I've recently begun building my online identity in an effort to "brand" myself. This is done to show potential employers and others working in the industry to know who I am and what I do. However, many social-networking sites are being used to connect with friends and share details about people's personal lives.
Especially in the case of facebook, personal and professional identities seem to be merging. Some people only become aware of this when they end up suffering professionally as a result of something they put on facebook.
Because facebook has become entrenched in people's everyday lives, and is spreading it's tentacles across the Internet via "like" buttons and fbconnect, not having a facebook identity means not marketing yourself to one of the worlds largest groups. A professional presence on facebook is necessary, however, facebook is also intended for personal networking as well.
This merging of professional and personal social identities can be dangerous. Too often are people hurt professionally by something they posted "off the clock" so to speak. Think before you post; if potential employers (or current ones for that matter) can see it, you might want to watch yourself.
I do think that facebook can serve this dual purpose, however, I don't believe it can do it in it's current state. Maybe if everyone had separate personal and professional profiles, and could control posts to each, then maybe this problem would be solved.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Google Fiber RFI statistics
Google has updated its Google Fiber for Communities page to include a map showing all communities that submitted an RFI or nomination. Surprisingly, hundreds of governments across the country responded.
One sentence on this page stands out. "If one message has come through loud and clear, it's this: people across the country are hungry for better and faster Internet access." In looking at the map, the response from local governments is enormous. If anything, it shows that government is "hungry for better and faster Internet access" as well. If this is truly the case, why is our infrastructure lagging so far behind other nations when our governments are apparently interested in an improvement?
Regardless of which communities Google chooses for this initiative, it is my hope that communities across the nation are inspired to improve their network infrastructure and get this country up to speed.
One sentence on this page stands out. "If one message has come through loud and clear, it's this: people across the country are hungry for better and faster Internet access." In looking at the map, the response from local governments is enormous. If anything, it shows that government is "hungry for better and faster Internet access" as well. If this is truly the case, why is our infrastructure lagging so far behind other nations when our governments are apparently interested in an improvement?
Regardless of which communities Google chooses for this initiative, it is my hope that communities across the nation are inspired to improve their network infrastructure and get this country up to speed.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Augmented Reality explained, it's future, and how we can make it happen
I've talked a bit about the potential benefits of augmented reality before. I found a video last week that I would like to share, which offers a simple explanation of what augmented reality is, how it works, and how it could be in the future.
http://www.commoncraft.com/augmented-reality-video
This video even points out the potential of augmented reality as a shopping aid, almost exactly as I imagined it and explained in a previous entry. All of this is possible and potentially very useful.
However, there are some things that need to happen before augmented reality can become a part of our everyday lives. First, hardware devices need to have certain capabilities such as GPS, camera, Wi-Fi or 4G, and sufficient memory. Second, a set of standards will need to be developed to ensure interoperability among devices, browsers, and content providers. Third, organizations will likely need to be created that will manage content in different areas. Finally, a fast and reliable network will need to be available in all areas that wish to take advantage of everything augmented reality has to offer.
I'm currently working on a presentation that will cover these points and others, so look for it to be posted in a couple of weeks.
http://www.commoncraft.com/augmented-reality-video
This video even points out the potential of augmented reality as a shopping aid, almost exactly as I imagined it and explained in a previous entry. All of this is possible and potentially very useful.
However, there are some things that need to happen before augmented reality can become a part of our everyday lives. First, hardware devices need to have certain capabilities such as GPS, camera, Wi-Fi or 4G, and sufficient memory. Second, a set of standards will need to be developed to ensure interoperability among devices, browsers, and content providers. Third, organizations will likely need to be created that will manage content in different areas. Finally, a fast and reliable network will need to be available in all areas that wish to take advantage of everything augmented reality has to offer.
I'm currently working on a presentation that will cover these points and others, so look for it to be posted in a couple of weeks.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Municipal Wi-Fi May Now be More Important Than Ever
Municipal Wi-fi has been seen, in general, as a failure. This is due to many underlying factors as discussed in this 2007 Slate article. As cities struggle with the concept of free/cheap internet access for all, telco's and cableco's continue to tighten their grip on consumers.
