What is the Time?

Week 12 - Social & Ethical Issues

2008-05-28T18:53:00.001-07:00

Lecture Summary

This weeks lecture covered Internet security. We discussed web identity theft and the risk of putting your personal details on the web. We then discussed characteristics of the internet, internet information and internet users. We then looked at the different problems assiciated with using the ITC and how to protect your personal details when using the web.

Workshop Summary;

In this weeks workshop we continued working in our blogs. We completed our tasks with the assistance of our tutor.

Task 1.

For our first task we went to the Australian copyright council web site.

(www.copyright.org.au)

a. We followed the links to the 'information sheets'

b. We then chose five information sheets that are relevant to us as undergraduates:

Education Institutions- This informational sheet covers copyright acts and thier application in educational institutions. It discusses what copyright protects and what it doesnt protect and infringements for using copyright material illegaly. The sheet explains how students are allowed to use copyright material and who is responsible for infringements. This sheet gives students an idea of what materials they are allowed to use, and gives them more incentive to reference properly.
Internet: copying and downloading- This information sheet discusses copyright on the internet. It explains who copyright protects, how to get copyright protection, and when you might infringe copyright. The sheet helps show you what to look for when accesing a site to give you an indication of whether it is copyright or not.
Libraries-

(http://www.apra.com.au/music-users/online_mobile/online_mobile.asp )

(http://netsecurity.about.com/)

(http://computer.howstuffworks.com/virus6.htm)

(http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2100282,00.asp)

Reading (URL) - EFF's Top 12 Ways to Protect Your Online Privacy:

(http://www.eff.org/Privacy/eff_privacy_top_12.html )

Reading (URL) - Ethics in Computing - Social Justic Issues: Electronic Monitoring:

(http://ethics.csc.ncsu.edu/social/workplace/monitoring/ )

Reading (URL) - Brown & Michaels - Overview of Intellectual Property:

(http://www.bpmlegal.com/overview.html )

Week 11 - Building Knowledge

2008-05-21T18:46:00.000-07:00

Lecture Summary:
In this weeks lecture we discuse the relationships between Data, Information and Knowledge.

Data - A fact or proposition
Information - A collection of data that relates to each other
Knowledge - The sum of what has been learned

We discussed the characteristics of each of these and the importance. We then discussed these relationships in relation to businesses. We then looked at strategies to for assignment work by breaking it down into these categories.

Workshop Summary:

Week 10 - Information Management

2008-05-09T01:57:00.000-07:00

Lecture Summary:
This weeks lecture looked at managing information. We looked at atom-based information which includes books, papers or anything that has been printed. Bit-based information is any electronic information like web pages, T.V. shows and pod casts. We then discussed the pros and cons of both. We looked at how it has changed 'the face of goods and services'. We then looked at principals for organising bit-based information.

Workshop Summary:

In this weeks tutorial we concentrated on completing our weekly tasks. This weeks tasks were about creating bookmarks.

Task 1.

The first task involved doing an online tutorial on how to use bookmarks and favourites

(http://www.inette.com/aibtinette/favoritesI.html)

Task 2.

Our next task was to create a folders list that has three folders in it, with at least two websites marked as favourites.

The first folder I created I called Mail. The two favourite websites for this folder is Hotmail and ECU Student Email:

The next folder I created is called Search Engines. The favourite websites for this folder are Google, Ask Jeeves, and All The Web:

The final folder I created is called Uni Net. I actually moved some of the favouritse that were already in my favourites list into this folder. The favourites include: Referancing Guide, Blackboard, Simo etc:

Task 3.

Our next task was to read Negroponte's "Being Digital" archive online.

The article "The DNA of Information", discusses the difference between bits and atoms. He also discusses the use of digital technologies in businesses.

(http://archives.obs-us.com/obs/english/books/nn/ch01c01.htm)

Task 4.

After reading Negroponte’s ideas relating to bits and atoms I believe that his views are still very much relevant. He discusses the advancement of digital technology, yet still remains realistic about what the future will bring. He bases his ideas on both the pros and cons of atom based information:

Pro’s

High contrast display

Lightweight, and

Easy to ‘thumb through’

Con’s

Harder to transport

Can go out of print

More expensive to transport

He believes that although “media will become digitally driven”, it is not likely that within the next century we will be converting atoms to bits in order for better transport etc.

