Video.

Okay, I lied. One more post. I went through my posts and realized the video never uploaded into my slidecast. It is uploaded to Youtube and my video on the history of TOMS can be featured here.

I tried uploading it again on Blackboard but the link is no longer available to resend. I have no idea how it didn't go through the first time so I hope this can still be taken into account.

Tie it with a bow... cause this class is wrapped.

I have a difficult time teaching myself how to create a website, especially when I know it can be used for future employers. I did a bit of editing, added a new picture, as well as add more information about my past work experience and about myself. The final e-portfolio can be viewed here.

As far as the class as a whole, there were parts I truly enjoyed. I did my senior comprehensive project on social networking, so when we focused on Twitter, Linked In and Facebook as ways of communicating, I was all ears. I was excited to learn new information about these sites as well as how these sites will change and develop as the years go on. When it came time to creating our own projects using websites such as Screentoaster as well as Slideshare, I found myself completely and utterly lost. I am a visual learner but learning from a tutorial I found does not always help. A more interactive learning environment would have been more stable for my learning style.

I am thankful for the sites and applications we explored further, such as Picnik, as well as Slideshare. It gave me more of an opportunity to learn about the history of TOMS Shoes which I chose as my semester long research project. I would love to work for that company one day, and if I do, I will have some bonus information to share with them when that day comes.

I also became a fan of searching for various blogs through Holy Kaw. For those of you who have not given it a go, please check it out. There is a blog for every person out there, based on your favorite topics, as well as the most absurd topics. Maybe one day, with our gained knowledge on Web 2.0 from Web Communication, we will all have a website featured on Holy Kaw. ... One can only dream.

Overall I enjoyed my time spent in Web Communication and look forward to all the updates technology will bring to my world in the years to come.

That's a wrap.

iPads.

A few weeks ago my dad came up to campus for a visit. He was telling me about a recent business trip to California and it was on his trip where he jaunted to the Apple Store of South Coast Plaza. He had the opportunity to play around with the iPad and quickly became infatuated with the latest tool. When he told me this I knew there was no turning back. My father had made up his mind and my family would soon become proud owners of an iPad. He loves having new technology and letting the rest of the family members figure it out and enjoy it.

After having the iPad for two weeks, my younger brother has taken it over. He loves any piece of new technology. He always keeps up on his research, especially when it comes to tools and technology that truly captures his interest. He uses the iPad to go on the internet, especially when the home desk top computer is taken by another family member.

As simple a piece of technology the iPad is, it will take a while for the rest of society to catch on to the device. Because it is fairly new, it is extremely expensive. Not many individuals want to shell out $500 for a piece of technology that is less than two months old. People are skeptical about their technology but once they hear reviews and wait a while for the price to go down, it will catch on like the iPod did or the Macbook. Individuals take longer to feel comfortable when it comes to Mac products. I remember in November 2004 my family received our first iPod (another one of my father's spontaneous purchases). For Christmas that year it was the gift everyone and their mother received underneath the Christmas tree.

As far as my brush with this latest piece of technology, it has yet to happen. I am weeks away from getting addicted to playing with the iPad. I already know myself. It is weeks away from graduation and I find myself excited and sad to go home. I don't know if it's exciting or sad to finally get my hands on that iPad!? How can something so simple make me so obsessed?

Person of the Year -- 2006

We recently read an article from Time Magazine about their 2006 Person of the Year. When I found out I (and you, and your friends) were named the "Person of the Year" I was intrigued. How could this be? How did I go four years without knowing of this honor? (I mean, who doesn't like being recognized or honored?)

I found it interesting that Time Magazine chose 2006 as the year to give recognition to the individuals using web 2.0 as a second nature. I feel that I know more about web 2.0 in the year 2010 than I did in 2006. My education has furthered, as have my reasoning and ways for why I use the internet. Granted I was in high school when I had my first blogging experience but it did not last long. In 2008 I took a Political Communication course that relied heavily on blogging. In 2010 I am involved in two classes that rely on blogging, as well as interactions on a class wiki site, Second Life, podcasting and screencasting. If you asked me in 2006 what these configurations were, I would probably have no idea what it meant to podcast.

