Forget the Answer. Do You Know the Question?

Our world is moving forward at a blinding pace, and technology is leading the charge. No matter where we are on the continuum of being "tech-savvy," there are those who look to us as being the "tech guru" while we are awed by those who seem so much farther down the road than we. Those who can solve the problems and find the answers are essential. There is, however, another group who is as valuable—if not more valuable. They are the ones who ask the right questions.

Perhaps the most memorable of these experiences happened over 20 years ago during a talk I had with the school system's transportation director. Those who work in small school systems wear many hats, and Jim was a prime example. He began to show me the paperwork nightmare that was his system for keeping up with field trips. Calendars with multiple pieces of paper stapled to them littered the desk. Invoices had to be typed at the end of each month for each school listing every field trip taken and the amount owed. In the midst of lamenting about his paper avalanche, he asked the question that changed that transportation system overnight.

As he glanced at the AppleIIGS computer sitting across the room, Jim asked, "Is there any way that computer can help me?" 

This man knew little about computers, and at the time, I knew even less about transportation. However, Jim was able to describe the kind of information he needed. It would be a conversation which would have long-lasting effects on both of us.

 The next day, I was back in Jim's office with a database I had created on a program called “AppleWorks,” the Cadillac program of that time. The input screen was designed to parallel the paper request forms that were submitted to him. Input, thus, was made so simple he could delegate it to an assistant. For years, that school district ran its transportation system from that simple database. Along the way, Jim found shortcuts. That tends to happen when average folk like you and me start to sit down and actually use technology. We get better. Eventually, we get very good at it.

Over the years, the names have changed, and technology has improved dramatically. The essential elements are still there, however. We still need people who can solve problems. Now more than ever, we need people who can ask the right questions.

 Our world is one where information is often seconds away, and often supplied by someone we have never met. We can accomplish a Google search in a matter of seconds. Somebody out there has probably thought through the same question which confronts us and has seen fit to share it. The answer is there. Our challenge is to frame the question appropriately. We need those who can supply the answers. But first, we need those who can identify the questions.

 I am beginning to understand that we can never find an answer to a question which has not been asked. Whether we are good at finding the answers or good at asking the questions, we can all play a valuable part in the bigger game.

What questions in your environment have gone unasked for too long? What role can you play in asking them? When do you want to get started?

Search Google With "Handwrite"

Making input an a small piece of glass as fast as input on a full qwertyui keyboard is an ongoing challenge. Predictive text, some which not only predicts the word you are typing, but also the next word, Swype, and voice-enabled searches provide several solutions. Now, Google is providing one more.

I just enabled "Handwrite" on my Android phone. Handwrite is a brand new feature which provides an additional input option when searching on your mobile device.

I went to Google.com on my phone's browser and tapped the "Settings" option at the bottom of the screen. On the next screen is an option to enable Handwrite. After saving the setting and refreshing the screen, Handwrite was ready.

Now, when I go to Google.com on my phone, in the lower right-hand corner is a a small script "g." Tapping it starts Handwrite. With my finger, I can write my search terms anywhere on the screen. Google changes the handwriting into text in the search window. A space bar appears at the bottom of the screen which can be used to help the search understand where one word leaves off and the next begins. The accuracy of the search is determined by how accurately Google reads the handwritten text, so being half-way legible is important.




 I did not find the Handwrite option on my BlackBerry Playbook. A little research revealed that Handwrite is available on on Android phones from 2.3 up, Android tablets from 4.0 and, and Apple iOS 5. Handwrite is supported in 27 languages.

I still prefer the voice search. However, background noise, or being in an environment where you must be quiet, sometimes prevent it.

Wolfram Alpha Continued

This post presents additional, practical uses for Wolfram Alpha. The videos below provide such applications.






Do you play Scrabble? Want Wolfram Alpha to help you out? This post will show you how.

Finally, want to show someone the difference between Google and Wolfram Alpha? Try a search at Goofram. The name is a combination of "Google" and "Wolfram Alpha" Enter a search term. One one side of the screen, you will see Google results. On the other side, you will see Wolfram Alpha results.

Wolfram Alpha is not a substitute for Google. They do two different things. Both should be part of your arsenal to make life easier.

Do You Know About Wolfram Alpha?

If this post is your introduction to Wolfram Alpha, you will be glad you stopped here today. I tell people that Wolfram Alpha is as significant as a Google search. Wolfram Alpha is not a replacement for Google. They do two do two entirely different things.

To begin, take a look at this short video:




Here is a video with a little more detail (but still under 5 minutes):



The next post will continue our exploration of Wolfram Alpha.

What is Wikipedia all About?

What is Wikipedia all about? Here is a short video which explains the concept.

Click here to view the video.

What Should I Read Next?

You have just finished a book, really enjoyed it, and are looking for another good book. Need some help? You can ask the Book Seer!

This amazingly-simply site allows you to input the title and author of a book you enjoyed. It will return a list of recommended books for your next reading.

The Citation Machine

For some, writing is sheer torture while for others of us, it's a passion. One thing we can most all agree upon is that we write papers, the citations are a chore. There is a website that takes all of the drudgery out of those citations. Take a look at The Citation Machine.

You simply enter the ISBN number into the website, choose whether your results are to be in APA or MLA form, and click "Submit." You will be presented with all of the information necessary: title, author, etc. You have the opportunity to correct any information which may be incorrect or incomplete.

Now click "Submit" and you will see the resulting citation in the correct format. Copy and paste it into your paper. Life just got a little easier!