Author: TechCommGeekMom

In my efforts to embrace the "geek mom" side of being TechCommGeekMom, I like to share emerging technologies that I find interesting. Regular readers know that I’m fascinated with 3D printing, thanks to a project I did for a class last summer. I’ve wanted to get a 3D printer, but alas, most are rather expensive (and I also don’t know where I’d put it in my house). However, with the introduction of the 3D printer mentioned in this article, it looks like the cost might be starting to come down quite a bit, which is a good thing. I would be interested in more information about the quality of the 3D objects that are printed in comparison to other higher-priced printers, but for now, I’m happy with knowing that a more affordable printer is in the process of being made and funded through Kickstarter. Check this article out for more information on this latest model, the M3D Micro. 

–techcommgeekmom

Christopher Pappas posted this on Google+, and it’s an interesting article. Cloud-based systems are becoming more widespread, and they do appear to be a growing solution for mobile access to learning. This article has some great arguments in favor of using cloud-based LMS. 

–techcommgeekmom

I found this Scott Nesbitt article from his post on Google+, and it’s excellent. I think he makes a good point. Some of the "tech-savvy" is a natural ability for some, but in the end it’s really a skill that can be learned that all of us should have, especially as technical communicators. Read the whole article, and let me know if you agree with Scott’s assessment. I think he’s on the right track with this. 

–techcommgeekmom

I found this thanks to Craig Cardimon posting it in a few social media spots. I don’t know that I could have put things as eloquently or poetically as this article’s author, but I do enjoy what I do, for sure. Content management is definitely a challenge, but a rewarding challenge when it’s done right. Read this–it’s an interesting perspective. 

–techcommgeekmom

I find this article interesting–as in I’m a bit puzzled. I can understand a lot of companies being hesitant to move off of a more stable platform. However, Windows 7 is a fairly stable platform (as compared to Windows Vista, which came in-between XP and 7), and I can understand not wanting to upgrade all the way up to Windows 8.1, since that version is still working out the kinks. If these governments have had lots of forewarning that upgrades to Windows 7 (at least) needed to be done, why didn’t they heed the warning? Similarly, these governments are paying a lot of money just to maintain the status quo. In the long run, wouldn’t investment into new systems be more cost efficient? No special programs needed to be written for workarounds that would cost extra money? And with the US hospitals still using Windows XP–why can’t regulators be able to move on to certify programs compatible with Windows 7?

It seems to me that red tape is in the way of progress and efficiency in the long run. I know that in many cases, we’re talking tens of thousands–if not more–computers and systems that need to be upgraded. But what we expect of our governments and healthcare systems is that they are run smoothly and efficiently to process whatever it is for the public’s needs. When I was unemployed, the online forms used to complete each week to file for claims looked like something from 1992. I think my son could create something more efficient and user friendly, and he’s autistic, 12 years old, and not a programmer.

Resources are available, and there are plenty of IT professionals out there who could certainly help with this process, but “cost cutting” is always the bottom line in the government and at hospitals, isn’t it? But really, there are no real savings. Investment now should yield a better ROI (return on investment) than keeping things status quo. Some good content strategists and project managers are needed.

–techcommgeekmom