COM 6630 Strategic Communication and Emerging Media

COM 6630 Strategic Communication and Emerging Media

The whole wide world of communication.  Where would we be without it? Strategic Communication and Emerging Media has definitely been a course that has opened my eyes and has introduced me to various concepts of communication which includes things like print media, multimedia, social media, and broadcasting.  

I must say it has been a very rewarding and sometimes challenging nine weeks!  I have certainly learned more about communication and technology within the last few weeks than I ever dreamt possible.  We touched on some very interesting and thought provoking subjects for instance; the changing of mass media’s landscape, the power of technology, the future of technology, educators and social media in the classroom, citizen journalism, crowdsourcing, branding on the internet, and children and technology to name a few areas.  In looking back over the topics covered, I think the areas I enjoyed most were learning about “crowdsourcing” and getting different perspectives about the effects technology has on children.  Children are definitely our future and so we must prepare them for where technology is heading and expose them and even ourselves to the next “big thing” in technology.  Another thing I really enjoyed was introducing our readers to a new or improved piece of technology and having to describe the significance of that technology.  I was introduced to some things that I had no idea was even on the horizon of going public like the Smart Projector, wow! being able to give a presentation anywhere, anytime on anything is just so amazing to me.  I was also introduced to the Smartwatch technology which is one of the next innovate ideas that you can find in the market today.

I believe I have walked away from this class with some very valuable information and holding on to one major component that if we are serious about being a strategic communicator we have to be open to change and embrace the new and innovate ideas that are on the horizon for technology and communication.

Children and Technology: Is it Good or Bad?

Children and Technology: Is it Good or Bad?

 

Computers, smartphones, iPads, iPods, smartwatches and others technology, it is definitely blazing our pathway into the future.  It is permanently woven into our lives and I think it is necessary that children become extremely comfortable with it.  Teaching children how to use technology now will help them in school and will help them become more proficient in their future careers.  Technology now allows our children to have an incredible amount of knowledge and information at their fingertips. I personally think that technology is good for our children, however there are many parents who would disagree. Even though technology may be good for our children they may require some supervision until they are more responsible. We should take time to teach our children as efficiently as we can about technology and the advantages and disadvantages that it may have on our society and children.  Let’s look at the good, the bad and the ugly with today’s technology.

 

Technology is no doubt a double edged sword, but the good side seems to be shining through.  Technology is good for all of us, including our children, even though it has aspects which are not as pure as we might want them to be. Every change, every improvement or alteration within our lifestyles must be approached with a great deal of thought, consideration and understanding. Technology is no different.  If technology is properly used and incorporated in our lives it can help and already has helped improve very many aspects of our lives and the lives of our children.

It is not unusual to see a young child today use an iPad to learn the alphabet, use a smartphone to send a text message, use an iPod to listen to music or even program a DVR.  Children quickly learn to use technology that is part of their daily lives, often with greater ease than their parents, siblings or other adults. But does their ability to do these complex tasks really enhance the child’s development? Does using technology really teach children new skills? It seems to me in this day and age that computers and technology would be an active teaching agent with child learners in a very technological time period.  Some studies have also shown that technology can be a passive agent in a child’s life.  Parents who recognize this difference or issue should choose appropriate computer programs for their children.

As passive users, children utilize tools with no understanding of the concepts represented on the screen. It becomes an electronic device that asks children to memorize something without fully comprehending. As active agents for learning, computers extend children’s abilities, helping them to accomplish goals and objectives. In active use, children understand the relationship between real ideas and what is being represented on the screen. Constructing relationships between pictures and concrete objects helps children establish meaning.

In order to promote effective computer learning, parents should monitor the quality of the software children use, the amount of time children work with it, and the way in which they use it.   As parents, we should teach our children about technology and not be afraid of it.  Things such as how people control technology, and how technology can be used for activities that are meaningful to people.  Technology can take on different forms, such as in calculators, telephones, and recorders, etc. It provides different, useful things in a variety of ways.  Technology has rules that control how it works. Objects must have a source of power, they have plugs or batteries.  These kinds of thing are all very important to formulate a basic base knowledge on how computers are utilized.  Computer programs require different ways of organizing thinking. Some will ask you to match and rhyme, others will give you the freedom to draw or paint whatever you wish.

