Future of the Web & "the Cloud"?

Let's get right to the point. The future of the Worldwide web that we all use on a daily basis is bright. There is a lot of potential and plenty of room for improvement. The web has been around for quite sometime now, and things usually fade away over time, but the web is an exception. Frankly, the web is, in my opinion, growing faster than it ever had due to many of these smart gadgets that companies are releasing to the public. Today, it would be strange to go through an entire day without using the internet for one thing or another. 

Large and well-known companies have started to in cooperate their own storage systems, generally known as "the cloud." The term cloud in this sense generally refers to an online storage where users are able to back up their files. Major corporations, such as Apple, Google, and Amazon, have developed and are building upon their own cloud systems. I do not know much about Google or Amazon's cloud, but I do know much about Apple's because I am an Apple user. Apple's iCloud lets users back up files or pictures from any iDevice, and it will automatically sync on to all your other iDevices logged into the same iCloud account. In my opinion, "the cloud" is a very convenient way for users to keep their files from being deleted by accident. According to ABC News, Microsoft's new CEO, Satya Nadella, has said that Microsoft will be focusing more on "mobile-first, cloud-first world." This sounds like a very intelligent move by Microsoft, seeing the success that "the cloud" had for Apple.

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/nadella-head-microsoft-gates-leaves-chair-role-22357505

Networks and Communication

Nowadays, people communicate through text messages probably more than any other way. I think this is because everyone has a phone with them at all times. Smartphones have the unique ability to send and receive messages and emails. Text messaging and emails keep us in touch no matter where we are in the world. It takes just a split second for our messages or emails to be sent. In my opinion, using text messaging, emails, and any other forms of online communications will allow us to have discussions with people from around the world. "Skype in the Classroom, from York to Antarctica," it opens up opportunities for us to learn from professionals. A class of 3rd grade students chatted with a scientist through Skype who is in Antarctica studying penguins. Lastly, these technologies can be used to start an online lecture and class discussion.

http://www.yorkdispatch.com/localnews/ci_24976145/skype-classroom-from-york-antarctica

A Little About Myself

Welcome to my blog. Here, I will discuss my thoughts on technology.

My name is Calvin Liang, and I am a freshman at Northeastern Illinois University. I am a business major, but I am also really interested in computer science. I intend to finish my general education at NEIU before transferring to another school. My hobbies are playing basketball, riding my bike, and just hanging out with my friends.

I feel that a course can take full advantage and effectively integrate blogs, Twitter, and other web 2.0 technologies into the class by learning about such technologies, and of course, working with them. According to the article "60 Ways To Use Twitter In The Classroom By Category," a NIU professor uses Twitter as a bulletin board for students. He keeps his students updated with the latest news, for example if class was to be canceled at the last minute. I think this is a brilliant way to integrate Twitter in the course. It is a great way for the professor and students to communicate outside of the classroom because there is a limited amount of time students get to be in a classroom. With social media networks like Twitter, professors and the students can keep in contact outside of class.

http://www.teachthought.com/social-media/60-ways-to-use-twitter-in-the-classroom-by-category/