacher more than learning from premade videos, as they are both entirely different experiences.
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
Online Entertainment
Online entertainment has become a booming sensation over the last decade or so. It is now possible to play video games with people around the world, watch movies of the internet, radio, TV and other such services.
Online gaming is the most prominent service, with a profit of around $10 billion every year. Successful examples of this are xbox-live, the internet service provided by microsoft for their console the xbox 360. It does however have its drawbacks. the social structure of some of the more popular games have deteriorated, with regular players resorting to bad sportsmanship and racial slurs and frequent insulting of people.
Online gaming is the most prominent service, with a profit of around $10 billion every year. Successful examples of this are xbox-live, the internet service provided by microsoft for their console the xbox 360. It does however have its drawbacks. the social structure of some of the more popular games have deteriorated, with regular players resorting to bad sportsmanship and racial slurs and frequent insulting of people.
Internet downloads
Downloads can come in various different forms. The most common are patches for programs to fix bugs, software, drivers for hardware and media.
I regularly download any of these catagories. I often download media from iTunes, as well as various updates and add-ons for my browser of choice (firefox) such as foxytunes, a add-on that lets me control my music through my browser. I also obtained an update for my xbox just last monday.
Downloadable content does have its drawbacks though. Programs such as Torrent download pieces of the program from different people, allowing for a faster download however, this puts the user at a higher risk of getting a virus, as one might be attached to the piece of data being downloaded. It also allows people to illegally obtain anything they want within reason, such as downloading the new Metallica album Death Magnetic instead of going out to buy it.
Overall, I firmly support downloadable services, as it provides greater access to media, software and other such things.
I regularly download any of these catagories. I often download media from iTunes, as well as various updates and add-ons for my browser of choice (firefox) such as foxytunes, a add-on that lets me control my music through my browser. I also obtained an update for my xbox just last monday.
Downloadable content does have its drawbacks though. Programs such as Torrent download pieces of the program from different people, allowing for a faster download however, this puts the user at a higher risk of getting a virus, as one might be attached to the piece of data being downloaded. It also allows people to illegally obtain anything they want within reason, such as downloading the new Metallica album Death Magnetic instead of going out to buy it.
Overall, I firmly support downloadable services, as it provides greater access to media, software and other such things.
Friday, 26 September 2008
Macromedia virtual learning
I found these lessons to be very dull and boring. All some of them were was text on a page that provided guidance on how to do a certain method in a certain program. They also required you to download the program, which you had to pay for to download. It can however, offer flexibility of when you want to learn that normal traditional learning cannot. However, it would be very hard to get personal help, as there is no one you can just go to and ask for help, instead you have to post a message on a forum, and hope for a reply.
Netfrog evaluation
http://frog.edschool.virginia.edu/Frog1/
Netfrog as a simulation website, wasn't very good. I often found myself getting bored of reading the different steps of dissecting a frog, and the simulation parts where you practised what you learned weren't very engaging of useful, as you could just click randomly and eventually, you would hit the button on the picture. Lastly, it was just kinda confusing the way the website was layed out, for me at least.
Netfrog as a simulation website, wasn't very good. I often found myself getting bored of reading the different steps of dissecting a frog, and the simulation parts where you practised what you learned weren't very engaging of useful, as you could just click randomly and eventually, you would hit the button on the picture. Lastly, it was just kinda confusing the way the website was layed out, for me at least.
Woo!!
Used wiki to do some homework last night... that was fun.
On the 29th I'm getting a new update for the xbox dashboard, and I used msn all night last night, along with xbox live so as I could chat to my friends.
Yay me.
On the 29th I'm getting a new update for the xbox dashboard, and I used msn all night last night, along with xbox live so as I could chat to my friends.
Yay me.
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Making the modern world evaluation
The purpose of this website:
http://www.makingthemodernworld.org.uk/stories/the_age_of_ambivalence/02.ST.04/
Is to inform A-level students of the history of the information age. It does this very successfully, by using a timeline throughout the ages, with subcatagories that split off into further catagories that inform about the various stages the world went through in science and invention to achieve the state it has today.
http://www.makingthemodernworld.org.uk/stories/the_age_of_ambivalence/02.ST.04/
Is to inform A-level students of the history of the information age. It does this very successfully, by using a timeline throughout the ages, with subcatagories that split off into further catagories that inform about the various stages the world went through in science and invention to achieve the state it has today.
Weather!!!
