Instant Messengers

Bonus points for knowing what heuristics means....

I have used nearly every Instant Messenger on the internet at some point. I still have an ICQ account (# 85214459) which for those who remember that is the oldest of the IM programs, by now it is much more esoteric. I began using it back in early 1999 as part of a web dev class that I took in high school. I moved on to many other IM programs ranging from AIM (AOL Instant Messenger), Yahoo IM, Pidgin, Meebo, to Trillian (which conveniently aggregated all other IM accounts in one program) I have since moved on to using Google as my primary IM means. IM flourished at a time when people didn't have smart phones and didn't facebook. I believe the advent of those two pieces of technology negatively impacted the usage of Instant Messenger programs. Now I don't need an additional piece of software to have the same effect, I can instead just use Facebook or Google to do the same thing.

This includes advanced functionality, which I use for business often, such as file sharing. However when collaborating on large projects I prefer to use actual project management software such as Freedcamp (www.freedcamp.com), primarily because it allow for version control.

The basic IM functionality has been co opted within numerous other programs and technologies that it is now fairly ubiquitous. As I am typing this a Google+ message pops up, it's from a client....I guess that is my cue....

Skype

Skype is a Voice over Internet Protocol(VOIP) tool that allows voice and video communications over the internet. It is based on a proprietary technology that combines peer to peer with a client-server mix. It is a standalone program that is available for multiple platforms, with varying UI schemes based on platform. I downloaded it for Android, Linux and PC for the purposes of testing it for this assignment.  I used it for testing for this, but overall I prefer the ease of use with Google's VOIP service. Primarily due to the fact that Google VOIP solution is web based, and doesn't require the installation of additional software and many of the features of Skype that are paid are free on Google, such as Group video chat features.

I used Skype with a business contact in Japan and for the most part the call quality was decent, but the file sharing experience left a lot to be desired. Frequent time-outs were the norm, rather than the exception. Contrast this with Google VOIP and I encountered no such problem. The problem was not my Internet connection as I have a dedicated 200mbps connection in my server room where I was using this.

The overall experience from Skype is just not as polished as others, and with the requirement for paying for features that I get elsewhere (*cough* Google) for free is a nonstarter. I did feel that the interface on Linux Mint was the cleanest and best experience. That could be due to any number of factors with regards to my particular Windows install, but in my experience that was the case.

LinkedIn - Common Sense tips to extract value from the social networking site without damaging your personal brand

LinkedIn is the premier site for professional networking. It allows professionals to network in a way that sets it apart from facebook, friendster, myspace, etc. including elements such as a resume section. Additionally it allows a certain degree of separation from your private life. It also has the feature of connecting professionals that may be several degrees apart from one another through the use of an intermediary. This can be eminently useful if you find yourself needing that key introduction to forge a business relationship.

I use LinkedIn to stay current with certain industry groups, and have built a resume and acquired recommendations from various clients or employers. I now have the ability to point future clients to this resource to ensure my credentials.

In my experience, there are several keys to using LinkedIn effectively.

The first one may be the most obvious, but based on the number of profiles that I see not heeding this advice, it needs to be stated; fill out your entire profile, including a good headshot. This is building your personal brand. It needs to be clear what people are looking at, and clear what you are selling with your page. (You are selling yourself, by the way). Include all relevant positions that you have held, along with good descriptions.

The second thing that I see that needs improvement is that if you are going to extract any use from LinkedIn, then use it. It may be a very trite saying at this point, but you get what you give. This is true of LinkedIn as well. I have had very lucrative job offers due to my involvement with certain groups on LinkedIn. Also if you are using it, then let others know that you are using it; include it on your business cards, resumes, etc.

The third tip that I have for others using LinkedIn is to ensure that you keep a clear divide from your personal persona and your business persona. I see others that don't know what is appropriate for their LinkedIn vs what is appropriate for their Facebook. Maybe that political cartoon is perfect for your Facebook, but is it really a good idea to post it on a message board on a professional networking service? Probably not. Also make your Facebook locked down as possible, you don't need a business contact Google searching you and coming up with something objectionable that forces them to give a contract or job to another person. Too often these days political correctness will determine who gets the bid, not the best person for the job. Like it or not, I have seen it happen multiple times to people in my industry. Keep clear boundaries.


A few common sense tips will go a long way towards keeping you happy and hopefully employed. ;-)

Facebook vs Twitter vs Barteronlinewithlocals.com

	Facebook	Twitter	Local Trade
What is the purpose?	Share your life with friends, family and others as you choose. Allows the sharing of photos, videos and status updates. Also used by businesses to promote their products and services.	A microblogging site that limits posts to 140 characters, this is seen as either a boon, forcing users to be succinct; or a handicap as it limits the more verbose of us. Used by both businesses and individuals.	Trade/sell physical items with local users, creating a networked community of users who can vouch for one another, negating the craigslist effect of anonymity.
Founded	2004	2006	2012
Total Users	1.1 Billion*(1)	500 million*(1)	24 (beta)
Avg Age of User	40.5 *(2)	37 *(2)	N/A
Status	IPO'ed	About to IPO	Closed Beta
Quirks	Privacy policy is constantly moving target	Posts are limited to 140 characters.	Still in construction, software builds change weekly
Monetization Strategy	Ad supported with add'l revenue from selling user's demographic and search information.	Ads in the form of “promoted tweets”	Build something great, then grow, monetize later

podcastalley.com vs podcast.com

Really, this is like asking " would you like a punch in the mouth or a punch in the ear?". Neither are particularly pleasant, but I suppose I'll take the punch in the ear, at least it won't mess my teeth.

Podcast - http://www.podcast.com

VS

Podcast Alley - http://www.podcastalley.com/

Podcast is a parked domain for sale.
Podcast alley doesn't have any content that is newer than several years old.

