Saturday, January 29, 2011
Obama refers to innovation investments as our generations Sputnik moment
Political, environmental and financial forces are at work here as president Obama announces in his most recent State of the Union covered in this Washington Post article upcoming support for research and development investments in clean energy, technology and biomedical research. Our nation is being surpassed by innovations occurring outside our borders. The R & D investments will result in the creation of new businesses and jobs.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Delphi and NGT Use
• In a focused, short post, discuss one of the innovations you identified from the Delphi Wiki and note whether you would use Delphi, NGT, both methods or a different choice for exploring the alternatives.
The self-sustaining vehicle that a user can travel via the land, air, water and/or space is an innovation that would need the Delphi method, which is the “consultation begins as a query set, with the experts asked to provide feedback on a group of questions. For emerging situations, these questions concern trends or possible outcomes. The organizer collates the results and then uses them to generate a second query round, which is submitted and processed” (Alexander, 2009). These experts would provide input and direction in the design and creation of the vehicle.
“The nominal group technique (NGT) is an evaluation method that provides semi-quantitative, rankordered feedback about a group of learners’ perceptions of the good and bad aspects of an educational program “ (Dobbie, Rhodes, Tysinger, & Freeman, 2004). This technique would not be useful for exploring the creation of the self-sustaining multi-terrain vehicle.
• Discuss two forces that may support it -- and two forces that may impede its success?
Political and economical forces may impede the new vehicles progress. It may be too costly to make from a materials standpoint. It may threaten the existing way of life for those currently making a living from the current vehicle creation process, and cause political pressure as a result. The environmental force which supports self-sustaining eco-friendly solutions may support this type of vehicles progress. Global diminishing of resources like oil may be a supportive force that may support the success of this type of vehicle.
• How does open or closed collaboration affect the results? Anonymity takes time, yet may reduce peer pressure or bias.
In the Delphi method “one problem is that Delphi outcomes can be driven by a desire for consensus, rather than actual agreement, meaning that divergent ideas can get quashed.13 In addition, the process can be resource-intensive, especially in terms of time”(Alexander, 2009). Anonymity could be introduced by using virtual anonymous collaboration techniques, such as online polling or online surveying.
• Include a reference and link to supporting content in your post.
Alexander, B. (2009). Apprehending the future: Emerging technologies, from science fiction to campus reality. Retrieved January 25, 2011, from http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Review/EDUCAUSEReviewMagazineVolume44/ApprehendingtheFutureEmergingT/171774
Dobbie, A., Rhodes, M., Tysinger, J. W., & Freeman, J. (2004). Using a modified nominal group technique as a curriculum evaluation tool. Family Medicine, 36(6), 402-406. Retrieved January 25, 2011, from http://www.stfm.org/fmhub/fm2004/June/Alison402.pdf
The self-sustaining vehicle that a user can travel via the land, air, water and/or space is an innovation that would need the Delphi method, which is the “consultation begins as a query set, with the experts asked to provide feedback on a group of questions. For emerging situations, these questions concern trends or possible outcomes. The organizer collates the results and then uses them to generate a second query round, which is submitted and processed” (Alexander, 2009). These experts would provide input and direction in the design and creation of the vehicle.
“The nominal group technique (NGT) is an evaluation method that provides semi-quantitative, rankordered feedback about a group of learners’ perceptions of the good and bad aspects of an educational program “ (Dobbie, Rhodes, Tysinger, & Freeman, 2004). This technique would not be useful for exploring the creation of the self-sustaining multi-terrain vehicle.
• Discuss two forces that may support it -- and two forces that may impede its success?
Political and economical forces may impede the new vehicles progress. It may be too costly to make from a materials standpoint. It may threaten the existing way of life for those currently making a living from the current vehicle creation process, and cause political pressure as a result. The environmental force which supports self-sustaining eco-friendly solutions may support this type of vehicles progress. Global diminishing of resources like oil may be a supportive force that may support the success of this type of vehicle.
• How does open or closed collaboration affect the results? Anonymity takes time, yet may reduce peer pressure or bias.
In the Delphi method “one problem is that Delphi outcomes can be driven by a desire for consensus, rather than actual agreement, meaning that divergent ideas can get quashed.13 In addition, the process can be resource-intensive, especially in terms of time”(Alexander, 2009). Anonymity could be introduced by using virtual anonymous collaboration techniques, such as online polling or online surveying.
• Include a reference and link to supporting content in your post.
