Microsoft offers computer training to unemployed
Associated Press
April 13, 2009 9:03pm EST
http://www.cnbc.com/id/30199347
Microsoft Corp. announced Monday it would be giving away more than 30,000 vouchers over the next 90 days to help unemployed people in Washington state get new computer skills. These vouchers would allow the Washington locals the ability to take Microsoft's computer classes for free, either in person or in online classes. The vouchers would also allow for these individuals to take the Microsoft certification either free or at a very low cost. "When this downturn ends, we will need more skilled workers ready to enter the job market. Microsoft's generosity will provide thousands of men and women the skills they need to work with the software that runs our businesses," Seattle Gov. Chris Gregoire said at a recent news conference.
The "Worksource" job centers around Washington began giving out the vouchers earlier this week. These vouchers are part of a new Microsoft program called Elevate America. With this program, Microsoft aims to get computer training to over 2 million Americans nationwide over the next few years. These vouchers are not only for the computer illiterate. Many people are picking up the vouchers that have college degrees as well as some knowledge on computers. The reason behind this is that companies often look for formal computer training, making these certification programs a great thing for someone to put on their resume while searching for a new career.
The training will be on Microsoft software, and will have programs ranging anywhere from basic computer training, to more advanced programs in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc. This is a great thing during the current recession, and hopefully many people take advantage of it!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
News Report 4
“BlackBerry App World: solid, not sensational”
Suzanne Choney
Msnbc.com
updated 9:09 a.m. ET, Thurs., April. 2, 2009
Blackberry makers Research In Motion or (RIM) launched their version of an application store similar to Apples yesterday. It isn’t quite as easy to use or fun as the apple store is, but in typical blackberry fashion, it’s more about functionality and content. Apple is to college students what Blackberry is to business people. It’s relatively unimaginative and straightforward, where as the IPhones app store is more quirky and interesting to browse.
The two stores are set up in a similar fashion; there is a featured app page, as well as certain categories that you are able to browse through for more specific apps to your interests. The descriptions for the applications are short, and some would argue too short. There is just a few sentences describing each application, and in many cases that is not enough information to help you decide to buy.
There are some uncharacteristic applications for blackberry such as Pandora, which is a streaming internet radio, but for the most part, expect the app store to have many applications that are going to appeal to the typical “crackberry” user. News reports, stock prices, travel information, weather, etc. There are a few free programs available, but for those that will be costing money, the beginning price for the apps is set at 2.99, a full 2 dollars more expensive than the cheapest Iphone applications.
Payment is handled for the applications through pay pal, similar to how people purchase things on Ebay. It’s not quite as easy as “click and buy” functionality that the Iphone and Itunes has, but it could be worse.
Suzanne Choney
Msnbc.com
updated 9:09 a.m. ET, Thurs., April. 2, 2009
Blackberry makers Research In Motion or (RIM) launched their version of an application store similar to Apples yesterday. It isn’t quite as easy to use or fun as the apple store is, but in typical blackberry fashion, it’s more about functionality and content. Apple is to college students what Blackberry is to business people. It’s relatively unimaginative and straightforward, where as the IPhones app store is more quirky and interesting to browse.
The two stores are set up in a similar fashion; there is a featured app page, as well as certain categories that you are able to browse through for more specific apps to your interests. The descriptions for the applications are short, and some would argue too short. There is just a few sentences describing each application, and in many cases that is not enough information to help you decide to buy.
There are some uncharacteristic applications for blackberry such as Pandora, which is a streaming internet radio, but for the most part, expect the app store to have many applications that are going to appeal to the typical “crackberry” user. News reports, stock prices, travel information, weather, etc. There are a few free programs available, but for those that will be costing money, the beginning price for the apps is set at 2.99, a full 2 dollars more expensive than the cheapest Iphone applications.
Payment is handled for the applications through pay pal, similar to how people purchase things on Ebay. It’s not quite as easy as “click and buy” functionality that the Iphone and Itunes has, but it could be worse.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Information Navigation 101
This article touches on many of the same points that we have been discussing in class over the past few weeks. Students around the world are no doubt much more tech savvy than they were 10 years ago. However, it seems that they still don't know how to understand and manipulate the massive amount of academic information that is out there. There are over 18000 scholarly databases out there for students to choose from, and still they all flock to Wikipedia or Google due to the "easiness" factor. Many schools are beginning to work on Information Literacy programs, such as this Library class, to teach students just how to go about searching through the library and through the massive amounts of scholarly information out there.
