Installation Media Required

This blog posts deals with the Hands-on Task 1 – Chapter 3, Problem Solving @ Work: Item 7: Installation Media Required (page 187).

I found the answer to the following question: Each time you start Microsoft Excel and attempt to use one of its advanced features, a dialog box appears asking you to insert the installation disc. You are unable to locate the installation disc. What are your next steps so that you can use the advanced features of Microsoft Excel?

At my previous job, the person to contact would have been our information technology consultant. I would send an email to him letting him know that I needed a particular feature installed on my computer. Generally he would remotely take control my my computer and install the required component or would give me access to the network drive that contained the necessary software. As the Microsoft article on  Advanced Excel features discusses, since the initial install of the software was done as a network administration, I would have to create an alternate network installation of the Microsoft Excel Software. However, if I did not have access to the network location where this software is stored, I would need to get access from the Microsoft Site for Office with my Product key. On this site, I can either download and re-install Microsoft Office or I can order or burn backup copies of Microsoft Office.

By completing this task, I am reminded just how much business computers are locked down from installing anything that may negatively impact a business computer. I am also reminded that most enterprise versions of Microsoft Office and other software is often loaded onto a desktop workstation from a network location. I have to keep track of where those locations are if I need to access something, but usually those areas are close guarded with passwords that are not given to the common worker. I am also reminded not to procrastinate on a project because the feature I might need may need to be installed when the information technology professional has time in his or her schedule. I have always worked close with the information technology personnel at work and intend to do the same in the future.

Ban Mobile Devices?

p. 219 Should mobile computers and devices be banned from the classroom?

Are mobile computers and devices too distracting in the classroom? Why? Yes, mobile computers and devices can be distracting in the classroom, but it is up to the teacher to help students understand how to use these devices for positive educational purposes and not be distracted by them. One method to keep students engaged is to have students answer a quick question at the beginning of class using Poll Everywhere which is a program that students can text something to and see changing results on a graph. The potential distraction can then be turned into a positive learning experience. Other teachers have used Poll Everywhere for similar interaction like in the article from Transforming Education through Technology journal http://thejournal.com/articles/2012/03/28/revisiting-cell-phones-bans-in-schools.aspx

Should instructors, departments, or entire schools be able to ban mobile computers and devices in the classroom? Why or why not? In article by NBC (http://www.nbcnews.com/id/35063840/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/t/some-schools-rethink-bans-cell-phones/#.U39LDSjRax0 ) it discussed how schools have been banning devices in the classroom, but students are bringing and using them anyway. These devices have so many applications that make them useful for instruction that I do not believe they should be banned. When I was teaching a geometry class, I actually had students text me answers in class to questions I posed. This allowed students to answer without the fear of shame or embarrassment  from fellow students about getting a wrong answer. I would text back that they were right or needed to try again. It was an amazing tool to help keep those students engaged and it helped me to make sure all students were attempting to answer the question. Officially at that time all electronic devices were forbidden in school. I had advocated for their use in class for educational purposes and I was allowed to attempt their educational use with students using their own devices. It had a positive effect on the students I used it with.

What are proper and improper uses of mobile computers and devices in the classroom? Why? I think in order to use mobile devices properly in the classroom, a teacher has to play with and experiment with similar devices in order to make the best use of them in the classroom. Just getting a bunch of iPads or other mobile device for classroom use without allowing a teacher to become familiar with the device first, benefits no one because the educational uses often get passed over for more non-educational uses that a student may use it for. At https://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/1to1/phase2 there are teacher resources that discuss how to implement a 1 to 1 technology iniative. Some proper ways of using mobile devices would be to increase interaction in real time, give access to applications to support learning, and increase individualization of education.

Is the use of a mobile computer and devices more of a distraction than taking notes or doodling in a notebook pad during class? Why or why not? This educause article

http://www.educause.edu/ero/article/distraction-engagement-wireless-devices-classroom discussed how to take mobile devices from distraction to engagement.  I do not think that the mobile devices are the cause of the distraction, they are a symptom of classroom climate. It is a teacher’s responsibility to make their class interactive as possible that a student doesn’t have time to be distracted by a mobile device or even just stare out the window. In the educause article it said “distractions caused by computers might be the result of a failure to involve students in the classroom rather than the reason they are not engaged.” This supports my concern that it isn’t the object itself that distracts, but the lack of meaningful classroom interaction with the teacher and other students that allows a student to use their mobile device or notes as a distraction. Another valuable idea is that “professors can actually contract with students to elicit their self-regulation”. Depending on the age of the students, these kinds of contracts will likely have varied success. Helping students to be able to learn self control is a priceless gift to them as they prepare for the work world. If a teacher is using a varied amount of active learning activities in the classroom that require “constant feedback, such as questions and answers, discussions, general assignment feedback, group collaboration, and hands-on activities” then mobile devices could be a tool to aid in these active learning activities, rather than a distraction.

Should you be judged by your internet communications?

p. 100 Should you be judged by your internet communications?

Should employers require that employees adhere to e-mail authoring policies?

