I believe one of my least favorite chores involves whipping out that old dust rag and hitting the shelves with my can of Pledge. Of course, I do love the fresh lemony scent that fills my apartment after wiping down the furniture, but having to remove all the books and trinkets to sort and clean isn’t the most desirable of tasks. Wouldn’t it be just be great if there was a shelf out there that didn’t make me sneeze? In a virtual world, maybe!
Two years ago, my sister, who is an elementary teacher, showed me an online tool introduced to her during one of her professional development classes in technology. Shelfari, as it is called, allows users to list the books they have read, are reading, or intend to read and put them on their virtual bookshelf. For my sister, she was able to include books she has read for school (elementary, high school summer reading, college novels and textbooks), for pleasure (fiction and nonfiction, in book clubs and solo), and for work (teaching resources). Through this tremendous variety of books on her shelf, she is connected to so many different networks of users, from those who teach young children to those who enjoy a good work of historical fiction in their free time!
I created an account for professional and academic use to sort through all the books and textbooks I have been using for my graduate classes. Not only can other users see that I have these books at hand (fellow students could ask to borrow one for a class), but I can view other users with similar preferences in the field. One user, “Foundation Center,” also recommended one of my books, and after looking into the user profile, I learned that it lends books related to nonprofit management. That’s a perfect resource for someone still in school or for a nonprofit administrator who wishes to obtain a resource without purchasing it due to budgetary constraints.
Shelfari also allows users to post their bookshelves to a website or blog, as I have done. The advantage to this is that my classmates, who may have never heard of the website will stumble across it on my blog and have another access point to my bookshelf. I recognize that the tool is all about resource sharing, providing recommendations, and making connections among users. This would be particularly helpful for educators, students, academic professionals, organizations that promote literacy and learning, and even for organizations who engage in resource sharing.
My recommendation is to check out the site and explore the ways it can be used for your academic or organizational needs. Unfortunately, Shelfari won’t remove the dust from the bookshelf in your living room, but it will allow you to sort through the resources you own or hope to access for personal or professional use.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
E-Government: It's All About the Relationships
Beth Simone Noveck’s book Wiki Government explores the ways in which government has been able to use technology to its advantage: improving service delivery, promoting democratic exchange, and strengthening civil society. According to Darrell West, “E-government refers to the delivery of information and services online through the Internet or other digital means.” Thus E-government maximizes the utility of the tasks government is already committed to achieving and strengthens connections. In the simplest of terms, E-government builds and strengthens relationships, characterized by the interactions among government agencies, businesses, citizens, states, and nonprofits.
I think about how I regularly benefit from some of the government’s use of technology. Growing up, I watched my dad sit down with his check book and stuff an envelope for each of our utility providers. Now, every time I want to pay my electric bill, I merely log on to the city of Newark’s website and watch the money disappear instantly from my bank account. The ease of this process is undeniable, but because the task has become simpler, I also find that I push off paying my bills until the last minute. However, while E-procurement at times enables me to meet certain responsibilities “later” (which isn’t always the best for being proactive), I also begin to think about how much it benefits the city accounting office on the other end. At the end of the day, fewer papers to file or checks to cash is a help to local bureaucrats. Nevertheless, this shift from the paper-shuffling logistical tasks requires a more tech-savvy workforce, even at the lowest levels of local government.
Aside from the convenience of E-government, from filing my tax return online to driving through the EZ-Pass lane (a private company serving government transportation services), there is also tremendous value of this technology for law enforcement. E-enforcement encompasses the cameras used to track for highway violations and the software that detects those who avoid paying use tax. However, enforcement isn’t just developing the pre-existing government services like traffic control. With increased cyber crime, law enforcement has had to develop its intelligence out of necessity. Thus technology has not only shifted the delivery of government services but has expanded the role of government in order to match the growth of these advances.
All of this comes down to relationships. As a citizen, it is easier for me to use government services, at least in terms of paying my bills. I experience the benefits of a private-public partnership with EZ-Pass. Through my current work and upcoming internship with a nonprofit, I am aware of how government is able to funnel grant money more easily to the organization. The relationships and networks among government and the various sectors of society always existed. We now have the privilege of improving the efficiency of these connections and enhancing service delivery in everyday life.
I think about how I regularly benefit from some of the government’s use of technology. Growing up, I watched my dad sit down with his check book and stuff an envelope for each of our utility providers. Now, every time I want to pay my electric bill, I merely log on to the city of Newark’s website and watch the money disappear instantly from my bank account. The ease of this process is undeniable, but because the task has become simpler, I also find that I push off paying my bills until the last minute. However, while E-procurement at times enables me to meet certain responsibilities “later” (which isn’t always the best for being proactive), I also begin to think about how much it benefits the city accounting office on the other end. At the end of the day, fewer papers to file or checks to cash is a help to local bureaucrats. Nevertheless, this shift from the paper-shuffling logistical tasks requires a more tech-savvy workforce, even at the lowest levels of local government.
