Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Muddiest Point for 10-25 - 10-29
When talking about the Internet in class, I am curious if there are any efforts by large corporations (Google I suppose) to takeover the Internet, which would mean that it would not be publis, cooperative, and independent anymore? I am curious about this because of Google's evergrowing domination of search engine websites.
Readings for 11-1 - 11-7
HTML Tutorial
Even though I have been exposed to the basic elements of HTML in at least two of my classes this semester, I found this tutorial to be helpful in further explaining the basics, as well as going into further detail about the components of HTML. I fully understand the concept of HTML as a markup language as opposed to a programming language. I found the examples within the tutrorial very useful because it provided a visual guide, which helps me understand the material even better. I also thought the tutorial did a good job of explaining the various tags, icluding citations, quotations, and definitions. For example, <abbr> for abbreviation, <address> fo contact information about authors or owners of a documents, etc. The only concern I have after reading this tutorial is that it seems very time consuming and tedious when actually writing the information.
CSS Tutorial
Cascadin Style Sheets are a completely new concept to me. However, this tutorial did a good job of explaining the basics of what CSS's are and what they do. The basic funtion of CSS's, from what I gather, are to help define how to display HTML elements. Since HTML was never intended to contain tags for formatting a document, Cascading Style Sheets are used to do this, which saves a lot of time. For example, when a large web site includes fonts and colors for each individual page, these sheets could remove the formatting from the HTML document and store them in separate sheets. Thus, when they need to format fonts and styles, they could just use the information within the sheets and easily upload them to the page. Finally, the tutorial explained the two main parts of CSS syntax: the selector and the declarations. The selector is usually the HTML element you want to style and the declarations include the properties and values of the fonts and colors you want to change.
HTML Cheatsheet Guide
The most important thing I can say about this document is that I will be using it throughout the rest of my time at the University of Pittsburgh (haha.) I love the fact that this cheatsheet presents all the basic elements when dealing with HTML. Also, I am almost sure that I will have to use HTML in the future (both at Pitt and at my job), so I am thankful a chestsheet like this exists that will help me when I encounter HTML in the future.
Beyond HTML Article
According to this article, CMS (content management systems) are starting to be used more frequently in libraries across the United States. Apparently, it is a better system for collecting, managing, and publishing content. Many libraries are adopting this method because they want to reduce the "gatekeeper" mentality by reducing barriers that limit library staff from contributing to various web sites. However, CMS also allows basic "gatekeeping" processes by restricting access to people as well. From what I gathered from the reading, CMS is important because it can give the system a level of customization that can help reduce the sense of the perceieved loss of creativity, professional expression, etc. It also seems to be much less structured than the HTML based systems, which could help in the creation of web sites. However, it seems that the major detraction of CMS is that there is additional training required in order to grasp the technology, especially if a person is used to the HTML-based systems.
Even though I have been exposed to the basic elements of HTML in at least two of my classes this semester, I found this tutorial to be helpful in further explaining the basics, as well as going into further detail about the components of HTML. I fully understand the concept of HTML as a markup language as opposed to a programming language. I found the examples within the tutrorial very useful because it provided a visual guide, which helps me understand the material even better. I also thought the tutorial did a good job of explaining the various tags, icluding citations, quotations, and definitions. For example, <abbr> for abbreviation, <address> fo contact information about authors or owners of a documents, etc. The only concern I have after reading this tutorial is that it seems very time consuming and tedious when actually writing the information.
CSS Tutorial
Cascadin Style Sheets are a completely new concept to me. However, this tutorial did a good job of explaining the basics of what CSS's are and what they do. The basic funtion of CSS's, from what I gather, are to help define how to display HTML elements. Since HTML was never intended to contain tags for formatting a document, Cascading Style Sheets are used to do this, which saves a lot of time. For example, when a large web site includes fonts and colors for each individual page, these sheets could remove the formatting from the HTML document and store them in separate sheets. Thus, when they need to format fonts and styles, they could just use the information within the sheets and easily upload them to the page. Finally, the tutorial explained the two main parts of CSS syntax: the selector and the declarations. The selector is usually the HTML element you want to style and the declarations include the properties and values of the fonts and colors you want to change.