Some parents express concerns about the role of technology in children’s lives, such as how it will affect their attention to social relationships and other activities.  Some computer programs promote dialog between children, as well as integrating some group problem-solving skills. They also offer opportunities for shared experiences between parents and children. As partners in our children’s learning, we may not only monitor their educational environments, but we may experience their progress first-hand.

In modern society we are giving more and more technology to kids. Whether this is a good thing depends on who you ask.  Some say giving kids more access to computers gives them an opportunity of a head start in learning how to use them, giving them an edge in succeeding in an ever more computerized world. Others say computers are depriving kids of natural play, exercise and in some cases even interfering with brain development.  Some say it is giving children never before seen abilities to connect with other kids from all over the world, giving them access to other cultures, points of view and ways of seeing the world. Others say the reliance on computers and social networking is a hindrance to child development of face to face social skills which are crucial to success in the real world.

Some parents say that the web gives kids never before seen access to information. From online books and online education to You Tube how to manuals, kids can now find the answer to more questions than their parents or teachers could ever know. Others point out that with all that information comes video games, advertising and child centered marketing which may be undermining parent’s ability to instill wisdom and values on to the next generation. Parents can’t really always control what their kids use computers for and it is sometimes easier to restrict access than to be a censor.

In my opinion our children today are in a much better place as far as improving their learning and education with technology.  They are still very vulnerable to improper use of technology, but that is where supervision and controlled usage plays an important role. As parents should we be encouraging our kids to use computers and smartphones at a young age or should we be sheltering them from the consequences that technology brings with it?  Well I guess that just depends on who you ask. 

Branding: How Does It Work?

Branding: How Does It Work?

Branding is very important to any business, whether your business is a top fortune 500 company or a mom and pop corner store. An effective branding strategy could give you a major advantage in most competitive markets. But what exactly does "branding" mean? How does it affect your business?

“The American Marketing Association defines a brand as a “name, term, sign, symbol or design, or a combination of them intended to identify the goods and series of one seller or group of sellers and to differentiate them from those of other sellers.”   In laymen’s terms, your brand is what you promise your customer. It tells the consumer what they can expect from your products and services, and it show the difference between you and your competitor. Your brand is created from who you are, who you want to be and who people perceive you to be. Let’s take a look at what branding strategies are and some of the mistakes companies make when developing a branding campaign.

Branding Strategies

Every business must eventually build and maintain a brand if it desires to continue in business and gain new customers.  Your branding strategy is who, what, where, when and to whom you plan on communicating and delivering on your brand messages. Where you advertise is part of your brand strategy. Your distribution channels are also part of your brand strategy. And what you communicate visually and verbally are part of your brand strategy as well.  Consistent, strategic branding leads to a strong brand equity.

When people come in contact with your business name, they automatically begin to come up with impressions and memories that determine what they believe about you:  Their notions may be the result of communications you have had with customers in the past, or they may be the result of good or bad publicity or word-of-mouth.  Your customers may have a deep perception about you, or your slate may be nearly clear of any impressions whatsoever.  Regardless of whether the beliefs a customer holds about you are many or few, good or bad, or accurate or inaccurate, they make up the image of your brand in their mind and they influence how your customer thinks and what your customer buys.

Your brand image lives in your customers’ minds, whether you intentionally put it there or not. Branding is the route to making sure that the brand image you have is the brand image you want. The best starting point for brand development is a true look at what people currently think of your brand and industry in the marketplace.

While being a part of a small marketing team for the college that I currently work for, our marketing department and advisors kind of explained that different types of brands work for different marketing approaches that businesses may take. Basically, there are a few general types of brands that a business could fall into:   Product Brands, Service Brands, Business Brands, Personal Brands, and Personality Brands.

·         Product Brands are those products that have become well known within the marketplace and have characteristics that make them better than others in this category

·         Service Brands are those services that consumers buy purely based on trust.

·         Business Brands are another option rather than branding a particular service or product an entity decides to brand the company instead.

·         Personal Brands are those images that people have of each individual whether you know it or not.  It is an image that someone has of you.

·         Personality Brands are create significant value when associated with products or services, for instance, the names like Oprah, Martha Stewart or the Kardashian brand.

