Technology has changed the face of the world. It has made the Earth one little box where communication is easy. In other words, we can say technology is part of almost every person's life. In the 21st century, it has become possible for most types of businesses to open their sister companies in different parts of the world. Company owners are able to accomplish creating anchors stores in new locations because of advanced technologies. Technology has made communication more convenient by creating multiple means for staying in touch with others. I have started using collaborative technology last year. Without it, I would not have been able to accomplish my dream of working as a researcher for the National Science Foundation. I would like to share my experience about collaborative technology.
I participated in the National Science Foundation's Big Thicket Summer Research Institute in the summer of 2011. While I was in the program, my mentor was not with me the entire period because of his schedule. The easiest way for us to communicate was by using Skype. I downloaded Skype on my iPhone. The download process was very simple and quick. Skype has features where you can video call others and message them at the same time.
During the research, we were required to collect specimens from the Big Thicket National Preserve. After obtaining the samples, the mushrooms were then identified. Since an enormous variety species exists, it can be difficult for students to perform identification. I had my phone with me entire time while I was in the field. I would use the video option and call my mentor on Skype to show him a mushroom. My mentor would send me files through Skype.
There were three people in the mushroom research team. Since it was a collaborative work project, we were supposed to work together and share information and ideas. One of my team member's family suffered a loss and was required to leave and attend a funeral. In his absence, we continued to work due to a time constraint. There were due dates for each portion of the research. With the help of technology, we were still able to communicate and complete our work on time. Skype was used to keep in touch with the out of town team member. File sharing features in Skype helped us update him on what was going on at each moment of the project. If a problem arose within the group and contact was not desired, an important feature Skype provides is the privacy setting where the individual can block the unwanted attempts to communicate via Skype. My friends and I encountered a few problems on Skype. When the internet connection was slow and the call was lost. Calls may become shorter than desired when the internet connection fails. Even though Skype is somewhat flawed in areas, it was still a valuable tool for our team. I was so thrilled that I was able to successfully complete my research project even though those inconvenient circumstances occurred. With the help of technology, the funeral attended by one of our members posed a only a minute threat to meeting the group deadlines.
After using Skype during my research, it motivated me to use other forms of technology. I started learning how to use Google Doc. I have attempted to use Google Doc for my technical writing collaborative memo. I believe technology like Skype and Google Doc, Vyew will help businesses in expanding into other countries. Once an individual or company learns how to use these tools of technology, an appreciation for them will develop. This ability to speak "face-to-face" through Skype allows a more personal business connection than one would receive through emails and letters. Coworkers from different parts of the world will be able to talk, view, and collaboratively work together without being in the same room physically. Doesn't that sounds amazing?
Collaborative technologies have helped me immensely. I am positive that it will prove just as helpful, if not more, to all others interested in eliminating inconveniences. You don’t have to listen to your team mate's excuses of not being able to complete their portion of the job on time if technology such as Skype is made available to them. Just remember, a team member, coworker, employer, or other business relation may be out of town, but the excuse and hassle of their absence can easily be remedied by the use of technology.