In September 2007, when the article I linked to above was published and a point in time where several cities had tried and failed to implement Wi-Fi networks, Social media was in it's infancy, the iPhone was only 3 months old, and mobility was hardly a concern for most daily cell phone users. Now, we're on the verge of smartphone use surpassing feature phones (phones with a few features such as web, email, and games), Facebook and Twitter are among the most popular sites on the Internet, and location based services such as Foursquare are gaining popularity. Currently, 50% of smartphone users are connecting to wi-fi networks, presumably to avoid outrageous data charges on their 3G data plans.
These factors provide significant evidence that people are craving a 24/7 connection to social media and the Internet and would greatly benefit from having access to a free or low-cost, high-speed data network.
In September 2007, when the article I linked to above was published and a point in time where several cities had tried and failed to implement Wi-Fi networks, Social media was in it's infancy, the iPhone was only 3 months old, and mobility was hardly a concern for most daily cell phone users. Now, we're on the verge of smartphone use surpassing feature phones (phones with a few features such as web, email, and games), Facebook and Twitter are among the most popular sites on the Internet, and location based services such as Foursquare are gaining popularity. Currently, 50% of smartphone users are connecting to wi-fi networks, presumably to avoid outrageous data charges on their 3G data plans.
These factors provide significant evidence that people are craving a 24/7 connection to social media and the Internet and would greatly benefit from having access to a free or low-cost, high-speed data network.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
We could all be like RoboCop
If you've seen the movie RoboCop, you may recall the futuristic heads-up display that his helmet uses to provide useful information. It works by gathering information and displaying it on top of live video in real-time. Sounds pretty neat huh? Well this is actually possible today through what is known as augmented reality.
Augmented reality is a real-time view of physical, real-world elements that are enhanced or changed by computer-generated content. Imagine being able to walk down a street and receive real-time information regarding local shops and restaurants, or driving on a highway and being notified of accidents, congestion, or construction. All of this is possible with augmented reality.
I went to the mall last weekend in search of a pair of polarized sunglasses. I went to several of the department stores and rummaged through the displays without ever finding a pair. I then went to the mall directory to locate the sunglass kiosk. After finding the kiosk I browsed their collection (keep in mind that there is absolutely no information regarding any sunglasses except for a small, usually concealed, price tag. I had to talk to the store clerk to gain any information on the various glasses. After over an hour of searching, I had found a pair of polarized sunglasses; only to find they were way out of my price range.
As I was leaving the mall, I was thinking about how my search could have been easier if there had only been an interactive information system available to help me track down those glasses.
Imagine being able to walk into a mall, pull out your smart phone, tap a few buttons, and be directed directly to a merchant that sells exactly what you're looking for. I shouldn't have to find a mall directory; it should be right there on my phone. I shouldn't have to go to several different stores in search of a particular product; an information system should allow me to tell it what I'm looking for, and point out exactly what stores sell it. Once I get to the store, I shouldn't have to browse through the entire inventory, wait on a clerk, or dig through informational pamphlets or catalogs; I should be able to pull out my phone and have all relevant information appear next to each pair of glasses.
Being able to do something like this would have a huge positive impact on the consumer experience. If Circle Centre mall had access to this kind of technology, more people would come to the city to shop. Get to it Indy!
Augmented reality is a real-time view of physical, real-world elements that are enhanced or changed by computer-generated content. Imagine being able to walk down a street and receive real-time information regarding local shops and restaurants, or driving on a highway and being notified of accidents, congestion, or construction. All of this is possible with augmented reality.
I went to the mall last weekend in search of a pair of polarized sunglasses. I went to several of the department stores and rummaged through the displays without ever finding a pair. I then went to the mall directory to locate the sunglass kiosk. After finding the kiosk I browsed their collection (keep in mind that there is absolutely no information regarding any sunglasses except for a small, usually concealed, price tag. I had to talk to the store clerk to gain any information on the various glasses. After over an hour of searching, I had found a pair of polarized sunglasses; only to find they were way out of my price range.
As I was leaving the mall, I was thinking about how my search could have been easier if there had only been an interactive information system available to help me track down those glasses.
Imagine being able to walk into a mall, pull out your smart phone, tap a few buttons, and be directed directly to a merchant that sells exactly what you're looking for. I shouldn't have to find a mall directory; it should be right there on my phone. I shouldn't have to go to several different stores in search of a particular product; an information system should allow me to tell it what I'm looking for, and point out exactly what stores sell it. Once I get to the store, I shouldn't have to browse through the entire inventory, wait on a clerk, or dig through informational pamphlets or catalogs; I should be able to pull out my phone and have all relevant information appear next to each pair of glasses.