I think that employees should adhere to e-mail authoring policies because these policies are in place to protect a business and employees. But I think that employers need to go beyond just e-mail. Employees today may be communicating via text message, email, blog posts, comments on internet sites, etc. and these employees must be aware of their rights and responsibilities for what they write. The model policy for internet, intranet, email, phone, and fax from the government of New Zealand http://www.justice.govt.nz/justice-sector/strategy/justice-sector-information-strategy/publications/information-knowledge-management-guide/7.14-model-policies-on-the-use-of-the-internet-intranets-email-phone-and-fax did a great job of outlining the importance of positive appropriate usage of internet communications. This site reminded me that what is written is part of the public record and could be used as evidence in a court of law. I am guided by the verse from the Bible that says in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Following this guidance could inform a person’s internet communications and help have a positive communication experience with others.

In general, has e-mail’s impact on communications been positive or negative? Why? I think that in general communication via the internet has been positive. It has allowed short and quick communication. It has allowed for quick feedback that can have a positive affect on communication. A research study into email ( http://www.itdl.org/journal/jun_04/article06.htm ) as feedback showed that email communication can “increase the likelihood of student achievement and satisfaction and promote learner retention.”  

Would you judge somebody by the quality of his or her e-mail message? Why or why not?

I do judge individual's by their email and internet communication. I believe with the tools available today that there is no excuse for a poorly written email. Tools are available to check spelling and grammar as well as applications where a person can speak words and those same words are typed in proper context with correct spelling. In my sewing hobby, there is the adage, measure twice, cut once. I think the same can be said for communication via email and the internet, think and read twice, send or post once.

Could someone's professional reputation be enhanced or hindered by the quality and effectiveness of his or her internet communications? I believe a person's professional reputation could be either enhanced or hindered by his or her internet communication. This article in Forbes magazine http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2013/03/14/6-steps-to-managing-your-online-reputation/  did a great job of reminding the reader how to keep a positive online reputation. I personally have created several blogs for the things I am most interested in and I try to add content occasionally to them either in written or video format. The idea that if negative information is on the third page of a Google search, then people won't notice it seems logical. It is still it important to know that negative unprofessional content may exist sometimes posted by others. When writing content or posting pictures or videos to the internet, referring to the guidance from Philippians 4:8 would go far to keep a person’s internet reputation positive.

How to deal with technology overload?

This blog posting is in response to my Ethics and Issues questions for OIT 100 Introduction to Computer Information Systems

p. 9 How can People best cope with technology overload?

 What steps can people or society take to cope with technology overload? In an article by Take One Step: Wellness at Work some useful steps include setting boundaries on technology use, setting a schedule for checking email or text messages, making use of face to face interactions, and avoiding adding more features or applications than you really need on your devices. I thought these steps were the most helpful to guide people into a better relationship with ever present technology. However, I think in today's society boundaries are more often than not loosely defined if present and it makes it hard for people to make a decision to limit their technology use, even when it is for their own good.

How might one determine if he or she suffers from technology overload? I found some useful questions to ask oneself at http://www.doctoroz.com/quiz/internet-addiction-quiz The first question was do you feel preoccupied with the internet? Then it asked Do you feel the need to use the Internet for increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction? Have you made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop Internet/technology use? Do you feel restless, moody, depressed or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop Internet/technology use? Do you stay online longer than you originally intend to when you log on? Have you jeopardized or risked the loss of a significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of the Internet/technology use? Have you lied to family members, a therapist or others to conceal the extent of your involvement with the Internet/technology use? Do you use the Internet/technology as a way to escape problems or to relieve a dysphoric mood (for example, feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression)? These questions created by Dr. Kimberly Young from the Center for Addiction Recovery would be very useful for a person to come to terms with their technology overload. I would be concerned however that a person who is overloaded wouldn't notice that these questions apply to his or her life. Sometimes an outside intervention is needed to help an overloaded individual see that his or her behavior isn't helping them lead a better life.

How can technology companies help to alleviate the problem of technology overload? In an article by Jonathan Fader, he discusses some key points that I think would help technology companies alleviate the problem of technology overload. Technology companies need to recognize and share with their users that technology has power to "prevent you from being present" in an activity. They should demonstrate how to set boundaries with technology by scheduling screen free time into your day. One idea was to stack phones on a table when eating out together with others and the first person to look at their phone pays the bill. Technology companies should make it easier to create specific alerts to content notifications that really are important or come from important people. Turning off the blinking LED light could help a person focus on the here and now. People should plan for breaks from technology. People should use a real watch or clock instead of the technology to tell time. Technology companies should provide guidance on how to find therapists trained in cognitive behavioral therapy to help people change their behavior.

Should those identified as technology addicts be able to receive health insurance benefits for counseling services? Why or why not? Technology addicts should absolutely receive health insurance benefits for counseling services. These addicts may suffer from similar detrimental affects to their relationships with their family and coworkers. These individuals deserve to have an opportunity to make positive behavioral changes in their lives that may necessitate the use of an outside individual to help effect this change and be an accountability individual to the addict.