Module 3 Concept 11

Thinking about Concept 11 - The relationship of data to meta-data, I think it has almost become a natural instinct for most internet users to identify certain applications that can assist us in organising our online data. The amount of information available on the web can be overwhelming, particularly so when it comes to storing it for future reference, hence the need to actively find appropriate solutions. However, being expressly aware that 'meta-data' can be molded to our own individual preferences and within our own contexts is probably integral if we want to manage our data efficiently.

I always have my eye open for new applications that can make my online life a little easier and I make a concerted effort to explore potential new and emerging technologies that could benefit me in the long run. Having recently started using the Firefox browser within the last two months, I feel it is a prime example of a tool, that not only helps us to browse the internet, but can also assist us to assimilate and process data much more efficiently. This being due to it's array of optional add-ons that can be tailored to ones specific requirements. Overall, having the knowledge to recognise and interpret 'meta-data' is paramount to knowing which tool is the most appropriate and which will attain the best result.

Many research institutions are continually exploring new and innovative methods that utilise 'meta-data' and the way it can be used to enhance software capabilities that can ultimately manage data as a more automatic process. The MIT Media Lab's Sociable Media Group provides an ideal example of some of the types of research that are being undertaken to address the ever increasing need for better information/communication management tools.


Web Resources:

MIT Media Lab, "Sociable Media Group." http://smg.media.mit.edu/index.html (accessed March 23, 2007).

"Internet Communications Concepts Document." http://webct.curtin.edu.au/SCRIPT/305033_a/scripts/serve_home (accessed April 02, 2007).