Reading (URL) - Grazing the Net

(http://www.fno.org/text/grazing.html)

Week 9 - Communications

2008-05-09T01:55:00.004-07:00

Lecture Summary:

This weeks lecture centered on Communications. We discovered that 'Information and Communication Technology (ICT)' is the cause of much of the change in communications over the last 20 years. We looked at types of communication, of which their are four:

Synchronous
Asynchronous
Place Dependent
Place Independent

These types of communications include emails, chat rooms and bulletin boards. We then looked at examples of ICT use which are used in every day life e.g. Mobile phones. We viewed using ICT and major issues associated with it. Finally we discussed the benefits and draw backs of using ICT, and concluded that it is a good source of information for university students.

Workshop Summary:

In our workshop we completed this weeks tasks with the guidance of our tutor. This weeks task was linked with our communications lecture and involved visiting podcast.

Task 1.

Our first task for this week was to enter a search term on google ' groups'. I searched peanut allergies:

(http://groups.google.com.au/groups/search?hl=en&q=peanut+allergies&hl=en&)

My search offered a number of groups with titles such as: A warning to those with peanut allergy, New study on peanut allergy and attention potato chip lovers!

Task 2.

I then proceeded to open some of the bulletin boards. For example the group ' A warning to those with peanut allergy'. Some of the messages include people giving examples of people with peanut allergies dying after being exposed to peanuts. And some of the messages are just people commenting on these stories.

(http://groups.google.com.au/group/alt.fifty-plus.friends/browse_thread/thread/466a3ea4732c00ff/03167601f4e10f34?hl=en&lnk=st&q=peanut+allergies#03167601f4e10f34)

Task 3.
After going to the podcast hosting site I entered the search Global Warming. The search results came up with different types of music most of them by an artist called Sonny Rollins

(http://audio.search.yahoo.com/search/audio;_ylt=A9G_XdxtHz5Idj4A9VyppcoF?ei=UTF-8&fr=sfp&p=Global+Warming)

I then went to the ECU Podcast site, it gave me some useful information on how to use the university podcasts.

(http://www.ecu.edu.au/library/services/podcasts.html#about)

Task 4.

Some of the potential benefits of using podcasts for university students include:

Visually impaired students are able to access academic materials.
Audio learners are better able to take in the information.
Library offers tours for staff and students to navigate thier way around uni services.
Students can get a better idea of the topic they are studying if it is presented visually and orally.
Podcasts can maintain interest in students where written texts may not.

Podcasts are another example of ICT. Their are limitless amounts of information and music presented in podcast format. They are also another way for people to conduct asynchronous, place independent communication!

Reading (URL) - Guide to using Email:

14 Email Do's and Don'ts

The site '14 Email Do's and Dont's', offers 14 tips on how to make your emails more efficient. The site explains that although possibly the most widely used form of communication, email can be very inefficient. The tips it offers are both for senders and receivers and can help people organise meetings and other activities with minimal emails.

(http://myecu.ecu.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_154713_1%26url%3D)

Essential Email Etiquette

This article instructs the reader on how to format an email. It goes into detail in how formal your writing should be, and gives tips on how to avoid sounding sarcastic or brief. This information is useful in knowing when you are emailing a boss, lecturer, government official etc.

(http://myecu.ecu.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_154713_1%26url%3D)

Reading (URL) - The Problem with SPAM:
This article is all about SPAM. The site defines SPAM and informs the reader of the potential risks you may face when it is not handled correctly. Some of the main points are:

What the problems are
solutions that don't work, and
Solutions that do work

(http://www.caube.org.au/problem.htm)

Week 8 - Presentation Strategies

2008-05-09T01:55:00.003-07:00

Lecture summary:
This weeks lecture was all about constructing presentations. We looked at several techniques to producing successful presentations and what to include in our slide shows. One of the main points was KISS: Keep It Simple Stupid! This is important advice as if you overload your audience with information they are not likely to retain any. This lecture was to help us prepare for an upcoming presentation in UPC0002.

