Celestin Jules
Assignment 4

I remember in the early to mid-90’s the word information super highway was the buzz word. I was very young and clueless when I started hearing about the information super highway. I understood the terms highway and super, however I didn’t get the totality of what an information superhighway encompassed. The business dictionary defines information superhighway as "Internet-type global network of computers that, potentially, will connect most of world's individuals, firms, and organizations. It is envisioned to provide very high speed access to information in all forms (text, graphics, audio, video) via a telephone or wireless connection. The term was first used in 1985 by the 45th US Vice President (1993-2001) Al Gore (born 1948) in an American context where every citizen is aimed to be so connected". As a kid, I hardly knew what a personal computer was, but I was kind of familiar with a word processor. I became a little familiar with the Apple computer because of a work study program that I was involved in. Based on the information I had at that time, I thought a computer was something that you stored information solely for an individual’s use.

While I was familiar with using my computer at work to interface with other departments within the organization, I had no idea that the electronic information system would one day be an absolute necessity in my everyday life, both at work and in my personal life. I didn’t know that I would rely so heavily upon information technology to further my education or to continue stocking of my professional tool bag. I felt very lucky that I was introduced to information technology at a young age. Because of that introduction, I was able to test some of the new technologies after they developed. This worked to my advantage, because I soon learned that the information technology world was expansive and loaded with information that I would not otherwise have access to. Although we had onsite training courses, which were designed to give us addition instructions on new process, we also had the ability to access even a greater amount of information by utilizing Web 2.0. Today, almost 20 years later, I’ve found out that there are endless possibilities of what I could further learn about my career outside of the office environment.

It is commonly accepted practice that we use different methods of learning and obtain information. Information technology allows us to easily identify with the various aspects and methods of social learning. The Web has also made it so easy to collaborate with other student in the process of learning. I’ve taken a few online courses and it is amazing how much information and insight I have been able to obtain from other students form the online environment. The ability to share information with others in a participatory manner has allow me to see and learn from my peers. I remember on several occasion, I was reading information contained in a text book and not fully grasping the intent of the lesson. But in the online classroom environment, I was able to ask a couple of people who were able to grasp the info to help explain the information that was contained in the text book. Because I was able share and learn information with other students, I was able to pull all the data together to have a better knowledge of the subject matter. The great thing about this method of learning is, the students are helping one another learn the objective and at the same time if the information is incorrect the professor can and will step to provide the correct information. This method of learning brings synergy to the table and can also be very effective within the professional arena. I can’t emphasis enough how I’m able to learn from other in the comfort of my own patio or living room. In the world of web learning, I’m able to keep up with current information concerning my career options as well as keep up with advancing technologies within my career.

In conclusion, I’ve learned that Web 2.0 has become a valuable tool in this day and time. The information I initially learned in the beginning of my career is still good; however, as time progresses, I see that more practical and advanced methodologies have sprung forward and the information can be obtained on the information super highway. Because of Web 2.0, I’m able to share and obtain information with my peers and superiors, making myself more marketable to the workforce and desirable for future positions.

Works Cited
Business Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved 05 15, 2013, from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/information-superhighway.html