GENEALOGY & TECHNOLOGYportfolio.matthewrballard.com/Documents/GenTechnology.pdf · Promotes digital...
Transcript of GENEALOGY & TECHNOLOGYportfolio.matthewrballard.com/Documents/GenTechnology.pdf · Promotes digital...
How Technology is Shaping Genealogical Research & Collaboration
GENEALOGY & TECHNOLOGY
Evolution of Technology Just about everything used in genealogy research
can be considered technology.
Computer Technology Focus on how technology changes the process of
research & collaboration
Biggest Innovations
1. Web 2.0 & Social Media
2. Open Source Software
3. Mobile Technology & Applications
4. Digital Imaging & Virtual Storage
5. QR Codes
6. Google Searching
Web 2.0 & Social Media Web 2.0 Term coined in 1999 to describe dynamic web content
Social Media Technology that allows for collaboration and connectivity
1. Blogging
2. Facebook
3. Skype
4. Photo Sharing (e.g. Flickr)
Blogs & Blogging Allows for research documentation
Promotes collaboration amongst family researchers
Develops writing skills
Helps organize gathered information
Shares knowledge, skills and methods
Provides research guides and strategies
Sample Blogs & PostingsFamily Blogs
http://www.justanotherhistoryblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/knights-of-columbus.html
http://100inamerica.blogspot.com/
http://mcomberbygonedays.wordpress.com/
Genealogy Blogs & Online Newsletters
http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/
http://blogs.archives.gov/prologue/
Critiques & Reviews
http://ancestryinsider.blogspot.com/
Social media outlet launched in 2004 by a Harvard dropout
Loved by some, hated by many
Most concerns stem from privacy issues
Provide researchers with a collaborative environment
Connect with distant relatives
Organize events and reunions
Example – Olin Family Society http://www.facebook.com/groups/60770353578/?ref=ts&fref=ts
Voice over IP service Allows calling via an internet connection
Utilizes webcams for video chatting
Promotes digital collaboration amongst researchers Allows for video conferencing and connectivity between family
Utilization in professional genealogical research Face-to-face consultations between client & for-hire researchers
Potential for presentations to genealogical groups Out-of-area speakers
Inclement weather
Polish Genealogy Society of Western New York Sept. 8, 2012 speaker from Poland
http://youtu.be/Q9cC5fzrbHM
Online photo hosting site
Allows users to upload and share photographs & videos
Ancestry.com allows media posting
Coincides with family trees
$$$$$
National Archives
NYS Archives
Open Source Software Software made available for public distribution
Allows users to edit & change the program
Typically free for use
Developed in a collaborative environment
Open Source Software allows for alterations, meaning that users can develop individualized uses for it
Extremely important in developing technology for genealogy purposes
GIS Software Geographic Information System Displays data via maps
Combines cartography & statistics
Typically designed specifically for organizations
Potential for use with historical subjects & genealogy
Plot location of families
Indicate historic sites & buildings (preservation)
Understanding trends in relation to demographics over a period of time
Placing your family’s history into perspective
Learning Modules Providing online access to classroom materials Common amongst colleges and universities Supplement classroom learning with online modules
Potential for use in developing content-rich course development with genealogical societies Possible for online course to replace or compliment face-
to-face genealogy instruction Extended course offerings to fit schedules
Web Site Development Creating an online presence to share genealogy
research
Promotes collaboration amongst researchers
Shares information on upcoming events for family organizations & reunions
Shares documents and materials used in research
Multiple options for development
Free hosting vs. Paid hosting
Pre-made templates, Proprietary Software, Open Source Software & Content Management Systems
Hosting & Design Beginner researchers can develop free sites Rootsweb Free Hosting
Provides free hosting & pre-designed features
Advanced & serious researchers can pay Numerous sites for paid hosting, depending on storage
space & domain names
Pre-designed features are optional or tech-savvy can utilize web design software OCGS Sample Site – using Adobe Dreamweaver ($$$$$)
Content Management Systems Used to organize a variety of formats
Drupal & Omeka – Open Source Software
AlbionPolonia.com – Using Drupal
University of Rochester – Using Drupal
Ringwood, NJ Library – Using Omeka
Mobile Applications Smartphone & tablets allow on-the-go research
Compliment software programs found on computers
Better for access and not for editing
1. Ancestry.com Mobile App
2. BillionGraves Mobile App
FamilySearch mobile indexing app
Beta test released in February 2012
Withdrawn in December 2012
Digital Imaging & Virtual Storage Advancements regularly occurring in photography
Increases quality and detail of images
Important in current digitizing practices
Digital imaging used to increase access
Cloud computing allows for software and files to be stored in a remote server
Files are retrieved when needed
Used in collaborative situations
Examples include: Ancestry.com, Google Drive
Utilized by Archives and Municipalities for disaster recovery
Digitized Records Local examples of records captured using digital
imaging
Uncompressed images (not microfilm)
RGS Church Records Project
Albion Polonia – St. Mary’s Records
Record collections available online utilize scanned microfilm forms
Another form of overlooked technology in genealogy research
Example – FamilySearch, NY Naturalization Records
QR Codes Quick Response Codes, a.k.a. “QR” Codes
Utilized in libraries and archives Compliment collections & expand on events
Current exploration relating to use with cemeteries
Presented at RootsTech conference 2012
Gravestone QR Codes link to family pages
QR Memorials
Requires:
Smart device (phone or tablet)
Reader program
Internet connection