Presentation Project: Share Your Soles

As I finished my project this week, I must say that it was fairly difficult.  Deciding what I wanted to do my project on took awhile.  However, I did find a great organization, Share Your Soles (SYS), that helps to supply shoes around the world to children and adults in impoverished countries.

What I wanted to address is the need for shoes, something that we all take for granted, in impoverished countries for both children and adults.  I think it would make the presentation hit home more if I would have included video that shows children speaking on how just a simple pair of shoes has changed their life. I do like that fact that (I hope) my presentation grabs the audiences' attention at the beginning by asking a question and drawing them into the presentation.  I showed what SYS is all about on most of the slides, providing shoes to those in need.  So most of my slides are just pictures that evoke emotion in the audience and will hopefully get then to donate or volunteer to the Share Your Soles cause.

I had the pleasure of evaluating Sabrina Mirtcheva's presentation.  Sabrina's presentation was on OLPC, One Laptop Per Child, and has a similar cause to my organization in my presentation.  She did a great job explaining the cause of the organization.  Her presentation flowed well from beginning to end, however, it did need more to grab your attention right at the beginning.  I learned from her presentation that for important causes when you are asking for donations, money and/or volunteers that it is important to grab your audiences attention and get them to emotionally connect with what you are presenting right away. The only other thing I believe that was missing was more on how to help or donate to the OLPC cause.  Other than that, Sabrina's presentation was well stated and clearly presented.


I hope that my presentation evoked the audiences emotion and clearly stated what Share Your Soles is all about and why their mission is important, as well as how you can help donate to their cause! Please click on the link below to view my Share Your Soles presentation. Thanks!


Share Your Soles Presentation

Week 7 - Clear - Cloud Computing

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What is cloud computing? Simply put cloud computing is anything that involves delivering hosted services over the Internet. There are three main categories of cloud computing services. They are as follows:  Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS). Many of the applications that you use everyday use cloud based computing.  Applications, such as Facebook, Twitter, Gmail and YouTube are all run from cloud based services.

So what does a cloud have to do with computing? How did the cloud name come about? Well, the term cloud computing simply comes from the cloud symbol that’s often used to represent the Internet in diagrams. For a more in-depth explaniation of cloud computing please watch the video below!

*Permission granted for use by Standard YouTube License

So you may be wondering what exactly is SaaS, PaaS and IaaS?!.  These are all cloud computing options.  SaaS or Software-as-a-Service can be accessed from anywhere as long as you have Internet connection. The great part about SaaS is that you don't need any hardware or software because the vendor supplies it all.  PaaS or Platform-as-a-Service allows developers to create applications on the vendors platform. Infrastructure-as-a-Service or IaaS allows businesses or individuals to rent server or storage space and only pay for what use, instead of wasting money, resources and real estate.  With the onset of cloud computing individuals and businesses can now become more efficient and more green!

Week 6 - Clear - Understanding Software

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When you think of layers the first thing that comes to mind is probably cake! However, when trying to understand how software functions...were're not talking in cake, but we will use the layered cake as a model. There are four main 'layers' of software.  The top layer is the user.  This would be you the operator. The second layer is the application.  This would be things like presentation products, spreadsheet products or word processor products, that are designed to help the user accomplish a specific task. The third layer is the operating system (OS for short).  The OS enables the user to use the software, it controls the hardware and other programs, as well as, allows users to interact with the hardware. The forth and bottom layer is the hardware.  This would be your PC, laptop, printer, etc.  Now you may be asking yourself, "How do these layers interact with each other?" Well we know that it's not icing that holds these layers together! The layers are independent of each other and interact through API's. What is an API? The API or application programmer interface is how the components communicate with each other.  Click here to find out more on API's.