Alexander, B. (2009). Apprehending the future: Emerging technologies, from science fiction to campus reality. Retrieved January 25, 2011, from http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Review/EDUCAUSEReviewMagazineVolume44/ApprehendingtheFutureEmergingT/171774
Dobbie, A., Rhodes, M., Tysinger, J. W., & Freeman, J. (2004). Using a modified nominal group technique as a curriculum evaluation tool. Family Medicine, 36(6), 402-406. Retrieved January 25, 2011, from http://www.stfm.org/fmhub/fm2004/June/Alison402.pdf
Thursday, January 27, 2011
The Cloud Computing Trend Results in Free Teaching Productivity Tools
We have been asked to read the Horizon Report 2009-10 and discuss one technology and one key trend. One key trend is Cloud Computing and one Cloud Computing technology I have used for Teaching is the free online screen recorder screen-cast-o-matic. For example, watch this demo I made of how to create a project in Visual Basic, save it and Zip the project for submission.
Free tools like screen-cast-o-matic enable Teachers to share information with students and are a big time saver. Instead of having to meet with students to discuss this, I simply send them the link and they can pause it or replay it if they are having trouble. It is wonderful!
Screen-cast-o-matic is Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), allowing the user to access the service on demand. It allows you to record up to 15 minutes for free and host it on their site, upload it to YouTube or Export it as an MP4, AVI or FLV movie. The pro version is currently $9/year and provides additional features like no watermark on export and editing tools.
Cloud computing consists not only of SaaS, but Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) which provides users a platform to which they can write their own applications on (like GoogleApps), as well as Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), which provides an infrastructure service to the user like basic storage capabilities. Some services are Free, some are pay-per-usage. Cloud Computing is certainly a trend providing organizations with alternative or enhanced solutions to in-house systems. Private, public or hybrid clouds solutions provide different ranges of security and control over the organizations Infrastructures, Platforms and Software. If data confidentiality and total control is desired, then private cloud may be a viable solution. If there is no need to have total control over the environment and your data may not be considered confidential, then a public cloud may be a viable solution. A hybrid cloud allows the in-between use cases where your organization needs can be met.
Free tools like screen-cast-o-matic enable Teachers to share information with students and are a big time saver. Instead of having to meet with students to discuss this, I simply send them the link and they can pause it or replay it if they are having trouble. It is wonderful!
Screen-cast-o-matic is Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), allowing the user to access the service on demand. It allows you to record up to 15 minutes for free and host it on their site, upload it to YouTube or Export it as an MP4, AVI or FLV movie. The pro version is currently $9/year and provides additional features like no watermark on export and editing tools.
Cloud computing consists not only of SaaS, but Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) which provides users a platform to which they can write their own applications on (like GoogleApps), as well as Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), which provides an infrastructure service to the user like basic storage capabilities. Some services are Free, some are pay-per-usage. Cloud Computing is certainly a trend providing organizations with alternative or enhanced solutions to in-house systems. Private, public or hybrid clouds solutions provide different ranges of security and control over the organizations Infrastructures, Platforms and Software. If data confidentiality and total control is desired, then private cloud may be a viable solution. If there is no need to have total control over the environment and your data may not be considered confidential, then a public cloud may be a viable solution. A hybrid cloud allows the in-between use cases where your organization needs can be met.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Andreas Weigend's The New Data Economy video
Andreas Weigend's Keynote February 2010 - The New Data Economy
Andreas states we have moved from a Web 2.0 "Me" Business to a "We" Business in 2010.
A Socio economical shift is occurring along with a behavioral shift where personal information is knowingly and willingly given via social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace.
Andrew Weigand says “You want to match the process of the sampling to the process in which the world is changing”
Shorter timescales…
“You want to match the timescale of sampling data of using data to the underlying dynamics Plus to the timescale of the decision making”
Longer timescales computing to timescale of biology
Predictive Analytics Example Target's Andrew Pole Video from PAW (Predictive Analytics World East 2010)
Andrew Pole Overview of Target video
The video above focuses on behavioral shopping patterns via guests who shop online or in store. Predictive modeling is used to target (no pun intended) customers with relevant offers based on their shopping patterns. The online browser behavioral tracking method may be less effective as users opt for more privacy. Mozilla is proposing a Firefox browser add-on to boost browser privacy.
Mr. Pole mentions a current challenge is managing data more efficiently by reusing guest information across systems. It reminded me of an article I read called
Top Performing Firms are More Effective at Digital Reuse by Peter Weill, Stephanie L. Woerner, and Mark McDonald.
