Technology Envy is Not Cool!

I never thought I would suffer Technology Envy until I purchased the first iteration of the Galaxy Tab December 2011. I'm not one to chase technology, because I understand technology will always be a moving target. But I must admit, I do get very excited when I see new gadgets on the market. What has always been important to me (where technology is involved) is purchasing devices that meet my needs, not fads. I purchased the Galaxy Tab a year ago because of its unique size (7 inches or so) and because it fit so nicely in my purse and was fairly light weight. I engaged in a great deal of online research prior to purchasing the Galaxy Tab, and was very pleased with it for the first six months. The Galaxy Tab is a terrific device; however, as an iPhone lover I was frequently frustrated with my inability to use apps from my iPhone on the Android device. I also found I was more impressed with Apple Apps than those in the Android Market.

I appreciate and fully understand propriety, but I grew tired of purchasing separate Android and Apple apps, using cloud based calendars, and other patches because my Apple product (iPhone) and Android (Galaxy Tab) couldn't/wouldn't play nicely together. As a result, I recently purchased the iPad 2. I really like (too early to say I love it) the iPad2, and am pleased to be able to use some of my favorite apps on both the iPad/iPhone. I am happy to have a uniform calendar, and a variety of other newly discovered features. While I still find the iPad somewhat bulky/cumbersome, I look forward to using it as much, if not more than my iPhone4.

I will not be selling my $600, less than one full year old Galaxy Tab. Instead, I will be re-gifting it to my husband (because he doesn't know any better and doesn't care) this Holiday in the hopes he will enjoy it (even though he too is an iPhone user). Technology Envy is not a good trait to have, it can be damaging to one's technology self esteem and pocketbook. I am not proud to say I suffered Technology Envy at the hands of my Galaxy Tab, but tomorrow is a new day.

My One Year Blogging Anniversary

This week marks my one-year anniversary as a Blogger. My first posting
was on Social Work and Technology the week of October 21, 2010. I
began this blog because of my love of writing, technology and social work. I have learned a great deal about myself  this past year through blogging. I learned just how important it is to finish something you start, even when there is no one looking over your shoulder to make sure you do it, and do it well.

Blogging taught me the importance of non-verbal communication with others, even when you don't know if what you are writing is having an impact. Blogging taught me the importance of organization, commitment, and sacrifice. It taught me the importance of establishing annual goals and more importantly the objectives to help me reach them. Writing this blog taught me just how quickly one year in time passes and the importance of doing what you enjoy, while being respectful of others. It taught me the importance of community, taking time for family, engagement with others, and just how big the world really is. Blogging taught me one person can make a difference, no matter how big or small. I am grateful for having had an opportunity to share my thoughts, feelings, dreams and ideas with others who have "happened" across my blog this year.

Thank you for sharing my one year blogging anniversary with me; I wish you well and much success in the next.

- Cyber Social Worker

Got Google? I Do!

Recently, I have found myself acting as an Evangelist for everything Google. Google, a major player in Internet services in several ways has saved my business. Most of us are aware of Google as a search engine; however, I only recently learned within the last year that Google is so much more. Google owns YouTube and a variety of other services. I have owned/operated my own business (an organization offering Social Workers professional employment placement assistance and counseling support) for approximately 6 years.

Recently, due to the poor economy the office building in which I rented space and hired staff to answer my business phone calls closed. As you might imagine, I engaged in a great deal of research and attempted to find a replacement for the staff and office space I lost. I was faced with having to decide if I would remain a bricks and mortar business or move my business online. Google helped make my decision less expensive and less stressful. I learned that Google offered a series of products, one called Google Voice. Google Voice allowed me to select a new (FREE) telephone number unique to my business. Armed with my new phone number I moved my business entirely online, I revised my (FREE) website which is actually a Blogger account also owned by Google.

As a result of Google's services, my business has had very little interruption in service. I recently posted a "Tweet" and asked followers to provide me a  invitation to join Google + while it was still in test phase. Armed with Google + I plan to use the Hangout function in my work with clients, fellow coworkers, and in my research. I have already been using Google Docs for over a year, and it has proven to be a tremendous resource in helping me maintain organization.

