This Is Not The End (#12)

Wow! Can you all believe it? The Spring 2008 semester is really coming to a close. As I type these words, my fellow classmates are busily, and in some cases frantically, adding the final touches to their wiki projects...and this...this is my last blog entry for S554. (You can all try to hide your true feelings, but my sixth sense is telling me that many of you are crying all over your keyboards as you read this!)

I have to admit I am a bit sad that this is my last entry as well, but in a much greater sense, I am relieved. You see, I am looking forward to that long week of rest and relaxation before I begin my summer-long internship at the university. Of course I also have my 40-hour-per-week job, that summer II cataloging class, and a million other chores to look forward to as well, but I digress.

In short, I have learned some new things in this class, met some nice people, and had some interesting experiences in S554, and for all of that I want to say a, "thank you" to Dr. Ball and to all of my colleagues and friends in VICland.

However, I do not view this as "The end." This is a new beginning. Good luck to you all and I hope to see you again soon!

VICtory Speech (#11)

Like a well-oiled military machine under the command of General George S. Patton, our team came together last Thursday evening to “attack” our wiki project head-on. Today, I proudly come before my fellow VIClanders to announce that we have met the enemy on the glorious field of battle, and we have emerged VICtorious!

(In the background, the band plays Happy Days Are Here Again as the crowd claps and cheers.)

It was not an easy struggle...but then again...nothing great ever comes easy; especially the making of a great resource wiki. It takes determination, hard work, and perseverance from a dedicated, intelligent group of people who come together to form a cohesive team and work for a greater, common cause. Our cause was to make the lives of the IU Southeast reference librarians easier, and we have succeeded in that mission.

(Chants of, VICtory! VICtory! VICtory! Echo from the crowd.)

Therefore, I would like to take this time to reassure those women who serve at the IU Southeast Library Reference Desk: Nancy, Gabrielle, Jackie, Benita, Phyllis, Melanie, and Maria that they will never have to wonder where to go if they need information concerning reference service policies, special collections, or reserves; the answers they seek are now safe, secure, and readily available. All they have to do is click here: http://iusreference.wikispaces.com/

God bless you all...and God bless VICland.

Netiquette (#10)

This week at work I was asked to write up something on network etiquette. For some strange reason my boss, who is also a professor of speech and communication studies at IU Southeast, seems to think that some people might not know the "proper" way to behave in an online classroom environment. He reasons that if they don't know how to act in a "one-on-one" situation, then they might really "turn loose" without face-to-face contact. I have to tell you, I was a little flabbergasted at this notion because I am always the same lovable, kind, caring, and considerate person no matter what situation I am in. However, I always aim to please so I did some online research and this is what I came up with:

At IU Southeast, we believe that proper behavior is just as important Online as it is in person. Here are a few guidelines to help you communicate more effectively in your online class(es):

1. Even though you are not face-to-face with classmates and instructors, you are still dealing with other people; act and write accordingly. Always treat your instructors and peers with respect and courtesy.
2. In cyberspace, the law and ethics are still applicable. Do not cheat, plagiarize the work of the others, or infringe upon copyrights. You are accountable for what you state and do online.
3. Please keep in mind that while your course may be online, you are still part of a classroom. Comments that are inappropriate in a regular classroom are inappropriate in an online environment; do not swear, make sexist, racist, or homophobic comments, or practice flaming (posting hostile/hurtful messages with the intent of inciting others.)
4. Remember, time is a valuable commodity for everyone; try to keep your messages brief, to the point, and avoid repetition.
5. Learn to write right; that means know your subject and think before you type anything, and by all means proofread, edit, and use spell check before you click on the Send or Submit button.
6. Avoid using acronyms and emoticons. Your online postings, no matter the length, are official course communications and should be treated as such—be professional.
7. Protect your privacy. Do not e-mail or post any information you do not want others to know; this includes your passphrase, your telephone number, your personal e-mail address, your home address, and your Social Security number.
8. Forgive; people will make mistakes along the way, but we will all have a much more enriching and enjoyable educational experience if we learn to forgive and forget the honest mistakes made by others.
9. Don’t take matters into your own hands. If you experience a technical problem or problems with the course work, or if you have a question, please bring it to your instructor’s attention immediately.
10. Increase the knowledge of the IU Southeast online community and share what you know. Everyone is here to learn; speak up!

