As part of our coursework, we were required to submit a 2,500 word report about the use of web 2 for small to medium businesses. I enjoyed writing the report, and I found it easy to collect background information, as we were actually given a reading list.
The main problem that I encountered was that I found myself struggling to find enough time to complete the report. This was due to the fact that I had to prepare for an exam and also complete my research proposal all in the same week. I have learned from this, and in future I shall have to plan my time more and leave myself more time for completing homework tasks.
Saturday 8 May 2010
Saturday 1 May 2010
Thursday 29 April 2010
Week 11
In the last lecture of the course, we learned about the technologies within Web 2. These include: HTML, XML, CSS, Javascript, AJAX and SQL.
We also looked at Enterprise 2.0, which is basically how of Web 2.0 and social networking can be used as an effective business tool. This was very interesting as I never realised the possibilities that using this technologies could bring to an organisation. I would definitely say that Enterprise 2.0 is the way to go for businesses future success.
The final topic in the lecture looked into Web 3.0, which is called the Semantic Web. I personally don't feel ready for the change, as I think that we are just getting to grips with Web 2.0 and we have not yet explored the full potential that it has as both a personal as well as a business tool. I also tried to locate then on the web, and found it difficult to get a clear picture of what it is actually going to bring to the web. It was very interesting, however, to compare it to a Database, and interesting to see that some of the terminology that is used is also the same. This has made it a little more clear for me to understand. I think that when Web 3.0 takes off, there will be a huge requirement from organisations to ensure that their employees are competent using Microsoft Access, to the same extent that many people are with Microsoft Word.
I think that we have to be careful that we are not moving into dangerous territory with the semantic web, as it seems to me to be more of a substitute for real life and may not be as much fun as using Web 2.0.
We also looked at Enterprise 2.0, which is basically how of Web 2.0 and social networking can be used as an effective business tool. This was very interesting as I never realised the possibilities that using this technologies could bring to an organisation. I would definitely say that Enterprise 2.0 is the way to go for businesses future success.
The final topic in the lecture looked into Web 3.0, which is called the Semantic Web. I personally don't feel ready for the change, as I think that we are just getting to grips with Web 2.0 and we have not yet explored the full potential that it has as both a personal as well as a business tool. I also tried to locate then on the web, and found it difficult to get a clear picture of what it is actually going to bring to the web. It was very interesting, however, to compare it to a Database, and interesting to see that some of the terminology that is used is also the same. This has made it a little more clear for me to understand. I think that when Web 3.0 takes off, there will be a huge requirement from organisations to ensure that their employees are competent using Microsoft Access, to the same extent that many people are with Microsoft Word.
I think that we have to be careful that we are not moving into dangerous territory with the semantic web, as it seems to me to be more of a substitute for real life and may not be as much fun as using Web 2.0.
Sunday 25 April 2010
Week 10
In the lecture this week, we learned about the management of Web 2.0, which included the implementation, return on investment, operational issues, barriers and ethics. I wasn't surprised to hear about some of the issues arising from the massive popularity of web 2.0, as I see articles in the news every week about it.
We were told on the massive impact that facebook had on President Obama's history making election campaign, YES WE CAN, and after browsing the page I have decided to follow the UK's general election campaign online using facebook. This should be interesting.
With regards to Implementation strategies, I am amazed at how much the success factor of Web 2.0 is primarily down to the power of numbers.
I can see how the ROI is very difficult to measure, but now that we have seen that it is possible by using a simple cost and benefits analysis.
In our seminar, we were given a task to complete about the use of Web 2.0 in SME's. This is due for completion next week, so I'll update you then.
We were told on the massive impact that facebook had on President Obama's history making election campaign, YES WE CAN, and after browsing the page I have decided to follow the UK's general election campaign online using facebook. This should be interesting.
With regards to Implementation strategies, I am amazed at how much the success factor of Web 2.0 is primarily down to the power of numbers.
I can see how the ROI is very difficult to measure, but now that we have seen that it is possible by using a simple cost and benefits analysis.
In our seminar, we were given a task to complete about the use of Web 2.0 in SME's. This is due for completion next week, so I'll update you then.
Tuesday 6 April 2010
Week 9
This week we had a guest lecturer called Arlene Newbigging Grady, who done a similar course to us about fifteen years ago in the university. She delivered a presentation on social marketing to us. It was very interesting to find out how and why companies use social marketing to promote their brands and generate new customers.
It was also good to hear from an ex student who has obviously done very well for herself. I found her presentation to be very useful. It would be good to have more guest lecturers throughout the course.
In the seminar, we delivered our presentations on Peckish Foods using GoogleDocs. I carried out my research on MySpace and I put alot of time into my side of the presentation. Unfortunately though, I had two rather difficult team mates to work with. We didn't get to meet up before actually carrying out the presentation as the other members of my team didn't think that there was any need to. I personally feel that the presentation went well, considering the difficulties that our team encountered, but it would have been even better if we had ran through it a couple of times first.
