Assignment 2

Reading: Computer Hardware

This reading was helpful. Most of my experience with computers is based on specific applications; hardware is not something I have ever really had to focus on except for when I purchased my last computer and had it built specifically for the purpose of online gaming. Even then most of my information came from discussions with friends in the I.T. field since I had a difficult time locating a resource that was simplistic enough for a "laymen". The manner in which this wiki broke things down was nice and of course the links for further information was helpful.

Reading : Moore's Law (video)

According to Moore's Law the number of transistors on an integrated circuit can double in as little as two years. Since the statement was made in 1965, it has held to be fairly accurate. with the advances in nanotechnology I can clearly see how this is all made possible, but I also have to wonder where is the limit to where it is no longer possible when considering factors such as cost effectiveness, heat generation/effective cooling and the introduction of new technology.

Reading: Computer History Museum

Very interesting sight about the history and development of the computer and I.T. I am sure the more involved in the topic one is teh easier it is to become excited about the museum. Due to personal interest I found the sections on computer chess and how companies marketed computers.

Muddiest point: Still lost on the assignment due dates. Beyond that, I initially had some problems wrapping my brain around Moore's Law. I kept getting hung up on actual physical limitations, once I went over the material a few times and approached it from a strictly theoretical perspective it made more sense.

Assignment 1

I am a bit late getting things started with class this week. My sons started school this week also, and my wife has been out of town on a business trip so I have been left to my own devices. I did not get to watch the lecture until about 3 p.m. Friday and realized assignment 2 was kind of due before assignment 1. This entry will be changed and updated with assignment 1 over the weekend. Having assignments out of order would just drive me insane all semester so this is more of just a place holder.

Muddiest Point: Due dates on assignments. I am still not sure I have it down. Anyone else still confused on how this is to work out?

Reading: 2004 Information Format Trends

Having made the decision to obtain my M.L.I.S. years ago I am somewhat familiar with this report. The article makes some strong points about how technological advances have changed the information seeking behavior of our society. The traditional models of information delivery has changed; while the content maybe the focus they demand it be delivered in various mediums whenever they request it. Libraries must keep evolving with the technology in providing services that meet the needs, and behaviors of the consumer. Another interesting point made in the article, one I had not considered was the comment by Joi Ito regarding “must understand and build models that focus less on the content and more on the relationships.”

Reading: Information Literacy and Information Technology Literacy

The author of this article makes a good point of addressing the need to provide a basic foundation of knowledge for users of technology while providing them with the tools to be successful. I can see his point in how focusing too narrowly on a specific applications can provide short term success while advancing technologies can make that skill set outdated, where as providing a knowledge about technological infrastructure provides a better foundation for growth as we advance.

Reading: Lied Library @ four years

I had never considered the amount of planning that would go into a building like a library. I found it interesting that even though it was a10 year project, the planning seemed very successful of meeting the needs of the patrons and library staff with only some minor adjustments. Even as they looking towards further advances in the needs of their community, they have managed to provide a solid starting point for that evolution.

Muddiest point: Without a doubt the due dates for the assignments has caused me some grief.