So, now that we know a little about how software works, lets talk about the different types of software: Desktop software and Enterprise software. Desktop software is usually installed on a single computer and is used to meet the needs of a single user.  Enterprise software is designed to address the needs of multiple users simultaneously and had different types of software within the structure.  Theses include SCM, supply chain management, CRM, customer relationship management and ERP, enterprise resource planning. Examples of each type of software are found below:

Desktop Software

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Enterprise Software
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Now to go along with the software there is a license.  What type of software you choose to buy will depend on what type of license you will need. Here are a brief overview of types of licenses and how they are used. Shrink wrap licensing is when you implicitly agree to the terms within the packaging once you have broken the shrink wrap. EULA, or end user license agreement, means that you are the final client to use the software and, therefore, agree to the terms. Perpetual license is for single user applications that allow you to use the product as long as you want once you buy it. Full retail license allows you to use the product anywhere. OEM allows you to use on specific device(s). Volume licensing allows you to either license per number of users, license per seat or license per server. Term license is a license that is renewed on an annual basis. Trial license is for a limited time and can be set to a limited or full feature setting during trial use. Freeware or shareware license allows the user to use the product for a trial period and then buy the product. So just a brief overview of what software is, how it works, and the licenses that accompany software that you buy!

Week 5 - Clear - Presentations

Have you ever had to give a PowerPoint presentation at work? Did you spend countless hours designing and re-designing slide after slide not knowing what to use or (more importantly) not to use on each and every slide?  Well....look no further.  Here are a few handy tips to keep in mind the next time you have to  prepare a PowerPoint presentation for work or any other activity!

TEXT ON SLIDES AND BULLETS

• Try not to overload your slides with too much text.  
• The audience will not hear your important points if they are reading slides full of text. 
•  Also, do not read word for word from the slides. 
• Only put important points on the slides and allow those points to aide you during your presentation to the audience. 
• As for the bullets do not use too many or your audience will lose focus!!!

FONTS AND COLORS AND STYLE

When using fonts and colors make sure that you use a font that is easy to read. Don't use colors that are hard to read or distract from your presentation and your point! Too many changes in fonts or colors may look cool, but can be very distracting to the audience. Make sure that your text is not too small or the audience will not be able to read the slides with your important points. 

Remember BIGGER is better!

GRAPHS AND OTHER NO-NO's

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Make sure that your graphs are accurate and that they are not overwhelming.  Graphs can be confusing to an audience if they contain too much information and have lines or graphics going every which way! In this case simple is better like the graph to the right.  Also, try to stay away from transition slides unless you are going from section of your presentation to another.  Transitions can be a major distraction and leave the audience thinking about the transition slide and how cool it was, rather than the information you are presenting. Last, animations and clip art are not considered to be professional.  Try to use meaningful images in your presentation so that the audience will connect with your point on a more emotional level. To see these examples and more PowerPoint don'ts in more depth, please watch the video below.

*Permission granted for use by Standard YouTube License.

Week 4 - Clear - Technology in the business environment

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Whether it is in your day to day lives or in your work environment, technology almost definitely plays a role in how  you live and work on a daily basis. The fact is that in today's business environment if you don't know how to use the most up to date technology, you may feel like you have been left in the dark ages! The fact of the matter is that most every business uses a computer or smart device in some form or fashion to keep track of invoices, job/employee times, contact information, etc.  Many business and individuals who work from home or on the road use "smart phones" to conduct business while on the go.  These types of mobile devices allow business to get a higher level of productivity that only a few years ago was not available.  The smart phone allows you to have an office in the palm of your hand.  You can download and view files, email, etc., while on the go.  This ensures that your employees minimize the wasted "drive time" to and from clients, meetings, appointment, etc.

So what if you don't know how to use the latest technology (even though your 5 year old may breeze through using some of the smart devices!) or have been out of the work environment for a while and are just trying to rejoin the rankings?  Don't feel too overwhelmed! Although it may seem like a daunting task ahead there are many outlets available to help guide and teach you how to use a mass array of these technologies.  With the use of the Internet, you can now download and view not only the (boring) pages and pages of How To Guides, but you can also view videos that not only explain to you how to use these technologies, but show you as well! There are videos on how to use almost any technological devices, such as the smart phones, tablets, net-books, etc.

*Permission granted for use by Standard YouTube License.

Not Internet savvy and don't know where to start looking for how to help via download manuals and videos or just need to see and learn in person.  Don't worry, there are many classes and tutorial sessions that are offered that you can attend in person. Places such as tutoring hubs or colleges offer sessions that you can take to enhance you technology knowledge! So the bottom line is don't let the fear of the unknown hold you back...embrace technology because it will only keep changing and advancing for many, many years to come.