Where do Taglines fit into your Strategy?

A tagline is a phrase that accompanies your brand name to quickly translate your business position and brand identity into a single line called a “tagline” that means something to consumers. A tagline is meant to provide consumers with an indication of your brand and its market position in just a few memorable words.  Great taglines have a number of common attributes.

·         If it is memorable -You hear it, memorize it quickly, and repeat it with ease.

·         If it is short -Great taglines often have as few as ten syllables so that they’re quick to recite and easy to tuck in alongside logos.

·         If it conveys a brand’s point of difference. The tagline tells what sets your brand apart from others.

·         If it clarifies a brand’s market position and key benefits. Especially if the brand name doesn’t quickly communicate the brand’s offerings and distinctions.

·         It differentiates a business from all others.  A great tagline is so unique that it doesn’t work when linked to a competitor’s brand name.

·         It reflects the brand’s identity, character, promise, and personality. It also needs to be believable and original.

Common Mistakes in a Branding Campaign

Over the past several years, I have been employed within a certain area of postsecondary education, and we have seen some very common and target branding mistakes made when trying to gain a piece of the market share.  Some of those mistakes included:

·         Not obligating enough funding to commit to accomplish marketing strategies.

·         Not being consistent with one campaign and following through with what was outlined

·         Not having a clear vision or focus on what was to be accomplished. 

All of these things are very important when you are trying to get a branding campaign from the board room to putting it into action and letting it do what it’s supposed to do. We must make sure everyone within the organization is on the same page, this is key in every strategy.  A good branding campaign will always deliver the message clearly, confirm your credibility and motivate buyers to buy your product or service.

Does Technology Make Us More Proficient?

Week Six Blog:  Does Today's Technology Make Us More Proficient

Wow!! The awesome world of Technology.  All I can say is…where would be without it?  Technology has proven to be a wonderful thing. If you can access it, and if you choose to learn to use it, I believe it can help make us more efficient.

With the evolution of today's technology all of our data, can be kept in sync with little to no effort. I can remember a long time ago, the idea of being able to carry around all your information in your pocket was something that was only hoped for in the future. The Internet was just coming into common usage, and most people carried around organizers and address books. Today, most of these things have been replaced by devices that can function anywhere any time like: the smartphones, smart watches, iPads and more. There have been ideas after ideas after ideas and attempts to make things better within technology, but ultimately just steps along the iconic way. These new ideas often came with a huge learning curve and price tag to match. But the notion of synchronization is something that most people take for granted nowadays, but it is definitely powerful, and is still evolving every day.

It is so amazing to see how far we have come since, back in the day, when I can remember carry around an address book and a note pad or sticky pads.  Any sense of organization and task management was completely manual. I would sit down and manually write all of my appointments, whether they for class, personal use or business related.  At the end of every day, the same thing would have to be done for the next day.

The corporate world wasn’t exactly that much better as I can remember. I know my parents were huge fans of the traditional diary and organizer. Every day, they transfer their tasks, their contacts and schedules from one day to the next. Today most people have learned to use the address books on their Blackberries or the contacts function on their computer. Back then, I think a few people had little pocket-sized books with their contacts in them. Some people had a shortlist of important contacts at the front of their organizers. I remember having my important numbers written in the front of my organizer.

And what if you need to jot down any notes, ideas, and information? I think that most people walked around thinking that they would remember it if it were important.  Sure, I had post-it notes of all shapes, colors and sizes everywhere too but no one central place to store everything.

Today, all of the way we used to take notes and keep up with things have been replaced with a couple of devices: the smartphones like the IPhone, Android, Windows, and Blackberry, the personal computer and a little cable that links them together. Every smartphone deals with all your personal information management basics – contacts, calendar and notes. Some also handle task management, with varying degrees of success. I remember when I got my first iPhone contacts, calendar, email, and notes all in sync, it was effortlessly.

And, when the idea of apps came about what an awesome experience. Not only could I take my basic personal information on-the-go with me, I could actually take other information relevant to my life on-the-go with me too like my music collection, my task list and my fitness information.  If you really stop and think about it, this is revolutionary. At your fingertips, you have a device that connects you with your finances, your workout routine, the latest news from around the world, the latest shopping catalogues and information, and every social network you can imagine. When I sat down and thought about it, it was mind-blowing. Having access to all this data and information instantly was incredible. It meant that I could operate just as productively from home, from the office or from the airport.  All on-the-go!

