Technological skills that I would like to improve

If I had plenty of time at my disposal, I would spend it developing my technological skills. This would not only help me in my personal life but also in my future career as an "Information Manager" / Librarian.
The following skills are the ones I see as most important:

* using a library database better
* spreadsheets
* troubleshooting technology
* presentation software
* database software
* creating online instructional materials/products
* web design
* computer security knowledge
* installing technology equipment
* graphic design
* assistive/adaptive technology
* network management
* computer programming
* wikis
* cataloging software
* creating podcasts
* using SMART boards


Attribution:
flickrCC
Image: 'mac circle halmstad'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/87762368@N00/2416051086

My Digital Environment

Sitting at my computer I can see numerous cables, screens and other paraphernalia that I use to connect to the Internet, write documents and interact with students at university. This little world that I have created is My Digital Environment. It includes the following:

HARDWARE
Personal Computer
Central Processing Unit (CPU) = the brain
Random Access Memory (RAM) = the memory
Peripherals
Input Devices = keyboard, mouse
Output Devices = monitor, printer, modem, speakers
Storage Devices = hard disk drive, USB
Servers
CSU computer server, Optus server

SOFTWARE
Systems Software
Graphical User Interface
Windows
Applications Software
Microsoft Word
Google Chrome
Databases
CSU Library Database
State Library of Victoria Database



Attribution:
flickrCC
Image: 'Physical View of the Network'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/43394187@N00/125244997

The Digital Divide

The Digital Divide is the separation between people who have access to information technologies and those people who do not have access. This is mainly due to socioeconomic, geographical, censorship and monitoring by governments, and age related issues. The more information technologies these "haves" gain, the more these "have nots" will be disadvantaged.

The following youtube video is about the digital divide. It mainly discusses the impact of the digital divide on people who do not have access to information technologies due to socioeconomic and geographical reasons. The video's main argument is that people not only need access to information technologies but also the ability to effectively use them as well as the ability to empower people to use the technologies for productive gain. There are many organisations that are trying to reduce the digital divide by providing cheap laptops for these "have nots" such as the One Laptop Per Child organisation.

A Brief History of the Internet

Here is a very interesting and informative Youtube video that our lecturer asked us to view as part of a module about the history of the Internet.