Some proof that most students could be considered "information illiterate" came in 2006 where the ICT literacy assessment was given to 5338 college students and 1012 high school students from around the country. It's a 75 minute test that evaluates students abilities in seven different areas. The results were that 48% of test takers couldn't even identify the objectivity of a web page. Several colleges are beginning to administer this test to Freshman. Just like upcoming freshman are given a math and language placement exam, now they will have to prove that they can research at a college level.
It's no question that there is much that students need to learn in order to begin researching and writing correctly. I believe that over time, if programs are continued to be put in place such as this one, that the future generations will be much better off than we were.
Some proof that most students could be considered "information illiterate" came in 2006 where the ICT literacy assessment was given to 5338 college students and 1012 high school students from around the country. It's a 75 minute test that evaluates students abilities in seven different areas. The results were that 48% of test takers couldn't even identify the objectivity of a web page. Several colleges are beginning to administer this test to Freshman. Just like upcoming freshman are given a math and language placement exam, now they will have to prove that they can research at a college level.
It's no question that there is much that students need to learn in order to begin researching and writing correctly. I believe that over time, if programs are continued to be put in place such as this one, that the future generations will be much better off than we were.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Infodiet
The Infodiet: How Libraries Can Offer an Appetizing Alternative to Google. By: Bell, Steven J., Chronicle of Higher Education, 00095982, 2/20/2004, Vol. 50, Issue 24
This article is about the current problem libraries around the country are having in this new “Google” era. The problem that many libraries are facing, are dwindling numbers due to more and more students turning to Google for their academic answers, rather than their local or university library. The big problem is that the database manufacturers are spending more time competing with the other companies, and not enough time developing easy, navigable databases for the people actually using them. Another huge problem with these databases is that by trying to be so competitive with eachother, they are putting as many “full text” articles up on their databases as they can, often from questionable journals. This is leading to students searches of the databases not being much better than a Google search in terms of academic credibility.
Ultimately it is up to the faculty and professors to try to wean students off of their Google search habits. By giving assignments prohibiting the usage of Google, or simply educating the students on how to go about searching the databases easily, such as our Library class, the students will be more inclined to want to use resources other than the almighty Google. One such idea in the works is the “RedLightGreen” project. It has a single search box interface like Google, but upon searching, gives students suggestions to other terms that may lead to a more relevant search. These new databases also give students the option to put the material they find on the databases into several types of citation formats, which will drastically cut down on the time spent at the end of the paper referencing.
This article is about the current problem libraries around the country are having in this new “Google” era. The problem that many libraries are facing, are dwindling numbers due to more and more students turning to Google for their academic answers, rather than their local or university library. The big problem is that the database manufacturers are spending more time competing with the other companies, and not enough time developing easy, navigable databases for the people actually using them. Another huge problem with these databases is that by trying to be so competitive with eachother, they are putting as many “full text” articles up on their databases as they can, often from questionable journals. This is leading to students searches of the databases not being much better than a Google search in terms of academic credibility.
Ultimately it is up to the faculty and professors to try to wean students off of their Google search habits. By giving assignments prohibiting the usage of Google, or simply educating the students on how to go about searching the databases easily, such as our Library class, the students will be more inclined to want to use resources other than the almighty Google. One such idea in the works is the “RedLightGreen” project. It has a single search box interface like Google, but upon searching, gives students suggestions to other terms that may lead to a more relevant search. These new databases also give students the option to put the material they find on the databases into several types of citation formats, which will drastically cut down on the time spent at the end of the paper referencing.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Reading #3
The Future of Libraries
This article is going into detail about the timeline of libraries and information in general. It begins by talking about DaVinci and how his journals and other works were “kept”. Libraries, even at that early stage, were very important. The bulk of the article speculates on how information will be obtained in the future, and from what source. The belief is that we will stop worrying so much about the size of the objects as advances begin to slow down, but more-so on their functionality, durability, speed, etc. People’s lives are becoming increasingly hectic, and future libraries will have to accommodate for the new lifestyle. Keyboards will be obsolete in the future as a result of this. Dr William Crossman, Founder/Director of the CompSpeak 2050 Institute for the Study of Talking Computers and Oral Cultures believes that as libraries and technology begin to advance and we make things such as keyboards obsolete in our society, that we will begin a transformation to a verbal society. He also makes a prediction that by 2050 literacy will be dead.