Personally, I feel Time Magazine gave this award to the general public too early. In 2010 we are much more advanced than we were at the end of 2006. At the same time, I understand we continually change along with technology. In 2006 we could never have imagined technologies such as the iPad or the popularity of creating and subscribing to podcasts by 2010. This leads me to ask one question: because we as a society are continually advancing with technology, should we continue to get "Person of the Year" awards every few years because we continue to one-up ourselves?

TOMS Shoes podcast

The time has come. Officially. My first podcast is up and ready for the world to learn about TOMS Shoes. My podcast is a day late due to my computer having difficulties uploading the audio (yet again).

The whole experience was one for the books. Many steps were included in making this podcast, such as research on the company, researching songs from Creative Commons, finding pictures, and giving the presentation my own twist. I chose pictures that captured Blake's essence and kind spirit, which is bright and inviting. The pictures with children and Blake define what it means to buy TOMS Shoes. The emotional appeal shown in the pictures in helping others in need, I hope, inspires others to lend a hand and help others. I truly believe it is our duty to help others. We do not need to buy TOMS Shoes in order to help people but it is one of the many ways we can bring a smile to another's face.

From this podcast I hope I was able to educate individuals who were not aware of the organization. I also hope Blake's journey inspires others to help others who cannot help themselves.

One shoe at a time.

Posting with my Podcast...

My first podcast is complete ... almost?

I am currently attempting to upload my MP3 track onto my Slideshare account. I found the process of podcasting is intriguing but embarrassing. It took some courage to take a breath and start my script. Because it was the first time I did a podcast I was excited to share the history and importance of TOMS Shoes but feel my nervousness might have given a different impression on the subject. I found at times my voice was fast and shaky but towards the end of the script I felt relief and I could hear that in my voice. I look at this chance as the way I view technology. At first I am unsure but once I get the hang of it I feel relief and sad to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I felt very accomplished at the end of the record.

I chose the song "Progress" by Hoax on Creative Commons. I chose this song because I loved the energy of the song. It also connects well with the history and impact of TOMS because it is a fairly new company, having made its first donation in 2006. I also feel the title of this song goes well with how I view technology, more specifically podcasting. I feel discouraged because the website is not allowing any of the girls to upload their podcast at this current time. The podcast has been done for a while but knowing the podcast will not upload when it has been saved multiple times as an MP3 form is annoying. The podcast was completed well before the deadline of 11:59 EST.

As for the process of the slidecast, I used Garageband on Mac to record my podcast. I connected that with the music "Progress" by Hoax from Creative Commons. I then turned my Garageband link into an MP3 file in iTunes. I went to upload the song to my slidecast on slideshare.net but it was not uploading. Because I am not uploading the link right now I will upload it when the site is not shut down. My slideshare can be viewed here.

The World is Flat

After watching Thomas L. Friedman's lecture on "The World is Flat" I have come to realize exactly how far the world has come in producing and transforming technology. When I wake up in the morning I head straight to my computer to catch up on e-mails and messages on Facebook. I am able to do this because of the browser, which Friedman states, brought the internet to life. We as web users have the ability to choose what we want to search and publish on the internet because we have an internet browser. I currently opened up the Firefox browser to log onto Blogger.com to write this post. Browsers also give us the option to tag various websites, deeming them "favorites". The internet is all about making it your own. It is about making it what interests you and how the internet will best serve your work and leisure abilities.

Friedman states "global economic playing field is being leveled and you Americans are not ready". WHAT? This quotation has me dumbfounded. Every time I turn on the television I see MAC coming out with the latest invention, whether it be an iPad or an updated version of the computer or the iPod. New updates and inventions are shown to the American public on a daily basis. The only thing I can think of that would make sense in regards to Friedman's statement is that the technologies are constantly changing and Americans are not ready because every time a new technology emerges Americans are just getting used to the "old" technology.