Aside from the convenience of E-government, from filing my tax return online to driving through the EZ-Pass lane (a private company serving government transportation services), there is also tremendous value of this technology for law enforcement. E-enforcement encompasses the cameras used to track for highway violations and the software that detects those who avoid paying use tax. However, enforcement isn’t just developing the pre-existing government services like traffic control. With increased cyber crime, law enforcement has had to develop its intelligence out of necessity. Thus technology has not only shifted the delivery of government services but has expanded the role of government in order to match the growth of these advances.
All of this comes down to relationships. As a citizen, it is easier for me to use government services, at least in terms of paying my bills. I experience the benefits of a private-public partnership with EZ-Pass. Through my current work and upcoming internship with a nonprofit, I am aware of how government is able to funnel grant money more easily to the organization. The relationships and networks among government and the various sectors of society always existed. We now have the privilege of improving the efficiency of these connections and enhancing service delivery in everyday life.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Technology on Generations and Communities: PEW Research Reports
The Pew Research Center is a "fact tank" that collects information on American attitudes and trends. PEW Internet focuses on the effects of information technology and the internet in shaping society and behaviors in America.
The following reports explain the use of technology by different generations of Americans and a variety of community and civic organizations:
Generations and Their Gadgets (PEW Research Center)
by Kathryn Zickuhr, Feb. 3, 2011
The difference in technology use among generations is directed primarily in the degree to which various functions are used. While more Americans own and use the same tools, the Milennials both own more devices and take advantages of the capabilities than older generations. For example, cell phone use is widespread, but while basic functions like making calls and taking pictures is common for all users, younger users take advantage of advanced internet and messaging features. The same trend occurs with most other gadgets as well.
It is obvious that older users will be less likely to use modern features of technology; however, this can have an impact on the involvement of older Americans in civic life and community organizations. While the baby boomers are the fastest growing Facebook users, society still needs to be concerned about maintaining ties with the older boomers, the silent generation and beyond. The tools for social engagement have changed, but not everyone is able to keep up.
Thus, this report presents challenges for those interested in community development among various generations and populations that lack the social networking and technological skills of the younger generations.
The Social Side of the Internet (PEW Research Center)
Lee Rainie, Kristen Purcell, Aaron Smith, Jan. 18, 2011
According to the response by 27 different organizations, more Americans are involved in volunteer and community groups, and more internet users than non-internet users participate in these organizations. The internet and the use of technology has allowed for greater involvement in civic, religious, and social activities. Respondents reported that the internet has allowed them to connect with others, reach out into the community, become informed of important issues, impact society, raise funds for their organizations, and plan and implement activities.
For smaller organizations and groups, the internet has provided a tool for outreach and growth. Social networks and tools like Twitter have allowed these groups to be more vocal about their missions and has provided opportunities for individuals to stay connected.
As someone who was dismayed by Robert Putman's description of more Americans "bowling alone," that is refraining from community involvement, I believed technology would increase this retreat from participation in society. However, this report describes how technology may actually help to engage Americans in community life once again.
The following reports explain the use of technology by different generations of Americans and a variety of community and civic organizations:
Generations and Their Gadgets (PEW Research Center)
by Kathryn Zickuhr, Feb. 3, 2011
The difference in technology use among generations is directed primarily in the degree to which various functions are used. While more Americans own and use the same tools, the Milennials both own more devices and take advantages of the capabilities than older generations. For example, cell phone use is widespread, but while basic functions like making calls and taking pictures is common for all users, younger users take advantage of advanced internet and messaging features. The same trend occurs with most other gadgets as well.
It is obvious that older users will be less likely to use modern features of technology; however, this can have an impact on the involvement of older Americans in civic life and community organizations. While the baby boomers are the fastest growing Facebook users, society still needs to be concerned about maintaining ties with the older boomers, the silent generation and beyond. The tools for social engagement have changed, but not everyone is able to keep up.
Thus, this report presents challenges for those interested in community development among various generations and populations that lack the social networking and technological skills of the younger generations.