Workshop Summary:
In this weeks workshop we learnt how to create a slide show. Gary gave us some tips such as;
F5 - Start Slideshow
Shift F5 - Start slideshow from the slide you are on
Arrow Keys - Make the animation appear

He also showed us how to put podcasts on our slide shows and how to include other animations and sounds.

We also went over the group task again so that we all knew what was expected when we hand it in next friday.

Task 1.
Five strategies to creating a successful presentation:

Presentation - Only have 3-5 key points, keep your background and font simple and only have one type of animation effect.
Engage Your Audience - Make eye contact, know your subject and ask your audience questions.
Content - Only include the main points in your slide, stick to one theme and give examples.
Practice - Time yourself with a watch, practice in front of a friend and practice navigating your slideshow so you dont waste time.
Always Have a Backup - Know your subject so you can present without aid, make handouts so the audience can review the main points and bring overheads.

Task 2.
Our second task was to create a powerpoint slide show on how to give a presentation:

Slide 1-Title slide

For my title slide I picked a low key background that doesnt direct the audiences attention away from the speaker. I went into custom animations and used the Fly In effect on the picture. This gives the audience time to read the title before they view the graphics.

Slide 2 - Introduction

The introduction is on a simple background. It introduces the main theme of the presentation and outlines the content. I used the Fly In animation effect to bring the dot points onto the page. This shows what is in the rest of the slide.

Slide 3-7 - Main Body

The main body is also on a simple background so as not to make it feel cluttered. I have only included the key points in each slide instead of writing it in detail. This way the reader will have time to read the slides and take in there themes. I only used the Fly In animation to enter the dot-points onto the page so the speaker has time to discuss each point.

Slide 8 - Summary

The summary slide sums up the main theme of the presentation and conveys the main point of the presentation. I did not use any animation in this slide but included one graphic.

Week 7 - EndNote Libraries

2008-05-09T01:55:00.001-07:00

Lecture Summary:

This weeks lecture centered around Referencing and the use of end note. We looked at what end note is, a flat-file database system, and how to install it. End note is used to store all of the references you use. It recognises different styles of referencing and can be used to insert citations and end text references. The use of end note allows you to keep track of your growing references and to make referencing much easier.

Workshop Summary:
In this weeks workshop, Gary showed us how to install End note, and also how to use it. We looked at saving a library,changing the referencing style, and referencing different sources. We then used end note to insert citations into a written text, and to create an end text reference list.

Task 1.

Referencing electronic format material:

Web Page:
Technical specifications (iPhone). [n.d.] Retrieved November, 2007, from Apple: http://www.apple.com/iphone/specs.html
Article only in an Internet journal:
Fredrickson, B. L. (2000, March 7). Cultivating positive emotions to optimise health and well-being. Prevention & Treatment, 3, Article 0001a. Retrieved November 20, 2000, from http://journals.apa.org/prevention/volume3/pre0030001a.html
CD-ROM:
The Australian Business Index [CD]. (1993). Nedlands, Western Australia: CD-ROM Publishing.
Email:
A. B. Smith (personal communication, December 29, 2005)
Computer software:
Computer literacy for nurses [Computer software]. (1985). Edwardsville, Kansas: Medi-sim.

(Online Referencing Guide)

Task 2:

In this task we completed the Endnotev11 Exercises for Vista.

(EndNote Exercises)

Firstly we had to start an end note library. We then proceeded to enter some references provided into our endnote library:

(EndNote library)

We then went to a prescribed website and collected details to enter into our library:

(http://computer.howstuffworks.com/blog.htm)

Finally we went into the library web page and found a certain Journal Article. We followed the instructions and used the tabs to export the citations directly into our endnote library:

(http://0-proquest.umi.com.library.ecu.edu.au/pqdweb?RQT=532&MRR=R&TS=1212024225&clientId=7582)

Task 3.

We then used end note to insert in text citations into a pre-written text.

(Cite while you write Endnote Exercise)

After inserting our citations we discovered that the end text references had automatically been placed at the bottom of the page, making up our end text reference list. We then inserted a page break and edited the text where necessary.

