E - Books

Definition: An electronic file containing text of an existing book but in a more complex form. Most e-books are simply text but can also contain film clips or play music files. They do however come in many formats, each with its own benefits:
- Text e-books:
 the simplest form of an e-book which is just text in a linear form in one document. It’s easily searchable, editable and portable.

- Word e-books:
Word document books are stored in a single word-processed file which allows the user to change the content and layout of the page, as well as input hyperlinks and pictures. The files created tend to be quite large, especially when images are embedded but using this type of e-book is useful when you’re in a group that uses Microsoft Office software.

- Adobe PDF e-books:
usually store in a single PDF file and using this format has been overly successful due to all computers and software manuals now using this format. Websites which allow downloading enable people p download these PDFs which can contain newsletters, reports and articles which are easy to use and read. A PDF creator is required to make a PDF however, but there are a number of features which make it highly useful for making text files. It allows content, chapters and word searching to be enabled plus having dynamic zoom and hyperlinking; even passwords and digital signatures can be involved. Changing a small part of the PDF requires you to re-save the whole PDF

- Reader e-books: This stimulates reading a book as closely as possible and gives the reader access to other feature such as full-searching and book marking pages; there is even a feature which enables the book to read to you. Opening Reader opens your personal library which, when a book is selected, will take you o that book. Microsoft is not the only company to show off this format: Palm, Mobipocket also offer this concept. It works particularly well on POC,s, pocket PCS and PDAs.

The Digital Divide

For many of us, ICT is a necessity: we simply cannot function without it. Every day we encounter new technology which could impact our lives as well as come into contact with vital technology such as TVs, mobile phones and most importantly, computers and their internet access. In spite of our everyday involvement with technology, there are many of us which do not experience a chance to get in touch with technology and this creates a void between those who do use it and those who don’t.

 A simple definition for the digital divide would be the division of those who have access to technology and those who don’t – however it is not as simple as this. The divide is mainly between those who have the opportunity to use technologies such as PCs, the internet and mobile phones as well as those who are educated enough on this technology to be able to work it, and those who are less fortunate in these areas. It has been said in the UK alone, 17 million people are ‘digitally excluded’ and this scale only grows as we enter less developed countries such as India and Africa. The divide is impacted by many different factors some of which include social factors as well as geographical and technological, which prevent people from using devices and technology which could greatly benefit their lives.

The geographical factor of poverty greatly widens this digital divide. In developing countries, many people simply cannot afford to buy computers or phones which we take as a luxury in our first world climate. Money in these countries is usually spent on food or clean water, education or necessities for families. However in the third world, going on the internet or even typing on a computer to some has never been witnessed. Most people do not even know what a computer can do, let alone use it. The language barrier also causes problems; many websites on the internet are written purely in English and some countries have many distinctive languages which would be difficult to translate into. Many people less developed countries also cannot speak English, making many web-pages useless to them.

As mentioned before, many people simply lack the technology with 20% of the UK public not even owning a computer meaning the technological factors also affect the divide and 1 in 4 people have never used the internet. Some cannot afford to buy one with 38% of the public without an internet connection being unemployed and some just don’t think the internet is useful for them, despite there being many benefits for them using it. A lot of people also live in quite rural areas which cannot pick up a internet connection, unlike the inner city and suburb areas which can most likely pick up a connection enabling them to work and surf the net. This widens the divide greatly as it means that people just give up with trying to get into the modern age and seem to just stick to the basics, not exploring the possibilities of the internet and it’s benefits.

The huge amount of social factors also prevents a lot of people from using a computer or accessing the internet. Age is a huge factor which contributes to people not understanding technology. Younger generations have grown up with this technology, witnessing it advancing and them changing with it, even being taught about it in lessons at school. However, it would seem older generations have had to be thrown in to this almost alien technology and expected to cope with it, which is not always possible leaving them to simply give up with trying to understand it. Generations also seemed to be encouraged to use this technology, as it would seem that 90% of new jobs require computer skills. Older generations do not have technology aimed at them, which could leave them feeling like it isn’t meant for them anyway. Some may even think the internet isn’t for them or they don’t really benefit from it with 63% of over-65’s say they see no reason to get online. Disability also comes into creating a divide with it estimated that the disabled are half as likely to use technology like PCs and the internet. Despite many websites trying to aid the disabled on their websites by offering audio features and enlarging the text, it would still seem many people struggle to use technology. Mobile phones can prove almost impossible at times with their small screens and buttons.

