The World is Flat

Friedman says that with advances in technology and communication, a new globalization has occurred that levels the economic playing fields for both advanced and emerging societies. He mentions certain so-called “flatteners” that push this flattening of the world’s economy. Here are some related to technology:

§  Web Browsing – anyone who can use a computer and has an Internet connection can use web browsers to easily interact with entities across the world, regardless of age or country. This allows for an entirely new marketplace and instant communication channels. This flattens the world because on the web, a single person can have the same presence as a multinational corporation, and entire firms can exist solely on the web.

§  Outsourcing & Offshoring – outsourcing allows firms to split their operations up and allow external sources to handle the processes to other firms. Offshoring puts business operations of a firm overseas where costs are lower. Combined with the boom in technology (fast data transfer and instant communication across the globe), this flattens the world because it spreads companies across the globe, and allows for emerging countries to excel because of cheaper workforces.

§  Web Searching – people across the globe can find cast information in a few milliseconds with a Google search. This involves people across the world in events and issues, as well as educates global societies with almost unlimited information.

Friedman is certainly a pioneer in technology and innovation. It was interesting to listen to him speak, after hearing so much about the book and reading exceprts and reviews, it is neat to see the man behind the message. On a more personal note, I appreciated how humble he is!

CAPSTONE REFLECTION

1) In what ways have you developed skills and/or changed your view of your the web and technology while building your ePortfolio? 

Building my ePortfolio has been a great way for me to build my career "tool belt" so to say.  Companies today want employees (especially recent college grads) to be proficient and competent in many areas and technology seems to be the most important, followed closely or perhaps tied with healthy communication skills. Many universities equip their students with multimedia know-how and I am glad to see that Saint Mary's is recognizing the need for tech skills by graduation. My opinion of the web has not changed, as I have tried to keep myself up-to-date in terms of the internet and new opportunities present with the ever-changing web.
 

2) How has working on the ePortfolio helped you to think about and demonstrate your strengths and skills and become a more self-directed technology learner?

The nature of the course was very independent and that independence allowed for us to explore the different applications that we were assigned to use in projects. The ePortfolio is a good example of the creative freedom that we were given as students. Google does an excellent job of laying everything out and ensuring that their products are very "user-friendly".  Becoming acquainted with blogger is a good first step into the world of google sites.   I believe that much of the internet is designed to be user-friendly, you just have to be open to learning! I have to admit, for so long I was intimidated by Youtube and the whole ordeal of making an account and uploading video - I learned through this course that it is incredibly easy and designed to be quick and painless.

3) What themes and patterns emerged from your ePortfolio?

My ePortfolio really turned out to be an interesting project for me to complete. Beyond becoming acquainted with the technology, creating the ePortfolio challenged me in a personal way. I was challenged to create the web 2.0 version of my professional myself. I put a great deal of thought into what the site should look and feel like to reflect who I am and what I am like. I chose a simple background with simple text. Though I am not by any means "simple" in reality, the clean format allowed me to express myself in my text and projects. The added dimension of voice in my screencast and webware tutorial helps my online audience to get to know me better. 

4) What impact has making an ePortfolio made on you academically, professionally, and/or personally?

My ePortfolio is the web 2.0 professional version of myself.  I anticipate that my ePortfolio will be viewed by individuals that I would consider "professional" connections. While my personal and professional identity really do not differ very much at all, I have reserved the social details of myself for a venue such as Facebook. I hope to use the ePortfolio to advance myself and my career. It is a good tool and while I do have an HTML website; www.nd.edu/~mmcdouga, the ePortfolio is easier to edit and change depending on the purpose I choose for it. It is a great tool that I hope will help me in my career opportunities.

Reflection: Movie

Well this assignment was a pretty good experience but one that came with a good deal of frustration, to be honest. The folder that held my Networking 101 PPT file was deleted because the computer automatically cleared space for a big download for another class (it was more involved and complicated than that but thats basically what happened, combined with a bit of sheer stupidity on my part) so after a number of failed attempts to screencast the entire production and play the video at a certain point, I have to post the video separately.

The video, however, was a very fun experience! I used a great site called xtranormal.com and I was able to make a video depicting a good networking conversation between a professional and a college student. The tool is wonderful and I have already shared it with the kids I babysit. It is a great product and I am pleased that it is available for free online right now. I recall some programs like this one that were available when I was younger but they were software and therefore, not available for free.

I had a wonderful time creating the script and storyboard, it really allowed me to flex my creative muscle and I absolutely enjoyed that aspect. Further, this has been a hard, but very good lesson in file maintenance and backing up files to save in different places incase something happens to a file you will be working on in the future. I have since been uploading my documents to dropbox.com- a great tool for saving and accessing work anywhere.

All in all, this has been a good experience! I hope my video is entertaining, informative and persuasive!

Movie Script

Jennifer: Hi Mrs. Clayton. Thank you for inviting me here today!
Mrs. Clayton: Absolutely, Jennifer. Your aunt tells me you are looking for a job after graduation. What is your area of study?
Jennifer: Yes, I am looking for a job by May. I am studying Marketing and Spanish.
Mrs. Clayton: I have a friend with a multicultural marketing agency in new york. Would you be interested in a job with her?
Jennifer: Yes! I would! Thank you.
Mrs. Clayton: Great, I will pass along your resume.
Jennifer: Thank you!
Mrs. Clayton: My pleasure. You have a lot of ambition and will do great!

Movie for Networking

Flowchart for movie

FATP and Storyboard for movie

Form:  Movie within slidecast (How: Slideshow, Video, Essay, Letter, Video, etc.)

Audience: individuals interested in networking after college to find employment

Topic: Networking skills for college graduates, how to have a good networking conversation, connecting with professionals

Purpose: To entertain, inform, persuade people to consider networking as a great way to find a job