Reference Page of Endnote Exercise:

(Cite while you write Endnote Exercise)

Resource - (URL) ECU Referencing Guide:

(http://www.ecu.edu.au/LDS/pdf/refguide.pdf)

Resource (URL) - EndNote:

The 'Guide to Endnote v9 @ ECU' is an introductory guide for new users. It explains what endnote is and what it is used for. It also goes into detail on how to use endnote. The main points are:

Building a New EndNote Reference Library
Displaying and Searching
Making Citations and Generating a Reference List Using EndNote and MS Word, and
Importing References Electronically into EndNote v9

By reading this guide new users should gain a clear understanding of endnote and its functions.

(http://www.research.ecu.edu.au/grs/data/tmp/guide_to_endnotev9ecu.pdf)

Resource (URL) - Some additional EndNote help:

The 'Endnote Technical Support and Services' site offers information to endnote users on a number of issues. These include the following:

Crashing issues
System compatibility
Importing, and
Transferring

This guide helps endnote users to maintain thier endnote programs.

(http://www.endnote.com/support/ensupport.asp)

Week 6 - Evaluation & Authentication

2008-05-09T01:54:00.002-07:00

Lecture Summary:
The lecture for week 6 was all about evaluating web pages. We looked at information quality (IQ) and considered that as the internet has no standards or requirements it is possibl for anyone to create a web page. We then examined different criteria for evaluating IQ. The Beck criteria has the following structure:

Accuracy
Authority
Objectivity
Currency, and
Coverage

By evaluating a website using criteria such as this we are able to determine whether the information presented on a web page is useable or not.

Workshop Summary:

In this weeks workshop we had an informal blog check. Gary looked at each persons online journals and gave them constructive feedback on what could be done to improve the blogs. We then split into groups of three for our group assignment. We discussed what the assignment entailed and when it was due. We discerned that the information we would need to complete the assignment was found in the week 6 lecture.

Task 1.

The ICYou Critical Thinking page is on online guide to evaluating websites. It contains 6 strategies for evaluating pages:

Determine whether it is necessary for you to use the internet as a source. What are you looking for?
Compare information found in web pages with a number of different sites to ascertain the authority of the information. Look for evidence.
Look for information about the author to find out wether they are an authority on the topic.
Look for the purpose of the web page. Why was it created? What is its bias?
Observe the quality of the page and information, spelling, grammer, graphics. Do all the links work?
What was the sites original source. Academic journal or gossip magizine?

(http://www.ithaca.edu/library/training/think.html)

The 'inco 48' web page also gives advice on which criteria to use when evaluating web pages. Its suggestions are much the same as the critical thinking page with a couple of additional suggestions:

What is the reputation of the publisher?
What is the currency of the page. When was it last updated?

(http://www.taftcollege.edu/newTC/Academic/INCO48/sec6-4.htm)

Task 2 & 3.

Web Site Evaluation:

American Cultural History: 1960 - 1969

This web page does offer useful information that may not be found in another type of source.
Information is valid. The site offers evidence and links to other pages which give more information to support.
The author of the article is a reference librarian whos authority is credible.
Purpose of the web page was to inform the reader of the topic with reference to what is important in the present.
The page is of good quality. No spelling errors, has working links, relevant graphics.
The information on the site was originally contained in edited books.

(http://kclibrary.nhmccd.edu/decade60.html)

A Trip Through the Sixties

This site contains useful information that may be contained in other print sources.
The information is valid. The site offers evidence and links to other sites.
The site has a number of articles with different authors. Information appears to be accurate.
Purpose of the site is to inform. No strong bias.
Good quality page. No spelling or grammer errors, many working links, relevant graphics.
The information has originally come from printed books.

(http://www.hippy.com/php/sitetopics.php?topic=1)

This weeks lessons have shown us that by using a criteria to evaluate web pages before using information, we will be able to determine wether the information is credible. It is essential to evaluate web pages as the use of false information can seriously undermine an academics work.

