lecarnes's Weblog

Chapter 9 Lab

lecarnes — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 02:41:03 +0000

	Web Designer	Software Engineer	Educational Technology Support Specialist
Interest	Designing web pages would be a good way to use skills and creativity for new projects.	I would be interested in making educational, standards, based games for students to practice skills.	This would an interesting career that would blend my teaching and technology interests.
Job Posting	Careerbuilder.com	Monster.com	Careerbuilder.com
Skills	Knowledge of HTML, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Office and Javascript	CMMI, ISO-9001, ITIL, Six Sigma	Office, teleconferencing, multimedia, leadership and training experience
Experience	Bachelor’s Degree and 7 years on the job experience	Master’s Degree or higher and 5 years on the job experience	Associate’s Degree and 4 years of classroom technology experience
Salary	$34,000+	$70,000+	$32,500
Typical Day	Create and maintain web pages, write content from a marketing standpoint	Develop software systems and research and develop new programs	Develop and present professional development and instructional technology sessions

Chapter 9 Discussion

lecarnes — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:34:50 +0000

Some major milestones in computing history that have affected the way we use computers today were the development of microprocessors over transistors and vacuum tubes. This change helped computers be faster, cheaper and smaller. Graphical user interfaces also helped spur interest and increase usability of the computer for common users. The opening of the Internet also helped to entice people to explore the world through computers. Recent popularity of streaming media and social networking is changing how we interact with others in work and entertainment environments. People are no longer limited by geography when communicating. The drastic reduction in cost of computers has also had an effect on the increased computer use and popularity. The first Apple Macintosh sold for a little over $2400 and today you can purchase a decent home machine for less than $600. More people from various walks of life can afford to own a computer.

The rapid growth of computer and IT industries in the last twenty years has fueled exponential growth in the economy of the United States, as worldwide consumers spend approximately $1 trillion on information technology each year. As many positions in manufacturing continue to move to other countries IT and computer industries based in America have helped a sagging financial economy. The growth reflects the world’s interest in computer use and some argue that this leads to a dilution of world culture. Others contend that cultural values questioning isn’t caused by increased computer use but by individuals learning and ever changing viewpoints. Should we stop the flow of information or limit computer use because it interferes with the status quo of a country or culture? This may be a case where ignorance is not bliss.

	Working Conditions	Education	Salary	Social Status
Medicine(doctor, general practice)	Practice in office or hospital setting, various shifts and regional areas	Master’s degree plus residency term (3-8 additional years)	Median of $130,000+	Very prestigious
Law (attorney)	Many are self employed and work in offices, courtrooms, and branches of government	Bachelor’s plus three years of law school	Median of $102,470	Prestigious
Teaching	Employed in elementary, secondary and higher education fields	Bachelor’s through Doctorate depending on position	Median of $43,580	Prestigious
Computer Software Engineers	Private businesses or companies	Bachelor’s through Master’s depending upon position, some on the job experience	Median of $79,780	Average/Neutral

I am interested in furthering my knowledge in the IT and computing field in order to become more valuable in my career field. Teachers that have computer knowledge and skills are in high demand in the dwindling educational job market and I feel like this will set me apart from other candidates.

Chapter 8 Lab

lecarnes — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 04:28:38 +0000

Before

After, I’m on the right. I know that the secret service agents have to make more than teachers, right?

Seriously though you can do A LOT with CGI!

One of my favorite movie series is a very good example of how special effects can enhance a movie. Years ago I read “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”. I read it not really expecting to enjoy it but to check it out before I put it on my classroom book shelf for students to read. I became instantly addicted to the books and movies.

Many Harry Potter movie elements are created through the use of a green screen. All of the flying scenes throughout all 5 previously released films have used a green screen and then edited with CGI. It is really quite amazing to watch so many scenes from the book come to life before your eyes with the help of computer animation and editing. I really can’t imagine the movie being as successful without the flying element. Like many other films fight scenes are filmed in front of green screens and then edited and enhanced to appear more dangerous.

There are many examples of morphing special animation effects when the characters change forms from human to animal (Sirius Black and his werewolf form). Morphing also is used to show the transformation of characters who are effected by spells or potions in the movie. Morphing allows the viewer a step-by-step visual of the change process. It really gives the effect of the action unfolding right before the viewers eyes.

The movies host computer generated creatures such as Kreacher and Dobby, mythical centaurs and giants all which are realistic and incredibly detailed. Computer generated characters have changed the fantasy movie industry by unleashing the imaginations of writers and designers both. Also because the films feature minor aged cast members some scenes use computer generated renderings of the youthful actors for safety purposes (especially for pyrotechnic or explosive scenes). These are just a few of the most common elements of computer generate imagery in the Harry Potter movie series. I am very lucky that the books are well written and that the movies are blockbusters so I can use these as excuses as to why I like them both so much!

Chapter 8 Discussion

lecarnes — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 04:40:36 +0000

You break it-you buy it, you look at it-you buy it, you listen to it-you buy it, you download it-you buy it.