The video above focuses on behavioral shopping patterns via guests who shop online or in store. Predictive modeling is used to target (no pun intended) customers with relevant offers based on their shopping patterns. The online browser behavioral tracking method may be less effective as users opt for more privacy. Mozilla is proposing a Firefox browser add-on to boost browser privacy.
Mr. Pole mentions a current challenge is managing data more efficiently by reusing guest information across systems. It reminded me of an article I read called
Top Performing Firms are More Effective at Digital Reuse by Peter Weill, Stephanie L. Woerner, and Mark McDonald.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Janine Benyus shares nature's designs | Video on TED.com
Janine Benyus shares nature's designs | Video on TED.com
This video has many examples of using natural designs or designs found in nature to solve environmental, resource and other problems.
I liked how Janine Benyus found design solutions "naturally" occurring in nature. How something in nature lives on nearly no water, could this be a solution to an environmental problem we are experiencing today in the environmental challenge of water conservation? Why not study how nature conserves resources, fights disease etc and include these as possible solutions in our designs? That is what I meant by natural and environmental forces occurring.
This video has many examples of using natural designs or designs found in nature to solve environmental, resource and other problems.
I liked how Janine Benyus found design solutions "naturally" occurring in nature. How something in nature lives on nearly no water, could this be a solution to an environmental problem we are experiencing today in the environmental challenge of water conservation? Why not study how nature conserves resources, fights disease etc and include these as possible solutions in our designs? That is what I meant by natural and environmental forces occurring.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Project Natal Innovation Journey
The physical and the technological forces are at work here as your movement is mimicked.
I can envision this to be used in being able to fine tune your movements whether you are a Dancer, Athlete or a Working professional. This could also be used in the Medical field for physical therapy, or for family game night.
Misha Glenny investigates global crime networks | Video on TED.com
Misha Glenny investigates global crime networks Video on TED.com
After the Berlin Wall fell, criminals turned to Cybercrime. The financial lure is hard for them to resist.
After the Berlin Wall fell, criminals turned to Cybercrime. The financial lure is hard for them to resist.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Did you see Hot Tub Time Machine?
The movie is about going back in time. How ideal for someone who claims to be a futurist! Armed with knowing the future one of the stars creates Lougle instead of Google. It is very funny, especially because it is based on the 80s which was a time I remember well.
Without a hot tub we are left to forecast the future without being able to travel back in time. We may depend on tools or psychics or trend reports. We may dream about it.
Looking back a few years ago, I knew that cloud computing was going to be part of the IT future. How did I know that? It was beneficial not only to the user by being in a software as a service format where the user would sign up and pay for services they used in a pay-per-use format (Software-as-a-Service), providing the user with the tools they needed without upfront costs of buying a computer and appropriate software licenses they normally would have needed to buy, but also it was beneficial to the developer saving time a developer would normally need to take to set up their test development environment (Platform-as-a-Service). Cloud computing was also beneficial for organizations who could not afford to provide upfront capital expenses previously needed in order to have access to a network infrastructure. Cloud computing Infrastructure-as-a-Service would would relieve the user from the hardware expense and cost of technical expertise normally needed to build a scaleable infrastructure.
Did I know the government would make it a major initiative? No, but it has. In this blog I am an explorer in the new world of cloud computing. Factual this blog will NOT always be, but it will be a journey of discovery.
Without a hot tub we are left to forecast the future without being able to travel back in time. We may depend on tools or psychics or trend reports. We may dream about it.
Looking back a few years ago, I knew that cloud computing was going to be part of the IT future. How did I know that? It was beneficial not only to the user by being in a software as a service format where the user would sign up and pay for services they used in a pay-per-use format (Software-as-a-Service), providing the user with the tools they needed without upfront costs of buying a computer and appropriate software licenses they normally would have needed to buy, but also it was beneficial to the developer saving time a developer would normally need to take to set up their test development environment (Platform-as-a-Service). Cloud computing was also beneficial for organizations who could not afford to provide upfront capital expenses previously needed in order to have access to a network infrastructure. Cloud computing Infrastructure-as-a-Service would would relieve the user from the hardware expense and cost of technical expertise normally needed to build a scaleable infrastructure.
Did I know the government would make it a major initiative? No, but it has. In this blog I am an explorer in the new world of cloud computing. Factual this blog will NOT always be, but it will be a journey of discovery.
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