When creating a professional page through a personal web presence (PWP), Facebook, or LinkedIn, there are several pros and cons to consider. A personal website is an excellent method to build a customized portrait of your yourself. The entire layout can be designed by the author to depict a specific image. One of my favorite features is blogging. In a PWP, the author can share their opinions and perspectives by writing a detailed post on any given topic. These posts enable viewers to thoroughly understand the author's message. One of the major cons of PWP is building and updating the site is time consuming (assuming you're designing a professional and detailed page). Blog entries are typically well thought out and lengthy. Additionally, a PWP has no natural web presence, where as Facebook and LinkedIn profiles regularly appear. Thus, it's the author's responsibility to create a following which again, is time consuming.
Facebook is a natural web presence and allows users to virtually connect with nearly everyone they know. I'm probably "friends" with 98% of my real world friends on Facebook, providing an easy outlet to connect on a daily basis. Another pro is Facebook provides more information regarding personal and professional life but is less "serious." Friends, family and colleagues can scroll through pictures, posts and status updates in addition to viewing who you're connected with, creating a more personal touch. One of the major cons with Facebook, given the massive connect-ability, is the professional world might read too much into your personal life, impacting the professional relationship. Therefore, it's essential to "clean up" your profile from time to time to prevent such occurrences. LinkedIn, a professional networking website, is typically used to create a detailed version of your resume. While the site offers link sharing and status update features, the main purpose is to outline your professional work history, regardless of the industry, to portray your background, experience, honors, skills and strengths. Clearly, one major pro is the image created to depict your professional character. If you're looking to create a professional web presence, LinkedIn is a great place to start. One of cons of using LinkedIn is user frequency which can limit interaction. Facebook is used considerably more often as it provides a more personal touch than LinkedIn. While all have their respective pros and cons, I believe creating each account will allow people to view you in a different light. Thank you for reading . No matter which field you're in, it's absolutely imperative to build a professional network. There's a common phrase of, "it's not who you know, but what you know" and there's definitely some truth behind it. The majority of new jobs are not advertised so it's essential to build friendly relationships with the people around you.
For my current and all previous employment history, every opportunity came through my personal and professional network. Whether someone introduced me to a potential employer or connected me with an employee, I was offered the job based on the introduction. Additionally, networking can help with professional growth. I personally try to attend other coach's training sessions or simply hold conversations with like minded people to gain knowledge. As a young professional, I'm like a sponge soaking up information. These environments are key to meeting new people as well. While using technology for networking is popular and effective, I don't forget about the power of face to face conversations. In person meetings offer a personal touch you can't feel in a LinkedIn group chat. It also allows you to show your personality and character which is important in developing relationships. People like to connect with other good people. Build an interest in a colleague's life. Ask them if they're having success or struggles with their work. Maybe you can help? Thank you for reading. I believe the use of Wiki in education is an excellent tool. Similar to other modern forms of technology in education (blogs, Facebook groups, learning management systems), wikis allows users to quickly share ideas and opinions.
A wiki page can be set as private or public depending on the purpose of the site. For example, a wiki page can be created for a classroom of graduate students for a collaborative project. One of the most fascinating features is the ability to "tap to edit". As long as the student has access to the site, they can comment or modify information at any time, enabling multiple user participation. I'm an advocate for this form of education as it tackles a key element in today's modern world; teaching students to build tech skills.. Of course students should still follow appropriate curriculum but we also need to prepare them for the current real world structure. As Mary Bold stated in, "Use of Wikis in Graduate Course Work", The incorporation of web-based interactive wikis, along with the CMS adopted by the University, supports not only our graduate students current course work but also their development as lifelong learners in use of technology. More specifically, students in an online program benefit from what is called a dual education (Haythornthwaite, Kazmer, Robins, & Shoemaker, 2000), mastering online interaction as well as the curriculum." In my opinion there a few main differences between LinkedIn & Facebook. Mainly, LinkedIn is designed for professional use while Facebook is more personal. For example, my LinkedIn profile is essentially a more detailed version of my resume. My page details previous work but is not specific to any field, conveying a big and accurate description of my employment history.
My personal Facebook page provides more information regarding my personal and professional life but is less "serious." Friends, family and colleagues can scroll through pictures, posts and status updates in addition to viewing who I'm connected with on a personal level. While I can network with a future employer or coworker on either site, I would select LinkedIn first as it's more professional. If I recently met a new friend and wanted to connect on social media, I would choose my personal Facebook. However, it's now common for businesses to create a presence on Facebook as well. Many users will follow their pages to receive status updates and share posts. These business can be large corporations or small business operations. To create a more professional presence, I have a Facebook account that is more soccer specific. My current and past teams can befriend me to stay in contact. I use this site to post soccer and coaching related material only. I like to think I'm an App guy. I've downloaded over 100 but probably only regularly use 10 - 15. For me, Apps are convenient and productive. Initially Apps were typically used for email, calendar, stock market info, etc. but nowadays people are using them for a variety of reasons such as mobile games, GPS tracking, personal scanners, or live streaming sports.