FYI: If any of you are interested in seeing the finalized version of my online aptitude survey, it is now active: http://www.ius.edu/onlinecourses/survey.cfm

Have a great weekend!
Michael

"Om Mani Padme Hum" (#9)

This week I am trying to cultivate the Buddhist in me. After the traumatic week I had with technology last week, I knew that I had to get a grip on things and refocus. To assist me in my “spiritual” quest, I utilized a meditation mediagraphy compiled by one of our classmates, Travis Davis. It is appropriately titled, The Silent Mind: http://thesilentmind.weebly.com/ It’s a great source that provides CD Audio, Podcasts, DVD, Online Video, and Software resources about meditation. One of my favorite sources is a guided Reiki meditation based on Chakra colors, and hosted on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFqHa4gOP3c

If your wiki project has you feeling stressed or "under the gun," then I would highly recommend you give this one a try.

Oh, and if you hear “Om Mani Padme Hum” coming over the VICland microphone tonight, you are not going crazy, it’s just me trying to get some R&R.

Technology Survey (#7)

For those of you who do not know it, I work for the Institute for Learning and Teaching Excellence. As a result, I was asked to put together a technolgy survey to be distributed to students who are preparing to take online courses. The followoing is what I came up with:

Section I: Learning Styles

1. How important is face-to-face interaction with your instructor?

Very important

Somewhat important

In my opinion, LESS is more

2. For me, face-to-face participation in the classroom is

Integral

I could live without it, but it is nice

No life form could ever take the place of my computer

3. My reading skills are

Skookum

So so

? (For our friends who can't read)

4. Are you an independent thinker?

Yes, leave me alone

Somewhat, but I want to know help is available

I need all the help I can get

5. What type of classroom setting do you prefer?

Independent study: who needs teachers?

Student-centered: I like to have the opportunity to ask questions

Teacher-directed: For the love of God, Give me details!

6. How much time do you have to devote to an online course?

My time is limited; that is why I am taking an online course

I have the same amount of time I do for an on-campus course

I'm a bum; i’ve got nothing but time

7. Would you be available to come to a few on-campus meetings?

I would be willing to do that

Some of them—if my schedule permits

Online means online; I’m not coming to any of them!

Section II: Technical Comfort Level

1. How comfortable are you with computer technology?

Calling me a computer geek would be an understatement

I have been using computers for awhile, but sometimes need assistance

What’s a computer?

2. How often do you use e-mail?

I am an e-mailaholic

I use it several times per week

I would use it but I don’t know where to put the stamp

3. Do you use Instant Messaging (IM)?

Are you kidding? I use MSN, AIM, Google, Yahoo, and Skype IM at the same time!

I have used IM before, but not on a regular basis

If it’s not on my typewriter, then I have never used it

4. Do you have access to a computer?

I have an up-to-date computer at home with high-speed Internet access

I have to use the computers on campus or at other facilities

I don’t have a computer and I don’t know where to find one

5. How do you feel about confronting new technology?

Let me at it!

I proceed with caution

In cave we say, “Me no like change.”

6. How would you describe your experience with the World Wide Web?

I am a master surfer!

I get on the Web from time-to-time for fun

World Wide What? All of these technical terms are confusing me

7. Are you familiar with the IU Southeast computer support resources?

Yes; I have the extension, 2447, memorized

I have heard of the Help Desk thingy, but I am not sure where it is

We have that? Why wasn’t I informed?

To all of my S554 classmates, please feel free to take the survey and let us know your answers. FYI: there are no "right" or "wrong" answers, but I will give you the responses I prepared for the survey results.

A Blast From The Past: Living In A VHS World (#6)

While on assignment for another class, I wandered into T&T video in Scottsburg, Indiana. The store is an independently owned and operated business--unlike those capatilist pigs: Blockbusters and Movie Gallery! (What can I say? I always favor the "little" guys.)

At any rate, The business is owned by Tony Solo; hence the first “T” in T&T. The second “T” represents Tony’s now deceased wife Tina. Tony has been in business in this location for twenty-five years.

The exterior of the structure the business is housed in is quite unassuming, but it gets much worse on the interior. Not only is it a bit ugly (the walls are painted a very unattractive lime green and the shelving appears to have been constructed out of barn siding), but even more shocking is the fact that most of the “collection” is on VHS format! After entering the building I was convinced that I had taken a wrong turn and ended up in 1984.

