Page Not Found

How many times do we research something to find that the links can no longer be found?  What about when you try to view reference links attached within an article or other online information to find the reference page/link no longer there or it has moved?  Wouldn't it be great if there were always redirects given to find the information that you are seeking?  Boy-o-boy, wouldn't it be lovely???

Advances in Technology for the Blind

There is another great article and video published on ABCNews.com that talks about new advances in technology that has been created to help the blind.  The new technology prints photos that allow them to feel the facial features and ultimately recognize the photo.  The technology research is being led by an ASU associated professor and they are trying to get software companies to put it on the market.  I see this as being a technological advance that makes you feel warm inside.

New Facebook App

There is a new application on Facebook to notify when the relationship statuses of users change, a video on ABCNews.com states.  I can see this as a good and not so good thing.  This app can cause some real issues later.  Some are watching to see what their ex's are doing and some are using it to find lost loves.  There are some really crazy people out here that could ultimately use it in a very negative way.  Technology can sometimes be used for the bad and the good. 

I am personally not a Facebook user because I don't feel the need to be found...

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/facebook-breakup-notifier-app-helps-stalk-crush/story?id=12971622

What are your thoughts?

Is it fair?

All of the stories related to Jeopardy's Man vs. Machine (Supercomputer) are really concerning.  Is it really fair seeing that a computer can be loaded with milllions upon millions of pieces of information and is able to retrieve it in a matter of seconds.  Do you think that it's fair?

Robber Caught via iPad GPS?

I saw a video on ABCNews.com today in the Technology section that was about a suspected armed robber that was caught due to the GPS on the victim's iPhone that was synced to her iPad.  Her iPhone and jewelry were taken while she was in her driveway, but she still had her iPad at home.  She used her MobileMe app, which helped police track him down.  Isn't that something?  Technology has come a very long way and continues to amaze us, year after year.  Watch out Mr. Bad Guy, technology may save the day!!!

Anything that you say can and will be used against you...

Remember when you learned the Miranda Rights years ago?  It brings to mind the issue of how the web can be used against you, because words and actions go a long way.  People are losing their jobs or not able to acquire jobs based on what can be found online related to that specific person.  As a professional and as an adult, we should always be mindful of the things that we say or do, especially if we decide to publish them.  In the heat of the moment, sometimes it is better to remain silent.  We are constantly teaching children that they should always think before they speak.  These same rules apply to the adults.  However, some times it is hard for many of us to remember this.  Many of us have frustrations at home and work, but there is a time and a place to express exactly what we are feeling.  When we publicly vent online, it is open for the world to see on the world wide web.  We are constantly talking about the rules associated with appropriate usage and the content published online, which both adults and children need to follow, as well.  We teach the children about the consequences that come from not following the online rules, but again, many adults forget or simply don't follow the rules.  When we express our frustrations online, they are then published, and captured for years to come.  We have to remember that you never know who may be viewing your materials and how they may be perceived.   What you say and/or do can be used against you!!!

Teaching our children to be the best that they can be... from day one

Every day I look around and view the world that we live in and how different it has become.  I see children out and about.  I see parental interactions with these children.  In some cases, I don't understand how things have come to be as they are.  As a parent, we are supposed to be models for our children and want to encourage them to be great individuals and better than we are.  We are supposed to show them that we are here to help them become the very best that they can be.  We are to do that from day one. 

Most parents love and support their children in all that they do, with the proper guidance and encouragement.  However, today, I was thinking sadly about those children that don't have that privilege.

In today's times, I see more and more parents that are having children, but are in no way positive models for any child.  I see parents that are cursing their children and degrading them publicly.  I see parents that seem as though the children are a bother, instead of a blessing.  I see parents that may not have gotten that support structure as a child, themselves, and have become parents that are now continuing the vicious cycle.  I see children that want to do good things and want to be successful, but aren't encouraged and/or supported.  I see award ceremonies with little to no parental attendance.  How sad is it to gain achievements and have no one there to take notice, or simply show they care.  It makes me both sad, angry, and disappointed.  Children don't ask to be born.  They are a blessing and should be treated as such, from day one.

Child Obesity and Schools

I was watching a program on CNBC today about child obesity and the roles that schools play.  There was a school that served snacks to children before school that included both nutritious snacks and candy bars.  Some of the questions asked were: Why would the school serve these snacks to children, especially at the start of the school day; and, Would they serve their own children candy bars for breakfast?  The answers were astounding.  The principal stated that parents should teach their children to have better choices.  He also stated that he would not serve these items to his own children for breakfast.  I am sorry, but children are just that, children.  If they are offered candy in the morning, most would go for it.  Why offer it, is the question. 

There were also schools that paid private companies to provide healthy lunches to their students.  These schools went above and beyond what the government pays in to ensure that their students received a healthy meal.  The company would create foods that were both enticing to the eye and healthy.  The students seemed to enjoy them.  As a parent and adult, we all play an important role in ensuring the welfare of each child.  It has always amazed me how the costs involved in eating more healthy meals outweigh the costs of eating foods that can ultimately kill us if eaten excessively. 

The story went on to talk about the increases in children getting diabetes and heart attacks.  It is a sad state of affairs.  Everyone has to be accountable. 

College Student Retention via Social Networking

NPR News:  Can Social Networking Keep Students in School?

By Larry Abramson

In a story done by NPR News, February 9^th, schools are setting up school-based Facebook accounts to help to retain college students.  Only students of the school can gain access.  The sites are built to be peer-based networking sites.  The students gain access and setup their sites prior to entering the school or upon entry.  The students can also see what students will be in their classes during enrollment. 

One student stated that it will only work if students actively participate in it.  I have to agree with her.  Things work successfully when there is active participation.  If a student actively participates in a class, more times than not, they will be successful.  If a person actively participates in a support group, they will more than likely obtain the support needed to carry on and live successfully.  This is the same concept used everyday.  If you have a great support system at home and positive peer support, the same success is likely.  It is all about support and active participation.

What are Your Thoughts?

Should Teacher E-Mails Be Private?

Scholastic Administr@tor Magazine

I found an interesting read in Scholastic Administrator today.  The article was around teacher emails that are sent under their school accounts during class time.  These emails were at one time were all considered to be non-private, as they are in the business realm.  However, in several states they are now considered to be private and personal because they are public/government employees.  As public/government employees, they are allowed to use government (work) computers and email accounts for personal use, on an occasional basis.

In a world, where nothing is found to be very private anymore, I found this to be quite interesting.  My thought has always been, if it isn’t related to work, you better watch out.  You never know who is looking and when.  With technology today, you better make sure that you are mindful of the things that you do on your company computers.  If you need to send personal emails, at least do it with your personal email account and not your employers.  Hello?  You are at work!!!