Reading (URL) - Critical Thinking:

(http://www.library.ucla.edu/libraries/college/help/critical/ )

Reading (URL) - Evaluating Web Sites:

(http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/webeval.html)

Reading - Evaluating Information found on the Web:

(http://www.library.jhu.edu/researchhelp/general/evaluating)

Reading (URL) - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly: Why It's a Good Idea to Evaluate Web Sources:

(http://lib.nmsu.edu/instruction/eval.html)

Reading (URL) - Robert Harris: "Evaluating Internet Research Sources":

(http://www.virtualsalt.com/evalu8it.htm)

Reading - A Contextual Approach to Teaching Undergraduates Web-site Evaluation:

Week 5 - Using Search Engines

2008-05-09T01:54:00.001-07:00

Lecture Summary:
Week 5's lecture centered around search engines. We firstly looked at types of information available on the web eg:

Free visible information
Free invisible information
Paid databases

We then looked at the two different types of search tools:

Search engines &
Directories

We explored search engines as in, what they are, different types of search engines (eg.Google), and the different problems search engines may have. We then discussed the differences between search engines and directories the main one being that directories are 'human edited' as opposed to search engines which are 'web based programs'. We discovered that this means that although directories have smaller databases than search engines they are usually of better quality. Also discussed was key words, phrases, and Boolean searches.
Using key words enables you to view any web pages containing those words.
Using phrases enables you to view web pages that have that phrase in it rather than pages that have the words of the search term in any order.
Using a boolean search enables you to view web pages that include or exclude certain words. This is through the use of And, Or, Not and sometimes Near in your search term.
This weeks lecture showed us how to limit our search so when looking for information we are more likely to find something relevant to what we are searching for.

Tutorial Summary
In this weeks tutorial we discussed the up-coming blog check and what we needed to have done. Gary then gave us some hints on what was needed in each of our blogs so far. We then started on our weekly task, this week it was about using search engines.

Task 1.
Using 'A Helpful Guide to Search Web Search Engines', find four strategies to structuring a good search:

1. Use a web directory and choose sub topics until you get to more specific information. This is useful in finding large amounts of information on a broad topic.

2. Enter a phrase using quotation marks. When entering a phrase into a search engine it is important to use quotation marks otherwise the search engine will simply find pages that include those words instead of pages with that phrase.

3. Refine your search by being more specific. For example don't just search cars enter what type of car and your location eg. Holden Rodeo, Perth.

4. Refine your search by using Boolean terms, And, Or, Not, and Near. This type of search causes the search engine to find sites that include or exclude certain terms, or sites where the terms are found close together.

A Helpful Guide to Search Web Search Engines

(http://www.monash.com/spidap.html)

Task 2.

Complete online quiz at 'History trivia online quiz' using search engine strategies discussed in previous tasks:

(http://www.siteseen.co.uk/questions/historytrivia/)

Task 3.

In order to find the answers to the history quiz I used a number of different search strategies with varying degrees of success.

The first strategy I used was the phrase strategy. I entered a phrase to find out who was born in a certain year. The search returned only one web page however this page led me to the answer.

The next strategy I used was the Boolean search. By using the word and in my search I was able to find the answer to the question without even opening one of the web pages the search returned as the answer was in the title.

The next strategy I used was the refining of my search term using specifics. This took a couple of different search terms before it showed me any results. Yet in the end this strategy was also successful.

The only strategy I did not get opportunity to use in the quiz was the directory strategy.

This weeks lessons have taught me how to improve my search terms. I have discovered that through the utilisation of various strategies I am able to cut down the time needed to find specific information. This will be a priceless skill in my university career as searching for information will be necessary in any courses I decide to undertake.

Reading 1: Web Search Strategies

Robert Harris's web page, 'Internet Search Tips and Strategies', provides its readers with some basic information about information found on the web and the best way to access it. The main points discussed are:

categories of information
search tool types
where to start a search
word searches with search engines, and
search tips

The content of this web page was quite similar to the content of our week 5 lecturer, it offers tips on how best to find information on the web.

( http://www.virtualsalt.com/howlook.htm )

Reading 2: The History of the Internet: (Chap 4 - Search Engines)

Richard T. Griffiths, web page, 'The History of the Internet', as indicated through the title provides information on the history of the internet. It also discusses in some detail search engines and thier uses. The main points of this page are:

how to find information
directories
search engines
databases, and
library catalogues

This web page is not as much of as a 'how to' web page as the previous one, however it does offer some usefull information for people wanting to have a better undrestanding of the internet.