I also use Google Alert to track online comments about me and my business, so whenever a comment is posted about me/my business online, I receive an email alert from Google detailing the comments. Google has really been a life preserver for my business, as many of their services are FREE! I would encourage anyone and everyone whether a business person or a layperson to Get Google, I did!

Is Local Television News Too Negative?

I once looked forward to turning on my local morning news station; it helped me get ready for the day. I learned what I should wear based on the weather report and enjoyed the friendly smiles of the newscasters. I enjoyed hearing stories about my local community, and trusted the individuals bringing me the news. While there was the occasional not so positive story, generally the news was positive and informative. Today, we have 24/7, 365 day news-cycles featuring entertainment and chaos without pause. Our local news must compete for our attention. Consequently, fewer and fewer local news stations share the myriad of stories featuring positive activities and events in the local community, instead many share news of local, regional, nationally and international pain and destruction believing this is what keeps us tuned in. My local news and cable news are becoming one.

I believe it is as easy to research and share interesting and informative news stories that people will want to hear as it is to share negative content. At the risk of sounding as if my head has been stuck in the sand for the last 46 years, I can turn on my television and hear negative news anywhere in the world. It is my hope that local news stations will rise above the muck and mire; resisting the temptation to follow the pack.  I am asking local news to take a chance and be informative and educational as it once was. When I turn on my local news I would love to hear stories of  people in my community making a difference in the neighborhood, how local businesses are giving back to the community, how children are excelling in light of the many obstacles in our world today. I'd like to hear stories about how our local sports and athletics teams are engaged in the community, making a difference in the lives of youth everyday.

I would love to hear stories about men just like my husband who are mentoring boys year-after-year, taking them to ball games and amusement parks (for free). I would love to hear stories like by best friend and her husband who own three charter schools in the community where children are learning and respect each other. I would love to hear stories about places (like where I work) that encourage employees to be actively engaged in the community in a number of community service projects. There is a great deal of positive news to be covered, let's help local news stations across the United States by sharing positive news and asking that they cover these stories for balance. If you know of a positive story, or a person in your community making a difference, however large or small, share it!

Is local television news too negative, yes, but together we all can help change this. Please help share positive and informative news is all our responsibility!

I Love My Detroit (Michigan)!

I was born and raised in the city of Detroit, Michigan. During the 2010 census, the population of Detroit declined as did the population of many urban cities. This decline in population has spurred a great deal of attention locally, nationally, and internationally. I believe this is a wonderful time to be a Detroiter. There is no doubt Detroit is in the midst of a reformation, but this period of transition brings with it a great deal of opportunity for those of us willing to reinvent ourselves, our communities, and our economic base.

I travel across the United States 3-4 times a year, and have had the opportunity to visit many different cities with diverse populations and cultures. When individuals ask me where I am from I always enthusiastically proclaim Detroit, Michigan! I was amazed when I recently learned there are three other cities in the United States that carry Detroit in their name. When I conducted research on the cities name Detroit I learned they are each very unique; the other cities named Detroit are located in the states of Minnesota, Illinois, and Oregon. While I have been to each of these states, I have never been to their Detroit.

I like to share with you my personal experiences growing up in Detroit, Michigan. My Detroit taught me the importance of family, hard work, commitment, and how to have fun and enjoy life. I grew up in Detroit in the 1970s, and my Detroit was marked by incredible experiences I will never forget. I remember pony rides and the Giant Slide on Belle Isle, riding the Boblo Boat on the Detroit River, shopping during Downtown Detroit Days, eating tasty submarine sandwiches at the counter in Kresge, sitting on Santa's lap during Christmas season at Hudson's. I remember the spirit of '76 when everyone in the neighborhoods across the city of Detroit would help clean the city, block by block. I remember go-kart racing with my brother and sister on a go-kart we built by hand. I remember going to the movies downtown and drinking Faygo Red Pop (not soda, in Detroit we call it pop) and eating Better Made potato chips. I remember  my oldest sister taking my younger siblings and me to the Bellaire Drive-In to see our first drive-in movie. I remember when real fruit trucks would drive up from the south and find their way to our neighborhood where my parents would purchase fresh fruit each week–this was the sweetest fruit I have ever had, even as an adult! I remember Detroit Tigers games and being able to see the glow of the Stadium lights and hear the roar of the crowd from my front porch. I remember listening to the Tigers games on the radio on my front porch with my dad, I even remember waiting outside Tiger Stadium following a game to meet Dave Winfield, he was a New York Yankee at the time. I also remember during the summer having the City of Detroit's Swimmobile (an open top giant truck that had an actual swimming pool inside with a lifeguard) in my neighborhood and the Detroit Public Library's Bookmobile (a large truck that would arrive in the neighborhoods biweekly with books that  residents could check-out and return to the neighborhood library or to the Bookmobile). I remember when the Detroit Police Department's Blue Pigs Band would perform at our neighborhood school, I also remember block club parties and playing all day with other neighborhood children until I passed out at night. I remember when all neighborhood children had to be home before the street lights came on, this signified the day was over and it was time for dinner with the family.