The Social Side of the Internet (PEW Research Center)
Lee Rainie, Kristen Purcell, Aaron Smith, Jan. 18, 2011
According to the response by 27 different organizations, more Americans are involved in volunteer and community groups, and more internet users than non-internet users participate in these organizations. The internet and the use of technology has allowed for greater involvement in civic, religious, and social activities. Respondents reported that the internet has allowed them to connect with others, reach out into the community, become informed of important issues, impact society, raise funds for their organizations, and plan and implement activities.
For smaller organizations and groups, the internet has provided a tool for outreach and growth. Social networks and tools like Twitter have allowed these groups to be more vocal about their missions and has provided opportunities for individuals to stay connected.
As someone who was dismayed by Robert Putman's description of more Americans "bowling alone," that is refraining from community involvement, I believed technology would increase this retreat from participation in society. However, this report describes how technology may actually help to engage Americans in community life once again.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
If You Tweet Them, They Will Come
Working with students in my job, I see the tremendous need for posting updates and utilizing social networks, especially through Facebook. Most of my employees and volunteers don't seem to use Twitter, but I am constantly being presented with this tool as an option by my professors and other professionals who post comments quite frequently. My question, as supervisor for several groups of students whether I should take advantage of the tools they already use or introduce them to new forms of technology. Already I have tried new applications, including Doodle for scheduling and GoogleDocs for file sharing and forms. But how much more can they handle? And what would be most useful for mobilizing and updating my staff and volunteers?
I stumbled across an article discussing five tools to mobilize volunteers for nonprofit organizations. With plans of working as a nonprofit manager, I found this piece a good reminder of how to use technology in the workplace. I had never before heard of Ning, which is an online tool for creating your own social network or online community. At this stage in the game, GoogleMaps won't be terribly useful for my work because our student activities tend to be hosted on campus, but I see how this would be helpful to point to event venues sponsored by nonprofits. The article continued to present the usefulness of Twitter, which I still hope to see used more for my current and future professional needs. The other two suggested tools, Facebook and blogs, are tools that I currently use, and therefore the article reinforced what I already put into practice. Nevertheless, I am interested in seeing how some of these other tool would work in a nonprofit organization, where the need for volunteers and public support could be addressed using these forms of technology.
"Five Ways Social Media Connects Nonprofits to Volunteers" from Yahoo Associated Content http://tinyurl.com/4fm9pl4
I stumbled across an article discussing five tools to mobilize volunteers for nonprofit organizations. With plans of working as a nonprofit manager, I found this piece a good reminder of how to use technology in the workplace. I had never before heard of Ning, which is an online tool for creating your own social network or online community. At this stage in the game, GoogleMaps won't be terribly useful for my work because our student activities tend to be hosted on campus, but I see how this would be helpful to point to event venues sponsored by nonprofits. The article continued to present the usefulness of Twitter, which I still hope to see used more for my current and future professional needs. The other two suggested tools, Facebook and blogs, are tools that I currently use, and therefore the article reinforced what I already put into practice. Nevertheless, I am interested in seeing how some of these other tool would work in a nonprofit organization, where the need for volunteers and public support could be addressed using these forms of technology.
"Five Ways Social Media Connects Nonprofits to Volunteers" from Yahoo Associated Content http://tinyurl.com/4fm9pl4
Monday, February 14, 2011
Gotta Love It!
I must say, that while I'm pretty savvy when it comes to using technology, I quite often find myself wishing I could escape my constant connectedness to Facebook, Twitter, Google (and all its awe-inspiring functions), and every other tool that work and school require me to maintain. Just last year for my birthday, my family ever-so kindly gave me a Nook so that I could enter into the "new-age" of book-reading, much to my dismay (I did gripe about it and how I prefer flipping the crisp pages of "real" books). All of these things are handy, yes, but I really like being old school. Nevertheless, I realize that if I plan to survive and even succeed through employment and maintain communication with friends, family and co-workers, my attitude has to change and I need to step beyond just knowing how to use all these incredible technological features and actually utilize their functions.
This is not the first blog I've maintained (the first served as an account of my semester-long study abroad adventures and the second continues to report many of my musings). However, this blog will provide a glimpse of the lessons and techniques I develop this semester in my Monday evening IT class. I hope to make this as exciting as possible, although my wit may wane at times. So, welcome to the first post, and hopefully by the end, I'm gonna love keeping up with modern technology in a new and snazzy way!
Cheers,
Diane
This is not the first blog I've maintained (the first served as an account of my semester-long study abroad adventures and the second continues to report many of my musings). However, this blog will provide a glimpse of the lessons and techniques I develop this semester in my Monday evening IT class. I hope to make this as exciting as possible, although my wit may wane at times. So, welcome to the first post, and hopefully by the end, I'm gonna love keeping up with modern technology in a new and snazzy way!
Cheers,
Diane
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