Thing #8 Communication Web 2.0

I’m familiar with the old AOL IM I used to use it quite a bit when I was younger. Around 5-7 years ago when I had more time on the computer for personal use. So often office computers are blocked by so many restrictions that IM is not feasible. However, I’ve found over this period of time some online retailers have embraced this form of interaction as an immediate solution to customer service. I recently used this service when I ordered a tent online from EZUP. I unfortunately the item I purchased turned out to be a dud and I wanted information about the warranty and process for returning the tent.

As I watched the video from the University of Buffalo, I noted that the shorthand language was somewhat difficult to follow at times. Seeing how I don’t use IM much anymore I could decipher the code, but often times it was after the 2nd or 3rd reply.

Viewed the Meebo widget placed on the NEFLIN blog. Most of my activity with the 23 things occurs in the evening or on weekends, so NEFLIN was offline at the time I looked at it.

It was strange seeing the article about SMS, seeing that the publication date was 2005 explained the nuance of “texting”. Now 4 years later in 2009, our library, as an attempt to draw teens has had texting contests and using scavenger hunts with text responses. Texting is everywhere, and there are online dictionaries explaining the shorthand meanings behind texting.

Webinars are not uncommon to me. I came from a retail setting where we used webinars to conduct regular weekly conferencing. Webinars I’ve found are best utilized when addressing training on new technologies. Most of the webinars I’ve attended require a login, and each participant receives their own code, typically there has always been a question and answer session and are recorded for future use and training.

The first site I went to with OPAL on page: http://www.opal-online.org/archivehealth.htm came up as an expired webpage. •
• MP3 audiorecording about Parenting Your Parents (9.7 MB file; playback time of 34 minutes)

Apparently the second option was also expired:
• WMA Audio Recording of the Managing Your Health program (large file; playback time of 66 minutes)

I decided to move off of the health page and checked into the music section. The Battle of the Bands uploaded into Windows Media Player as an mp3.

In summary, while all of these new communication technologies allow those individuals with access to almost instant gratification, it still leaves a lot to be desired. Many rural communities have little to no access to some of these technologies and therefore the digital and communication divide will continue to grow.

In addition, the increase of digital communications has somehow minimized some individuals ability to communicate in traditional social settings. Basic courtesies are disregarded from lack of experience or lack of teaching.

HOpefully moving forward we can find a balance of technology based communications and good old face to face interactions. A smile can do wonders:)