The digital divide’s main drawback is the fact that it excludes many different circles of people who simply are not offered the chance to learn more about the technology or who were not educated properly about computers and the internet and phones. It is not the fault of the elderly that they have been subjected into quickly picking up this technology, nor is it the fault of the African children that they will never see a computer in their life purely for where they live; but these factors mean that these people lose out and as a result feel pushed away from this technology. A common phrase used is that they feel that technology ‘is not meant for them’, when technology should aim to suit everyone and everyone’s needs. Another drawback of the digital divide is that many people lose out on employment opportunities due to not being able to use the technology required for them as nearly every job going now implements technology. The effects of the divide do offer positive aspects: one being that those who do understand it are offered more attention and more chances to develop their knowledge by using tutorials and help guides found on the internet. They are able to fully benefit from this technology and feel the full power the internet can give them to aid their everyday lives. If the internet was modified to suit the needs of a visually impaired individual or all text was translated into the many different languages out there, it could reduce the enjoyment of the technology to those who use it most. There needs to be a balance in order for everyone to be able to enjoy technology with minimal negative effects.

It would seem that, despite the new technology produced every day, the digital divide would be narrowing by the day. It would seem that more developing countries are able to get connection to the internet now and more schemes are being set up such as the ‘telephone ladies’. The scheme allows small villages in Bangladesh to receive a loan to purchase a phone and then charge people a small fee to call relatives and loved ones, creating a small business and a win-win situation for both customer and the person owning the phone. Some schools open late to give internet access to both students and parents and some offer classes on how to use this technology, which can aid many people in gaining jobs and basic education on technology. Children are now being encouraged to help the older generation with their technology, teaching them how to open and search on an internet browser as well as use email and even Skype, the popular online service. Digital Divide Data (DDD) has also been set up to teach the disabled to use technology which often results in them getting into a university and higher education, subsequently offering them more job prospects. These ventures as well as others, although small, gradually are managing to bridge the gap for those affected by the digital divide. More concepts that could aim to close the divide could be setting up small internet cafe type buildings in developing areas where people can pay for the internet access they use and also giving tutorials, enabling them to learn about the technology and then putting it into practise. Another idea I think should be put into place is that small communities that have old computers or technology such as mobile phones that they no longer want should sell them at a lower price to enable people to use them and gain jobs and prospects for their lives. As long as they are not wanted, they could hugely benefit those who do not have any technology.

The benefits from narrowing the divide are clear: people are given a chance to use technology which can hugely improve their lifestyle. Although some in developing countries are not given the most luxurious computers or the fastest internet connection speed, they are offered a chance to try the internet and witness its benefits. Closing this divide also means closing the gaps between people and making people connected; those in foreign countries to the rest of the world and especially those who live locally, who can be reunited with family members and loved ones by using Skype and emailing. Everyone is given an opportunity to learn more about technology and be able to use it; this means that future generations will most likely follow these footsteps and everyone will remain connected. It could also mean that we learn more about other cultures who can then broadcast their views and thoughts online. Although, there are many drawbacks to closing the divide, just as there are benefits. Money must be spent by the different Governments of the countries needing technology and the people involved in getting the technology to use. Using the internet isn’t cheap nor is purchasing a computer to use it on, which means that money must be spent and to those who are unemployed and out of work, or those disabled who cannot work, this is difficult. Many tutorials to teach people to use the internet are complicated and can confuse those without a good understanding of it already such as the elderly. Some people simply don’t want to use the internet or be involved in technology; many are scared of it and some just don’t see a purpose in it: persuading these groups to change their views about technology will be difficult and it is nearly certain that they will not want to use the technology, even if given the chance.

References:http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_people_have_a_computer_in_th_UK
http://dividedbytechnology.co.uk/impacts.html
http://www.chris.fleetwood.dsl.pipex.com/Features/Digital%20Divide.html
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/38/57/1888451.pdf (powerpoints)http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2010/jul/12/digital-divide-martha-lane-fox
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_divide
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4296919.stm
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/bridging-the-digital-divide-516640.html
http://www.21stcenturychallenges.org/60-seconds/what-is-the-digital-divide/
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/D/digital_divide.html
http://www.btplc.com/Thegroup/BTUKandWorldwide/BTRegions/England/Factsandfigures/AnInsightintoClosingtheDigitalDivide-April2009.pdf

Entertainment and Leisure

There are many ways that technology has changed the way we are entainment and areas of leisure on our lives. It allows more personal creativity and choice and it's simple and relatively inexpensive to product music, video, sound and radio, even books, magazines and artwork, digitally. These types of media are often stored on technology and even transmitted digitally to other people to view.

For example: it's become so much easier to make and record music now, using new technology to aid musicians such as midi input devices, sequences, mixers and sound cards which allow people to even record music at home. Some software can create sophisticated backing tracks just by choosing a musical style whilst computerised drum machines provide a solid rhythmic backing, plus any mistakes can be edited out and even voices can be corrected. This allows tons of variety on the Internet and a lot of new artists to come through and allowing people to grow and progress with their work as they create more.

