New Media Tools

http://aids.gov/using-new-media/tools/index.html#tool-bookmarkingNew

The first new media tool that I used was QR codes. QR codes are interactive barcodes that can be scanned from mobile devices, linking the user to a site. In this example the QR code helps users locate HIV/AIDS related clinics in the area. In order to test the QR code I had to install the application QR Reader for iPhone. Once the app was installed I was able to scan and pull up my local area, in which eight HIV testing facilities were available.   The closest location available was at the Holbrook Counseling Center located at 998 E. Maple St, Mundelein, IL 60060. The application is connected to Google Maps, so there is the ability to see that it is 2.51 miles away from my current address. This tool is definitely designed for a more technological savvy audience. Not only do you have to be capable of downloading an application, which requires a smartphone but you would also have to have the understanding on how to navigate through the application all of which is targeted towards individuals who are better with technology. For example my father wouldn’t take the time to download the application and even if he did, he would not know what he was doing with it. This new media tool is probably the one that is most overlooked out of those listed on this website in my personal opinion. I do like that it’s interactive but the time it takes to make this happen if you do not already have the application can be avoided by simply Googling HIV testing facilities.  

The second new media tool that I used was RSS feeds. RSS feeds are websites users subscribe to that send updates automatically through e-mail or a newsreader. There was a link under the more common RSS readers called Feedly so I tested that one out. In order to connect to this Feedly site I had to connect my Facebook to create an account. Once I had the account I was able to search my particular interests such as film. Once I was in the film category I was able to add Empire News to my Feedly list. The Feedly list acts similar to Facebook when you “like” something. For example if I was to “like” the Green Bay Packers on Facebook I would get news and updates to my feed in regards to the Packers. Feedly works similar to that in which I will now get updates on movies through Empire News. This new media tool is designed for anyone who prefers social media and since it connects to Facebook it is a great crossover tool for users to get information on the preferred social networking site. I prefer Facebook to all others; therefore I’ll get this information from Empire News on Facebook now versus looking it up on Feedly. Even though it seems to be a nice platform, I would prefer to simplify my resources. I did not care to have another application installed on my phone so when Facebook prompted me to add Feedly I did not go forward with it.

The third new media tool that I used was Online Collaboration Tools. Online collaboration tools allow people to work together over the Internet and an example of that would be Wikipedia. I’m an avid user of Wikipedia as I use it as a source to confirm information that I may or may not know. I think a number of people that have Internet capabilities use this method of online collaboration as a resource to help each other learn. When I followed the link it took me to a featured article on Sir Colin Hannah who was a senior commander in the Royal Australian Air Force and a Governor of Queensland. Since Wikipedia posts over four million articles in English there are many similar articles to Sir Colin Hannah that can help educate me on individuals I may know nothing about or research whatever I’m in need of looking up. All can use this tool, however because it can be edited by all, it brings to question the validating of some of the sources, I believe this is why most schools don’t use Wikipedia as valid references when citing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

 

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