All this technology is so important from word processing to spreadsheets to the cornerstones of modern business.  Paypal can be used to send money to anyone with an email address anywhere in the world, the use of USB thumb drives can take whatever files and programs you want with you anywhere, Skype you can make cheap international phone calls from anywhere with an Internet connection, Facebook you can keep in touch with old friends and make new acquaintances, as well as build business relationships.  As with most things though, the choke point is usually the human factor. The biggest inhibitor in allowing technology to help us with our productivity is ourselves. More specifically, the lack of adoption and resistance to learning.

Technology has changed the way we learn and think too. The Internet alone has revolutionized our ability to access information. At a deeper level, it has also changed how we store and access information in our own minds. And how we combine information into new ideas and thoughts. The implications for the rest of us are straightforward: leverage technology to make our life more productive and easier, and get more done in shorter spans of time.

Technology extends this number. It lets us remember more people because we have a place outside our mind to hold information about them. It also takes care of certain things so that we don’t have to like remembering birthdays or crucial business appointments.  Love it or hate it, the technology to make our lives more efficient is out there. The information that we once thought restricted to our personal computers at home or work really is available to us anywhere and anytime, if we choose to use it.

 

Citizen Journalism: Is there Controversy Between the Professional Journalist and the Citizen Journalist?

Citizen Journalism: Is there controversy between the Professional Journalist and the Citizen Journalist?

From all of the required readings this week on Citizen Journalism, in an article written by Mary Grace Antony, Citizen Journalism was best described as “the act of a citizen, or a group of citizens, playing an active role in the process of collecting, reporting, analyzing and disseminating news and information…[in order to] provide independent, reliable, accurate, wide-ranging and relevant information that a democracy requires.”  So as we look further into what Citizen Journalism is we will touch on an issue that may be prevalent within the journalism arena.  I gathered from looking at some published videos and other readings about the citizen journalist that there may be some differences in opinion or rift between the professional journalist and the citizen journalist.

What is Citizen Journalism? 

Even though the above-mentioned description of citizen journalism seems to be very accurate it certainly is a mouthful and a lot to analyze.  In looking more into what the citizen journalist is I found another definition of the citizen journalist that I like better.  According to a journalist by the name of Tony Rogers, “Put very simply, citizen journalism is when private individuals do essentially what professional reporters do- report information.  That information can take many forms, from a podcast editorial to a report about a governmental meeting on a blog.  It can include text, pictures, audio and video.   But it’s basically all about communicating information of some kind.”   I found this definition to resonate more at home with me because it was very simplistic.  Often time when I am trying to absorb the meaning of something keeping it simple and to the point helps with bringing understanding to what the writer is saying.  

So getting back to the topic at hand, the Citizen Journalist, in essence does the same thing as the professional journalist but they just don’t have the professional title. One other important thing about citizen journalism is that I think it is primarily found on-line.   These writings may come in the form of, for example, you might see written comments about a governmental or political group meeting that has taken place, or you could see postings pointing out errors or bias from newspaper articles or mainstream media. Or you might take a digital photo of something or some event that is going on within your town or city that is newsworthy and post it online.  Or you might video tape a something of similar nature and post it on a site like YouTube, Snap Chat, Video Tube, or Pinterest.  All these might be considered acts of journalism, even if they don’t go beyond simple observation at the scene of an important event or breaking news headlines. 

When individuals without professional journalism training are allowed to use the same tools of modern technology and the global distribution of the Internet to create, and add to the conversations of the mainstream media and offer other perspectives outside of the mainstream as well. These individuals can sometimes begin to share information that may or may not be completely accurate.  It is so important that, as bloggers we should do our due diligence and research, analyze, and relay, to the best of our ability, the most reliable information we have.  And even if there is any doubt in what we are reporting, then just say that so that readers will know a particular piece of information may or may not be totally accurate.   There can be such an overwhelming feeling of frustration when bloggers are talking about the same thing and saying something entirely different than the next.  What kind of affect does this bring to the world of journalism?   Because this whole world of journalism was once a territorial unit that belonged to well established journalists and media companies.  There is some controversy because many professional journalists believe that only a trained journalist can understand the difficulties and unpleasant experiences that can be associated with reporting the news.  They also believe that there has to be a certain level of ethics involved in reporting the news.  One of the main misconceptions behind citizen journalism is that mainstream media reporters and producers are not the exclusive center of knowledge on a subject- the audience knows more collectively than the reporter alone.  Now, many of these media outlets are trying to harness the knowledge of their audience either through comments at the end of stories they post online or by creating citizen journalist contributors sources for stories.

