Weekly Report & Reflection #11

In this week's session, we looked at webcasting tools such as SoundCloud (click HERE to visit website). Soundcloud is a social sound platform where anyone can listen to or create sounds and share them everywhere online. After exploring SoundCloud, I enjoyed this tool for music purposes. I find this tool extremely useful when listening to your favourite songs online. Through using SoundCloud, I learned how to create a sound clip by using my laptop. I was able to record myself talking through my webcam. My podcast presented information I learned about regarding Digital Privacy (click HERE to view my podcast on SoundCloud).

https://soundcloud.com

I believe that SoundCloud is an excellent tool that can be used for educational purposes. Since SoundCloud can be used for educational purposes, I will indeed be adding this awesome tool to my Personal Learning Environment (PLE). This podcasting tool suits my personal learning style due to how user-friendly and interactive this program is. I did not know what podcasting was until this week's session. Due to having this information presented to me, I will incorporate this digital method of presenting information into my daily digital footprint. SoundCloud is the only tool we discovered in this class that was completely verbal related. We did explore the tool of VoiceThread, which has a verbal option, however, most people chose to use the written option instead of the verbal option due to what we are use to. Most digital citizens are use to typing or writing out messages online via social media, email etc. rather than getting their message across through verbal sound waves. I think that most people are shy and uncomfortable when talking infant of large crowds, which relates to why they would not choose the verbal option.

https://www.brocku.ca/brock-news/

One article I found interesting on my Feedly is titled "Brock launches security program to thwart hackers" by the Brock News (click HERE to view article). This article talks about how universities are a common place for criminals to target and as a result, Brock is trying to protect their students and staff from criminal attacks. “Security in general has become the main focus for post-secondary institutions as they are deemed easy targets by hackers,” said David Cullum, Vice-President of Information Technology Services. ITS is launching a Security Awareness Program to help faculty, staff and students of Brock University feel safer when using technology at home and at work. The goal is to have a security-aware community where people think before they click.

Cheers,

Robert DeMelo