Day 88 - A Glossary of Web 2.0

Web 2.0 brought us a host of new buzzwords. In fact, Web 2.0 is really just a buzzword that sums up the latest generation of Internet technology. For those who are new to the Internet's latest incarnation, I've pulled the most popular definitions from a variety of online sources to encompass the latest technologies.

AJAX / XML
These terms describe the methodology and technology used to create Web 2.0 pages. AJAX means Asynchronous Java and XML and is used to make web pages more responsive while avoiding the need to load the page each time new information is needed. XML, which stands for Extensible Markup Language, is used to make websites more interactive.

AVATAR
The visual representation of a person inside a virtual world or virtual chat room.

BLOG / Blog Network / Blogosphere
A blog, like this one, which is short for web log, and is actually a series of articles, usually written in an informal tone. While many blogs serve as online personal journals, a blog network is a series of blogs hosted by the same website or company. The blogosphere refers to all the blogs across the Internet regardless of whether they are individual blogs or part of a network.

CAPTCHA
This refers to those crazy letters and numbers you have to decipher and type in every time you fill out a form on the web. It is a mechanism computers and companies use to determine whether or not you are human. This is necessary in order to prevent spam.

CLOUD/Cloud Computing
The Internet is sometimes referred to as the "Cloud." Cloud Computing refers to the trend of using the Internet as an application platform, like using an online version of a word processor as opposed to using the word processing program installed on your computer's hard drive. It also refers to using the Internet as a service, like storing your pictures online at Flickr rather than keeping them on your hard drive.

ENTERPRISE 2.0
No, I'm not referring to my favorite M-Class Starship. Enterprise 2.0 refers to the process of using the new Web 2.0 tools and ideas in the workplace, like creating a business wiki for holding online meetings or using an internal blog tom communicate as opposed to sending out email memos to employees.

GEOTAGGING
The process of including location information, like a file storage tag for a photo or using the GPS on your cell phone to 'geotag' where you were when you posted an update to a blog or social networking site.

LINK BAITING
The process of creating potentially viral content in the hope of obtaining a large number of incoming links. For example, you might write an article about a current event in the hope of attracting some attention. The negative thing about link-baiting is intentionally saying something unpopular in the hope of creating a debate. Some users will create hyper-provocative titles to articles toward the same goal.

MOBILE 2.0
This refers to the trend of websites that recognize mobile devices (like phones) and utilize their special features. like Facebook (a popular application). When users sign onto their smart phones, linked social networking sites know they are available to communicate. The GPS in most phones also tell where the user is located.

OFFICE 2.0
This was an early term that lost out to 'cloud computing.' Office 2.0 refers to the trend of taking office applications and turning them into web applications, again, like online versions of a word processing or spreadsheet program.

CUSTOM HOME PAGES/Personalized Start Pages
This is a web page that is highly customizable, often featuring a news reader and the ability to add widgets. It is designed to become your web browser's "home" page. Find excellent examples of personalized start pages with iGoogle and MyYahoo.

PODCASTING
The simultaneous distribution of audio and video across the Internet, such as video blogs or Internet radio programs. Many businesses are conducting live 'Webinar's' in the same manner. Like blog formats, they can range in subject matter from personal to business to political to serious to entertaining.

RSS/Web Feeds
Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is the system that transports articles across the Internet. An RSS feed (sometimes simply called a 'web feed') contains either full or summarized articles without all the fluff from the website. These feeds can be read by other websites or by an RSS reader.

RSS READER/News Reader
The program used to read an RSS feed. RSS readers allow you to aggregate multiple web feeds and read them from a singular place. There are both online and offline RSS readers. (I like Google Reader, personally.)

You don't have to be a genius to figure out computers, programs or how to use the Internet these days, just be willing to experiment and search. Remember, Google really is your friend!

Day 55 - What the *blog* was that?

I have a confession to make: I've been holding out. Yes, it's true. I've lost my nerve on a number of occasions and held back; I could have been sharing a lot more juicy detail in this blog. And, there's more. I admit once again that blogging is incredibly time consuming, possibly too time consuming for me to excel both in class and here on-line. (Whew, I feel better having gotten that off my chest.)

When I dove head first into this project I simply hoped to share my experiences as a non-traditional college student. I believed I had something to say that might help others. I had no idea I would be spending three to four hours every day looking for subject matter, reading hundreds of other blogs, fleshing out ideas that sometimes didn't work, then writing (and re-writing) the daily post. In retrospect, a weekly post would have served my purpose just as well and taken up one seventh of the time! But foolishly, I made a public commitment to post something every day for 99 days, so that is exactly what I am going to do. Learn from my mistake, people!

Thankfully, I'm more than halfway to that magic number and Graduation Day. I've just 44 posts to go....oh, wait...I must also complete a massive survey, tabulate the results, and research/write 150 more pages for three different classes. How will I possibly give equal time and attention to each commitment? I only know that I will. And hopefully, you'll stay tuned just to see how I master this balancing act. My great fear today is that succeeding in school may mean that the daily blog will suffer from time to time. Fingers crossed. I'm not throwing in the towel on anything!