Because of the web there are so many avenues we can use to provide our topic of discussion and capture whatever events we want. Through all of the internet-based and other wireless technologies it has made it so easy for the world, with a great level of freedom, to be able to get our point of view across to anyone in the world.  Today we live in a time frame where information is available from multiple platforms, and sharing information is easier than ever before.  With the onset of the internet many individuals can gain access to websites, social networks, and blogging tools to help people write about themselves and stories they come into contact with, all readily available to publish and share online.  These tools are also available to the citizen journalist.  And because there has been great importance acquired by social networks and blogs as sources of information, people have made them a permanent part of the puzzle, one which the traditional media must deal with.  Opinions remain divided about the situation but there are those that reject the possibility of non-professional voices but nevertheless they are here to stay.  Without a doubt, social networks, blogs and other online tools have made their existence.  There is still a need for information professionals to publish well-prepared and relevant news stories to the public.

 

Social Media: Is It Right for the Classroom?

Social Media: Is it Right for the Classroom?

As I mentioned previously in my Discussion Board post for this week, Social Media has had a gigantic effect on today’s society and how we communicate with each other. I believe it has become an essential part of everyday life for most people.  Using social media in the classroom is a different approach to student learning and promoting successful student outcomes.  I honestly believe that it is an innovative way of reaching the hardest to serve students.  Most students today are already in the social media loop and would probably find this teaching tool very refreshing and familiar.  But is it right for the classroom?  In reading and researching a few articles on the subject, there is a great divide between educators when using social media as a teaching tool.  Both sides of the equation offer some very relevant positive and negative impacts as we look at whether or not to incorporate this as a teaching tool within the classroom.

The Positive:

Some educators agree that learning how to control social media in the class room is part of the learning process and that the benefits are far greater than the negatives.  Putting most all types of technology in the hands of students opens a wealth of opportunities and provides knowledge to the students.  Classrooms could be the perfect place to teach students to break bad habits and encourage them to embrace these tools for productive means instead of social toys.  Social Media can provide an avenue for students to easily contact each other for group assignments or what have you. Students can express their thoughts and exchange ideas through these media.   It can encourage more participation for those students who do not participate regularly in class.  It can help build the confidence and encourage that student to want to participate.  It is a place where resources can be quickly shared, which can only help students, teachers and parents in the long run.  While distraction is relevant, the right social media teaching strategies can lead to creative learning, and a productive approach to making social media part of ongoing development practices. 

In this generation I don’t think educators can afford not to incorporate this kind of teaching into the classroom. In some areas paper, pen and pencils are a thing of the past and carrying laptops, tablets, and smartphones is where we are now.   If we don’t provide this resource to our students does that mean we are holding our students back and not affording them the opportunities that a leading nation should? Are we stripping the students of an essential component of their future success?   

The Negative:

There have also been articles where some educators believed that social media can wreak havoc when students become distracted in the middle of class.  Some would even entertain the idea of banning social media altogether from the classroom.  Avoiding or banning social media platforms for students prohibits them from being successful professionals in different areas of life.  In today’s business environment, someone lacking not just understanding but a working knowledge of social media and social networking tools is at a competitive disadvantage. 

Social media can be a major distraction when students are using these devices to check Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Flickr, Pinterest, Instagram, Myspace or any one of the hundreds of social platforms during lessons. It can also lead to improper use of social media by students engaging in personal interactions instead of educational related activities, which could lead to posting inappropriate content and so forth.  Students may have to be closely monitored when social media instruction is being utilized.

