THE CONNECTION

When it comes to great content, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 

Whether you are creating this content for yourself or an audience, it all comes down to a connection. 

The connection with yourself and your mental health.

The connection with your consumers and your products.

The connection of a class and their peers. 

That connection is what we all strive to achieve. Over the course of this semester, we have learned how to connect via different types of digital devices such as the internet, podcasts, video, audio, and blogs. In this digital age where everything is possible online, this information is helpful not only for class, but for future work and life. We use things like stories and pictures to gain advice, change an opinion, create compassion, and build CONNECTIONS.

Over the past 8 weeks, I have built a connection with my classmates over the class content, computers, movies, children, cooking, flying, and so much more. Though we only know each other through this computer screen, we have shared thoughts, feelings, knowledge, and insights into our lives. And while this may be the last time we ever interact, I can't help but be thankful for the time we've had and the stories we have exchanged. 

So to all my classmates and my professor...

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

 "A picture is worth a thousand words."

What does this phrase even mean? I've heard it my whole life, but never really thought about the true meaning. When I Googled this phrase, I found this definition:

"It is an English language adage meaning that complex and sometimes multiple ideas can be conveyed by a single still image, which conveys its meaning or essence more effectively than a mere verbal description." (Via Wikipedia.)

So, how can you relay a message or information using only a picture?

(Source - National Geographic - https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/animals-comedy-funny-wildlife-photography)

What do you think this squirrel is trying to say? How could you use this picture? Perhaps you could add some comedic relief to a report that wants you to "stop and review" or "wait, read this first." You could place this picture in your classroom when you want children to "wait here for the teacher." 

What about this one...?

(Source USA Today - https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/11/26/grumpy-cat-cheers-internet/1726633/)

Does this cat look happy? Not particularly. But is this cat mad? Likely not. It's all about perception. This sweet kitty became an internet sensation only because of her face. I don't need to know if she's mad or not, because I perceive she is and I've made my judgement. Which tells you a lot about perception and also nonverbal cues. 

It's amazing how little wording you need to use to get your point across. Adding visuals to your content can make it interesting and easy to understand. And who can resist these cute animal pictures? 

Keep Calm and Share On...

This week I'm doing something a little different. 

------Instead of telling you about what I've learned, I'm hoping to teach YOU something. ------

So...we were assigned a project to complete in class. The project was to teach our professor about a *new* technology. I was really stumped on what to do and I obsessed over this for a long time. 

Then it hit me. --------------> I did a video presentation on a platform called Canva. 

Haven't heard of it? Good. 

The short description:

Canva is a graphic design platform that allows it's users to create documents based on templates and design elements that they provide. It's a free service. FREE!! 

The long description:

Click here to watch  ----------->>>>> Canva Presentation

Disclaimer - This presentation was created using Canva - with a slight snag...the video presentation is still a beta - and there was an issue at the end that I hadn't anticipated. I had created a second video with screen-sharing to provide a "tour" of the desktop application. This video was placed on the last slide. Once I got to that slide, the presentation wouldn't allow me to play it myself, so I asked the viewer to press play to watch. However, the viewer couldn't press play either. This is an issue that I've brought to their attention and hope that they can resolve it. (Even great technology sometimes fails you - lesson learned.)

Alas, I hope you enjoy my video and maybe I can teach you about Canva too. 

The INTERNET...for Dummies

While I like to think of myself as fairly intellectual, I have to admit, when it comes to particulars of the internet...I'm a dummy. I found out this week reading a chapter of text giving basic information - that I wasn't completely aware of. Surely I'm not alone on this...? 

In hopes of finding other "dummies" like myself, I give you:

The INTERNET...for Dummies:

1. Though I often interchange the terms "internet" and "web," these are actually 2 different things. 

Internet: transfers data and connects computers to computers - allowing us to view pages loaded through browsers on the World Wide Web.

World Wide Web: simply a system that allows us to access the internet. 

2. DOMAIN NAMES:

• .com (commercial company)
• .org (organization)
• .edu (institution of education)
• .net (org or company that provides network access)
• .gov (government)
• .us (United States)
• .ca (Canada)
• .au (Australia)

3. RESEARCH - Primary vs. Secondary

Whether you are conducting research for school, work, or fun, it's often good to know exactly where your information is coming from. 

