Lecture reflection (28/03/2017)

Undoubtedly the smartphone has changed our lives as we know it as technology has simplified life. Smartphones offers users various platforms (Facebook, twitter) for communication purposes. The user is no more restricted to a desk or specific space, with the mobility and portability, smartphones, tablets etc. offers, the world is his/her “office”. With technology, the individual’s life is continually updated, it also gives us the flexibility to instantaneously link with people and resources (bank, shops). One of the latest editions to the smartphone apps is QR codes.

QR codes is become every day in consumer advertising. A smartphone would be used as a QR code scanner. The code would be converted to a suitable form (e-mail address, contact no, a URL for a website), by doing this the need to type in the details is averted. It offers a way to make contact easily and instantaneously as one does not need to bother to type in details as one just merely scans it.  On the downside, over reliance on the smartphone lessens physical contact between individuals. It is therefore important, like everything else in life, too have a balance. On a humorous note (attached photo-Sowetan 2016)), this carguard was sick and tired of people saying "they do not have any change", so he used technology  (QR codes) to solve the problem for himself and the client.

Web    2.0    technologies    includes Wikipedia, blog, micro blogging (Twitter), YouTube, podcasts, virtual communities and RSS. In recent years the Web has become the primary means of communicating, providing and sharing information. In my community where I live, we use Facebook to raise awareness in the community. If we see somebody suspicious walking about, or if there has been a breaking in (car & house), mugging or any other general information that would be of use for the community, these information would be shared on Facebook. Many other communities, Bo-Kaap, Mitchells Plain, Salt River, are doing the same. Individuals in communities are more in the habit of using their mobiles to access these apps, and many are comfortable in using these Apps as the generational gap seems to be conquered. People are more inclined to share information by using Web 2.0 technologies, most do not even know it is termed that, but that’s not really important is it.

                          Hi guys, thought you guys might find this little video interesting

Reflection of class 14 March 2017

After this week’s class, I see a lot of opportunities with ICT’s. I have now opened a Twitter account; this allows me space to briefly express my opinion and views on certain issues in the broader sphere. I have also created an account on Libguide (UWC), I’m busy with a history project on it, which I cannot wait to share.  But such is the nature of technology, especially if you did not grow up on a diet of the web, you will find certain things challenging. This new found technology (ICT’s) will take some getting used to, but with effort I should be able to master it, and master it I will.

                                              

My experiences with ICT thus far, it can makes sharing and the integration of various Apps easy. It’s important that modern technology work together as it will facilitate the sharing of information amongst people. This now means that  information transfers between myself and colleagues will happen in seconds or real-time. The ability of sharing in education, the endless means of expressing yourself can only add to the joy of enriching yourself via ICTs. All of which can only enhance my learning experience.