(http://www.let.leidenuniv.nl/history/ivh/chap4.htm)

Reading 3: Search Engine Optimisation for Companies

The page on search engine optimisation offers information to small business operators on how to gain more viewers using search engines. The point of the page is to show small businesses how to alter thier pages so that more search terms will have a match with thier page. The main points are:

keyword analysis
setting your benchmark
search engine optimisation
link popularity, and
measuring your progress

(Week Five: Reading - Search Engine Optimisation for Companies)

Reading 5: Search Engines With a Guide

The site 'Cha cha', is a search engine type site that sends answers to your mobile phone. The site analyses your question and "routes it to the most knowledgeable person on that topic in our guide community". The site is said to be better than a search engine because the questions you ask are analysed by people. However when attempting to use this search engine I found out that it doesnt offer its service to many of the most used phone services including 3.

(Search Engines With a Guide)

Week 4 - Using the WWW

2008-04-03T23:38:00.000-07:00

Lecture Summary

In this lecture we looked at using the World Wide Web. We examined the internet vs. the web, we discovered that while the net is physical involving computers and cables the web is virtual and involves documents and hyperlinks etc. We looked at the history of the web and discovered that Tim Berners developed the web in 1989 (the year I was born!). We then defined the web and looked at protocols and web browsers/interface.

Workshop Summary

In the work shop we looked at finding and using web based resources. Our first task was to look at two web sites, http://www.haggishunt.scotsman.com/ & http://www.molossia.org/ , and discuss their authenticity with a partner. The first thing I noticed before going on to the sites was that one was a commercial site (.com) and the other was an organisation (.org). We found that the haggis hunt site appeared to be a joke site and is not likely to be very informative. It tries to appear to be authentic through the use of working links and advertisements. 4 clues that shows the site is a joke are:

1. Provides fictional information

2. Has many advertisements

3. No author information

4. Is a commercial site

(http://www.haggishunt.scotsman.com/)

The second site republic of molossia was created by an organisation. The site appears to be informative. 4 clues that this is not a serious site are:

1. On the front page thier is a link that leads you to a note to teachers which says the site is used to demonstrate false websites.

2. Lack of information on author

3. Has false information

4. Has no external links

( http://www.molossia.org/ )

(http://www.molossia.org/countryeng.html)

Our second task was to look at the following website http://www.martinlutherking.org/. Before opening this site I expected Iwould find an informative site about the role of Martin Luthar King in bringing civil rights to the Black American Society.

After visiting the site my impression changed somewhat. Under a heading called 'a true historical examination', their was not information about Martin Luthar Kings acheivements, but information about his 'apparent' exploiots. Thier was also an advertisement for rap lyrics, and there did not appear to be any information about the person who created the site.

After reading some of the articles I have found that the author of the site appears to have some biased against Martin Luthar King, claiming that he plagiarised other peoples work. Some of the articles discuss Martins alleged sexual exploits without offering any proof to support these allegations.

The site appears to be informational yet actually offers biased opinion and slander without showing evidence of research.

Reading 1: A brief History of the Internet

The article 'A brief History of the internet', discusses the origins of the internet along with its growth and uses. The author talks about how the internet is used to exchange information regardless of geographical location. The site covers the movement of the internet from experimentation to "widespread" commercial use. It also explores the roles the internet may have in the future.

Reading 2: History of the World Wide Web

This article firstly discusses the history and origins of inventions. It then covers the creation of computers and thier first uses. Then it discusses the invention of the internet and how its functions have changed from when it was first used.

Week 3 - Online Libraries & Databases

2008-03-25T03:22:00.000-07:00

Lecture Summary
This weeks lecture focused on online libraries and databases. We discused what online libraries and databases are used for, and the advantages and disadvantages of both. We looked at convenience of these online facilites, the currency of the information, and the types of resources available. One of the limitations for both online libraries and databases is that often a a subscription is needed. This lecture illustrated the necessity of online libraries and databases for university research.

Workshop
In this weeks workshop we first explored the ECU online library facilities, looking at the support options and search functions. The web address for this is: http://www.ecu.edu.au/library/

(Library website)

Our first task was to find a journal article on the economic impact of global warming on business. To do this we had to follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to http://www.ecu.edu.au/library/ .

Step 2: Click on journal articles (databases).

Step 3: Click on find database by title.

