Interfaces: Examining the idea of e-paper
The interface to a tool is the part of the tool that a user interacts with while making use of the system. Generally, the more user-friendly an interface, the more easily it will be for a user to make efficient use of it. A user-friendly interface is that a person can use intuitively without being required to go through an extensive training process. It is for this reason that the Nintendo Wii controller which mimics real-world situations is considered to be more natural than a keyboard/mouse. A current product that has huge potential due to the usability of its interface is the e-paper. In terms of usability, the e-paper mimics the real paper in that one can amend documents and erase parts of a document with as much ease as by using an ordinary pen and paper. This is possible by the use of a pen-like device that acts as a pen or an eraser as desired. In my opinion, this technology would be a perfect fit for e-collaboration since the users are already adept at using the traditional pen and paper. As such, transferring this knowledge to the usage of the e-paper would be natural as a result of the e-paper’s interface’s close relationship to the traditional pen and paper.
The need for an intranet team to pull of e-collaborative efforts
In my institute, the resources to support e-collaborative efforts that are available include e-mail, discussion boards, Instant Messaging, and blogs. The major reason for the availability and widespread application of these resources is their low cost and their relative ease of installation and use. If I were to engage in a process of championing the cause for more sufficient e-collaborative tools, I would begin by highlighting the benefits to be reaped from the sufficient application of e-collaborative tools. One of the points that I would stress is that online collaboration leads to the sparking off of good ideas and approaches. The current collaborative tools do not allow profile management hence expertise finding is difficult. I would advocate for this to be included to make the online discussion forums more efficient. I agree with Fichter’s thoughts on “when you need online collaboration tools”. Her list especially rings true on the assertion that online collaboration makes managing project exchanges easier. What I think should be added to this list is: An online collaboration can help members brainstorm on issues and they can also help gauge the mood of the project team about contentious issues on the project.
Towards creating dynamic collaborative users
Having customizable environments can greatly engage the user therefore resulting in them being active as opposed to engaging in passive uses. This is because such an environment will encourage the users to explore the software as opposed to passively receiving what they are given. Necessary peer review among students can also result in an advancement of collaborative work. I agree with Reynard’s conclusion that social networking tools should not be rejected but rather exploited to create innovation among students. I particularly agree with his assertions since most students already spend significant amounts of time in social networking environments. This time is spent in passive endeavors. Converting this into active uses that can have benefits in learning should therefore be a major goal in developing collaborative skills in learners.
Online Privacy
The major issue of concern is that by joining a network, I am at the risk of third parties accessing my data as a result of a lack of security measures. Identity theft can result from this unauthorized access to my data leading to dire consequences. Another issue is the realization that even when social networking websites do not expose my identity, they may provide enough information for someone to positively identify me as the profile owner. In practice, I use similar photos in my profile and input the same hobbies. The article states that by use of face re-identification, the links between my independent profiles may be made. The article has also brought to my attention the fact that I share some information (such as my IP address and personal information) with social networking sites without knowing it every time I send or receive messages. As an e-collaboration facilitator, there are several procedures that I might consider adapting to help protect the identity of my e-collaborative users. One is to ensure that the students change the default settings to their collaborative tools to give them control over their visibility. This would mean that their profiles are not accessible to everyone in the public domain. Secondly, I would encourage the use of different photos and preferably non-personal ones to avoid third parties utilizing face re-identification to identify my e-collaborators.
Ideal Collaborative environment
List of technologies that I believe to be essential to an ideal collaborative environment:
- Instant Messaging
- Discussion boards
- Content management tool
- Centralized document repository
I listed these items as being essential since they include the three key aspects of collaboration namely content, context, and process. I found these items as being essential since they lead to the ease of sharing information in an environment that is safe for the users, therefore, increasing their confidence. The items also increase the speed with which the collaborative process can take place. The centralized repository is useful in managing the access of documents among the collaborative team.
References
(n.d.). Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College – Public Policy & Information Systems Graduate School. Web.
Server error. (n.d.). InfoWorld – Technology insight for the enterprise. Web.
Social networking: Learning theory in action — THE journal. (2008).Web.
Virtual collaboration, the PM 440 Wiki / File not found. (n.d.). Virtual Collaboration, the PM 440 wiki / PM440. Web.