With the Digital Natives, such as myself and the individuals younger than me, we find ourselves adapting every day. We see our favorite browser needs updating and we download the latest version. It will finish downloading and look different, therefore we must adapt to the changes being set in front of us. We learn by example but also by spending a good portion of our time on the internet and the computer for class work. Classes have adapted their learning patterns as well giving the students more work on the internet and computers rather than with a pen, pencil and a piece of paper. Computer work is more interactive, especially with the amount of programs individuals can join and use for collaboration.

So when I log off this site and log off my browser, I know the latest edition will soon enough pop up looking for a download. I'll be ready to click and allow because I am ready to adapt.

Barefoot at Heart (Script for Podcast for TOMS Shoes)

We may not think about how much shoes have impacted our lives. For many of us, picking out a pair of shoes and walking out the door is a daily routine. Blake Mycoskie felt differently. While participating on The Amazing Race Blake befriended young Argentinean children. He was concerned when he saw these children did not have any shoes protecting their feet. Blake wanted to help these children in anyway that he could. He decided to formulate TOMS Shoes in May 2006 with the intention that for every pair of shoes a customer buys, TOMS Shoes will give an underprivileged child a pair of shoes.

Blake’s idea may have been seen as extreme at the time, but less than a year later he returned to Argentina. For this trip he was accompanied by a group of TOMS employees and ten thousand pairs of shoes. Keeping true to his promise, the TOMS organization has sent over four hundred thousand shoes to needy children all over the world. These donated TOMS are delivered by Blake and fellow TOMS employees.

On April 8th of this year TOMS is sponsoring “A Day without Shoes” event. Colleges and universities around the country are promoting this advocacy day for individuals who do not own a pair of shoes. Individuals do not realize how much we rely on shoes for protection from scrapes, infections and bacteria. The 851 listed “A Day without Shoes” events are taking place to show how much shoes benefit our daily lives and health.

By participating in one of these walks or purchasing a pair of TOMS Shoes your action will benefit someone who cannot benefit themselves. We can each make a difference, one shoe… and one day at a time.

Casting into fresh waters... Caught up with podcasting

iTunes is one of the most used programs on my computer. On the left side of the iTunes program gives links to Music, Movies, TV Shows, Podcasts, iTunes U (which features radio stations and podcasts from various colleges and universities) and Radio. I decided to research what made up a podcast. I found out podcasts are more like radio shows without callers. Podcasts can be made up of just about any subject you can dream. iTunes users have the opportunity to subscribe to a wide variety of free podcasts as well as buy a subscription to a podcast that updates regularly.

As an avid watcher of Fox News I decided to listen to a Fox News podcast as one of my first podcasts. It was a five minute podcast in regards to the recent health care debate. Regardless of your politics, the health care debate is a topic that affects everyone. Congressman Eric Canter was interviewed stating a bullet was shot through his window at his Virginia office in hopes of him changing his position on the health care bill.

This podcast was entitled "Latest 5 Minute Newscast" featured on Fox News Radio. It was uploaded on March 25th, 2010. It can be found when searching Fox News Radio on the iTunes podcast channel.

Although I listened to an audio podcast, podcasts can also be found with video. I decided to listen to the podcast thinking it would be similar to the radio but I found myself annoyed listening to "talk radio". I much prefer watching podcasts because I am a visual learner. Because I found interests in the various podcasts, I can see myself utilizing this free and helpful opportunity found on iTunes.

Barefoot with an open heart: The Impact of TOMS Shoes

After researching TOMS Shoes, I have fallen even more in love with this company. The colorful images are eye-capturing in and of itself but the meanings behind the pictures are what mean the most. The promise TOMS makes to its customers is that for every pair of shoes they buy TOMS will give a pair of shoes to someone in need. Individuals are willing to spend money on TOMS because they know their money is going to a cause.

