Interactive Web Idea

Being a hunter and firearm enthusiast, I would like to see a web app or program that would allow a person to attend a firearm or hunter safety class online, like we do here, but you would also attend via chat and video conference. During these classes you are required to go over the basics of firearm safety by using a real, unloaded gun. If the person had access to a gun, via another licensed person in the house, then they could use the video conferencing to their advantage. However, if they did not have access to a gun, then they would have to show up in person to the training facility and perform the handling steps in front of the instructor. Then at the end of the class people would be given their exams and they would have to move the correct answer into a box at the bottom of the question or page. At the end, the program would tally the score and tell you if you passed or failed. The test scores would be held until a person without the video conferencing capability could make an appointment with the instructor to go over the safety procedures in person. You could even go one step farther and the information could be sent to the local licensing authorities and it could be used in determining if you get a license or not. I would like to thank the people that provided their input and I would also like to say, Thanks for a great semester!

jQuery and Interactive Web Pages

This week I used jQuery to create a game of Tic Tac Toe on my web page. I have to admit that I had tons of fun doing this! I always thought that those cool little games that people put on their site or you search for online just to pass the time were really cool and very addicting. I had wondered what went into making a quick and simple game like that. Well, I have my answer! I think most of these people were using jQuery to create them. I was amazed at how easy it was to put together, once I watched the videos of course! But, I had a blast creating the game and playing it. A few of my co-workers did as well as I got them to play and they soon became addicted! I also noticed that and was a little surprised that the coding structure of jQuery was very similar to what I was doing in my C-Programming so it was very easy to understand what was going on in the program and how each command related to another. So, to sum it up, ten weeks went by way too fast and I learned a lot more than I ever imagined. This class left me pleasantly surprised and I'm very excited that I can now use this knowledge in work. I have already made some changes to a few of our websites in work and the reviews have been great so far! I look forward to doing a lot more and getting more experience with this. I would like to wish everyone best of luck in the future and it was great to work and connect with all of you. Hopefully, our paths will cross again!

Interactive VMware App

As I mentioned on the forum this week. I would like to see an web app created by VMware or another company that would allow me to monitor my VMware environment from anywhere. Currently I can only perform maintenance and monitoring from my desk at work or by logging in with VPN from home. I would love to have an application that I could access on my phone so I could connect to it from anywhere. The application would also allow me to contact VMware support if I came across an issue that I could not fix on my own. They would be able to download information right from my phone. I would be able to perform maintenance and resource adjustments on the fly and I would know the environment's status every second. I know that this wouldn't apply to everyone but for those of you that have used VMware and administer it, an app like this would be a great addition to my book of tricks!

jQuery

Using jQuery this week was very interesting. I would always wonder how you could move certain objects and play around with websites. I think that I found the answer. I don't know how I would implement it. I'm sure that I could find some usefulness for it on on of my work websites but I will need more time to explore and read up on it. I've been pressed for time this week due to a final but I now have a little bit more time to look into it. It was a fun activity this week! I enjoyed it.

Interactive Website

My idea is a re-hash of my web app/site that I proposed in my blog during Week 6. I've actually started taking the steps to possibly making it a reality!

The site would be mostly informational in nature, it would contain hunting and fishing spots all over the country. It would also link with Google Maps and Google Earth so users could upload coordinates of spots that people should check out. It would also allow users to download the GPS coordinates so they can get to these areas. Users would also be able to post updates and recommendations in regards to gear, weather and ground conditions. Hunting or fishing guides and lodges as well as hotels and rental shops in the area could advertise and allow you book online either through my site or by clicking on the link and visting each site individually. This would also connect the user to sites such as Bass Pro Shops or Cabelas in order to order gear online. THe site could also pot reatime information from to major manufacturers in order to obtain information on new products or safety recalls.

However, the most important part of the site would let users view the different state laws and safety regulatons in regards to hunting, fishing, boating, and gun ownersip and transportation. Along with rules and regulations postings, this would also link you to each states' website and would allow you to easily view and purchase hunting and fishing licenses in each state. It would also have a section to link to sites such as the NRA or GOAL (Gun Owners Action League) which would allow users to become members of those organizations or simply use the sites for tips and safety information. Training sites and groups could also advertise and sessions could be booked online. Hunting, Shooting and Fishing clubs in each state could also be listed to provide information or a user could apply ot become a member.

I've also added another section which would make this an even more interactive webite. Ther would be a FAQ section as well as blogs and chats that would be update in real time. These sections would allo users to post up to the minute reviews, news and conditions. But most importantly, the site would have a section where you could get answers to your questions while you are in the field or on the boat. You could use a web app for an iPhone or Android phone or have a laptop with you. Post your question and have it answered by a professional. For example, I just caught a fish and brought him to the boat. But I think I'm real close to the Canadian border, I know the boat drifted a little with the current, and I'm not sure if I caught the fish in the US or Canada and I only have a New York fishing license (this is a real situation faced by many people fishing up on the St. Lawrence River in New York; me included) You could ask the question and send your GPS coordinates to the site. In seconds you would have a response from a game warden or the like telling you if the fish has been caught illegally or not. Or something like, I'm not sure if the plant I just touched is poison oak or sumac. You could send a photo in with the question and be totally relieved that the plant is just a fern or something alot less itchy!!! But most importantly, you would be able to send a distress call and park rangers, police or the Coast Guard would be able to reach your position quickly.

I know there is alot that needs to be done to make this site a reality but I think I might give it a try!!! I think that this website could be very useful to those who enjoy the outdoors as much as I do.

Using JavaScript

This week for our assignments we had to use JavaScript. I have to say that I'm really surprised by the outcome. I had never really realized how much can be accomplished using JavaScript. I had always wondered how forms and buttons worked together in order to gather and recognize information from someone. It was very easy to work with and I was amazed at how easy it was to get something up and running. I may look into a Java Script class as my final IT elective. If I enjoy using JavaScript as muc as I use HTML. It is certainly a possibility. I think that it is great to now have the ability to add feedback forms but you can now change the buttons and have them react to each individual's answer. I know we are getting close to the end of the semester but I hope we get to use it a few more times. I also enjoyed getting feedback from everyone and I would like to thank everyone that commented on my page.

Thanks again!!

Quitting IT?

So, during my daily reading of Techrepublic.com articles, I came across one that sparked my interest. The title of the article is: "10 Reasons for Quitting IT." I read through the article and began to think of my individual situation and how many of these points that I encounter on a daily basis. The thing is, even though I experience alot of this stuff, I don't think the I will ever quit IT. I know some people out there will think I sound nuts! But, honestly, I enjoy my job. Yes, I wish I was making alot more money, we all do, but I enjoy the challenge and troubleshooting that I'm presented with everyday. I think it has to do with the fact that, as a kid, I would take apart anything and try to figure out what made it work. My parents hated that!! I don't know how many toys were bought for me that I destroyed! And, yes I may be seen as both hero and villain but I really do enjoy helping out people with their problems. I enjoy and take pride in bringing a smile to a person's face. I enjoy the different kinds of technology that I learn about and interact with on a daily basis. I know that at some point I will have to stop but for the moment, unless something major happens or I win the lottery, I think I will be staying in IT.

What do you think?

You can find the article

here