Many frugal consumers are upset my limitations imposed by copy protection features on DVD’s, movies, CD’s and software. I haven’t had many personal issues with computers at home but when I worked as a computer lab teacher I know we had an issue about having to re-install software when we upgraded our computers. Due to the way the license agreement (and registration codes ultimately) were written we had to purchase the program for a second time to put on our replacement computers. With funds being a tight for our technology department this caused a real hardship. The software was a year old and it didn’t seem right for the company to essentially get paid twice.

The only issue I have ever encountered was a purchase of MP3 files from Wal-Mart. I had decided to use Wal-Mart over iTunes and was unpleasantly surprised by the limitations. It seems that when you download a song form the Wal-Mart music that you are merely renting that song for a pre-set number of days. After the number of days has expired your song(s) will be erased from your music library. I know when I buy a CD I expect to have it access indefinitely. Not so with this service. I guess this is a case of getting what you pay for.

Chapter 12 Lab

lecarnes — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:42:31 +0000

It would seem that programming is not my strong suit!

NP11 Using a Visual Development Environment

11/13/2008

11:35 PM

76%

Chapter 12 Discussion

lecarnes — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 05:16:41 +0000

I don’t know many people who have not experienced computer frustrations at some point in their life. Due to the nature of my job I work daily with computers and a complex user interface. The most frustrating thing about the software that I use is that I think you have to go through too many different screens to navigate and enter information. For example to view lessons in a student’s daily plan you have to open each subject individually. This is time consuming and not at all efficient. To make this easier for users the daily plan should incorporate information for all subjects and display them on one page. Some programmers probably don’t fully understand the hardships of average users and may inadvertently produce tedious programs. It may be difficult for the master’s to bring the knowledge level down to novice level but they should attempt to make it as simple as possible.

I know that some programs offer consumer feedback features that allow users some input into the functionality of the software. Personally I appreciate the idea of being able to influence change in programs that I use every day. The Computer User’s Bill of Rights plays into the idea of consumers having a say into the usability of products. With software sales becoming more competitive I can see consumer input being a large selling point with some buyers.

Using games, simulations, blogs and wikis are a good way to promote interaction among students. Presenting material and fostering collaboration in a distance education program isn’t always easy. These elements help bring the beneficial elements of a traditional classroom to the virtual learning environment. This gives students the best of both environments. I particularly like simulations to show how to use skills in real life situations.

Chapter 11 Discussion

lecarnes — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 03:38:38 +0000

Below is a table displaying my thoughts about the required information to complete each task listed. I have actually participated in each one of these activities and so the question marks I have placed in the table represents information that I think would be irrelevant. It is better to err on the side of caution and not divulge too much personal information. Something I like to keep in mind is the fact that you can always call a company and ask why the information is needed. It is acceptable for www.southbeachdiet.com to ask your height and weight, but not appropriate for an email account provider to ask for this information. Consider the context in which the information will be used and then decide if you are divulging personal facts.

	Job Application	Doctor Visit	Web Site Subscription	Online Purchase	Opening a Bank Account	Respond to an e-mail	Register for Classes	Setup an email account	Book a trip
Name	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
Address	Required	Required	Ok	Required	Required	ok	Required	Required	Required
e-mail	Required	ok	Required	Required	ok	Required	Required	Required	Required
SS#	Required	Required	?	?	Required	?	Required	?	ok
Credit Card #	?	ok	Ok, if a pay site	Required	ok	?	ok	?	Required
Phone Number	Required	Required	ok	Required	Required	ok	Required	ok	Required
Height	?	Required	ok	?	?	?	?	?	?
Weight	?	Required	ok	?	?	?	?	?	?
Gender	Ok	Required	ok	ok	Required	?	Required	Required	Required
Hobbies	Ok	ok	ok	ok	?	?	?	ok	ok
Medical History	Ok	Required	?	?	?	?	?	?	ok
Employer	Required	Required	?	?	Required	?	Ok	?	?
Spouse’ s Name	?	Required	?	?	Required	?	Ok	?	Ok
Children’s Name	?	ok	?	?	ok	?	?	?	ok

Chapter 10 Discussion

lecarnes — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:10:02 +0000

Organizations can use information systems to help them analyze market data to develop new products, offer new ways to provide the products and/or services. Information systems can also help organizations improve cost effectiveness by automating processes. Organizations can also respond to threats by competitors by analyzing the threat at a managerial level and then attacking that problem from all levels of that organization from corporate all the way down to entry level workers. Well defined positions and division of labor allow employees to specialize and become experts in their field which improves their skills and rapidness of response. Organizations that operate under a clearly defined mission statement have the solidarity of purpose communicated to employees at all levels in the organization. The mission statement unifies the organization’s workers and creates a team or group work environment; there is a common or shared goal.

Information systems are often designed to automate a process or are created in response to a user’s need or want. While both reasons for using an information system can be cost effective and efficient for the organization, this may not be in the best interest of the end user. When information system utilization focuses on the system development life cycle (SDLC) the effects of all aspects of the information system on the user are discovered. Those results can consistently analyzed to determine whether they are meeting the needs of the customers/clients.