Friday:
Predicted:Cloudy/sunny
Actual: Sunny
Saturday:
Predicted: Sunny
Actual: Sunny
sunday:
Predicted: Sunny
Actual: Sunny
monday:
Predicted: Sunny
Actual: Sunny
Tuesday:
Predicted: Cloudy/sunny
Actual: Sunny
Predicted:Cloudy/sunny
Actual: Sunny
Saturday:
Predicted: Sunny
Actual: Sunny
sunday:
Predicted: Sunny
Actual: Sunny
monday:
Predicted: Sunny
Actual: Sunny
Tuesday:
Predicted: Cloudy/sunny
Actual: Sunny
Update
Earlier this morning I recieded an update for Halo 3 over xbox live, giving me the ability to earn more points. I also checked my e-amil using the internet, as I have a hotmail account.
RawR.
RawR.
Monday, 22 September 2008
Ebay Analysis
Ebay's purpose is primarily to allow people to host their own auctions and sell their own possessions. Its target audience is pretty much anybody and everybody with anything to sell.
Due to the fact that its an auction, people bid using various payment programs (i.e paypal) and when the time is up, the highest bidder wins. Also, an optional choice of the auctioner you can buy now, with a price set by the auctioner and a person can choose to either buy it now, or bid for it.
It is limited due to scamming and such things, however it is entirely the risk of the bidder to bid if they think it is a shady auction. However, the benifits is that chances are, you could find anything on ebay, as it isn't just one supplier providing the items, it is anyone in the world.
Due to the fact that its an auction, people bid using various payment programs (i.e paypal) and when the time is up, the highest bidder wins. Also, an optional choice of the auctioner you can buy now, with a price set by the auctioner and a person can choose to either buy it now, or bid for it.
It is limited due to scamming and such things, however it is entirely the risk of the bidder to bid if they think it is a shady auction. However, the benifits is that chances are, you could find anything on ebay, as it isn't just one supplier providing the items, it is anyone in the world.
Friday, 19 September 2008
Tottenham Route planning
It is far easier to plan a route to Totttenham Court Road for car, as there are many automatic route planners. The one I used was this:
http://www.theaa.com/travelwatch/inc/planner_places_redirect.jsp?showMap=true
It also provides estimates for the route, such as time it will take and provides distance travelled along with an image providing the route for you to take. There was no need to input any information other than the destination and where I was planning to travel from. ( Tottenham Court Road, Gosport)
Planning a rotue by rail however was more difficult, as I had to use multiple sources compared to only one which I used to plan it by car. These sources are as follows:
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&q=map+of+london&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&resnum=1&ct=title
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/system/galleries/download/print_maps/LondonAndSouthEast.pdf
however I have not been able to find price or times.
http://www.theaa.com/travelwatch/inc/planner_places_redirect.jsp?showMap=true
It also provides estimates for the route, such as time it will take and provides distance travelled along with an image providing the route for you to take. There was no need to input any information other than the destination and where I was planning to travel from. ( Tottenham Court Road, Gosport)
Planning a rotue by rail however was more difficult, as I had to use multiple sources compared to only one which I used to plan it by car. These sources are as follows:
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&q=map+of+london&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&resnum=1&ct=title
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/system/galleries/download/print_maps/LondonAndSouthEast.pdf
however I have not been able to find price or times.
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
Reflections on Usenet newsgroups
I found Usenet groups not very useful as I struggled to find a relevant group that related to "the digital divide".
There is an upside though, that if you can find a page relevant, then the information is very solid, and any mistakes are usually corrected by other posters. However, despite all this many newsgroups are based on opinions, an example of this being one critising various political figures about their pushing for the advancement of the digital divide.
S.E. Andreson says "'Digital divide' affects school success Kids with home computers more likely to graduate".
This information was obtained at http://groups.google.co.uk/group/bnyee/browse_thread/thread/3765d0d21422b571/8b84d0414107fa3b?hl=en&lnk=gst&q=digital+divide#8b84d0414107fa3b
There is an upside though, that if you can find a page relevant, then the information is very solid, and any mistakes are usually corrected by other posters. However, despite all this many newsgroups are based on opinions, an example of this being one critising various political figures about their pushing for the advancement of the digital divide.
S.E. Andreson says "'Digital divide' affects school success Kids with home computers more likely to graduate".
This information was obtained at http://groups.google.co.uk/group/bnyee/browse_thread/thread/3765d0d21422b571/8b84d0414107fa3b?hl=en&lnk=gst&q=digital+divide#8b84d0414107fa3b
Sunday, 14 September 2008
IT homework
E-mail (electronic mail) is a way of storing and forwarding messages of any type via an electronic communications system e.g the internet. It can be used to send a variety of messages, such as “bulk”, “spam” however filters now exist to block certain types of e-mail, mainly spam. Internet e-mail is based on SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) to network systems and mainframes, personal computers or the internet, and is widely used on public networks.
Friday, 12 September 2008
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