Session 13 - There is a light at the end of the tunnel

This week we discussed outsourcing. I am not a fan of offshore outsourcing but many companies find that it is beneficial. Two of their reasons are lower cost employees and time zone overlap as shown in the graphs.












P.S.
Les, has the job at Wiki Icky Inc. been filled yet?

Session 12 - Heading Down The Home Stretch

This week we talked about programming and the System Development Life Cycle. These are topics that I am very familiar with. I have a BS in computer science and a certificate in software development. I never became a programmer, rather I teach high school students how to do problem solving using computer programming.

I find it fun to sit down and start tapping out code, but as we discussed this week the programmers need to know what is going on. The best way to keep everyone on task is to use the SDLC.

Yes I am a computer geek. This cartoon could be me!!!



I am not saying that I am a genius, just that I would take my laptop to a formal function.

I've had enough, No more doubles!!!

Well, this week we talked with a bot. It was interesting but limited. Soon, I feel that talking with a bot will be like talking to your best friend.







GPS technology is becoming more prevalent in our everyday lives. Some day soon every person may have a transmitter attached or embedded on their person. This would help with all of the missing persons cases. Of course there will be privacy issues with that. For now, I want to use GPS to help my golf game.

Another Double Please

Well, this week had me do a difficult task. Come up with an idea for an e-business that has not been done already. I got lucky and my first idea, Transcript Clearinghouse, was approved. Other students had to come up with different ideas as their first ones had already been done. I guess as new technology is invented, there will be new businesses on the web.


Our work with Wikis this week has given me some ideas for group projects when I change hats and become a teacher again. I had a talk with one of my fellow teachers and he liked the idea and is going to use a wiki in his class. This will also work great for interdisciplinary classes.

Here is a funny I found at http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/rte0235l.jpg



I thought it was appropriate.

Sessions 6 & 7 NEW STUFF

Other than the discussion on identity theft, most of the topics this week were new to me. Being that I have not worked out in the business sector, all of this alphabet soup (ERP, CRM, and BPM) was interesting to learn about.

I am still going to push our administration to adopt PowerSchool or a similar ERP for school districts to replace our antiquated systems. The only hurdle is money!!


I try to warn my students about the serious risks of identity theft and the discussions we had this past week will go into my lessons

Here are two images of the best tools to help protect you against identity theft:

Session 5 and still alive

user name:
password:

If you are willing to give me your user name and password go right ahead.

This was an interesting week discussing security and privacy. I think we are in agreement that we need some stronger security measures but are on different ends regarding how much privacy we are willing to give up for that security.




I found this chart at http://www.acuity-mi.com/Authentication%20Alternatives.jpg that shows some of the alternatives to passwords. It lists some of the advantages and disadvantages.