Given increase use of smart phone devices and tablets, I believe there is considerable potential for the App world. As mentioned before, Apps are convenient and productive but also correlate with the user's day to day activities. I would project people will start to use Apps more than browse the web. Personally, I know for a fact I use apps more often. As someone who lives in a large city, there are plenty of Apps that pertain to my lifestyle. For example, San Francisco has metered parking. One of my favorite Apps is "paybyphone" - an app that allows you to feed the meter through your smartphone. Once you've set up your bank information, simply enter the meter number and select the amount of time needed. Additionally, if the time is running out, a text message is sent directly to your phone. And to provide even more convenience, the app allows you to add additional time from wherever you are. Genius. The main difference between Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 is instead of the publisher pushing content to the consumer, consumers now share content with each other. From an educational standpoint, this new method is significantly more useful. People can share their own ideas, opinions, and perspectives instead of relying on one source of information. This interactive component enables people to share knowledge with each other and helps maximize user participation.
Web 2.0 is also transforming our learning process. Universities can teach hundreds of thousands of students through online courses. In Edtechtimes: "How the Internet is Revolutionizing Education", the article notes the University of Phoenix enrolls over 500,000 students online! That is amazing! Additionally, the costs of education is becoming increasingly affordable. Students are now able to search for online programs, which fit their budget, without leaving their homes to pay for room and board. Online education is also expanding the student demographic. The article states, "over 50% of online users are 26 or older" (like me). Students are now able to access education and design their structure to suit their needs. One of my favorite quotes is the following: "75% of public higher learning institutions have online learning in their long term plans. By 2019, it is estimated that over 50% of all classes taught will be delivered online, and many of these will be available for free." This statistic is a testament to providing affordable education to larger audience. Exciting times ahead... In the "7th Annual Learning Tools Survey", 500 + professionals in over 58 countries voted on the top 2013 learning tools. Jane Hart compiled a list of the top 100.
'A learning tool is a tool for your own personal or professional learning or one you use for teaching or training.' Here is a list of the top 10: 1.) Twitter 2.) Google Drive / Docs 3.) YouTube 4.) Google Search 5.) Powerpoint 6.) Evernote 7.) Dropbox 8.) Wordpress 9.) Facebook 10.) Google + & Hangouts I was surprised to see how often I already use these tools. Out of 10, I currently use 8 nearly every day. I've never really thought of Facebook, YouTube or Twitter as "learning tools" but I can't argue the fact they provide information on a daily basis. In fact, I'm regularly re-posting or sharing material to colleagues, friends and family. In Zeynel Cebeci and Mehmet Tekdal’s (2006), Using Podcasts as Audio Learning Objects, the subject of audio casting in education is discussed. Cebeci and Tekdal define "Podcasting or audiocasting is a simple realization of audio content syndication that mainly targets mobile digital devices via audioblogs on the Web." (pg. 1).
In recent years, the debate of podcasting as an educational tool has been debated. As mentioned by Professor Bruce Thorton in Getting their iLessons from the FresnoBee.com, "Learning is a human thing, and learning means humans getting together in the same place," he said. "It's looking at the face, getting the vibe from the inflection of the professor's voice, the gestures, the eyes, the live enthusiasm." Others feel students can receive information similarly through an ipod, smartphone, mp3 etc. Additionally, students can hit "play", "rewind" or "pause" at any time. For example, some students are parents and have responsibilities with their kids preventing perfect classroom attendance. In said scenario, tuning into a podcast and taking notes can make up for a missed class. Podcasting can also be incredibly valuable for homework outside of class. Some teachers prefer to use class time for presentations or group discussions and don't have time for long lectures. Deborah L. Vess’ (2005), History to Go: Why iTeach with iPods states that, "There is also an advantage for students in that they can review podeasts, whereas classroom presentations are a more linear experience that students cannot repeat once they are completed. Another advantage of using podcasts is that class time is freed up for discussion and higher order learning activities. Although my course had only eight students in it, due to the intense discussions I demand of students, we could not complete eight presentations in a three-hour session. The availability of the presentations on the podcasts before the class allowed us to focus on important issues, trends, and historiographical theories that otherwise might have gone unexplored." (pg.5) I personally feel there must be a balance. At this stage, I still find considerable value in face to face lectures and in person conversation. However, I acknowledge and personally experience the flexibility podcasts provide people. As a Coach, it's imperative to stay current and educate myself on the most effective methods to teach. |
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