Podcast alley is at least a valid domain. So I guess there is that...

RSS Feed #1 - GunTalk

On GunTalk you will hear discussion about the future of gun control legislation, advancements in the industry, new products, a little bit of industry advertising, and Tom Gresham (the host) brings on all sort of guests from within the industry to talk about current events as they relate to guns.

I like guns. So I am interested in all things guns. :-)
I shoot competitively, so I like to stay up on industry news. Plus there are often interesting guests on the podcasts.

RSS Feed #2 - Lately in PHP

This is a podcast that surrounds another interest of mine. PHP, prehypertext preprocessing, is a server side scripting language that allows for dynamic interaction with websites. The podcast is conducted about once a month and they cover all things PHP. They talk about language changes, framework progress, debates about various language constructs, etc.

I decided to follow this one because I develop using PHP and this is a convenient way to stay on top of PHP news. They aggregate stories and present them in a convenient podcast format.

RSS Feed #3 - MintCast

So, the third podcast that I chose is called "MintCast" it consists of discussion surrounding the operating system known as Linux Mint.(They do discuss other distros, but it is produced by users of LinuxMint, so there will understandably be some bias.)  They also discuss the Linux Kernel and general things of interest to the Linux community.

They have a lot of community involvement and it drives the direction of the blog, they are very engaged. They also live stream and take comments from listeners on an IRC channel, so it is more engaging than most blogs.

I chose it because I use Linux Mint and I am interested in all things Linux

RE: How is good, but let's not forget the why!

No, no....no good sir. I would heartily contend that HOW is exactly what is needed. This wiki is a room of educators backslapping each other with empty platitudes that serve to do nothing. They don't offer any solutions, and have no clear agenda or goal. It is all vague empty pie in the sky. Children do not learn on pie in the sky. Taxpayer money is wasted on pie in the sky. This is the reason that education budgets increase with no commiserate increase in results!


I happen to be a music teacher - something different from many involved in this effort. I've been involved in this whole technological revolution pretty much from the outset . I quickly embrace new technology, but always with the thought that the technology itself is always morally neutral. It is the individual and how he or she chooses to use it that makes it potentially a superb tool for humanity, or one that debases other members of society. Let's always try to keep things in their proper perspective as we go about using these many wonderful new techno-tools.

Once again, we see nothing concrete. Just mush that passes for intellectual discourse. I have to wonder if someone didn't deface all of these wiki articles and replace them with this nonsense.
He says that the technology can "debase" others.(Not to mention I don't know how technology reduces other's value, if they are not involved in it.) Even if we accept that premise, offer us something about how we prevent the "debasing". How do we ensure that they are included in this tech revolution?

Re: The 6 C’s: Co-Creating Competencies for 21st Century Citizenship

The quote that we are presented with at the very beginning doesn't mean much, this sets the tone for the rest of the wiki article. I understand the feeling that education as a system is loathe to change, however the statement that his industry HAS to change before they NEED to? If they HAVE to change...then by definition they NEED to.

 “The difference between your industry and mine,” he said, is that “in my industry, we have to change before we need to, while, in your industry, you won’t change even when it’s clear that you must.”

It is this sort of pandering logic that I find throughout the article. I know that might seem a little harsh, but I don't care for instances when people can call all the problems out with something and only give vague platitudes that don't really offer solutions.


We must move into a new model that clearly adopts the strategy that “one size does not fit all.”

We must embrace the concept that each human being, no matter his or her origin of birth, has been imbued with unique talents and gifts. 


The 6 C’s for 21st Century Citizenship

1. Connect
2. Create
3. Collaborate
4. Communicate
5. Compute
6. Think Critically

These are sort of "Bumper sticker" solutions, they don't offer any real substance.

Make Connections…

Time was, we bemoaned a lack of information as an impe


Just like that it ends....maybe it is for the better. :-)

http://shifthappens.wikispaces.com/The+6C%27s+for+21st+Century+Competency

RE: 21st Century Skills

I was equally interested in what the list didn't contain as what it did. The author discusses the creation of a "new educational system" but fails to offer any compelling solutions. It is easy to point out what is wrong, much harder to create solutions. The author continues on, stating the skill set in an industrial nation are not adequate moving forward. I agree and disagree with that assertion. There are many skills that are transferable, core ideas of working hard, etc. I would contend that it is an expanding of skill sets, rather than a replacement. The author also states that he hopes it to be a resource, but as we can see it sort of died an orphan's death. Maybe sustainability of any venture of this sort should be looked at prior to just putting words on the screen with no concrete backing. I just don't feel this was very well thought out. Mission The mission of this wiki appears to be the creation of a new educational system which will prepare students for life in the 21st century. It should come as no surprise to anyone reading this wiki that our education system is geared toward an industrial nation. The skill sets necessary in an industrial nation are not adequate in 21st century America. Vision My vision for this page is to create a list of essential skills that all students should possess upon graduation from high school. Additionally, I would like to address various methods for teaching these skills, and the rationale for the necessity of these skills. I am proposing a list of skills that should be paramount at every high school in the United States. Through discussion and multiple editors I hope this page will become a valuable resource for teachers and be used as an agent of change in our public school systems. Please feel free to express your thoughts, ideas, values, and judgements in the discussion section of this page. Skills The ability to learn in context & discern information Personal and social responsibility The ability to problem solve The ability to think critically and dissect complex issues Strong communication skills (interpersonal & presentation) Know how and when to use technology efficiently The ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently The ability to visualize, reason, plan, and make decisions A thorough understanding of diverse world cultures The ability to re-train yourself (over and over) A good (positive) attitude The ability to be an independent learner

wiki address

http://jonwchapman.wikispaces.com/