PURCELL, K., & RAINIE, L. (2014,
December 30). Technology's Impact on Workers. Retrieved December 1, 2015, from
http://www.pewinternet.org/files/2014/12/PI_Web25WorkTech_12.30.141.pdf
Pages: 17
Total: 94/150
Typically, the internet has become more of a leisure passer time; however, the age in which this scenario occurs differs. By the time you are 30 years old, you have approached your career. In today's age, communication is key in the workforce. Due to the rapid growth in technology and an effort to conserve and save the earth, the internet has allowed the communication to shift. Not too long ago, I recall receiving all notifications at my job through paper. Subject curriculums were printed and provided to us to be placed in a binder. Today, all events and curriculums are transmitted via the internet. Internet has become one of the most essential elements of the workforce that allows the efficiency of the job to progress!
Perrin, A., & Duggan, M. (2015, June 26). Americans'
Internet Access: 2000-2015. Retrieved November 25, 2015, from
http://www.pewinternet.org/files/2015/06/2015-06-26_internet-usage-across-demographics-discover_FINAL.pdf
Pages: 12
Total: 77/150
Without internet, may tasks can become impossible. Completing a homework assignment, conducting research for a paper, checking available times to a movie, watching streamed movies, the list can on. Internet seems to be a common necessity in many people's lives. As times have progressed, we have seen a rise in percentage. Though most of the findings below were predictable, one surprising number was held by the senior citizens. Though senior citizens lived in an era in which internet was not as popular, slowly they have began to gain interest and determination in keeping up to date with today's innovate-technological sources.
Additional Findings: 1. Older adults have lagged behind younger adults in their adoption, but now
a clear majority (58%) of senior citizens uses the internet.
2. Those who live in households earning more
than $75,000 are more likely to be internet users than those living in households earning less
than $30,000. 3. Today, 78% of blacks and 81% of Hispanics use the internet, compared with 85% of
whites and 97% of English-speaking Asian Americans.
4. Those who live in rural areas are less likely than those in the
suburbs and urban areas to use the internet. Yet, 78% of rural residents are online.
Anderson, M. (2015, October 29). Technology Device Ownership: 2015. Retrieved November 25, 2015, from http://www.pewinternet.org/files/2015/10/PI_2015-10-29_device-ownership_FINAL.pdf
Pages: 26
Total: 65/150
In Summary:
When technology began gaining momentum, everyone wanted to be part of the "elite" group. However, owning technology seemed to have such a high price. Being able to afford specific technology-luxuries was too expensive and often we were left with the illusion of that gaming or musical technological device that everyone owned. As time progressed, prices became more affordable. Eventually, computers became the biggest thing to own and need, but as the saying goes, everything that goes up, eventually must go down. To my amazement, I was definitely shocked when I discovered desktop/laptop have dropped in purchase number (though it seems to have remained steady). So the question becomes, why cell phones and tablets? Why are these devices the only ones to have risen in purchase? The answer is simple.....they can be easily carried with you where you go!!! How often do we see adults AND children thrilled with entertainment provided by these devices. Not to mention how affordable they have become. Daily, we are reminded with how economical they have become through television ads and radio commercials. How can we say no to these simple and cheap entertainments? In conclusion, as much as I love technology, it sometimes saddens me to learn how in today's society adults and children are so consumed by these two devices, that we fail to enjoy the true pleasures and joys of life: each other's company!
Total: 39/150 Conclusion: Over the past years, regardless of age, gender, or race technology has gained momentum. It doesn't matter where you are in the world, it is certain you will stay connected with technology. As I stumbled upon this article, the numbers and percentages were astonishing. Reflecting on my own performances, technology has taken a priority in my daily routine. Whether at work, home, movies, or at restaurant....technology has become my best friend. And everywhere I turn, I see others just like me. What has become of this world, and where will technology lead in the next few years. Are you ready????