There are many instances in which I can think of having difficulties when using a new operating system or program. Just last winter I was faced with learning Office 2007 and I remember how frustrated I became trying to find tools and applications in the newest version of Microsoft. I wondered repeatedly why they had to change everything just when I had gotten the hang of it?! After increasing blood pressure and many visits to the help section of Office, I remembered my school corporation’s subscription to Atomic Learning. This site is usually recommended to incoming middle school students so they may refresh computer skills. I used this site that features step-by-step tutorials and feature demonstrations and it helped me tremendously to see the use and then practice it on my own. I am a very visual and kinesthetic learner. The assistance was provided in the comfort of my own home, in my own home, and was easy to access. It was more helpful then reading a text description in a user manual by far.

If user documentation was used to drive how information systems were designed the overall user experience would improve drastically. I think of this as a type of backward planning by analyzing needs and requirements for end users and then writing a software program that can be utilized by consumers with minimal expertise on the part of the consumer. It may be more difficult for programmers to try to be flexible and innovative when making their system requirements mesh with the expectations and needs of the users. This would be a prime example of the market driving development.

Chapter 6 Lab

lecarnes — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 02:01:35 +0000

I believe in the right to free speech. There is a tricky and delicate line though between protecting free speech and promoting illegal and immoral web content. My perception is that unless the website is harming or promoting detriment of others it should remain uncensored.

As for the censorship of content for children, this should be left up to parents. Parents need to be the guiding supervisor of what their child is allowed to access. Parents should take the initiative to block sites that would be inappropriate for their child. Teach and discuss with your child what is appropriate and your expectations for their web viewing.

Governments both nationally and internationally should not have the right to censor material simply based upon viewpoints that oppose their culture or beliefs. These same governments should be allowed to censor material that targets violence toward ethnic or minority groups of that country. The government is responsible for the freedom and safety of all citizens, no matter those citizens beliefs.

Policing the Internet is a responsibility of all who use it. Web users should report inappropriate material to the service provider. Child pornography, terrorist communication sites and other criminal activity based sites should be left to professional cyber crime investigators to deal with. These professionals are skilled in catching and prosecuting cyber criminals.

It is important to remember that are right to free speech is only protected as long as it does not infringe upon the rights of others.

Web Use

Web use has changed and the way that many people live and communicate today. I can remember my early experiences with the web and signing up for my first email account (hotmail) in 1998. I was in high school and had been looking for scholarships for college and needed to complete some forms online. I was a little leary about trustig that email account to receive my precious news about college funds but I yielded to peer pressure and created an account.

My web use has steadily grown over the years and I now rely on email and other web based tools to conduct personal and professional business. I talk with friends, students, and parents through email on a daily basis. I shop, pay bills, and learn online. When I am offline I feel disconnected and out of the loop. Internet use has become an intergal part of how I communicate and function as a member of society.

Chapter 6 Discussion

lecarnes — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 02:59:52 +0000

Internet Censorship
I believe that the Internet should be a safe and informative tool for all users. I don’t necessarily agree with limiting people’s rights to free speech to ensure that safety since safety is a relative term. I don’t believe that governments should censor or rewrite the news or block websites in order to control what citizens are able to access. By banning internet access governments are trying to stop the flow of western culture from diluting their beliefs.
Privately purchased Internet access should not be censored. Access provided by public providers (such as the library or coffee shops) are subject to the providers terms. This is the same case as AOL choosing to provide a family friendly Internet service. Those who are not happy with AOL’s standard of service are able to choose, and the keyword is CHOOSE because we do have a choice, what service will meet their needs and wants.
I think that AOL, Microsoft and other companies have the right to develop blocking software, I just don’t think it is ethical for countries to purchase this software. People should have free will to choose the content they view within the limits of the law. What we have to realize here in the United States is that our laws are very different and that we enjoy a great many freedoms. Government censorship is the norm for many countries and while we are astounded by this it is not that uncommon.
I am responsible for the content viewed by my own children and by students in my professional career as a teacher. I DO block certain sites that I feel are inappropriate. The school where I work uses a software program (I’m not sure which one) to filter student access also. In the case of minors it is the responsibility of the adult in charge to monitor access and use. I often hear complaints from students that they are able to access sites at home so why not at school? I always respond with the remark that the school pays for that access so they get to decide what we can access.
Internet Myths and Sites
One of my favorite sites used to be Wikipedia until I learned that anyone and everyone can add information to the pages. I know there have been recent changes to the site to control posting of random and incorrect information but some of the posts are just blatantly false. The integrity of the posts has left the site vulnerable to criticism from many web users.
For research I like using the Grolier Online encyclopedia because it is a reliable and valid source of information. The posts, articles, and resources there have been checked by an expert editor for accuracy. This site is easily navigable but it does cost money for a subscription. Wikipedia is free but in this case I think you get what you pay for.