Educators should come up with a strategy for using social media to accomplish professional, personal and organizational goals.  Teachers have to educate students to be disciplined and responsible in their use of technology.  Social Media is a tool that should be viewed as a productive way of instruction rather than a banned and a way to build future professional skills.  Social Media can certainly be a help if used in a positive manner.  It has changed how we communicate, particularly with mobile devices and other media outlets.  Teachers are turning to Twitter and other social media for professional development and students want to use it! Social Media has become the technology of choice in how the world communicates. 

The Future of Mobile Communication

Blog Posting: Week Three

The Future of Mobile Communication

Wow!!! The world of mobile communication has certainly changed over the years.  We have come such a long way in providing the most innovative means of communicating with each other.  Since I can remember being introduced to mobile communications so many components have changed.  Although, it seems like a life time ago that I can remember, way back when there were no cell phones on the market and the closest you got to anything mobile was a pay phone, if you want to call that mobile.  I can remember there being no other way to make a call other than work, home or if there happened to be a phone at whatever establishment you happened to be visiting.  Several years ago, the tools we rely on to communicate today were only a piece of science fiction.  Today, you can purchase a smartphone and make calls, surf the web, play games, use other multimedia devices like PDA’s, tablets, iPads and other electronic devices, at our finger tips to communicate, run applications and accomplish more than we ever could or dare to dream.  So where are we headed?  In doing some further research about mobile communication, I found that two things were very important to consumers and these two things may very well have a fundamental impact on the future of mobile communications:  Access and Application.

Access

While technology has existed for years the ability for individuals to utilize both voice and data mobile communication everywhere at the same time constantly is critical.  Technologies are changing the future of communications through so many different avenues one especially being social media networks.  We know that communication will be fast and keep getting faster which is a number one concern for consumers.  So I would say that the vision for the future of mobile communication would be one that is fully interconnected worldwide where every person will or can access, create and use this innovated means of communication.  This is the fastest growing technology in the history of mankind and is also the most effective technology known to enable and equip individuals for the future.

In the very near future, we will likely see basic cell phones slowly fade away. As smartphones become more and more common and less expensive, more people will adopt them into their life styles. The process will certainly be a gradual one.  As with most new technologies, a group of enthusiastic users will lead the way.  Smartphones have so much to offer the consumer and add so much value to those open to mobile communication.  Products like the Apple iPhone and Googles Android operating system have pushed the smartphone out of the world of gadget geeks and into the mass market.  The internet will continue to play an increasing role in communication.  Voice over internet protocol already plays a large role in several communication products and services. Sites like Facebook and Twitter allow users to communicate with networks of people.  With the rise of social media networks, people now have a platform from which they can address the world, no matter the subject.  The benefits of mobility are bountiful.  From traveling sales persons to the high powered executives, this technology allows the connection that is needed to stay connected to real-time happenings.  So having access to all of these exciting technologies will have a big impact on how the mobile world will continue to be the leading technology.

Applications/Platforms:

In this era of communication where we do have a huge number of devices and a vast technology, we see improvement day by day.  Many of the world’s population has a mobile device used predominately for either voice and/or data communication.  In my opinion, today wireless services are the most preferred services of the world.  The rapid increase in the service is probably due to the great advancement of technology.  The worldwide revolution in mobile and internet technology have changed our way of living life.  Every time a new technology comes out it comes to improve the previous drawbacks of the one before.  We see this a lot with the applications that are available to us.  It seems as if once we download an application a new version or an update is available shortly afterwards.  These applications are certainly very valuable to the future of mobile communication. 

Mobility is radically changing the way people work and reshaping the workplace itself.  Equipped with powerful new mobility tools, employees today can work productively from virtually anywhere.  Its growing potential to strengthen organizational performance has moved mobility from the sidelines to the mainstream of information technology.  Organizations intent on maximizing corporate performance must incorporate mobility as a fundamental component of their strategic plans. 

I read an article recently that stated that “there are nearly 4 billion mobile phone subscribers in the world” and as these subscribers continue to realize the multifaceted benefits of mobility more and more people will catch on want to be a part of this new revolution.  As an industry, mobile communications are relatively recession-proof and will continue to experience growth, create jobs and unlock innovation.  Mobile communications will play a huge role in reducing current inefficiencies and raising the productivity of both individuals and businesses. Anticipating the future trends and developing competencies to deal with every change makes a difference in where we are headed but could prove to be very rewarding.