While my Detroit is best know for innovations in the automobile industry, and the incredible Motown sound, many people do not know Detroit was one of the final stops along the Underground Railroad, a historical route slaves took to escape slavery in the southern United States. The Underground Railroad is located in Second Baptist Church (located in Detroit's Greektown area) and the First Congregational Church of Detroit (located in Midtown Detroit). Today, each church offers tours for those interested in African American history and the pursuit of freedom.

I have many incredible memories of my Detroit and know what Detroit can become again. I love my Detroit and I am proud to be a part of its history and future! As you plan your next vacation, consider visiting my Detroit. I am sure you will love it and will return home with fantastic memories of your experiences.

To Tweet or Not to Tweet: Is that Really the Question?

To Tweet or not to Tweet? That is the question a lot of people have been asking lately. The microblogging site, Twitter has been in existence since March 2006; however, in its short tenure individuals have found themselves asking "should I really have shared that"? When posting to Twitter, Blogs, and other social media sites we must always ask ourselves a critical question prior to pressing the "publish" or "send" button. We must ask ourselves if we really should share this content, we should also be asking ourselves what will be the consequences of my behavior if I publish the post? 

 

When using social media, such as Twitter and others, we should always assume that once it's posted, it's always out there for everyone to see. During February 2011, Congressman Chris Lee resigned his prestigious position after posting inappropriate pictures of himself on Craigslist. Congressman, Anthony Weiner resigned his post after sending multiple inappropriate pictures of himself on Twitter. The use of social media is a fairly new phenomenon, and as users of this new technology we must exercise a great deal of restraint, critical thinking, and the ability to project potential outcomes of our behavior.

 

As a user of technology and social media, and as a social worker, I know we ALL make mistakes. But, we must learn from our mis-steps and those of others. We must be patient as we use new technology. We must be willing to use it responsibly and carefully, and when we make mistakes be willing to accept responsibility. As consumers of social media, I hope we all learn to treat others with respect, dignity, and worth. I hope that we will learn to forgive and not punish people forever for their online mistakes.

 

When we make a mistake in the realm of social media, our actions are available for the entire world to see over and over again. This can be incredibly painful. We must remember that we are human and while we may not post pictures as the congressmen did, there are other mistakes to be had. As you think about your next Tweet (Wiki, Blog, post, etc.), please pause and ask yourself , "should I Tweet or should I not Tweet"? That is really the question…

 

Dragon 11: My New Best Friend

Dragon 11  is now my new best friend! I began using Dragon 11 late April 2011. I first attempted using Dragon software last year when I installed version 10 on my desktop computer. Using Dragon 10 I encountered a great deal of difficulty, mainly related to training the system to recognize my voice pattern. Because I experienced a great deal of frustration  and wasted a lot of time attempting to use Dragon 10, I discontinued using the program. When I heard Dragon 11 was available, I was hesitant to purchase the program given my previous experiences with Dragon 10. My full-time job requires a great deal of typing and given my slow typing skills I decided to give Dragon 11 a try (my job was willing to pay for Dragon 11).

