krthoms

There are many examples of web 2.0 applications. If it is interactive, free, and uses new technologies then there is a good bet that it is web 2.0. Some examples include;

www.wikipedia.org. This site is an online encyclopedia. It is free for use for anyone who wants to. The content is also completely added by users in their spare time. If you know something to be true and it isn't on wikipedia already, then you can add a new entry and make the site that much better. They do have regulators who go through the site to make sure content is correct, but the true staffing is minimal.

www.youtube.com. This site allows video sharing. If your baby takes its first steps in Indiana, you can take the video, upload it on youtube, and your parents can see it in California on the same day. This is also competely free.

www.facebook.com. This is a social networking site. It allows for photo sharing, profile sharing, and an internetwork of people to keep in touch with. This is also a free utility created by college students.

These are all prime examples of Web 2.0 applications.

Posted by Kyle Thoms at 08:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

When thinking about Web 2.0 there are various attributes that come to mind. It's cutting edge with the latest technologies. It's interactive with users. It is standard along all forms of the internet, be it Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. There is a company that embodies these concepts and more. Google has been around for a while, initially just as a search engine, but now as much more. The search engine is still fantastic and widely used, but now it includes options such as google news, or maps, spreadsheets and word documents, and even financial information. All of this is at the fingertips of anyone with a broadband connection. Not only this, it's free.

For one example there is google documents. Google documents is a free web based application that includes word processing, spreadsheet design, and presentation slides. All these are available for free. Not only are these available, but they can be shared among colleagues for viewing or even adaptation. This application was created from the ground up at google for free use. This is definitely web 2.0.

docs.google.com

Posted by Kyle Thoms at 08:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

When the I hear the word Communication, one other word immediately pops into my head that we have not discussed much in class. Relationships. Now yes, I do realize that deep relationships are not necessary to communicate. I may speak with more candor and honesty with my best friend, but communication does not have to be honest or frank either. A simple nod to the cute girl across the shopping aisle can transmit tons of information with the most superficial of relationships behind it. Regardless that relationship was still created. I am now shopping aisle nodder, and she might think that I'm cute, or she might even think that I'm creepy, but that new connection has been established and an identity has been set. All of this because of an extremely simple form of communication, an inocuous nod!

Now to take this one further. Lets speculate that this nod at the cute girl across the aisle draws her attention to me. Not in the creepy go away sense, but in the, "hey, you're interested in me and I could possibly be interested in you" way. The relationship has taken another step, another leap. Her response could have been a nod back, a twinkle in the eye, or a shy smile. More non-verbal forms of communication that require little effort or thought, but can create quite a stir internally. The invitation to more communication has been processed. The relationship has been furthered and strengthened.

Who knows what happens after this (of course I get the girl!!), it is not important. What is important is what happened UP to this point. With a scarce two forms of communication used, a bond has been formed. Something that is still fragile and tentative, but an adaptable foundation. It is impossible to take relationships out of communication, and why would you want to? What's the fun in that?

www.eharmony.com

Posted by Kyle Thoms at 06:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

When thinking of a renaissance man, many think of the common phrase, "jack of all trades, master of none." While this can absolutely be true, there are glaring, almost blinding exceptions. Take, for example, Leonardo Da Vinci. This is one of the most recognizable names in the modern culture of a multitude of countries. He is most well known as the brilliant painter of Mona Lisa. This iconic painting has drawn the attention of scholars, critics, and oddly enough, conspiracy theorists. While this painting is fantastic, he is also known as an engineer, musician, inventor, and mathemetician. He epitomized the Renaissance as a man. He revolutionized and This is where the term renaissance man comes from.

I think this example of Leonardo Da Vinci as a Renaissance Man is important in developing self. Some feel that this broad knowledge base without specialization is enough to satisfy. Da Vinci had this broad knowledge, but not only did he excel in all aspects of what he did, he went on to become extremely famous in multiple disciplines. I know that I enjoy knowing aspects of many things, and feeling that I know these things well, and better than most others. I urge people to follow the example of the ultimate Renaissance Man, Da Vinci, and take their broad bases of knowledge to the next intelectual level.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonardo_da_vinci

Posted by Kyle Thoms at 06:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)