The last prediction made by Dr. Crossman makes me very uneasy. As a population we already are becoming increasingly lethargic, having things such as “fast food” and being able to get all our info off of computers and television. Reading is the one thing that I love doing when I’m bored. There really is nothing like opening up a good book and reading on a rainy afternoon. I want my children and children’s children to be able to experience the same thing, but at this rate it doesn’t look like that will be happening.
The times they are a-changin. I believe that libraries will be able to survive, even in a world with no books. They will have to have a massive overhaul on their processes, but if they don’t wait until it is too late, they could help to revolutionize how people gather their information. I envision libraries having massive servers, and tons of computers (or whatever we’re using at that point), allowing people free access to every piece of information available, as well as any game, movie, show or anything else that would interest them. It will become not only a place for knowledge and information, but also entertainment.
This article is going into detail about the timeline of libraries and information in general. It begins by talking about DaVinci and how his journals and other works were “kept”. Libraries, even at that early stage, were very important. The bulk of the article speculates on how information will be obtained in the future, and from what source. The belief is that we will stop worrying so much about the size of the objects as advances begin to slow down, but more-so on their functionality, durability, speed, etc. People’s lives are becoming increasingly hectic, and future libraries will have to accommodate for the new lifestyle. Keyboards will be obsolete in the future as a result of this. Dr William Crossman, Founder/Director of the CompSpeak 2050 Institute for the Study of Talking Computers and Oral Cultures believes that as libraries and technology begin to advance and we make things such as keyboards obsolete in our society, that we will begin a transformation to a verbal society. He also makes a prediction that by 2050 literacy will be dead.
The last prediction made by Dr. Crossman makes me very uneasy. As a population we already are becoming increasingly lethargic, having things such as “fast food” and being able to get all our info off of computers and television. Reading is the one thing that I love doing when I’m bored. There really is nothing like opening up a good book and reading on a rainy afternoon. I want my children and children’s children to be able to experience the same thing, but at this rate it doesn’t look like that will be happening.
The times they are a-changin. I believe that libraries will be able to survive, even in a world with no books. They will have to have a massive overhaul on their processes, but if they don’t wait until it is too late, they could help to revolutionize how people gather their information. I envision libraries having massive servers, and tons of computers (or whatever we’re using at that point), allowing people free access to every piece of information available, as well as any game, movie, show or anything else that would interest them. It will become not only a place for knowledge and information, but also entertainment.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Can all that Twitters turn to gold amid gloom?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29183971/page/2/
Michael Liedtke
Associated Press
Updated 3:30 p.m. ET, Sun., Feb. 15, 2009
Twitter is referred to by many people including myself as the “post-it” notes of the social networking sites. The genius behind Twitter is that they limit messages to only 140 keystrokes, which makes for some interesting messages and information. The problem that Twitter is having is not with popularity, fan base or ingenuity however, it’s generating revenue that is posing a problem. The sites founders say that Twitter will begin testing ways to generate revenue this spring. They also stated that the ads and other marketing campaigns put in place on the site won’t drive away the over 6 million current Twitter users.
Twitter is obviously banking on their newfound interest in advertising and generating more revenue to be a success after rejecting a 500 million dollar offer from Facebook to buy them out just three months ago. They have generated over 20 million in venture capital so far, and as such aren’t desperate to generate revenue just yet, however having that steady flow of income would make them even more attractive to potential investors/buyers.