HTML Cheatsheet Guide
The most important thing I can say about this document is that I will be using it throughout the rest of my time at the University of Pittsburgh (haha.) I love the fact that this cheatsheet presents all the basic elements when dealing with HTML. Also, I am almost sure that I will have to use HTML in the future (both at Pitt and at my job), so I am thankful a chestsheet like this exists that will help me when I encounter HTML in the future.
Beyond HTML Article
According to this article, CMS (content management systems) are starting to be used more frequently in libraries across the United States. Apparently, it is a better system for collecting, managing, and publishing content. Many libraries are adopting this method because they want to reduce the "gatekeeper" mentality by reducing barriers that limit library staff from contributing to various web sites. However, CMS also allows basic "gatekeeping" processes by restricting access to people as well. From what I gathered from the reading, CMS is important because it can give the system a level of customization that can help reduce the sense of the perceieved loss of creativity, professional expression, etc. It also seems to be much less structured than the HTML based systems, which could help in the creation of web sites. However, it seems that the major detraction of CMS is that there is additional training required in order to grasp the technology, especially if a person is used to the HTML-based systems.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Muddiest Point for 10-11 - 10-15
I have no muddiest point for this week. It was nice to meet some of the on-line students though.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Assignment 3 (Jing)
Part I: Jing Video
http://www.screencast.com/users/ryansplenda477/folders/LIS%202600%20(Jing)/media/866abcb7-9508-4369-b3bb-a32375e60a41
Part II: Jing Screen Capture Images
1. Sporcle Home Page - http://www.flickr.com/photos/54075688@N03/5071611235/in/set-72157625141699436/
2. "50 Greatest Coaches Quiz" - http://www.flickr.com/photos/54075688@N03/5071645037/in/set-72157625141699436/
3. Post-Quiz Results 1 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/54075688@N03/5072293910/in/set-72157625141699436/
4. Post-Quiz Results 2 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/54075688@N03/5071732475/in/set-72157625141699436/
5. User Comments Section - http://www.flickr.com/photos/54075688@N03/5071767093/in/set-72157625141699436/
http://www.screencast.com/users/ryansplenda477/folders/LIS%202600%20(Jing)/media/866abcb7-9508-4369-b3bb-a32375e60a41
Part II: Jing Screen Capture Images
1. Sporcle Home Page - http://www.flickr.com/photos/54075688@N03/5071611235/in/set-72157625141699436/
2. "50 Greatest Coaches Quiz" - http://www.flickr.com/photos/54075688@N03/5071645037/in/set-72157625141699436/
3. Post-Quiz Results 1 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/54075688@N03/5072293910/in/set-72157625141699436/
4. Post-Quiz Results 2 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/54075688@N03/5071732475/in/set-72157625141699436/
5. User Comments Section - http://www.flickr.com/photos/54075688@N03/5071767093/in/set-72157625141699436/
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Muddiest Point for 10-4 - 10-8
My muddiest point has to do with future class meetings. In the syllabus, it says that we do not meet on October 12, is this still true? Also, when is the date, time, and meeting place for fast-track weekend? Sorry for this inconvenience.
Readings for 10-11 - 10-15
Computer Network - Wikipedia
Although I have heard the term "computer networks" many times, this was the first time that I actually read anything about them. The Wikipedia article was very helpful in explaining what a computer network is, as well as defining different types of computer networks (LAN, PAN, HAN, WAN, MAN, etc.) I think one of the most important aspects of the article was its discussion on purposes of computer networks. The four basic purposes (facilitating communications, sharing hardware, sharing files, data, and information, and sharing software) really helped me understand why computer networks are important. I typically find that the "why" of any subject is the most important piece of information in trying to understand new concepts. The discussion of wired technologies and wireless technologies was also helpful in understanding how these computer networks actually work. Overall, this article was helpful in explaining basic concepts about computer networks that I have never known before.
Local Area Network - Wikipedia
Local area networks (LAN) are devices that connect computers to small surrounding areas. Places like one's home, school, or office buildings are good examples of places that utilize LANs. Two great benefits that LANs offer are their higher data-transfer rates and no need for leased telecommunication lines. Therefore, information can be transferred faster, which increases output, and people can save money by not having to pay for telephone lines. The one major detraction of LANs is the fact that they only work in smaller geographical areas. In this respect, a wide area network would be better for communication between larger geographical areas. A final aspect that was helpful in this article is the fact that LANs can work with wired technologies or wireless technologies. Overall, this article did a good job of explaining the basic characteristics of LANs for those who have little experience in this subject area.
