Are We Virtually Plugged In?

Blog 3 by: Alex Elerian

As the pandemic grips us all, some workers are wondering when they will return to their original workplace? From my own experience, my wife works remotely as a phone banker from home. She doesn't have to go into an office and once she is logged off for the day she is already home and can leave work behind. One negative consequence of working in the office is that workers may work both on-site and at home. This lack of boundaries with work can cause conflicts with loved ones. 

Facebook wants to use the VR headset system, Oculus, as a way to bridge the gap between working from home and working in person. It combines the best of both worlds. 

The technology will help bring a new perspective concerning online meetings, which could be a lot more entertaining and productive (and if not, there is always the mute button). Facebook Oculus has been around since 2016 and admittedly this isn’t the first time Facebook has wanted to use the virtual reality headset to integrate its technology with forms of social media (2021).

As workers are still operating in a pandemic-based working environment, I say to Oculus: "No time like the present!"

I personally think the Oculus could be a game-changer (although some people experience skin irritation from the device). As the Oculus headset wearers can view their real-life computer screen in VR via the accompanying desktop app, permitting workers to work from anywhere in the world while still being connected to their coworkers requires a bit of technical adjustment for some of us who are not that technically savvy (2021).

References 

"Facebook launches VR remote work app, calling it a step to the ‘metaverse’". (2021).

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/19/facebook-launches-vr-remote-work-app-calling-it-a-step-to-the-metaverse.html

Metz, R. (19 Aug 2021).

https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/19/tech/facebook-horizon-workrooms-oculus-vr/index.html

 Positive Communication

Blog 2 by: Alex Elerian

There is a wonderful notion - some ideas are capable of changing everything - and no, I'm not talking about Life Insurance or Reverse Mortgages. I am speaking of people taking action through a positive idea. People desire to improve themselves and help those around them.

We have never been so connected as we are today thanks to social media. Using software like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Facebook Messenger, we can share ideas from all around the world with one another.

Using communication to give back is a valuable experience. Companies such as Microsoft understand. In 2016, they understood the necessity of the global market and global communication. Through the development of stronger communication bonds, Microsoft helps other businesses get affordable internet access. Microsoft also provided startups with access to a global network that connects social enterprises with peers and mentors to develop best practices for Microsoft's new global partners (2016). 

The accessibility of communication for remote regions of Africa has paved the way for modern business growth. Rwanda and Uganda have not only faced Third World conditions, a lack of resources, and political unrest, but also civil war (2021).

Communication can be turned around for developing countries and their communities, creating a more conducive environment for business and other aspects of life.

References

REDMOND, WASHINGTON, R. (2016).

https://www.microsoft.com/africa/4afrika/affordable-access-fund.aspx

Witness, U. (2021). 

https://www.apc.org/en/news/uganda-2021-general-elections-internet-shutdown-and-its-ripple-effects

The Changing Faces of Technology 

Blog 1 by: Alex Elerian

    💬📲📹📺📷📱

There is no doubt that real stories should be told by real people. Mobile technology has changed the way communicators work. However, this isn't necessarily a good thing. 

Let me explain:

We are, by nature, communicators. Humankind's "need to know" is best illustrated by journalists. An audience gets this character trait from a writer, a cameraman, a photographer, or a sound engineer regardless of whether it is a written piece or one that contains pictures or sounds.

What’s my point? I’m glad you asked. 

The once-bustling industry of editors and writers, camera operators, and sound engineers has been replaced by data analysts and app developers who may or may not know anything about upcoming stories (2021). How much empathy and humanity are we sacrificing in order to cut costs to tell a story? In most cases, readers want to feel like they are heard and not just looked at as a number, which unfortunately is already true with countless gun violence victims and COVID-19 pandemic survivors (2021).

Don't get me wrong, I have no agenda against data analysts or app developers. The advancement of technology has brought benefits to communication whether it's sending work via email or using WhatsApp to receive information at a moment's notice.

Let technology benefit people, not take them out of the equation.

💬📲📹📺📷📱

References

Kurz, P. (2021)
https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/the-future-direction-of-television-news

Dillion, D. (2021).
https://www.newscaststudio.com/2021/03/15/broadcasters-adapting-to-change-trying-new-technology-notes-newscaststudio-survey/