I noticed that all of the teams used GoogleDocs to deliver their findings to then class. Looking back, we could have experimented more with different ways of carrying out the presentation. To be honest, I don't think that we were given enough information on the different options available to us in class. We could have learned more about using YouTube, MovieMaker and Slideshare. I think that this is why everyone played it safe and used GoogleDocs.
This has probably been the least enjoyable part of the Business Web Innovation unit that I have completed yet, and considering that we spent 4 weeks on it, I feel that I should have learned more from it. This may again be due to the fact that I wasn't comfortable with my team-mates.
It was also good to hear from an ex student who has obviously done very well for herself. I found her presentation to be very useful. It would be good to have more guest lecturers throughout the course.
In the seminar, we delivered our presentations on Peckish Foods using GoogleDocs. I carried out my research on MySpace and I put alot of time into my side of the presentation. Unfortunately though, I had two rather difficult team mates to work with. We didn't get to meet up before actually carrying out the presentation as the other members of my team didn't think that there was any need to. I personally feel that the presentation went well, considering the difficulties that our team encountered, but it would have been even better if we had ran through it a couple of times first.
I noticed that all of the teams used GoogleDocs to deliver their findings to then class. Looking back, we could have experimented more with different ways of carrying out the presentation. To be honest, I don't think that we were given enough information on the different options available to us in class. We could have learned more about using YouTube, MovieMaker and Slideshare. I think that this is why everyone played it safe and used GoogleDocs.
This has probably been the least enjoyable part of the Business Web Innovation unit that I have completed yet, and considering that we spent 4 weeks on it, I feel that I should have learned more from it. This may again be due to the fact that I wasn't comfortable with my team-mates.
Week 8
In week 8, we learned about web 2 technologies. I missed the lecture, but I read the slides and done some research online. I learned some very useful information about HTML, CSS, XML, JavaScript, Ajax, and API. I had heard of these before, but now I actually know what they mean and what they are used for on the web. We also looked into Enterprise 2 and how it can have large implications for businesses.
Finally, we looked into what web 3(Semanic Web) will have to offer in comparison to web 2. Very interesting.
The unit is definitely getting more difficult, with more emphasis on the more technical side of the web. I am still enjoying it though, and I actually look forward to going to class every week.
Finally, we looked into what web 3(Semanic Web) will have to offer in comparison to web 2. Very interesting.
The unit is definitely getting more difficult, with more emphasis on the more technical side of the web. I am still enjoying it though, and I actually look forward to going to class every week.
Saturday 27 March 2010
Week 7
In week 7, we learned about Saas, RSS and mashups.
I had never heard of Saas before, but after the lecture it was quite clear to me what it is. I looked into the Cybershift website, and looks very much like the Project Management software that I used in college. I can see why organisations would value the use of this software.
RSS is something that I have seen on webpages before, but I have never used it. Now that I know how to subscribe to feeds, I shall use this on a regular basis.
I had previously heard of mashups, but I never actually knew what it was. I don't use an MP3 player, so this is probably part of the reason. My knowledge of mash-ups is still quite vague so I shall have to do more web based research on this.
I am still working on my group project, but I have changed my social networking site to research from LinkedIn to MySpace, as I find this site much easier to navigate. Our presentations are next week, so fingers crossed!
I had never heard of Saas before, but after the lecture it was quite clear to me what it is. I looked into the Cybershift website, and looks very much like the Project Management software that I used in college. I can see why organisations would value the use of this software.
RSS is something that I have seen on webpages before, but I have never used it. Now that I know how to subscribe to feeds, I shall use this on a regular basis.
I had previously heard of mashups, but I never actually knew what it was. I don't use an MP3 player, so this is probably part of the reason. My knowledge of mash-ups is still quite vague so I shall have to do more web based research on this.
I am still working on my group project, but I have changed my social networking site to research from LinkedIn to MySpace, as I find this site much easier to navigate. Our presentations are next week, so fingers crossed!
Wednesday 17 March 2010
Week 6
In this week's lecture, we learned about virtual worlds. The main one that we concentrated on is Second Life.
I spent some time creating my avatar and navigating the site, and was very impressed with the graphics. I found navigating my avatar very time consuming and after spending about an hour in Second Life, I found it rather boring and pointless. To be honest I probably won't use at again in the future. I really don't understand why anyone would spend their hard earned cash buying clothing for their online avatar, or even worse, buying themselves an island! I would much rather spend both my time and my money in the real world.
This week I am going to spend my time working on my group presentation. My role within the team is to research how we could use the social networking site LinkedIn to benefit Peckish Foods.