Management of RFID in Libraries
This article helped me understand the basic concepts of "radio frequency identifiers" (RDIFs.) From what I gathered from the reading, it seems that RDIFs can be used like barcodes, which help identifiy products in various aspects. There potential use in libraries sounds intriguing, especially since they can store much more information about books and other mediums than traditional barcodes. It also sounds like RFIDs can benefit librarians in that they can be tracked very easily within the library (whether it be in the stacks or in the return bin.) RFIDs can even aid in user self-checkout methods, which can save librarians time and energy which they can devote to other projects within the library. However, I have a problem with this because it would completely diminish the face-to-face communication between patrons and librarians. I think that personal communication is a MUST in any service-based job. Eliminating that communication can lead to many problems, as well as deteriorating social skills over time. Call me a traditionalist, but that is just how I feel.
Common Types of Computer Networks - YouTube Video
This short video was a nice visual and audio aid in explaining the basic differences between different computer networks. The man explaining the information was concise and to-the-point, which is always helpful when someone is learning about something new they have never encountered before. Since I am, by no means, informed about various computer networks, his brief explanations on the differences between LANs, WANs, MANs, etc. was helpful. Basically, LANs are very small in range (ex. a house or a building.) WANs extend to a larger area (ex. a group of buildings.) Finally, MANs can include an entire city or metropolitan area. Overall, this video was helpful in further explaining the differences between computer networks that I learned about in the Wikipedia article.
Although I have heard the term "computer networks" many times, this was the first time that I actually read anything about them. The Wikipedia article was very helpful in explaining what a computer network is, as well as defining different types of computer networks (LAN, PAN, HAN, WAN, MAN, etc.) I think one of the most important aspects of the article was its discussion on purposes of computer networks. The four basic purposes (facilitating communications, sharing hardware, sharing files, data, and information, and sharing software) really helped me understand why computer networks are important. I typically find that the "why" of any subject is the most important piece of information in trying to understand new concepts. The discussion of wired technologies and wireless technologies was also helpful in understanding how these computer networks actually work. Overall, this article was helpful in explaining basic concepts about computer networks that I have never known before.
Local Area Network - Wikipedia
Local area networks (LAN) are devices that connect computers to small surrounding areas. Places like one's home, school, or office buildings are good examples of places that utilize LANs. Two great benefits that LANs offer are their higher data-transfer rates and no need for leased telecommunication lines. Therefore, information can be transferred faster, which increases output, and people can save money by not having to pay for telephone lines. The one major detraction of LANs is the fact that they only work in smaller geographical areas. In this respect, a wide area network would be better for communication between larger geographical areas. A final aspect that was helpful in this article is the fact that LANs can work with wired technologies or wireless technologies. Overall, this article did a good job of explaining the basic characteristics of LANs for those who have little experience in this subject area.
Management of RFID in Libraries
This article helped me understand the basic concepts of "radio frequency identifiers" (RDIFs.) From what I gathered from the reading, it seems that RDIFs can be used like barcodes, which help identifiy products in various aspects. There potential use in libraries sounds intriguing, especially since they can store much more information about books and other mediums than traditional barcodes. It also sounds like RFIDs can benefit librarians in that they can be tracked very easily within the library (whether it be in the stacks or in the return bin.) RFIDs can even aid in user self-checkout methods, which can save librarians time and energy which they can devote to other projects within the library. However, I have a problem with this because it would completely diminish the face-to-face communication between patrons and librarians. I think that personal communication is a MUST in any service-based job. Eliminating that communication can lead to many problems, as well as deteriorating social skills over time. Call me a traditionalist, but that is just how I feel.
Common Types of Computer Networks - YouTube Video
This short video was a nice visual and audio aid in explaining the basic differences between different computer networks. The man explaining the information was concise and to-the-point, which is always helpful when someone is learning about something new they have never encountered before. Since I am, by no means, informed about various computer networks, his brief explanations on the differences between LANs, WANs, MANs, etc. was helpful. Basically, LANs are very small in range (ex. a house or a building.) WANs extend to a larger area (ex. a group of buildings.) Finally, MANs can include an entire city or metropolitan area. Overall, this video was helpful in further explaining the differences between computer networks that I learned about in the Wikipedia article.
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