For the slideshow, I organized my ideas on the impact of TOMS shoes with a flowchart. I want to express the history of TOMS shoes along with how the general public have felt the impact of TOMS and how TOMS has impacted them to give back to their communities. I was able to retrieve my images for TOMS on their website, blogs about TOMS shoes, and a Google image search. On the last slide, I Picnik.com a photo of my friend wearing basic TOMS shoes. I also included an image of my two childhood best friends with their arms around one another's shoulders. In my narration I will address the issue of working together for a common goal: to help others. Individuals know they are helping others when they buy a pair of shoes because somebody will be getting a pair of shoes because of their purchase of TOMS shoes.

Looking back on this half of the project, it was difficult to find a variety of images trying to relay the impact of TOMS. All of the images I came across were single images of the shoes or the founder with a group of underprivileged individuals who just received their TOMS shoes. Although these images relay the message to which I am aiming, I do not want the audience to feel bored or uninspired by the message of TOMS.

In my narration I will explain why I chose each picture and the meaning each photo holds in relaying the impact of TOMS shoes on the general public as well as their loyal customers. I want those who are not familiar with TOMS shoes to feel inspired by their message. I want TOMS shoes customers to watch this presentation and continue to feel inspired and strengthen their loyalty to the company.

Going with the flow (chart)

I can't remember the last time I made a flow chart. I never take the time to map out large projects because often times I feel overwhelmed at the thought of how much planning goes into putting a project together. I normally just begin and end the project on my own time. I look at charts and graphs as a way to complicate the task if a decent amount of time between planning and beginning a project is given. Although the third project requires a flow chart, I did not find the task daunting. The thought of having an organizational tool made far enough in advance does not make me anxious but excited to see where and how the final production of TOMS Shoes will conclude. With the help of Lovelycharts.com I was able to put together a flow chart organizing my project on TOMS Shoes.

The flow chart is a preliminary way to organize my thoughts in how I want to present the history and importance with TOMS Shoes. One of the most important things in expressing interest in a company is knowing your information. Through this presentation I hope to have a better grasp on the history of TOMS Shoes. Through adding images and connections to the audience the presentation has the chance to reach a variety of emotions and interests to the general audience.

TOMS shoes

I recently applied for an internship with TOMS shoes. I really like TOMS shoes because the company promises for every pair of shoes a consumer purchases the company will send a pair of shoes to an individual in need in an underdeveloped country. I did prior work with donating shoes in high school and feel connected to the company’s message of working with others in need. I am always interested in companies and organizations who donate to underprivileged individuals.

For the third project here is my F.A.T.P. on the organization of TOMS Shoes.

F- For the form I want to present the history of TOMS in a slideshow, showing pictures and texts how the generosity of TOMS is shown throughout the world. The more visuals shown, the more effective the presentation will be to those who are not familiar with the organization.

A- The audience will consist of individuals who are interested in helping others through the purchase of TOMS shoes, as well as individuals who are interested in fashion. The shoes can be casual or fancy depending on how they are paired in individuals’ outfits. The company will also be part of the audience for how to connect with the overall public. Depending on where the video is shown the audience will either expand in knowledge or expand in numbers.

T- The topic for this presentation is the history of TOMS.

P- The purpose for this presentation is to inform others on the history of TOMS. For those who are unfamiliar with the work that TOMS does towards underdeveloped countries and its patrons. For those who are familiar with TOMS, the project will still be informative because it will act as a reinstatement of why the patrons continue to buy and support TOMS shoes.

Fall into the ... Brand.

As a senior in college, I have seen many powerpoints in my day. Powerpoints should not be used as a crutch for the presenter. They are an accessory to your presentation, the icing on the cake. Powerpoints are used to enhance the material being presented not put a damper on the presentation.
Think: Viva la bam!... not viva la boredom.

Being a Communications major, it is most important to appeal to yourself as well as your audience. The presentation consists of two aspects: the verbal and the visual. Perk up your voice and it immediately perks up the presentation. You need to amp up your presentation so the two correlate with one another. Strong use of visuals grabs the attention of the audience and keeps them focused on the message of the presentation.