Step 4: Click on ABI/Inform Global (ProQuest).

Step 5: Enter 'Global Warming' as the Document Title and click on both limit results to boxes.

Step 6: Then enter 'Business' in the second text box as Document Text.

(ProQuest)

(Journal Article)

Our next task was to go to the MEDline Plus website and briefly research a condition or drug. The web address is http://www.medlineplus.gov/ . I used the built-in search engine to look up a commonly prescribed medication called amoxicillin. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by bacteria such as pneumonia and bronchitis. This site can be used by people who want to know more about medications they have been prescribed or conditions they have been diagnosed with. Its search engines make it easy for people to use, and as it is a government site it is a reliable source for information.

(http://www.medlineplus.gov/)

(MEDline-Amoxicillin)

This weeks lessons have helped us familiarize ourselves with online databases and libraries, and more specifically search engines. We now have the aptitude to evaluate data and information from numerous sources. These skills will be conducive to our future research within and outside of ECU courses.

Finding what you want on the web:
In this article Bill Thompson examines the use of search engines. He portrays Google as being "one of the largest, fastest and most usable search tools around". However he believes that to have the most effective search you have to use all of the resources offered to you on the web. He names some other search engines these include; Yahoo, AllTheWeb, Teoma, MSN Search, Kartoo, Fazzle and Vivisimo.

Bare Bones Lesson 7: Basic Search Tips:
This web page discusses search tips and search strategies. It offers both quick tips and quick tips for boolean searches. Some of these tips include using + and -, using double quotations "", putting important keywords first and using caps for AND, OR. . . when using boolean searches. These tips can help you filter out the information you dont want when searching the web.

Week 2 - Office Applications

2008-03-16T18:46:00.000-07:00

Lecture Summary

This week in our lecture we considered the different Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, Publisher, Power Point, Paint, Access and Games.

We discussed the different uses of each of the applications for example Microsoft Excel is used for creating spreadsheets.

We then examined Vista and the different ways to find programs. Two ways include going to the programs menu and clicking on applications, or going to the programs control panel end putting a search term into the search engine.

Helen then explained to us the difference between a portal (Google) and a browser (Explorer). We then came up with a list of browsers that we had heard of or used.

Finally we discussed some of the websites we had visited for the first time over the beginning of the semester. Some of these included: Blogspot.com Greenpeace.com Blackboard &, ECU Library.

Workshop Summary

To start off our workshop we reviewed our existing knowledge of Microsoft Word. Gary Chan then showed us a number of shortcuts that will help us when using MS Word. These Shortcuts include:

Control Arrow (left or right) - Jump cursor between words.

Control Arrow (up or down) - Jump cursor between paragraphs.

Control Home - Jumps cursor to beginning of document.

Control End - Jumps cursor to end of document.

Home - Jumps cursor to beginning of sentence.

End - Jumps cursor to end of sentence.

Control:

X - Cut

C - Copy

V - Paste

U - Underline

I - Italics

K - Insert hyper links

F - Find function

Z - Undo

Y - Re-do

After going through the various short cuts we learned some other functions of MS Word. The first function was page breaks. Page breaks can be inserted by going to insert and clicking on page break. The next thing we did was create headings for our table of contents (TOC). To create headings highlight the word you want as a heading then go to home and click heading 1. To enter more than one heading you repeat the procedure but click on heading 2, 3, 4 etc. We then learned how to insert a TOC. To do this go to insert and click on Table Of Contents. Their are also many ready made cover pages that can be used for assignments. To insert a cover page go to insert and click on cover page this will bring up a selection of cover pages. The cover page must be inserted after the rest of the document is finished. We also found out how to insert headers and footers. Headers are placed at the bottom of the page and can be used to display the document title, names, dates... Footers are placed at the bottom of the page and can be used to display page numbers.

We were also given a Word Activity to do. For this activity we were given some information which we had to copy into a blank word document. We then had to edit the information in the following way:

· Adjust the TYPEFACE

· Adjust the MARGINS AND ALIGNMENT

· Adjust LINE SPACING

· Create HEADINGS (using the ‘document map’ feature)

· KEEP HEADINGS WITH TEXT

· Include a HEADER/FOOTER

(Table of Contents and inserted image)

(Edited information)

(Alphabetized references)

Although many of the people in this course feel they know how to effectively use Microsoft Word, in this week we learnt many processes and short cuts that will help us use MS Word more efficiently. Many of the things we learnt will cause us to produce a higher standard of work in our other units and courses.