Like most Rental stores, T&T has a Drama, Action, Comedy, and Adult section (Ooh-la-la). However, most of the collection is outdated. While I was in the store I spoke to Tony about his collection and he told me that he was not really making any money these days; therefore, he could not always afford to buy the latest releases, and when he could, he could not afford multiple copies. He told me that he still has some customers who have not purchased DVD players or those who are looking for an older movie to rent, but that it was just too difficult for him to compete with the aforementioned conglomerates who also have stores in the rather small town.

As I stated at the beginning, I always favor the “little” guys; However, as I left Tony’s establishment I asked myself, “Is there really a need for a place like T&T video?” Well, there is if I want to rent Rambo: First Blood. However, I think I just seen a copy of that in the $5.00 DVD bin at Wal-Mart!

E-Communication III (#5)

To continue, and I promise to finish this week, with my rantings:

e-mail:

* is a relatively cheap means of communication
* can be sent to many recipients simultaneously
* has multi-media capabilities, making it possible to transmit data, audio and video material
* makes it possible to keep an ongoing, permanent record of discussions with few resources

However, I have to admit that sending e-mail messages is not always the “best” way to communicate with our fellow Homo sapiens. I have two pet peeves when it comes to using e-mail: 1. it removes the human element. In other words, when we send and receive e-mail, we do not get the facial expressions, the eye contact, the body language, the hand gestures, the tone of voice, and other cues that help us to know what message a person wants to convey. In the absence of such information, it is easy to misinterpret the intention of the sender's message, and once we send an e-mail, message we cannot retrieve it or take it back. It can be printed, saved, forwarded, and shared by the recipient much more easily than the aforementioned types of communication. (Caveat: never send naked photos of oneself via e-mail.) 2. one would think that the more people write, the better they would get at it, but this does not seem to be the case. In fact, it seems to have had the opposite effect. For example, this is a message I received in my inbox from an elementary school teacher: “yo… wuz up? i just got back from vegas and wanted to C how you wuz doin. C U later.” What is most disturbing about this message to me is not that the writer could have done better; it is that he chose not to. However, both of these “problems” could be alleviated if the writer would do two things: think before he or she writes and use spell check.

In short, I love e-mail; in fact, it would appear that I am an e-mail addict, a junkie—or possibly something worse. On May 26, 2005, America Online, Incorporated released the results of its e-mail Addiction Survey. The survey asked respondents questions like: How often do you check personal e-mail at work? (Is too many times to count an acceptable answer?) Have you ever checked e-mail while in church? (If I went to church, I am sure I would.) Many people might find it surprising, but the survey discovered that most of the people surveyed rely on e-mail as much as they do on the telephone to keep in touch with family, friends, and associates (I rely on it much more). In addition, most of those surveyed spend about an hour a day on e-mail (only an hour? I laugh at these “light weights!”), and that 77% of e-mail users have more than one e-mail account (I have six! No, seven!) So, as one can easily see, e-mail has had a huge impact on the way in which we communicate with one another. There is no doubt in my mind it has had a huge impact in my life. This is probably where I should stand up and introduce myself, “Hi, my name is Michael, and I am an e-mailaholic.”

E-Communication II (#4)

Since we have not delved too deeply into the technical side of class yet, I will continue on with my e-communication diatribe:

...For example, while sitting in my cubicle in the basement of Crestview Hall, it took me 1:12.484 to open my e-mail account, open a new mail message, address the message, give the message a subject, compose the message, and send the message to my co-worker in his office in the Writing Help Center (W.H.C.), which is located on the far end of the Indiana University Southeast campus. If I delivered this message to him in person, it would have taken me ten minutes just to make the walk over to the W.H.C. and back, not to mention the time that would be spent verbally communicating the message to him and participating in “small talk” while I am in his office and on the way to and from his office. In short, valuable time was saved.

To use another example from my personal life, way back in the day, before any of us had heard of electronic mail, I had a “real” pen pal, one to whom I actually took the time to sit down at the kitchen table once a month and write a “real” letter to. (That’s right; every month!) That is until that fateful day in June when I forgot Jeong Yoon Heo’s birthday and neglected to send her a card. I believe her last words to me were, “Dear Michael, I was very sorry to receive your last letter. I was angry because you forgot my birthday. I told you the date of my birthday. That’s all I have to say to you.” Needless to say, there has been an uneasy peace between myself and South Korea since that day. However, today, thanks to the “magic” of e-mail, I am able to write to my wife who is currently in Matsuyama-shi, Japan, on a daily basis. (No; it is not a coincidence this country is strategically located next to South Korea.)