One downside to this powerpoint was the amount of slides (170!). Although I was overwhelmed when I saw how many slides the presentation had, the more into the presentation I got I became wrapped up on their use of visuals and information the number did not matter. I was captured into learning about the brand world.

It can be overwhelming with more than 20 slides in a presentation. If you must add more slides than around 20, know it is perfectly acceptable to add slides with one or two visuals (if relevant to the topic at hand). Relevant tangents that come from these visuals are always welcome and give the audience more of an opportunity to connect with their audience and you, the presenter.

Keep your slides simple when it comes to adding visuals and texts. Have a few sentences or bullet points. Have confidence in elaborating off your main points. It is important to remind yourself if you are the one giving the presentation, you are the one in the room who knows this information the most. You have been the one doing the research and organizing the findings. You know the information so OWN your topic.

Varying the amount of slides with visuals and texts keeps the audience captivated with your message. It is important to pick a color scheme for the presentation to match the overall feel of the presentation. Color shows off your personality and the feel for how you want your presentation to be portrayed. For the presentation the presenter chose a black/white/grey color scheme. Using black/white/grey is a very crisp, clean design that coincides with the images used for the presentation.

I also found this helpful article with the top 10 tips and tricks for giving a successful presentation.

A black and white (family) affair

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

I love how every picture holds a different memory. This picture was taken in December of 2007 when I returned home for my second collegiate Christmas break. Ever since we were little, my mom loves putting together a family Christmas card picture with my two brothers, my sister and myself. We were a little silly halfway through our quest to take the perfect picture (an hour later!) when my brothers and I decided to break free of our normal stance and take a picture with the three of us. Nobody in our family thought it was funny but us. To this day is one of the best pictures I have ever taken with these knuckleheads.

After uploading my photos through Picnik, I turned my photo black and white under the "create" tab on the page. I attempted to use the reduce red eye application but found it impossible to make my brothers eyes not red. I love using Picnik to use various applications, such as teeth whitening or various frames to add to your photo. I truly believe every photo looks better in black and white, and because this is my favorite photo of my brothers and I, why not turn it into black and white? Fortunately my mother kept this picture on her digital camera... and chose a shot of the entire family as our Christmas card photo for that year.

Are you a Facebook user? Picnik also has an application on Facebook which makes it easier to change, crop and edit your photos and upload the photos directly into a Facebook album.

Freeware demonstration

My first screencast is complete! To be honest, it is a very uncomfortable situation listening to one's voice telling others how to use a site, especially when I am not too familiar with the site. For my screencast I gave a basic tutorial on how to create a mind map on FreeMind. FreeMind is a program downloaded through Java onto one's desktop. After you click the FreeMind icon it takes you to a blank page where you are free to roam the site and create your mind map. Mind maps are a unique and organized way of keeping your plans, job experience, or favorite sports teams in order (...just to name a few ways to use the maps!)

FreeMind was very confusing to me. I did not understand the difference between "child node" and "sibling node" under the "Insert" tab. I felt the site did not do a decent job of explaining the different tools and left the user confused and frustrated as to how to create the most efficient mind map for his or her personal use.

Aside from my confusion for the site, I did like the icons on the left side of the page. The icons varied from numbers (so the user could list the most important tasks highest to lowest or vice versa) as well as the lightbulb to show good ideas, or the green check or red X to show approval or disapproval. It is a good way to show progress in planning, especially when shared with others, because other individuals have a clean and sufficient way of showing what he or she may have liked or disliked about a specific point in the process.

Just like anything, I am confident my abilities in FreeMind and screencasting will improve with the more time and practice placed into perfecting these tools.

"Creativity always builds on the past"

With the title for this blog, coming from this video, everyone creates ideas. We create these ideas from our thoughts, which in some way or another were influenced based on prior events and situations we have come across in our lives. Because our ideas are influenced from other individuals and events, copyright issues come into play.

Copyrighting sometimes is TOO right. As humans, we are constantly movin' and groovin' ... coming up with ideas and situations that may turn into the next big thing. For some, they want their creativity fully protected. For others, they want to express their ideas to be freely shared in order to give others the opportunity to expand on their creativity with the ideas they come across from others.