Technology That Sawtry Uses

- Interactive Whiteboard
- TVs
- Computers
- Laptops
- Touchscreen Netbooks
- Netbooks
- Cameras
- Video camera
- Microphones
- Amplifiers
- Mixers
- Lighting
- Projectors
- Phones
- Intercom
- Electronic Doors
- Wall speakers
- Ammetres
- Electronic Scales
- Finger print machines
- Tills
- The coolers
- Servers
- Phone wires
- Internet
- Wireless Internet

Education

It is usually thought that you should attend school from 4 years to 18 years old, then going into a career that would last for the rest of your working life. However, it is now expected that a lot of students who finish school will in fact have a few careers in their lifetime; even in the same job, due to demands which have changed because of new technologies and ways of working. This can force people to change their career path and create many problems and challenges for society and individuals as jobs are receding everyday.
Education is now relying on technology a lot more to deliever better lessons at times and places that suit the person learning. It is said that llecturers dream of having their lecture recorded or live-streamed so that pupils across the country and globe can watch them at the same time or even at different times to their convenience. The UK now can deliver this 'wired up education' so now every school in the country should have access to the Internet and most should also have high speed connections to enable fast browsing in order to complete work. Some schools even have the potential for students being able to pick and mix 'learning objects' so they can create a personalised curriculum that they can learn from, suiting their needs and what they want to focus on. This allows them to also focus more on topics they may struggle with and work that they find fun and interesting instead of focusing on work they have little interest in. However this is more relevant for adult lifelong learner than school-age students. The teacher can have control over what they learn and what resources to create the ideal learning plan suited for an individual.

There are many drawbacks using of the Internet though:
- students are prone to copy large amounts of text to get work completed or to a standard they think is good enough for their teacher. This offers charges of plagiarism if caught by programs which can spot chunks of text which have been copied and even match it to the websites that it originated from.
- the Internet is one of the main places people can express themselves: it's so much easier to create websites and blogs where people can voice their opinions and then state facts which may or may not be true. Students cannot tell the difference between a fact which has been made up or actually found as may websites don't cite where they got their information from. Therefore many students can copy incorrect information or even biased material which may cause problems
- the Internet now is being used as a money-maker it would seem to many newspaper and magazine companies as they now can charge for you to read articles by them; encyclopedia's have also starting doing the same and this means students may still be denied access to correct information.

How I can communicate:

- Email
- Facebook
- Tumblr
- Blogger
- Twitter
- Texting / SMS
- BBM
- Phone call
- Instant Messaging
- Skype
- Forums
- Youtube (if you are a member of the site)
- Photo Sharing Websites
- Communicating IN PERSON
- Letters
- Pigeon mail

Flexible Working / Work Life Balance

Working is now a lot more versatile than what it used to be; it's not essential to be in an office working with a team of people. In fact a lot has changed for people working in this modern age:

• The times at which they work are more flexible
• The places at which people work are more flexible
• The contracts they work under are more flexible

Using technology such as laptops, wireless Internet, mobile phones, spreadsheets, etc. have allowed many people to be able to achieve more out of their working hours than they used to. It can give more freedom and self-reliance to staff: people now can carry out work on the train home or take an assignment home and complete it in the comfort of their home on their own hours. Video conferencing allows people to communicate instantly, despite being in different places, even in different parts of the world. It breaks a lot of boundaries that a lack of technology created: advanced software allows a lot of people in jobs to carry out tasks in quicker time and o a better quality. This can be said for graphic designers who now use specified graphic packages, or teacher s who can display their work on interactive whiteboards, or accountants who can work out problems with their computers than than paper, pencils and calculators.

However there are demerits for working in such a way: now as less people are employed to  particular area of work, the responsibility of this work is given to a singular person. This amount of work that they need to do can be quite overwhelming meaning they do not complete it, or finish it to a bad standard, which does not help the company. Work now involves less teamwork, and is now more of an individual job, cut off from other workers so there is now less socialising in the work place. Despite being given the leisure to do work in your own time and in various different places, it can be seen that work now has stopped purely being at the workplace and has invaded our own personal time, away from a person's job where they can live their everyday life. It can be said work slowly is taking over our lives. Another disadvantage to some workers, is that as we live our 24/7, 25 lifestyle relying on shops to do the same, we also rely on the workers to do the same, meaning a lot of workers are forced to work in hours they might feel to be their own time, such as birthdays and Christmas.

I find that flexible working is a high benefit to our jobs. It means that we can now get work done in a more efficient and professional manner, not to mention quicker and easier. I think that the future prospects of flexible working will probably include dding more software for people to use whilst at their jobs, to help make more and more people's job and workload easier to manage, just like a lot of people are finding now. Some jobs may address the issues above of being over-worked and not having a healthy balance of work to personal time, so that workers are not being constantly swamped with work.