Learning Styles, Open Source Software, and Cloud Computing

This week we learned about open source software and continued our education of cloud computing. Open source software and cloud computing are both double edged swords. They are great for consumers because they present a similar program to commercial products that is more cost-effective. It is crazy to spend hundreds of dollars on a program like Microsoft Word or Photoshop when it is available for free download or through cloud computing. However, from a corporate standpoint, these types of software place a huge dent in the profit margin. It is unfortunate that corporations spend a lot of time, money, and resources for the development of software only to have it pirated by open source and cloud computing software developers. I am surprised the developers are able to get away with creating such similar programs without having to worry about copyright issues. In the short run, open source software is convenient for the consumer, but it only hurts to development of technology in the long run.

I also enjoyed taking the learning styles quiz. I knew I was an aural learner but I didn't expect to have such a lead against the other styles-I had 12 points for aural! Basically, this means that I learn best through asking question and vocal explanation. I don't do well with written direction or notes--I like lecture classes and verbal direction.

I will use open source software in my career. For my first job, I will most likely end up at a small station with limited equipment but I will undoubtedly have projects that require topnotch editing software. Final Cut Pro is an incredibly expensive suite to buy so I will use open source alternatives like Kino or Cinelerra. I liked the websites we were shows that offer open source software for free download. I'm sure I will use several of these programs in both my educational and professional careers.

In terms if learning styles, it is important that I understand the implications of my favored learning style and how the other learning styles work. I will have to work with multiple learning styles and personalities during my career as a journalist so I will need to understand how to relate and speak to those differing styles. I have done more research on my aural style of learning and got some tips on how to better my own learning process.

I loved the cartoon that is at the top of my blog entry. I think it personifies the Abstract-Sequential learner down to a tee. In case you were wondering, this type of learner is sure of themselves, have academic sources, extensive research, and are respected for their intellectual ability. They are also analytical thinkers that ask a lot of questions.

Cloud Computing and Social Networking

This week, we learned about cloud computing and social networking. Cloud computing is the ability to use server-based applications as a service rather than being tied to a specific platform, machine, or device. Examples of this would be Google Docs and Delicious. Google Docs is an interesting program because it allows users to create spreadsheets, calendars, presentations, and documents and then share that information with other users. The group is able to edit and update materials and keep everything together instead of on different computers, etc. Delicious, and other social bookmarking sites, let people tag different sites and share them. This allows users to share their favorites and pick-up a few new favorites along the way. We also learned about social networking sites and how they are both helping and hindering effective communication. Social networking sites like Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace promote social interaction through a computer but seem to be taking away the "human" aspect of relationships. Long-term effects (whether detrimental or beneficial) are still to be determined and will have to monitored in the long run.

I will definitely use social networking and cloud computing in my field. I will use Google Docs to share ideas and schedules with my producers and co-workers. Delicious will be a great resource to discover what audiences are interested in. By paying attention to websites like Delicious, I will be able to find the latest viral video or helpful website and then share it with my viewers in the "kicker section" of a news cast. I will use social networking to find interesting videos or stories about people and to also keep in touch with viewers.

I found this article that outlines the positives associated with social networking. Since we talked about this subject in our class forum this week, I thought it was fitting to use this article from The Washington Times. This article highlights that parents have a huge responsibility to monitor content, limit the amount of time their kids are spending online and to also set ground rules for safe websurfing.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jan/28/social-networking-benefits-validated/