The next thing we were shown how to do in the tutorial was how to use MS Excel.

(Excel printscreen)

We spent the last 15 minutes of the workshop learning the basics of MS Excel. When you open excel you are given a page made up of cells. These cells make up rows and columns. MS Excel is used to put data into graphs and charts. The data gets placed into the cells. For example you might want to put monday to tuesday into column A. A shortcut for this is to put monday in the first cell then click on the cross in the bottom right corner and drag it down. This will put the days in sequence into the column for you (see print screen above). If the information is too wide for the cell double click the line between the column (between A & B). The next thing we did was use auto sum. If you enter some figures into a column and wish to add up the total, highlight the column and click on auto sum. This will give you the total.

Using Microsoft Word For APA Tasks:

We were given this information to read, it is all about using MS Word. It helped us with our Word excercises:

(Using Word for APA tasks)

Graphic File Formats:

These pages are about saving and formatting certain files or documents. It discusses .bmp, .jpg, .gif, .tiff, and photoshop documents.

(Graphic File Formats)

Week 1 - Introduction to University Computing

2008-03-07T00:13:00.000-08:00

Lecture Summary
In this lecture our lecturer Dr Helen Cripps introduced us to UPC0004. We discussed our unit outline and what is expected from us throughout the semester. We were then shown how to utilize the ecu online facilities such as simo, student email and blackboard.

Workshop write-up
In the workshop our tutor Gary Chan demonstrated how to put the information learnt in the lecture into practice. The first thing we learnt was how to do a print screen.

Step1: Push print screen key when on desired page

Step2: Go to Paint and press Control+V

This process gives the following effect:

(This is a print screen of the ECU screen saver)

Our second task was to collect our classmates email addresses. We then sent 5 emails to people in the class, this helped to reinforce the instruction given in the lecture on how to use our student email accounts.

(Student Email account)

We then briefly looked at My ECU Blackboard. This can be accessed through the ECU website.

(My ECU Blackboard)

_
After we had gained confidence in using the ECU facilities we began our online diaries otherwise known as blogs. We went to the website http://www.blogger.com/ and followed these step by step instructions:

Step 1: Click on create your blog now

Step 2: Enter email address, password and username

Step 3: Name your blog

Step 4: Choose a template and click start posting

Step 5: Create post

To add images to your post follow these steps:

Step 1: Click the add image icon

Step 2: Click browser to find a saved image from your computer

Step 3: Choose centre layout and medium size image.

Step 4: publish post (don’t save)

Reading 1 Summary- ‘PC Lube & Tune’

The website http://www.yale.edu/pclt/default.htm is a free educational site that aims to teach its readers the use of new and current computing technology. The site offers the opinion that "A wider understanding of this technology will be necessary for the . . . economy to grow". It offers the following articles:

An Introduction to PC Hardware

Exception Handling in Java and C#

The Graphic User Interface

Computers, Video Files, and HDTV

Technical Perspective on The Microsoft Antitrust Case

The Tragedy of Microsoft and Java

Character Encoding and Web Standards

Microsoft .NET Framework

Distributed Applications and the Web

Das Boot

The Storm Before the COM

Introduction to SNA

Introduction to TCP/IP

Introduction to APPC

Ethernet

(http://www.yale.edu/pclt/default.htm)

Reading 2 Summary- ‘How Stuff Works’

The website http://www.howstuffworks.com/pc.htm is also a free informational site. However this site attempts to teach the user about their PC's. It offers a computer tour that shows you the actual parts that make up your computer, and describes their functions. Within the article the following information can be found:

Introduction to How PCs Work

Portable Personal Computing

Lots More Information

See all Desktops articles

(http://www.howstuffworks.com/pc.htm)

In these lessons we have developed navigational skills needed to access the ECU sites. Throughout the rest of the unit we will be maintaining a week by week journal of what we have learnt in the lectures and workshops. The skills that we acquire in this unit will not only help us through the preparation course, but are essential tools in our university careers.