Module 2/LA2: Assessment criteria for websites

For module 2 , LA2, we need to compare our website to at least two others.
We need to find criteria for this.

Two suggestions were given:

Effectiveness of Communication
Use of Graphics

This is what I found on another website regarding website assessment criteria:
Content relevance
Content accessibility
Content selection
Content validity
Content interchange
Site transparency/credibility
Links
Quality assurance
Safeguards


I put those in bold that I consider useful for LA 2. Any takers?? Any comments?

Module 2/LA1: Relative Merits of three online tools

Okay, the second part of the written assignment is to consider the relative merits of at least three online tools.

Now, I asked about the term relative merits in the chat discussion yesterday, and we came to the conclusion that this means to consider the advantages and disadvantages.
So, this has been sorted out. Good to understand the task before you start it!

The three online tools I would like to consider are:

Online Forums

Instant Messenger

Google Video


I am very familiar with the first two, but quite new to Google Video. I have used it before, but not thought about its merits and actual purpose (other than providing me with entertainment).

OT: Where is my mind?

I feel terrible today, for absolutely no reason. But being a fairly emotional learner, I cannot get any work done, even though I especially cancelled a trip to the Olympic Stadium this morning to get my written assignment done. However, I have not touched it and just looking at it makes me more miserable.

I have to leave for work in 25 min, so I guess the written work has to wait, unless I'm taking my computer to work. Which may be a good idea.

I want my enthusiasm back from yesterday!!!!!

Module 2/ LA 1: Reading Notes and Thoughts

Main differentiation of online communication tools:

1) Asynchronous Communication: Different time, different place
2) Synchronous Communication: Same time

1) Asynchronous Communication:

- Online Forums (such as: IAMX Forum)
- Guestbooks
- Websites (such as MySpace, Guardian)
- Blogs (such as this one)
- E-Mail (such as: GMail/GoogleMail
- First Class Ultraversity Discussion Forums

Pros
- everyone can be reached and reply at a time suitable for them
- time to consider answers --> RICH contextual exchange
(messages, comments tend to be longer and have more content)
- no time restrictions
- no scheduled events
- building relationships over time

Cons
- it may take a while to receive desired answer/comment/feedback
- no 'direct' contact
- it can take a long time to reach a decision with a group of people
- hard to finish/close a topic


2) Synchronous Communication:
- Online Chat (such as: Java Chat Rooms or IRC Channel Chat Rooms)
- Instant Messenger (such as AIM, MSN, Skype)
- Whiteboards
- First Class Server (Ultraversity) IM

Pros
- immediate feedback/comments/answers
- 'warm' conversation
- quick decisions can be made
- relationship building
- easy to exchange information and comments

Cons
- hard to arrange chats with a group of people
- some people may have trouble following the conversation
- slow typers may not be able to have much input
- 'techno-phobes' may be put off


CONCLUSION
The right combination of asynchronous and synchronous tools is necessary for good communication online.

Module 2, LA 2 Resume

I have created my resume on First Class. I looked at a few different level resumes beforehand, which inspired me to make it the way it is now.
In fact, a Junior Mac Creator inspired me to make something different.

It was easy for me to create a picture (.jpg) in Adobe Photoshop. I have done this before. I selected a background color and then added text. Additionally, I added puppy footprints to make it more unique.
I like it.

Really tired after a busy day at work, so going to keep this short. Making the resume made me feel accomplished.

Module 2/ LA 1: Online Tools

For LA 1 in Module 2, Introduction to Online Communication and Technology, I need to make a list of online tools I have used before and describe them. This is my attempt to do so.
Please feel free to comment on them!


E-Mail:
Web-based e-mail, e.g. Gmail: Web-based email allows you to check your email from any device, anywhere in the world, by going to the website and entering your account name and password. It does not require any other setup. It is convenient for people who do not have their own notebook and need to rely on different computers, e.g. in Internet Cafes, all the time.

POP e-mail with a mail application, e.g. Mail or Outlook Express: With POP3 services, you can download your emails onto your computer and view them without an internet connection as well. Some web-based services allow you to download the emails as well (such as Gmail/GoogleMail). You require your username and password, as well as the server settings for the email service. A very convenient way to handle emails, esp. if you only access it from one computer (e.g. your desktop computer or notebook.

Internal E-mail: A part of First Class is the email service. It only allows internal emails to be sent back and forth between people who have access to that particular First Class server.


E-Mail Newsletters:
I receive email newsletters that I have subscribed to. Most of the services I subscribed to provide me with up-to-date news of a website.
I also send out a newsletter for a website I help to maintain. When there are news for the band the website is about, such as new releases and tour dates, I prepare a newsletter with a short introduction about the news and a link to the website.
Then it is sent out to those people, who subscribed to the service.

Mailing Lists:
Yahoo Groups is the main provider of mailing list services I can think of. A few years ago, I created a few mailing lists on there, in order to discuss bands.
Nowadays, online forums and message boards have mainly taken over, in my opinion.

Online Conferencing/Online Forums:
This is probably the most important communication tool on the internet at the moment.
I use many different internet forums, covering all different topics, such as news forums, student forums, teacher and education forums, music forums, and the First Class Server Cohort 6 and all other Ultraversity Online Forums. (Although I need to use the First Class client for it).
Some of those forums are for communication, but all in all, it is always a huge exchange of information.

Chat:
I normally use chats to communicate with more than one person at the same time. It is very useful to discuss a topic, but also to receive feedback and comments quickly. A good example are the Online Chats in Cohort 6 that have taken place.

Instant Messaging:
I use for IM applications: AOL Instant Messager (AIM), Microsoft Messenger (MSN), Skype and First Class IM.
AIM: I use the ichat client that is part of iLife on a Mac system. This is the application I primarily use to talk to friends and family. It has the added bonus of voice chat and camera conferencing.
MSN: I use MSN for conversations with other researcher at Ultraversity, as well as other members of a forum I visit a lot. The Mac version of MSN is limited, so no voice chats or camera chats are possible.
Skype: The application for internet telephony. I use this a lot to talk to friends around the world. I can call their computers by adding their username to my Skype, but I can also call normal phones by purchasing credit. This is very useful when traveling. In fact, the first contact I had with Ultraversity was initiated by Skype (An Ultraversity LF called my mobile phone with Skype). I also have talked to my LF on Skype (instant messaging and phone call).
First Class IM: When I am using the FC application, I check who is online and if I want to talk to anyone. In fact, the C6 chats have been through the IM system as well. I can see all Ultraversity members that are currently online and invite them to talk to me.

Instant Messaging, as a synchronous online communication tool, is the best way to stay in touch with people. Questions can be answered almost immediately. Comments and feedback are in real-time. A good way to exchange information and build relationships.



These are the majority of Online Tools I have used.

New Design

In an attempt to make this learning journal more suitable for me, my work and people who view it, I have decided to tag all posts according to their content.

I tried to work with the integrated iWeb blog, but it doesn't let people comment, so I am switching back to this blog from now on.

Module 1 of the degree is now completed and I have submitted it! On to Module 2.

I have also created a website for Cohort 6: Cohort 6 website!!!

0010: The day to create my Module website

I have started work on my complete module one work. I’m excited that I got this far and can’t wait to see the end result. So, back to work for me!

- Jessica