If Twitter is going to be successful in generating more revenue than it currently does, it needs to find a way to make the website itself appeal to potential advertisers rather than companies creating a Twitter account to let people know of promotions and other deals going on. Companies like Dell and Zappos use Twitter for informing customers of these promotions and for getting feedback. But they won’t necessarily stay on board if Twitter begins imposing fees on businesses.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29183971/page/2/
Michael Liedtke
Associated Press
Updated 3:30 p.m. ET, Sun., Feb. 15, 2009
Twitter is referred to by many people including myself as the “post-it” notes of the social networking sites. The genius behind Twitter is that they limit messages to only 140 keystrokes, which makes for some interesting messages and information. The problem that Twitter is having is not with popularity, fan base or ingenuity however, it’s generating revenue that is posing a problem. The sites founders say that Twitter will begin testing ways to generate revenue this spring. They also stated that the ads and other marketing campaigns put in place on the site won’t drive away the over 6 million current Twitter users.
Twitter is obviously banking on their newfound interest in advertising and generating more revenue to be a success after rejecting a 500 million dollar offer from Facebook to buy them out just three months ago. They have generated over 20 million in venture capital so far, and as such aren’t desperate to generate revenue just yet, however having that steady flow of income would make them even more attractive to potential investors/buyers.
If Twitter is going to be successful in generating more revenue than it currently does, it needs to find a way to make the website itself appeal to potential advertisers rather than companies creating a Twitter account to let people know of promotions and other deals going on. Companies like Dell and Zappos use Twitter for informing customers of these promotions and for getting feedback. But they won’t necessarily stay on board if Twitter begins imposing fees on businesses.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
News Report #2
Google Latitude Keeps Tabs on Friends’ Locations
Google launched software on Wednesday that will allow mobile phone users to share their location with contacts. "What Google Latitude does is allow you to share that location with friends and family members, and likewise be able to see friends and family members' locations," said Steve Lee, product manager for Google Latitude. In an attempt to protect the privacy on somewhat controversial new software, Google is requiring you to “opt-in” to the service. You can also change how much others can see about where you are. The service will take advantage of the Google Maps system that is already in place, to help the users get a precise location of their friends and family, directions on how to reach them, or even an estimated time for them to reach where you are or vice-versa. Obviously the service will only work on phones that have color screens and advanced interfaces such as the new Blackberries, Iphones, or other similar devices. Latitude uses Google's technology to judge a user's location not just by GPS satellite, but also by proximity to mobile phone towers and wireless networks.
I believe that this software is a relatively unique and ambitious idea. It will take quite some time for the general public to accept the “privacy” issues, but there are limitless possibilities for the uses of this type of “social networking”. For example, imagine advertising catered to directly where you are. You get close to a pizza place, and a coupon pops up on your phone to eat there for half off. Imagine being able to just click on your friends name and get directions to their house, without having to use GPS devices, or write down long lists of directions. I think that this is a very cool idea, and I hope a lot of people will jump on board.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-10155946-94.html
CNet: Posted by Stephen Shankland, 2/4/2009
Google launched software on Wednesday that will allow mobile phone users to share their location with contacts. "What Google Latitude does is allow you to share that location with friends and family members, and likewise be able to see friends and family members' locations," said Steve Lee, product manager for Google Latitude. In an attempt to protect the privacy on somewhat controversial new software, Google is requiring you to “opt-in” to the service. You can also change how much others can see about where you are. The service will take advantage of the Google Maps system that is already in place, to help the users get a precise location of their friends and family, directions on how to reach them, or even an estimated time for them to reach where you are or vice-versa. Obviously the service will only work on phones that have color screens and advanced interfaces such as the new Blackberries, Iphones, or other similar devices. Latitude uses Google's technology to judge a user's location not just by GPS satellite, but also by proximity to mobile phone towers and wireless networks.
I believe that this software is a relatively unique and ambitious idea. It will take quite some time for the general public to accept the “privacy” issues, but there are limitless possibilities for the uses of this type of “social networking”. For example, imagine advertising catered to directly where you are. You get close to a pizza place, and a coupon pops up on your phone to eat there for half off. Imagine being able to just click on your friends name and get directions to their house, without having to use GPS devices, or write down long lists of directions. I think that this is a very cool idea, and I hope a lot of people will jump on board.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-10155946-94.html
CNet: Posted by Stephen Shankland, 2/4/2009
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