Why Do We Loaf…Socially I mean

Throughout life we will often encounter task that require us to work in teams. Team oriented task occur through school, work and extracurricular activities. Team work requires the attention and hard work of all its members in order to construct the best product possible. This type of collaboration is designed to garner the input of others, but as time has proven, not all will submit to working together. Some individuals would rather work alone, and resent teamwork so much, that when instructed to do so they often commence to social loafing.

Social loafing is the behavior in which an individual tends to exert less effort when working with others, than when they work alone. Social loafing usually causes the group to be less productive than the outcome of its members working individually. There are a number of reasons why people tend to social loaf. It all boils down to how everyone feels about their group members. Sometimes there is a bond or sense of friendship that does not exist with all members of the group. This could make some feel like an outcast and makes them less likely to participate. Some shy away from the group because they feel as if their input isn’t valued. There are even those who feel that there isn’t a sense of fairness in the group. If a group is not focused with clear cut goals, individuals may social loaf for feeling that the group is not productive and unfocused.

Social loafing is a big issue in regards to group work and it is important to take the necessary efforts to prevent it from happening. Consider different methods to get things going in the right direction. Use collaboration as a way to get everyone involved in the group by assigning meaningful tasks. They will feel obligated to work harder and have a sense of purpose. Set clear goals that the group agrees on and celebrate these goals to gain a since of fulfillment. It also raises morale in the group. Allow team members the opportunity to have a choice of different task to be completed. Giving team members the freedom to choose creates a system in which social loafing is unlikely to occur, and encourages the members to work together as a team.

Create A Second Life

Web 2.0 has many different forms of communication, interaction, and information sharing. In most of the applications and tools, you simply create a profile complete with user name and avatar picture. As Web 2.0 continues to evolve, the way in which we search the web and interact with each other is changing. With a profile on a social networking site you’re a still you. Well Second Life has taken that a step further by actually letting you create a second you.

Second Life is not only a Web 2.0 application; it is also a virtual world accessible through the internet. To partake in the virtual worldly fun, you sign up for an account, create a controllable avatar, and become a resident of Second Life for free. You are able to make your avatar look just like you, or make it a visual representation of whatever you want to be. As a residents you can explore to find many objects, create objects, meet other residents and socialize, participate in individual and group activities, and create and trade virtual property and services. The Second Life world is three dimensional and pretty big, so learn how to control your avatar by walking, running, or even flying. Purchase virtual clothes and other objects as well. You can even go on a virtual date.

Second Life also serves an educational or business purpose. Some educational institutions use second life as a means of holding distance education discussions or classes. Some educational institutions have even created a play ground or a virtual representation of the actually school that students can go to find important information while they are in the Second Life world. This tool brings a new element to distance education and can be a great tool to use for virtual team projects.

Second Life is said to be the beginning of Web 3.0 and where we are headed as far as surfing the web and social networking. The World Wide Web actually becomes a world where we can go to. This world even has its own currency (Linden Dollar). I would suggest giving birth to the virtual you and find out what it’s all about. It’s not every day you get a Second Life….Or maybe you do.

The SkypePhone

In the earlier weeks of my blogging adventures, I explained the Web 2.0 Technology Skype. I talked about how Skype is a great way to talk to people for free over long distances through chatting. It allows you to collaborate and share files, and the conduct video chats with it. These functions are normally performed on desktops and laptops, but of course you knew it would make its way to smart phones and PDAs. Well I just wanted to take this time, to present Skype as a cell phone application and something wonderful being speculated for the future.

Some of you may know that on March 25th Verizon customers with a smartphone and a data plan were able to download Skype Mobile. Even before this event, Skype was already available on other carriers and devices such as the iPhone. On that date it was made exclusive to Verizon, so those who possessed Skype on non Verizon phones would no longer receive updates. Skype Mobile pretty much functions the same and is sometimes easier to use on the phone. Skype mobile allows you to:

• Make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to anyone else on
Skype around the globe

• Send and receive unlimited instant messages with other people on Skype

• Call international phone numbers at our low rates

It’s basically Skype on the go. If your connected on your computer and have to leave but want to continue your Skype conversation, just load it up on your phone and keep moving. This application saves you money from text message charges, no usage of call minutes, and that low international call rates. I know you may be a little upset because there is no video chat; at least for now there isn’t. Skype video chat is expected to be available with 4th Generation iPhone and iPhone 4G (still works in progress), along with other Android based phones. Companies are working on creating a forward facing camera to make this possible. So, in due time, you will be able to see the people your calling on your cell phone which is just Fantastic!!!! So Skype is becoming one of those Web 2.0 Technologies that’s not just stationery, it goes where you go.

Congratulations! It’s a Podcast!

My last Blog entry consisted of a video of what many call “Podcast”. Instead of telling you about the information on the video, I posted it to my blog as an entry. By now, if you have an iPod, mp3 player, computer, or any other device with download and listen capabilities, you probably have subscribed to a Podcast. For those newbies, let me explain what a Podcast is.

Podcast are generally a series of audio or video files that are released in weekly episodes. These episodes can either be downloaded or viewed via the internet. The common purpose of a podcast is to convey to its viewers and listeners issues that the creator passionately cares about, increase business, or just be heard. Podcasting is another platform for you to use your voice and reach the masses.

This being my first podcast I don’t think I will reach many people. In fact, it was conducted as a class experiment for me to become familiar with the tool by using it to give my opinion of Web 2.0 terms; Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants. It also gave me the opportunity to play with different sounds, try to find a common theme or sound, and have a little fun while still being informative. My experience with creating the Podcast was pleasurable. All you need is a platform for syndication to upload your weekly podcast, audio recording and editing software, and a message. Charisma also adds to the flavor of your podcast. So don’t just be a follower, find a message and have a little Podcast of your own

Education is in the Palm of Your Hand

Education opens those who are willing to learn, up to worlds of knowledge. Everything from Chemistry to the Philosophical teachings of Socrates, can be learned at the many colleges and universities scattered across the globe. There was a point in time where education only took place within a classroom or auditorium in the traditional form of teaching. Web 2.0, later introduced us to virtual and distance learning through schools, like the University of Phoenix on-line. Apple, once the most popular computer brand in schools, took learning a step further with iTunes. Since pretty much everyone has some sort of access to iTunes whether its through a phone or iPod, worlds of information is at their fingertips. They created a form of education institution called, iTunes-U.

iTunes-U is a site in the iTunes store where anyone can go a download educational material and coursework to be viewed leisurely through there handheld device or computer. Educators and lectures create podcast of class lesson, speeches, guest speakers, how to guides, and many other educational materials for students to explore and download. iTunes U even has subjects such as guitar lessons or how to read guides for other users.

Many schools and universities have jumped aboard the iTunes-U train, because they recognize the possibilities that it posses. There are podcast an lessons from topnotch schools through the world available on iTunes-U. These schools even have their own iTunes-U pages that allow for there students to easily navigate to material that has been made available for download. This list includes Duke University, Stanford University, UC Berkley, Texas A&M, and Harvard University just to name a few. The material that is included is free and available to everyone. So students are allowed to gain knowledge from some of the top Professors around.

If you feel like learning, don’t hesitate to visit iTunes-U. You never know what type of information, video, or podcast your will find there. iPods’ and iPhones’ can be used for way more than just entertainment purposes. Remember its greater to learn for knowledge is power!

Digital Natives Digital Immigrants Podcast

Downoad 3rd Generation E Podcast at:
http://www.mediafire.com/file/k2gmljdyeoy/3rd Generation E Podcast Ep 1.mov