It is very protective over all of our creativity and our ideas, which often times may later be turned into a visual piece of art, music or tangible item for the rest of us to enjoy. With Creative Commons, this site gives the creator of an idea to decide the amount of restrictions he or she would like to place on their creativity. Creative Commons is "a nonprofit corporation dedicated to making it easier for others to share and build upon work of others consisted with rules of copyright." When someone joins the site and answers a few questions based on the amount of restrictions he or she wants to place on their idea, it takes away the "no rights reserved" to making it "some rights reserved." It gives others the opportunity to use another's idea while still making the individual with the original thought hold credibility for producing the idea.

Copyleft, as explained on Wikipedia, as a "form of licensing and can be used for modifying copyrights for works such as computer software, documents, music and art." The author surrenders some of the rights held from producing the idea but not every right under copyright law. Creative Commons is an effective tool for protecting and expanding one's creativity all while giving the individual the right to state how much protection they want for their idea. Finally, the type of input you want to know you are guaranteed is heard and respected!

Screentoaster Introduction

Before Web Communication I had never heard of Screentoaster. I have been a Youtube enthusiast for years. With the help of this site I found Screentoaster holds comparable attributes to Youtube. Screentoaster is a site that allows individuals to watch and record videos for individual use. These videos captured and uploaded onto the site vary in their use, much like Youtube, where the individual is given free reign as to what they want to upload to the site.

Individuals who use Screentoaster use it primarily to create and share videos consisting of educational tutorials, demos, training videos and lectures. Screentoaster is more directed to educational purposes whereas if you are sitting on Youtube trying to find a video for a specific action, you may get distracted at the latest "funny kitty" video posted or searching for the catchy song you just heard on the radio.

Although it is a positive to be compared to Youtube, there also come negatives to being compared to Youtube. Screentoaster may find it is harder to get people to use their site because Youtube is known globally as the free internet site to watch and post videos for free. Although Screentoaster is a free website to join and use, the individual interested in uploading a video onto the site must create an account before uploading a video. Individuals new to the site can watch other videos but once they decide to upload a video he or she must create a username and password.Although Screentoaster is targeted more towards individuals using it for educational purposes, a person may find it easier to post it to Youtube, especially if that particular individual has a Google account. It makes the process of joining yet another website easier because the individual will not find it a hassle to create another username and password.

Another downside is that the internet user must have a webcamera connected to their computer or installed in order to upload videos or create a screencast. Without the perks of a webcamera it is difficult to become an interactive member on Screentoaster. Internet users must also have the latest updated version of Java before being able to upload videos.

All in all, I like there is another website specifically for the use of creating and sharing videos, with specific emphasis on tutorials, lectures, and demonstrations of targeted products. I often find myself on Youtube trying to find videos of "how-tos" but end up getting distracted and search for songs or videos my friends have uploaded. Screentoaster will keep me on track when it comes to deciding what website to use when it comes to educational purposes.

After reading about Screentoaster, look above to the two Screentoaster screen shots. The image further to the left is the home page, with an arrow signaling where an individual logs in and out of the site and also where interested individuals can create their (free) username and password. The second image (on the right) is the registration page. This page is where the individual fills out information and creates the username and password, giving access to upload and watch others videos.

How to's and what nots...

It's been the same story for the past few years. If you have a question, type it into Google and your answer instantly comes up. Recently, through the use of Alltop, I found this website "How Stuff Works". The website gives interesting tips and tricks on just about every subtopic out there, whether it be home, automobiles, health, money, etc.

Take a gander at this great website for any and all tips and tricks. :)

In the spirit of Valentine's Day...

Happy Valentine's Day COMM 486!

I came across this blog describing what love teaches us about social media. We all share a common love for social media (which is why many of us are taking Web Communication). Social media also keeps us connected in so many ways with ones who mean the most to us. Take a look at the top 15 reasons and tell someone how much you love them (maybe through your favorite social media outlet!?).

Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?

We all use open sourcing every day and may not realize we are doing so. What's open sourcing? Open sourcing, according to Edvibes, is a website "freely available for anyone to inspect and study" without "requirement for payment". Okay great, but what does this mean?

The above Edvibes link takes you to an article explaining the functions and purpose of open sourcing. Within the article, the author compares open sourcing to several everyday experiences. An example that sticks with me is open sourcing is similar to going to the library compared to a bookstore. Going to the library allows one to check out a book(s) for free rather than heading to the nearest Barnes and Noble to spend twenty dollars on the latest Nicholas Sparks' novel and a few magazines.

With that example, some may argue it is more about the experience than the amount of money spent. That in and of itself is reason why open sourcing is such a unique tool. One does not have to go to Wikipedia (or other open sources) when there are other sites filled with just about as much information as that same Wikipedia page. It depends on the internet user if he or she wants quick information or wants to further research the topic in which they have searched online. Wikipedia has pros and cons when it comes to verifying the truth versus fiction causing individuals to think further into the types of websites they are using and the reasons behind why they use certain websites.

The internet grants us many privileges in how we choose to form and extend our identity towards others. Open sourcing is another example of the type of freedom we are allowed on the internet.

F.A.T.P

Creating an e-portfolio is an exciting task. It is an exciting task because you know your portfolio will be used in the future for employers to learn more about you and take a look at past and present online projects. While I was beginning my e-portfolio, I focused on the form in which I would present my information, that being my personal e-portfolio website.

With fine form, who is my target audience? I will be honest and say I am the first one in my family to have an e-portfolio. With that being said, my parents, family and friends will be my audience so they can see my work in concrete form, as well as future interested employers. It is important, especially as a soon-to-be Communication Studies graduate that employers see my work in electronic form that was completed in my Web Communication course.

What I mean by work is my mind map, my blogs, my Linked In account (with a detailed description of past and present work) and my Twitter. Although the Twitter account is private, it is more to get an understanding of what makes Twitter the "latest and greatest" invention to hit the World Wide Web. Ultimately, the use of the e-portfolio (and the Linked In, Twitter and blog accounts) is to educate my audience and the general public on the amount of knowledge in which I have gained throughout my Web Communication course.

Please take a look at my e-portfolio. I appreciate any feedback to fully enhance my e-portfolio. Thank you!

Minding the Map

The mind map is an interesting tool on how to organize past and present work experience, as well as education, about me and resume. Take a look! In the future it will be added to my e-portfolio with the links to accounts such as Twitter, Linked In and this blog.

Backchanneling... into the future

Watching the video on backchanneling in the classroom was very similar to our classroom environment. Although our class does not have 90 students, we each function differently when it comes to using the internet. For example, this is the third Communications Studies course in which I have taken that requires blogging. I do not know what is more surprising: the fact that blogging is catching on as a social networking site for individuals of various ages or the fact that blogging has only been incorporated into three of my Communication Studies courses? The courses for which I have blogged have not been required courses for the major. That being said, when do you think blogging will become the most integral part in learning about Communication Studies?

The students at University of Texas at Dallas seem to enjoy using Twitter as a vital part of their classroom environment. In a class of 90 students, I understand how difficult it can be to put your two-cents in on class discussion or ask further questions in relation to the classroom topic. The teacher was able to use Twitter as an experiment in the classroom to find it had great results. A notable implication of Twitter in relation to the lecture hall was full participation from the class. Individuals may feel it is better to write out his or her comments, and especially in less than 150 characters, because it allows the individual to think about the central idea. It allows the student to concentrate on the topic at hand and focus on the main points.

At the same time, individuals were able to get out of their comfort zones when using Twitter in the classroom. They were able to post what they felt and have others comment or respond to their thoughts. One student mentioned how Twitter has given him the opportunity to express himself because although his message is still in text, he is expressing himself to audience larger than himself.

The Buzz on Blogs

Because of my background in Communication Studies, I chose the topics of college, non-profit organizations and marketing.