Primary sources - provide firsthand or direct information. 

    Examples: photos, video, audio, letters, diaries, legal documents, speeches, etc. 

Secondary sources - are created after and as a result of primary sources. 

    Example: newspaper articles, reviews, magazine articles, etc. 

***************So, why is this information important?*************

This is the age of digital information. When you're looking for information online, such as instructions, recipes, how-to's, or who had the number one pop song in 1982, knowing this information can help you determine your source and credibility of the text.

You don't want to accidentally put a tablespoon of salt into your banana bread, when the recipe should have read a teaspoon. (Gag.)

You don't want to switch the hot and cold water installing the faucet on your bathroom sink. (Ouch!)

You don't want to apply the training wheels on your kids bike incorrectly. (Oh no!)

You don't want to show up to your friend's 80's party with an iPod full of songs from the 90's. (The shame.) 

Be brave. Be smart. Be sure you trust your source. 

When it comes to research...Google has it all...

This week we are discussing the concept of "digital literacy," which is fitting...because, well... it's the title of the class. 

So, what is digital literacy? 

Digital literacy: is about knowing how to conduct online research...

and knowing how to interpret what you've read.

Sounds easy enough. I mean, if it's on the internet, it's true right? 

When I think of online research, the first thing I think of is "I'll Google it." 

Google. The search engine of everything. But is Google just a search engine, or is there more than meets the eye? The answer is more...so much more. 

• Google Scholar - this portion of Google provides a way to search for literature such as articles, journals, and books that are centered around academics. 
• Google Shopping - (one of my personal favorites)
• Google News - all news, all the time.
• Google Trends - this one is really neat - it will show you what is "trending" in your subject or area that you search. 
• Google Books - I think this one is self-explanatory. 

There are so many other sites, but I wanted to end on something fun. Google is a great place for all different types of digital information, but it's not all literature and news. 

Check out this YouTube video on some of the "hidden" gems of Google:

Social Objects, Classmates, and Ice Storms...How Do These Connect?

 This week, our reading and discussion is centered around SOCIAL OBJECTS. 

My definition of a social object is anything that can form a connection between two things. For instance, a Facebook post about a book that I want to read, an Instagram post with a picture of a new menu item at my favorite restaurant, or a new product in a newsletter from Ulta. All these things can connect me with something that I love. 

Another student made a great post this week about a life experience that connected her with others. Being someone that holds our Veterans in high regards, this story really touched me when I read it. I want to share it with you because I think you'll find that it can connect to you in some way too. 

Go here -----------------------> Digital Illiteracies

After I read her post, it got me thinking about my own connections with others...

    In the middle of a global pandemic, it's often hard to feel that connection with people you're trying to avoid. However, a few weeks ago our beautiful state suffered from severe snow and ice storms that left thousands without electric, water, or internet service for DAYS. In my neighborhood, we are one of the only homes that had a generator and a gas stove. We found ourselves reaching out to all our neighbors to help supply, heat, coffee, love, and support. I've never felt so fortunate in an unfortunate time in our lives. It's often in tragedy that you find true kindness and compassion. Ironically, it was a storm that presented as a social object in this scenario. 

Next time you're walking to the mailbox, wave to your neighbor. You never know when you'll need them. 

Blogs are...BUSY!

     I've read and subscribed to several blogs over the years. They mostly share opinions on things like books, products, or travel. I always felt it was one person just writing their opinion online to share with others. Reading the chapters this week for class, I learned that sometimes it takes a village to keep these blogs running. From things like keeping a publishing schedule to doing actual research for the blog itself. Research that could include surfing Google for keywords that people are currently searching for. I didn't even know you could do that! Suffice it to say, I have a lot to learn about blogging. Especially blogging for business. 

Also interesting was the definition of a "meme." 

Meme - an idea that is spread from individual to individual, culturally.

Now, in it's simplest form, I understand that. However, if you asked me what I thought it was, I'd say a picture with comical wording attached...