I have been using Dragon 11 now for approximately 4 weeks and absolutely love the program! The program has made my life much easier and I am now able to type memos, letters, proposals and other items fairly easily. I am still learning Dragon 11 shortcuts and other tips, but I am much more optimistic about the program. I am a rather slow typist, and never learned my way around the keyboard. As a result it takes me much longer than it probably should to type simple documents. I wish I had Dragon 11 when I was writing my  doctoral dissertation eight years ago. 

In addition to my work life, I also loaded Dragon 11 to my laptop. Having the software loaded on my laptop allows me work from home on personal projects. For example, my family and I are planning our Family Reunion for 2012. I wondered how I would be able to do all the typing needed for mailings, and other correspondence. Over the Memorial Day Holiday weekend I was able to create our first mailing using Dragon 11 and it took me a third of the time it would have if I had typed the information.

I would highly recommend Dragon 11 for anyone who needs to type documents of any kind, it will make your life so much easier and save you time! Even if you are a fast typist, Dragon will improve your productivity tenfold. I also use Dragon for iPhone and use it to write most of my Tweets.

Dragon 11 is my new best friend!

What Do Ron Artest & Catherine Zeta Jones Have in Common?

In the past one would never have asked the question, what do Los Angeles Laker superstar forward Ron Artest and actress Catherine Zeta Jones have in common? On the surface they appear not to have much, if anything in common. However, these two are now inextricably linked. They each, under very different circumstances announced their struggle with mental illness. 

While celebrities impacted by mental illness is not new, the way Zeta-Jones and Artest chose to announce their struggle is. A few weeks ago Catherine Zeta-Jones announced to the world via social media her struggles with Bi-Polar II Disorder and her plan to seek treatment. This was a major announcement and those of us in the field were pleased that she embraced this challenge with grace and humility. It is our hope that her strength will encourage others who struggle with mental illness to also seek treatment.

In 2010, the L.A. Lakers won the NBA championship and while still on the floor celebrating the win a sports reporter interviewed Ron Artest.  Artest, shocked the sports world when he publicly thanked his psychiatrist during the impromptu interview. In the year since his public announcement, Artest has proven to be a staunch supporter of mental health services. He auctioned his championship ring and helped raise over $500,000 for his charity which focuses on high risk youth and mental health. 

Zeta-Jones and Artest are very, very different individuals, but they do have a lot in common. Today, they are each seen as courageous role models who were willing to take control of their lives as best they could by announcing their personal challenges with mental illness. They also share the ability to positively impact others on a broad scale, especially those who in the past may have never sought mental health treatment due to stigma.

Thanks for the Memories...

On April 8, 2011 I had the pleasure of co-delivering a three-hour Continuing Education workshop for Social Workers at the Annual NASW Michigan Conference. I was very excited to deliver this workshop along with an equally committed faculty colleague. My colleague and I are interested in contributing to the advancement of technology in Social Work practice and research and have resolved to deliver similar workshops at other conferences nationally.

We submitted our abstract to NASW-MI to deliver the topic, "Social Work & Cyberspace: An Emerging Area of Practice and Research for Social Workers" several months ago. We were very pleased when we received an email from the state chapter informing us our topic had been selected. Integrating technology and the internet in direct practice within the field of Social Work is a very new concept and there are Social Workers that question its (the internet) efficacy.  This is a legitimate concern given that very little research exists relative to the effectiveness of Social Work practice in cyberspace. Consequently, best practices guiding work in this area is currently non-existent.

Social Work in cyberspace will continue to grow and develop, creating many opportunities for rich and fertile research. Innovative/creative Social Work scholars and practitioners are needed to move our profession forward in this area. We also need Social Workers who are willing to integrate technology in their direct practice. I am dedicated to educating Social Workers and Social Work students with whom I have contact to explore using technology to deliver services to clients, while advancing this area of study.

I must say that I enjoyed tremendously the experience of co-delivering the Continuing Education workshop at the NASW-MI Annual Conference, as it had been several years since I delivered a conference workshop. To the staff at NASW-MI who organized an incredibly successful conference and the 19 Social Workers that attended our session, I would like to genuinely say, "thanks for the memories... ".

Don't Chase Technology, You'll Never Catch It!