Additional Findings:
1. 90% of young adults use social media, compared with 12% in 2005
2. 68% of women and 62% of men report social media usage, a difference that is not statistically significant
3. 76% for those with college or graduate degrees, 70% of those with some college education and 54% for those who have a high school diploma or less
4. 78% of those living in the highest-income households use social media, compared with 56% of those in the lowest-income households
5. In 2005, 6% of African-Americans, 7% of whites and 10% of Hispanics used social networking sites. Today, those figures stand at 56% of African-Americans and 65% of both whites and Hispanics.
6. 58% of rural residents, 68% of suburban residents and 64% of urban residents use social media
Let's explore Instagram."Instagram allows members users to upload, edit and share photos with other members through the Instagram website, email, and social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook,Tumblr, Foursquare and Flickr." Therefore, technology is ultimately all connected and relevant towards each other. Prior to this semester I was skeptical about al these various applications and online exchanges; however, when you are intentional and know exactly how to use it to your ADVANTAGE, it becomes magical. Students today are not growing up with the same technological advances that we were exposed to. It is imperative that we keep up with them. Through Instagram, I was immediately infatuated with the idea of posting updated news of the library. You can make signs, or posters and then be able to upload them on Instagram by taking a picture. You can also be creative and take screenshots of online photos that would dive into the scope of the library. It's a great way to promote the library! And best of all, it was very easy to use. For my Instagram photos I decided to take photos of the covers for the Black Lagoon books, followed by a quote from the book. Excellent way to entice the reader!
Moving on to Vine. "Vine is a video-sharing app. But it’s not just any video-sharing app. It’s designed in a way for you to film short, separate instances so they can be linked together for a total of six seconds. Each short video plays in a continuous loop, and are viewable directly in Twitter’s timeline or embedded into a web page." This application was heard of, but I had never used it before. Though I like the idea of the tool, I found it more difficult to navigate through the settings of the videos. For example, I was determined to incorporate music into my video; however, after much persistence, I decided to leave it for another time. Sadly to say, I was not too happy with my finished product. I decided to explore the internet for answers, "How to incorporate music into a Vine video." Apparently, in order to do so I needed to download additional apps that would download and support the music. I present you with first Vine video. Hope you enjoy! Finally, I leave you with a question? Will you use Instagram and Vine......? If so, how will you assure that the usage will be maximized to the student's learning (as a librarian)?
Have you ever heard of the word screencast? You might have heard of the name, but do you actually know what it means? Well, let's think of this. Have you ever seen an online video with the instructions on how to register for classes, what about instructions on how to login and manipulate online applications, or maybe simply an online video on how to fix your computer that has been bombarded with pop-ups. If you have answered yes to any of these, then you have been "SCREENCASTED!"
A screencast is the "digital recording of computer screen output, also known as a video screen capture." Ultimately, it is a very simple way of recording your movements and navigation through a computer, along with being able to narrate with your computer microphone. Pretty awesome right???
Let's take a closer look at two great sites that provide this awesome ability!
First up, is Screencast O-Matic. I do want to mention before I begin, how both sites provided very easy to use and friendly navigations. With Screencast O-Matic, it allows the ability to use the screen, the webcam or both. Moreover, your video can be up to 15 minutes long. After your recording, you are provided with multiple ways to save and upload your video, which is one of the reasons why this site was my favorite.
Next, we have Jing. Jing was also simple to use and follow. To begin your video, you are prompted to download the program. It's quick and does not take much time. Once you have downloaded the application, you will see the icon on your desktop or on the top corner of your screen. The icon will look very similar to a sun. When you are recording a video, you do have to be very careful that you stay inside the appropriate area. Once you extend your recording screen too far, it will shade darker, indicating it will not be recorded, so be careful! Your video can only be 5 minutes long; therefore, evidently, this is one disadvantage. Finally, after you have recorded your video, uploading will become very tedious because you are only provided with the option of copying the link. As for me I found it difficult to embed. I have provided my link below.
In conclusion, both sites offer a great resource to use in the classroom or library. As an educator, explaining things to children can take several repetitions to fully understand and eliminate errors, but with a screencast, you are empowering the learner. Students can become self directed and take control of their learning pace. Though both sites are free and simple to use, my favorite would have to be Screencast O-Matic, simply because uploading my video was quick and it provided me with multiple options. So what are you waiting for, give it a try and let me know which one you will choose????