For the college topic I chose to read the article "5 College Ranking Categories we would like to see". This article listed "Best Mate Finding Potential", "Coolest Celeb Alumni", "Best Bathrooms", "Most Offbeat Electives" and "Strangest Campus Tradition". The first category made me laugh because being at an all-women's college, outsiders to the school always want to know how the student body meets individuals of the opposite sex. Do they realize we are separated by schools... and not planets? Along with the other categories, USC ranks as one of the most notorious schools with celebrity alumni. Strangest campus tradition was an interesting category because many people when they go away to school find out traditions or quirks while experiencing the situation. Individuals at University of California-San Diego have a "watermelon queen" who drops melons 7 stories to break records previously held by past "watermelon queens".

For non-profit I read an article from Beth Dunn. Beth Dunn spoke about social media as a fad. I found this article to be extremely relevant to Web Communication class, along with my senior comprehensive on adolescents and their uses of social networking sites. For non-users of social media sites, they may feel social networking takes away from individual communication. Little do they know, individuals use social networking sites as a way to shift the means of how we communicate. It may be easier for some to leave a wall post then a call or text based on convenience. Using social networking sites transforms the way we communicates and according to Dunn "accelerates" it.

With the Superbowl rapidly approaching, I found the Marketing article on "SuperBowl Advertising, Pre-Game Buzz" to be a common theme of every year. Every year friends and families get together to catch the two best NFL teams and to catch the "best" and "funniest" commercials they will see all year. Advertising corporations, according to this article, need to be careful on how they advertise their commercials because often times too much buzz for a specific commercial can be killed if it does not match up to the audiences expectations. The use of commercials can tear others away from buying the product or image or it can build expectations even further if the commercial successfully makes the audience laugh or remember what occurred during the 30-second time slot.

The Long Tail

"We are living in a moment where economics lie in server databases" of Google, Amazon, Netflix, etc... okay... so what does this mean? Have we taken the time to realize the impact each of these search engines have on our lives?

The presentation of "The Long Tail" gave us concrete examples of how Hollywood represents culture and society. We are living in a world where we are all about the consumer. We need to have everything right now. Examples given within the presentation include the use of the iTunes store, having more than 2 million songs. If we were to walk into a Borders, we might as well stay at home. If we log onto Amazon.com, it is more likely to have what we are looking for than Borders. Borders stocks 100,000 books within their stores while Amazon.com has over 3 million texts. Books and music are still some of the most predominant forms of media aside from the internet. Because the internet is connected to every form of media, when can we draw the line where a book is a book and music is still music if we are experiencing these forms of media online and not as tangible objects?

First post

We are living through one of the largest increases in expressive capability in human history. Has our connection to technology become second nature to us or do we recognize the constant advancements in technology as a step moving forward? As a digital native, I have grown up using technology. In grammar school I remember taking classes on typing and Microsoft Word. In junior high, I remember when my best friend was the first one out of my group of friends to have a cell phone. Now, I am majoring in Communication Studies, completed a senior comprehensive project on adolescents and their use of social networking sites... a phenomenon that came onto the scene less than ten years ago.
One of the most interesting points the presenter gave was the fact that the internet has become the migrant for all other forms of media. Some of the most popular websites on the internet today are sites with focus on television series and movies, as well as news sites that have a counterpart television station. Not only are these media forms all connected to the internet but the presenter states the audience is now becoming the producer of these images and connections. While working on this post, I received a call on my cell phone from another's Skype account. One individuals computer was connecting on a variety of media spectrums-- the telephone and the internet-- and combined to form one media outlet.

Aside from the telephone connected to the internet, individuals are using social networking sites not only to keep in contact with others but to keep up to date with current and relevant news information. That being said, Twitter gained popularity this past summer with the devastations in Iran. Twitter also gained interest when survivors updated his or her status updates on the devastation from the earth quakes in the Middle East. Because the audience was able to gain first hand accounts, donation sites flooded with support. We must use these social media connections in ways to better our society and global awareness.