My head has been spinning lately based on the sheer number of tablets and pad devices entering the marketplace. It seems every other television commercial touts a newer, faster, more "Apps", and better equipped device. As a consumer,  I felt bombarded, confused, and anxious when trying to determine which tablet/pad device would be best for my needs.

Prior to purchasing the Samsung Galaxy Tab in December 2010, I conducted what I thought was a reasonable level of research. I visited the Samsung website, CNET.com, spoke to numerous technology "experts", and made several visits to my local Best Buy store to consult "Geeks" and test devices. Based on my knowledge and the expertise I had available to me at the time, I felt comfortable purchasing the Wifi version of the Galaxy Tab. I purchased the Galaxy Tab from Best Buy for approximately $650 and thought Wifi was the better option as I did not wish to add yet another device requiring a data plan to my monthly expenses.

I have been the proud owner of a Galaxy Tab for approximately four months and although I am fairly pleased with my purchase it bothers me that an array of new, less expensive, better equipped devices can now be had for almost half of what I paid for the Galaxy Tab. It bothers me when I leave the comfort of my home and workplace Wifi systems that I must become a "pirate", stealing the Wifi signals of unsuspecting businesses and nearby residents in order to use my Wifi enabled Galaxy Tab.

Given my need to use the Galaxy Tab anywhere I happen to be (guilt free) I decided recently to enable my iPhone 4 as a "Personal Hotspot" to power the Galaxy. No more pirating! My cell phone driven Wifi service added $30 to my monthly cell bill. What I dislike most about enabling my cell with Wifi is the power required to run the hotspot, it drains my cell phone battery in just a few short hours. Based on my experiences, I would like to offer my readers a bit of advice when considering purchasing a new tablet/pad device:

1) If you own an iPhone, don't purchase an Android pad, buy an iPad (you'll purchase fewer duplicate apps, movies, and accessories for your devices in the long run) and if you own an Android phone, don't purchase the iPad.

2) Be happy and content with the device you choose, and don't allow yourself to compete with others and their devices.

3). Know there will always be a newer, better, more exciting device entering the market the minute you purchase yours.


4) Don't chase technology, because you'll never catch it!

Take Good Care...

      

 

Welcome to Social Work Month! I love being a Social Worker and am proud to be one of 640, 000 Social Workers across the United States. The month of March is a very special time for Social Workers as it allows us as a collective group to showcase to the world what we do day-in and day-out, 365 days a year. While we are a special group of committed, selfless individuals, we must also use this month to encourage members of our profession to take care of ourselves and each other emotionally, socially, and professionally.

 

As we showcase our impact and accomplishments with others across the United States, let us also use this month to self-educate and inform Social Workers about the importance of self care. Let us encourage each other to seek professional help when needed, and take time to become physically and emotionally healthy as well.

 

In caring for our clients and others, we many times experience second-hand stress, which is an unavoidable occupational hazard for some. This stress can wreak havoc on our emotional health, placing us at risk for illness and disease. As we celebrate Social Work Month, let us not lose site of the importance of self-care. I would like to challenge each Social Worker during this month to take time out for yourself by engaging in new healthful activities that bring you joy, peace and a sense of release. As societal caretakers and change agents we as Social Workers must take time to take good care... 


 I love being a Social Worker!

March Is Social Work Month! Prepare Now For "Shout Out!" Day

The information contained in this blog entry was taken (and slightly adapted) from an email distributed by Dr. Robin Sakina Mama, Professor and Dean of the School of Social Work at Monmouth University. In Dr. Mama's email she asked that social work students and faculty mobilize on March 31st to stage various “Shout Out!” events to bring attention to the social work profession.

Shout-Out! is an effort to elevate the professional status of social workers, our visibility, and increase positive public perceptions. The NASW-PA, the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice, and other social work leadership have developed a model toolkit to assist other states, schools, and communities in hosting "Social Work Shout Out! events".  The idea is based on the belief that the more locations in the country where social workers stand outside on corners, train stations, city blocks, or even the only red light in town (at the same time) the greater the impact of each small event.  If social workers can show our unity and our size through a series of small, simple action, we can continue the difficult work of educating the general public about the hard work we do.