I woke up this morning feeling guilty. Guilt is a useless emotion. I'm feeling guilty, for starters, because I also set out to entertain you with amusing anecnotes and motivating prose about higher education and second chances. Have I done any of that in this blog? It doesn't feel like it. If only there were more hours in the day for the classwork, the reading assignments, the research projects, and most of all, for coming up with great copy for the daily blog. The truth is I am only human, just like you. Some days, nothing much happens. Some days, I don't feel like writing. (Note: I do it anyway.) Some days, there really isn't anything funny to talk about! Other times I am so deeply engrossed in mass communications that frankly, to share my research with you would also mean boring you to death. So, I will continue to stay far away from anything that might come back to haunt me, any story that is too depressing and anything that might be embarrassing to another student or friend. That means I must leave out some of the best (I really mean "funniest") material.

I do apologize for posting too many "newsy" articles. That's the journalist in me. But let's give ourselves a break today. By sharing my challenges in writing this blog, perhaps I am making the best contribution I can. A great upside to writing every day is having time and space to cover a variety of topics. It's great practice, too. You should try it. That's right. Anyone can be a blogger today. Whether blogging is for you or not, I hope you will continue to check in here regularly. Surely, there are posts here that you can learn from or relate to in some way. In future, my goal is to write shorter, faster and more honestly about what's going on - in class, on campus, and in my head. OK?

(Hang on. It's going to be a bumpy ride!)

Day 31 - Moving and grooving

In yesterday's post I covered a few of the challenges we non-traditional college students face. Later last night, I couldn't help but dream about the ways this campus could support our unique section of the student body - and help to recruit new students at the same time. I'm developing a list of ideas, and I want your input. What about creating an online community or an informational "wiki" where all the non-traditionals can support one another, find one another and trade information? I am sure the administration would be open to supporting campus services that make college life feasible for more students if we ask for them.

Whether you are a friend, a current student or just someone considering going back to school, this is a great place to start talking about it. Just click on "comment" below. The truth is, an effective blog is more of a conversation between readers than the posts of one author. I'll be the first to admit that I am in the middle of the learning curve. For the past 30 days, as I've explored social media, I've also toured the blogosphere in particular. I'm trying to find my voice. Have you found yours?

Isn't it time you weighed in here? Together, we could turn this into something of value to students, their families, and anyone interested in higher education. If you missed yesterday's post, please give it a read and let us all know what ideas, thoughts or questions it brought to mind. Thanks!

The news in brief
On a personal note, the mid-day yoga class at Carr health was jam-packed today, thanks to a nice article in last week's edition of the MSU News. I may never live down those photos, but I'm always happy to do my part...!

I just learned that I was cast in the upcoming play, The Way Home. The big surprise is that I'll be playing a newspaper reporter, which certainly suits the journalist (and the actress) in me. I heartily recommend this show to Murray residents and MSU students. It's a beautiful, moving story scheduled for a single performance at the Wrather Theatre on Sunday, October 25 at 2:00 pm. Written by celebrated local author, Constance Alexander, The Way Home is directed by Laynie Mitchell. Be sure to check here for details on how to get tickets (in a future post). Keep in mind that seating will be limited.

Ciao for now!

Day 12 - The Art of Staying Focused

As employees, students - adults - we must be self-motivating. The bulk of the real work necessary to succeed in school or in business must be done on our own. These days, it is likely you are spending many hours at a keyboard. For me, going back to school after a decades-long break, made it difficult to get almost anything accomplished - at first. The Internet simply comes with too many distractions! Every time I would sit down to research or write, I would run across a new opportunity, be tempted to visit some website, watch a video post, check my email, attend a webinar, browse Google, or participate in anything other than the work - not to mention the offline distractions.

Consider these steps to help maintain better focus.

1. Work alone in a quiet space

If you live in a noisy complex, or have young children, roommates, even a needy spouse, you already know it's absolutely crucial to work in a space where others don't distract you. Does it ever seem like just when you're ready to start something, you're suddenly barraged by requests to help others out? Go to your work space with a solid amount of time carved out for you to be productive.

2. Get Rid of Internet Distractions

While it may be fun to surf online for the latest videos, shop, read the news, check email or a favorite social networking site, you can literally waste hours on these activities. They won't get you closer to your goal, unless of course, your goal involves Internet research. Save your favorite Internet time wasters for after you get some real work done. When you see results, then reward yourself with a limited amount of time on a favorite activity.

3. Turn off the TV / Stereo / iPod/ Cell phone

I know, even I am surprised to hear this from me (I used to be the queen of multi-tasking). I spent my early school years studying with a TV blaring in the background at all times. I won't bore you with own my life lessons, but let's face it, the noise can make it tough to concentrate.

4. Use a list to keep track of tasks

A daily to-do list really does work. Today, you can replace your old paper list with a calendar program, an online scheduler application or generate a typed list at the end of each day using your favorite word processing program. The bottom line is to write down what you hope to accomplish the next day, then forget it for the rest of the evening. This leaves you free to relax, and you'll even sleep better. Having the list ready the next morning makes it easier to dive right in.

5. Break big jobs into smaller pieces, then prioritize the parts

It sounds simplistic, but tackling one small item at a time is so much easier than looking the larger job. Break a report into several sections, then break the sections into smaller sections. Tackle one bite at a time. You'll stay focused and finish quicker.

By implementing even one of these strategies, you might find your productivity up and attaining your goals closer than you thought.