I spent some time creating my avatar and navigating the site, and was very impressed with the graphics. I found navigating my avatar very time consuming and after spending about an hour in Second Life, I found it rather boring and pointless. To be honest I probably won't use at again in the future. I really don't understand why anyone would spend their hard earned cash buying clothing for their online avatar, or even worse, buying themselves an island! I would much rather spend both my time and my money in the real world.
This week I am going to spend my time working on my group presentation. My role within the team is to research how we could use the social networking site LinkedIn to benefit Peckish Foods.
Wednesday 10 March 2010
Week 5
This week, in the lecture, we learned about Social Networking. I am already fairly familiar with this, but was surprised to find that there were so many social networking sites out there that I didn't know existed. I have had a look at the 14 most popular sites that were mentioned in the lecture and to be honest, I can't see any that could compare to Facebook.
I am spending more time on LinkedIn than any of the others mentioned because I was told that this is a very good place to look for jobs and to make business contacts for my future career. I am not very familiar with the way that it actually works, but I shall spend the next few weeks working on this.
Last week we were given a case study in class to work on in the next few weeks. This is very important, as we will be assessed on it. We were put in random teams of three, but to be honest I would have preferred to have been placed with team mates that I had worked with last semester, as we had already been through the forming, storming, norming and performing stages of team development. I hope that my team mates and I are able to work together in an effective and efficient manner. The next few weeks will tell.
That's all I have to say for now. I'll update you on this weeks lecture and my teams progress within the next few days.
.
I am spending more time on LinkedIn than any of the others mentioned because I was told that this is a very good place to look for jobs and to make business contacts for my future career. I am not very familiar with the way that it actually works, but I shall spend the next few weeks working on this.
Last week we were given a case study in class to work on in the next few weeks. This is very important, as we will be assessed on it. We were put in random teams of three, but to be honest I would have preferred to have been placed with team mates that I had worked with last semester, as we had already been through the forming, storming, norming and performing stages of team development. I hope that my team mates and I are able to work together in an effective and efficient manner. The next few weeks will tell.
That's all I have to say for now. I'll update you on this weeks lecture and my teams progress within the next few days.
.
Sunday 28 February 2010
Wikis
As promised, here is my update on what I have learned about Wikis. I have mainly been looking into the advantages and disadvantages of wikis.
The main advantages are:
The main advantages are:
Wikis are as simple as: edit, add, save.
Anyone can create a Wiki website.
Anyone can join in a Wiki.
Wikis are useful and organised sites on the web.
Each version is kept.
Everyone can bring something to a Wiki discussion.
Wikis can be very useful to find specific information.
Wikis are unique and can be used to look for more unusual information.
Wikis are easy, free and fun!
The main disadvantages are:
Wikis allow anyone to leave their comments.
This may allow for inappropriate comments to be left.
You can't always see who has made the changes.
Comments and posts can't be screened.
Wikis may allow inaccurate information to be displayed under your name.
I found the best way to familiarise myself with Wikis was to actually go into my wikispace and just try different things. I found the tutorials on wikispaces.com very usefull as well. Another useful tool that I found was to use youtube videos and I found this a very easy and fun way to learn. I found this particular youtube clip both entertaining as well as educational:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsFU3sAlPx4
Ill be back to update my Blog during the week.
Tuesday 23 February 2010
Week 4
Well that's me in week 4 now. So far, I have found the Business Web Innovation course very interesting. I can't believe that I have learned so much within such a short space of time. This week we are working on wikis. I hadn't ever used a wiki before, and now I have managed to set up my own (00sharon00.wilispace.com). I am currently researching other students and businesses wikis, to give me a better insight into what to put into my own.
We have a group task this week, and me and my team (Shirley, Darren and Gary) have collaboratively set up a wiki (11thewikiwonders11.wikispace.com) for our weeks 3 and 4 e-activity. We need to use the wiki to discuss the uses, advantages and disadvantages of wikis. Looks like I am gonna be spending most of my study time for this course on the web. This is a much more fun and flexible way of learning.
I''ll update you at the end of the week as to how our wiki is getting on.
We have a group task this week, and me and my team (Shirley, Darren and Gary) have collaboratively set up a wiki (11thewikiwonders11.wikispace.com) for our weeks 3 and 4 e-activity. We need to use the wiki to discuss the uses, advantages and disadvantages of wikis. Looks like I am gonna be spending most of my study time for this course on the web. This is a much more fun and flexible way of learning.
I''ll update you at the end of the week as to how our wiki is getting on.
Tuesday 16 February 2010
Week 3
I have spent some time checking out different blog's and this has helped me to understand more about the way that blogging works. I can't believe that I never knew much about blog's this time last week. They can be quite addictive. I have found a good blog that gives you 7 tips on how to direct traffic on to your own personal blog.
Thursday 11 February 2010
Week 2
I am into my second week of the Business Web Innovation unit and I am finding it very interesting. I didn't realise that there were so many applications available on the Web. I think that I am going to enjoy working on this.
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