Friday, March 16, 2007

Information Technology Corner

By Stephen Ayer, Executive Director

Modern computer technology, which includes the Internet (also known as the World Wide Web), has greatly expanded the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia’s ability to provide announcements and information in a timely and very cost-effective manner. The limitations to the use of computer technology include that fact that not all individuals who are interested in receiving this information have access to the Internet, and some people, if they do have access, are unfamiliar with how to use email and Web browsers.

A recent (snail mail) letter to all members of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia (SSNS) requested that a return message be sent to the provincial office, by email, so that all members could be added to an email communication list. The response to this request was very low indicating that many SSNS members were not interested in receiving SSNS-related information by email. Nevertheless, an email communication list has been created and regular information updates are now provided to SSNS members on this list.

As a second option, the SSNS created this blog for the posting of information and announcements of interest to members. A blog is defined by Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary as “a Web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer.” The word blog is derived from the words Web log, or Weblog.

The purpose of the SSNS’s blog is to provide timely information and announcements of interest to members of the SSNS in a manner which is easy to use and visually appealing. This blog is also interactive; you can comment by clicking on the "comments" hyperlink below each posting.

In the next issue of Information Technology Corner, I will discuss RSS feeds, a nice way to view your favourite blogs using Internet Explorer 7.

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