O.K., enough for now....

To be continued

E-Communication (#3)

In a way, I am looking forward to our first Virtual Indiana Classroom (VIC) session tonight so that I can see and hear all of my peers.* While I have been looking through the blogs and profiles my classmates have been posting, so as to familiarize myself with them, VIC is the next best thing to a face-to-face meeting. Don’t get me wrong, blogging is great, however, it suffers from the same setback as e-mail; that is to say, it removes the human element.

Unless we are given a specific topic for our next blog, I will devote my next few entries to the topic of e-communication; in particular, e-mail. (Warning! This could get lengthy.)

Let me begin by stating that I believe technology is a wonderful thing when it works. When it does not work, there is nothing that can make me feel more helpless or be more frustrating. Take for example the method of composing, sending, storing, and receiving messages over an electronic communication system, more commonly known as electronic mail or just e-mail.

E-mail is a relatively new mode of communication that is experiencing exploding growth in the U.S. and around the world. On their website, EmailLabs reports that in the United States alone, 88% of adult Internet users have at least one personal e-mail account. Of that 88% there are 46% that also have e-mail access at work. Approximately 147 million people across the United States use e-mail almost every day. E-mail volume in the United States nearly doubled from 1.5 trillion in 2003 to 2.7 trillion in 2007. In my opinion, this phenomenal growth rate means that e-mail has the potential to be the greatest thing the computer revolution has done for personal productivity.

Because of its speed and accessibility, I use e-mail at my place of employment to communicate with co-workers and clients; as a graduate student at the university I use e-mail to communicate with instructors, and at home I use e-mail to stay in touch with family and friends. E-mail has many advantages over other modes of communication, such as face-to-face, conventional mail, telephone, fax, and telegram. While it is impractical to list them all, it is clear to me that e-mail saves time and resources. …

To be continued

I will see you all in class this evening.

*In another way I am not, because I know I will be getting home late and I have to get up too early in the morning to prepare for work.

It's Me... (#2)

Hello, everyone! My name is Michael R. Ellis and I am an award-winning writer and photographer with an A.S. in Journalism, a B.A. in Philosophy, and a B.A. in Journalism from Indiana University Southeast (IU Southeast). In the past I have worked as a newspaper photographer and editor, and I write because I love the process.
In addition to writing about philosophical issues, I am an avid reader, I do a little bit of rock climbing, and travel the occasional forest path via mountain bike or afoot. I am currently working in the IT Communication Department and as a graduate writing consultant in the Writing Help Center (W.H.C.) at IU Southeast. I have a keen interest in foreign languages and cultures and my duties at the W.H.C. have allowed me to work with students from around the world as an English as a Second Language instructor.
I like to "hang out" in bookstores and I consider myself more of a "book person." My top ten list:

1. The Tao Te Ching by Lao-Tzu
2. Im Westen Nichts Neues von Erich Maria Remarque
3. and 4. The Symposium and the Apology by Plato
5., 6., and 7. Die Fröliche Wissenschaft, Die Götzen-Dämmerung, und Ecce Homo von Friedrich Nietzsche
8. As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
9. Discourse on Method By René Descartes
10. The Jungle by Upton Sinclair.

While I like to think of myself as "high-tech," computers and software have a way of "bursting my bubble" from time-to-time. A few of my favorite websites are:

1. http://www.geocities.com/thenietzschechannel/
2. http://www.ramones.com/
3. http://www.blogger.com/www.ala.org/
4. http://www.nytimes.com/
5. http://chronicle.com/

In addition, I prefer face-to-face meetings but it seems like I spend a good part of my days sending email messages.
Words I try to live by: "You are mistaken my friend, if you think that a man who is worth anything ought to spend his time weighing up the prospects of life and death. He has only one thing to consider in performing any action--that is, whether he is acting rightly or wrongly, like a good man or a bad one." ~Socrates (in the Apology by Plato).
I am currently working on the MLS at IU because I aspire to be a Radical, Militant Librarian.

In the Beginning (#1)

Well, I am new to the blogging scene and I really don't know where to begin. I am really looking forward to learning more as the semester progresses, and I also look forward to getting to know all of the people in 554 that I can. ...