For additional information on the Shout Out!, see the toolkit link below that can be utilized and adapted to a variety of "Shout-Out!" events/activities at  http://www.nasw-pa.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=122 
 
The toolkit includes the following information:

1)           A basic planning guide
2)           A sample press release
3)           A sample flyer
4)           Talking points about the profession
5)           A PDF of a brochure to educate the general public about the profession that was developed by NASW-PA
6)           A PDF of a graphic that could be printed on visibility signs

For further assistance, contact the National Association of Social Workers, Pennsylvania Chapter, at (717) 232-4125.

"Cloud Computing", It's More Than Just a Cool Buzz Word

In the last six months or so I have been hearing a great deal of buzz about "Cloud Computing". Cloud Computing is not a reference to Cirrus, Cumulous, Stratus or the other forms of clouds related to the science of meteorology.  I recently saw an AT&T television commercial professing the benefits of Cloud Computing and how much better life in the cloud is. I must say, I was intrigued by the concept and decided to explore this latest hot tech resource. Being one who uses three different flash drives, numerous documents on my laptop, desktop, and iPhone, Cloud Computing carried some interest for me.

In my research on Cloud Computing I found there is really no universal definition for this concept. Much has been written lately in popular IT magazines and e-books on Cloud Computing, so almost everyone has attempted to garner a definition. The most simplistic, albiet understated definition I could find for Cloud Computing was "on-demand web-based services". I will not attempt to add to the confusion by providing my own definition, instead I will share how I have used this newest form of technology.

For me Cloud Computing has provided a sense of comfort and freedom knowing that I can now save all my written documents and pictures on a secure server that I can access from any computer/smart phone/tablet, anywhere as long as I can access the internet. I no longer need to save files on my flash drive, computer hard drive, or send myself email attachments of documents (Power Point, Word files, Excel, and others). With Cloud Computing I can save ALL my files using FREE "Cloud" based tools, such as Google Docs or Dropbox and access the files anywhere. Through these Cloud providers I can access my files and make changes, my changes are then "synced" across all my devices. If I am working on a project with others, I can give these individuals or groups access to my files and they too can make changes. Any changes to the files are date stamped and the name of the person making the change(s) is recorded.

If you use a computer regularly and need remote access to documents no matter where you are in the world, store multiple files on thumb/flash drives, or work with others on projects requiring that you send/receive e-mail attachments, I would encourage you to consider using cloud based storage solutions.

"Cloud Computing" is more than just a cool buzz word.

An Open Letter (not an email) to Social Work Students

January 16, 2011

Social Work Student
911 School of Social Work Lane
Anytown, USA 11111


Dear Social Work Student:

I hope this letter finds you doing well. I am writing to say how very pleased I am to hear of your interest in the profession. When I began my social work program many, many years ago I had no idea what to expect as a soon-to-be social worker, what I did know was that I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others.

I was a social work student during the mid-late 1980s, and as you might imagine life was very different then. I would like to share a few words of wisdom to help guide you on your path to becoming a tremendous social worker. Before you sit in your next social work classroom (whether it is virtually or in real life), think about what our world might be like in the next 20-25 years and how as a social worker you might make a difference.

In order to make an impact in the future you must be knowledgeable about the issues/challenges individuals face. This means you cannot afford to take shortcuts with your education. Please read (yes read) your textbooks and related readings prior to going to class, don't just rely on the professor's lectures, PowerPoint slides, and class discussions because it won't be enough to prepare you for tomorrow's challenges. Please treat your professors and classmates with respect and listen to each other for the purpose of understanding others' views, even if you disagree.

Exercise your critical thinking and problem-solving skills (this means don't avoid research and math based courses)! As you engage in complex problem-solving exercises, you are better preparing yourself to tackle complex issues in the workplace when under stress and pressure. As you sit in your social work classes, please do focus, listen, engage, and try to learn as much as possible from your professors and each other. Fight the desire to check Facebook and send text messages. The professor knows you are not engaged and your classmates, distracted and annoyed by your behaviors may secretly report you to the professor.

I know this has been a long letter, but I hope this information proves helpful. Please know that you can write me back anytime and ask any questions you might have. Take good care, I hope to hear great things from you in the future.

Love,

Cybersocialworker