Being able to do something like this would have a huge positive impact on the consumer experience. If Circle Centre mall had access to this kind of technology, more people would come to the city to shop. Get to it Indy!
Monday, March 15, 2010
"I'm sitting on the patio" - Assumptions Regarding Social Media
Why is it that anytime I talk about social media to someone, they think MySpace or Facebook? Why is it when I mention Twitter, they think of meaningless status updates like "I'm having chicken for dinner" or "My favorite show is on TV"? The majority of people I run into seem to have the wrong idea about social media.
At least 75% of Facebook posts are seemingly meaningless updates and most seem to be about growing virtual vegetables or feeding virtual fish. Facebook has the potential to be so much more. Some people have realized this and are using it as a tool to organize events and bring people together who share similar interests or philosophies.
I'll admit that when I first heard about Twitter, I was not at all impressed because all I ever saw was those meaningless status updates. You've probably seen the Verizon ad for which this post is named; that's the attitude I've found most people have taken regarding Twitter. After signing up and playing around, I've found that there are actually a lot of interesting people with useful, meaningful things to share.
By leveraging the power of two of the most popular social media sites, a person can be connected and informed in ways never before possible. They can use these services as a platform to reach out to local or distant communities, share ideas, learn, and grow.
Don't dismiss social media as a distraction or a waste of time.
At least 75% of Facebook posts are seemingly meaningless updates and most seem to be about growing virtual vegetables or feeding virtual fish. Facebook has the potential to be so much more. Some people have realized this and are using it as a tool to organize events and bring people together who share similar interests or philosophies.
I'll admit that when I first heard about Twitter, I was not at all impressed because all I ever saw was those meaningless status updates. You've probably seen the Verizon ad for which this post is named; that's the attitude I've found most people have taken regarding Twitter. After signing up and playing around, I've found that there are actually a lot of interesting people with useful, meaningful things to share.
By leveraging the power of two of the most popular social media sites, a person can be connected and informed in ways never before possible. They can use these services as a platform to reach out to local or distant communities, share ideas, learn, and grow.
Don't dismiss social media as a distraction or a waste of time.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Social Media and Technology for Education
It's no secret that social media is a platform to share ideas and viewpoints with the world, but can it be used to reinforce what students learn and do in the classroom? I certainly think so.
Information and Ideas are abundant. Students currently use the Internet to gain information and knowledge on a wide variety of topics. Their research however, is usually limited to static documents from a select list of acceptable websites. The web has become such a fluid entity, constantly changing and growing. Sites where anyone can offer their insights and opinions on anything, can be a huge resource for information.
However, as the Internet has often been described as the "Wild West" with no control or regulation, schools, by law, filter content and restrict access to the Internet. Recently, social media has become a problem in schools. Students are found spending a great deal of time on such sites, often when they're supposed to be doing schoolwork.
I believe rather than outright blocking access to social media sites, we should be instructing students on appropriate use of such sites, while at the same time using these sites as an educational tool, to reinforce and expand upon classroom materials.
I've recently found a couple of articles that discuss this topic and found them to be quite interesting. Give them a read if you've got the time.
Links
Social networks Form k12 learning
Social networking in schools incentives for participation
Information and Ideas are abundant. Students currently use the Internet to gain information and knowledge on a wide variety of topics. Their research however, is usually limited to static documents from a select list of acceptable websites. The web has become such a fluid entity, constantly changing and growing. Sites where anyone can offer their insights and opinions on anything, can be a huge resource for information.
However, as the Internet has often been described as the "Wild West" with no control or regulation, schools, by law, filter content and restrict access to the Internet. Recently, social media has become a problem in schools. Students are found spending a great deal of time on such sites, often when they're supposed to be doing schoolwork.
I believe rather than outright blocking access to social media sites, we should be instructing students on appropriate use of such sites, while at the same time using these sites as an educational tool, to reinforce and expand upon classroom materials.
I've recently found a couple of articles that discuss this topic and found them to be quite interesting. Give them a read if you've got the time.
Links
Social networks Form k12 learning
Social networking in schools incentives for participation
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)