David Eales: PI:T7777644: T171 02:
Module 2 Exercise 1.3 Exploring the Internet
Site chosen to represent what I think the internet is.
http://whatis.techtarget.com/
Summary.
This site is what I think the internet does best , when it gets it right.
It gives acres of information in a well presented neat well laid out format,
each piece of information contains hyper links to expand further on the
subject. It is wrote in a easy to read manner making it a pleasure to brows
its pages. There is links to more complex explanations if you wish to delve
further into the subject.
One criticism that I have is the sites search engine, it will only
find whole correctly spelt words so if you miss spell something as I do
all the time you get a (0) find.
Reaction.
My reaction to the site is one of amazement at the detail and volume of
the information and the ease of the links. In fact while doing this exercise
I found myself wondering off following link after link looking at things
I would normally not even think about. (or is this a down side to the site
?)
There is advertising but at least its not those awful banners, and
you have expect some commercialism of a site of this nature.
The site I assume is published in the USA so there is some influence
there but is very up to date.
I like it :-)
Speculation.
This kind of site will eventually replace encyclopaedias as a source of
up to date information especially for quick reference purposes, it can
be saved, printed, or if you need to share what you have found you do not
even need to send it, just send the URL.
Sitting up in bed with a laptop is not the same as a thick heavy encyclopaedia
with its wonderful photos etc. So even if encyclopedias are not so common
in the home lets hope we can still borrow one from the library.
Site chosen that surprised me.
http://www.ellisisland.org/
Summary.
This site is about Ellis Island the place in the Port of New York were
between 1892 and 1924 22 million immigrants entered The USA. Here
you can search the wall of honour, passenger list etc. to find if
your family name is among the 22 million immigrants that arrived there.
Reaction.
I would like to say that I have been to Ellis Island and it is a fabulous
place to visit, there is lots of exhibitions showing what it was like for
the immigrants when they arrived, personal stories of the hardships they
had to endure, guided tours, history of the island etc. etc. there is none
of this on the site, it is in my opinion just a shop to sell a plaque,
or a scroll.
I am glad I did not visit this site before I went to New York or I
could have missed a great experience.
Speculation.
Better versions than this of tour guides are bound to be very popular and
help you plan your visit to places both home and abroad.
I don't think that they will replace the glossy brochure as a first
choice for ideas but will certainly help in the fine tuning.