Week 2 - Clear - Ergonomics

What is ergonomics? Ergonomics, in brief, is the study of efficiency in the work environment. A more complete definition can be found by clicking on the ergonomics link, ergonomics. Have you ever had wrist, back or neck pain after slaving away your computer terminal at the office day in and day out? These types of pain could be due to the inefficiencies in your work area. For example, if you find yourself having wrist pain, ask yourself this, "What type of keyboard do I currently use:  Keyboard A or Keyboard B?"

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Keyboard B

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Keyboard A

Keyboard A is flat and not ergonomically friendly, while Keyboard B is more ergonomically friendly due to a slight curve design.  You may ask yourself, "Why does the curve in Keyboard B make it more ergonomical?" Well when typing day in and day out, Keyboard A does not allow your wrists to form at their natural position.  Keyboard B allows for the wrist to form at their natural position, more at a slanted angle instead of straight forward as in Keyboard A.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaeru/1599676842/ 

Now what workplace inefficiencies contribute to that nagging back and neck pain? And what can you do to become more ergonomically friendly to help decrease these types of pain. Back and neck pain in the workplace can be caused by many things such as, lack of lumbar support, height of chair, posture, how your feet rest and prolonged sitting. So, how do you correct these? Well, while the photo to the left shows us an example of inappropriate and non-ergonomical workplace habits. The photo to the right shows us proper workplace and ergonomically friendly habits. Notice the proper posture and how the legs and feet(balanced on the floor) are positioned at an approximately 90 degree angle. Many office chairs have height and positioning adjustments  on them that allow the user to adjust the chair to their comfort level, which allows for a good ergonomic body position.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/onekell/2570138754/

There are also lumbar supports available for all types of office chairs and lumbar support levels, with maximum support or light to moderate lumbar support.  Also, remembering to take breaks throughout the day and walk to allow your spine to elongate will help to alleviate back and neck pain. So, these have just been a few examples of what causes some of the aches and pains we suffer from as result of our day to day work environment and how to help ergonomically correct your current workplace.  The following link with provides explanation of what causes workplace aches and pain, as well as more ways to correct workplace functionality...Ergonomic help!  Below is also a fun and enteraining video to show you how you can make your current workplace more ergonomic for your bodies ease and comfort, enjoy!

*Permission granted for reuse by Standard YouTube License.

Week 1 - Muddy - Blogging

I consider myself very capable of getting around on computers and the world wide web. I even find myself pretty savvy when it comes to using electronics, technology and certain computer programs. However, when it comes to blogging...it seems that I have ALOT to learn! 

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When I first read that we would have to post a blog weekly I must say that I dreaded the thought of blogging. Why you may ask? Mainly because it was the fear of the unknown to me, as well as the fact that I am one of those people that consider blogging nerdy and a seemingly useless waste of time. I asked myself, "Why would anyone want to read about what I have to say or blog?"

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Well, I began to proceed with the Getting Started worksheet that was provided and as I was beginning to journey on this new path of creating a blog I found myself doing research on blogging since I had never blogged before this class. There was so much to learn (at least it seemed that way to me!). And as I began to develop my blog, I found myself to be mostly concerned with the design, layout and the attraction level of the visual aspect of my blog.  I wanted it to be visually appealing to viewers, like the blogs that I had seen when researching how to blog, what to blog about and why people blog.

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During my research on blogging I found that the old saying, "Time is money", was true when it came to blogging.  The question that I had always asked myself, "Why do people blog?", had now been answered! Blogging is a BIG business.  With dedicated websites, as well as books and DVDs on how to blog and what to blog about for beginners all the way up to advanced and even the business professionals, it's now clear to me why people blog.  I also guess, depending on what people blog about there is the added value of blogs that are informative and helpful that can be easily accessed when needed via the world wide web!

After my research on blogging I now understand more about the world of blogging, from creation to actually writing and posting a blog. Please note everyone in cyberspace that this will be my first official blog so keep your fingers crossed and hope that it goes somewhat in the right direction!  However, with that said, as I mentioned a couple of paragraphs ago in the above portion of this blog...I found myself more focused and centered on the visual aspect of my blog. I now realize that yes, a blog needs to be visually appealing to viewers, but the most important aspect of a blog is actually the information contained in the blog. Imaging that! So to those of you out there who have never blogged before and find the blogging topic muddy...I present to you these few words of advice (or should I say experience now!). A blog should be not only visually appealing, but should be just as appealing intellectually in order to attract viewers.