If we look at both of Wenger’s and Prensky notions on both communities of practise and education, there would be a way in which we can relate them together.
With Wenger’s theory looking at communities of practise, what he tends to make his point more about is not that this includes hobby groups, but more of that it involves a group of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.
Whilst Prensky’s theory takes a look at how students these days are using their technology knowledge to the advantage in their educational lives.
Prensky sees that we should be letting the students do what they do well, which is the use of technology as a tool, while the teachers and faculty sit back and rather than be technology users, ‘they’re guides, question askers, quality providers, then we can get a partnership’.
So the way we can relate these two theories together is that with students, as they have to same interest in technology, they can also be classed as a community of practice with having this general interest in common with one another.
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Week 9 - Digital Divide, Social-Economy and Global Access
When we look at the digital divide between digital native and immigrants, there may also be an effect on the social economy in the society we live in. For example, with the digital natives being use to using the online buying sites such as eBay and Amazon (two are the largest sites in the UK), a majority of the items they purchase is done from the comfort of their own home.
Even now with food. The day of physically popping out to the shops for the week’s food shop is over as now a large number of people are ordering from home, only to have it delivered a couple of days later.
This may have a effect on this already large digital divide, however in terms of the economy, it is only helping as more and more businesses are benefitting from this service. For example more of the brand high street shops are turning to the internet as well, to fit in with this digital age.
Where as with the digital immigrants, they still remain leaving the house and doing the jobs and shopping in person.
This is another aspect in the fact that we are losing a sense of communication between people and things we do. Such as for kids, they are turning to technology instead of going out for a kick about and most of us now use social networks and instant messaging to talk instead of in person. Now it seems it is turning to the world of economy and consumption.
If we were to look at global access issues across countries and regions, we may tend to think towards how this digital divide and advances have created opportunities to keep in contact with those we cannot reach in person.
So when we have people we know in the other side of the world such as friends and family (myself included), this new digital way of talking to one another seems to have it’s benefits.
Even now with food. The day of physically popping out to the shops for the week’s food shop is over as now a large number of people are ordering from home, only to have it delivered a couple of days later.
This may have a effect on this already large digital divide, however in terms of the economy, it is only helping as more and more businesses are benefitting from this service. For example more of the brand high street shops are turning to the internet as well, to fit in with this digital age.
Where as with the digital immigrants, they still remain leaving the house and doing the jobs and shopping in person.
This is another aspect in the fact that we are losing a sense of communication between people and things we do. Such as for kids, they are turning to technology instead of going out for a kick about and most of us now use social networks and instant messaging to talk instead of in person. Now it seems it is turning to the world of economy and consumption.
If we were to look at global access issues across countries and regions, we may tend to think towards how this digital divide and advances have created opportunities to keep in contact with those we cannot reach in person.
So when we have people we know in the other side of the world such as friends and family (myself included), this new digital way of talking to one another seems to have it’s benefits.
Week 9 - Education Tailored To Our Preferences?
In the new day and age when we all live amongst numerous different cultures, it would be very small minded to only learn issues close to the individual.
What I think is that everyone needs a general knowledge of different cultures and backgrounds. When we entre the big scary world of work, there may not be a job which is catered for all our preferences and would involve having a wider knowledge than of the one we would have which is based around ourselves.
As we have all been raised at taught different cultures and backgrounds, for instances from the right of the start of secondary school we had French or German lessons for the majority of us.
So in the end if this was to ever happen in the world of education, not only would there be a digital divide but also a educational divide as those who looked at a broader range will have a higher knowledge than those who chose what to study.
However a way of making this broad range of studying more enjoyable and tailored to some extent would be to spread of the learning to different forms of media, such as text, moving image and of course the internet.
What I think is that everyone needs a general knowledge of different cultures and backgrounds. When we entre the big scary world of work, there may not be a job which is catered for all our preferences and would involve having a wider knowledge than of the one we would have which is based around ourselves.
As we have all been raised at taught different cultures and backgrounds, for instances from the right of the start of secondary school we had French or German lessons for the majority of us.
So in the end if this was to ever happen in the world of education, not only would there be a digital divide but also a educational divide as those who looked at a broader range will have a higher knowledge than those who chose what to study.
However a way of making this broad range of studying more enjoyable and tailored to some extent would be to spread of the learning to different forms of media, such as text, moving image and of course the internet.
Week 9 - What Is Semantic Web?
‘The Semantic Web is the extension of the World Wide Web that enables people to share content beyond the boundaries of applications and websites. It has been described in rather different ways: as a utopic vision, as a web of data, or merely as a natural paradigm shift in our daily use of the Web’.
(http://semanticweb.org/wiki/Main_Page)
So when we think of semantics, we think the study of the meaning of communication, and in this case the web.
But in general, the introduction to this semantic web is to make the web a lot smarter with machines being able to read computers, which then takes the human operator out of the equation, so that they can perform more of the tedious work involved in finding, sharing, and combining information on the web.
(http://semanticweb.org/wiki/Main_Page)
So when we think of semantics, we think the study of the meaning of communication, and in this case the web.
But in general, the introduction to this semantic web is to make the web a lot smarter with machines being able to read computers, which then takes the human operator out of the equation, so that they can perform more of the tedious work involved in finding, sharing, and combining information on the web.
Week 9 - Difference Between Semantic Web and Web 3.0?
When first thinking are both the semantic web and web 3.0, they seem to be similar, however there is a difference.
They may both be (or suppose to be) ultra fast versions of the internet but the semantic web is a system which allow computers to read the internet, whilst the web 3.0 will be able to connect different items together on your personal computer or laptop through suggestion.
‘In a little over a decade, according to the engineers building the internet of tomorrow, the web will be able to connect every aspect of our digital lives - be it a website, an e-mail, or a file on our PC - to every other aspect. It will know, for instance, when you are typing an e-mail, what the subject of the e-mail is, and be able to suggest websites and books as well as documents, photos and videos you have saved that may be relevant to that topic.’
(http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article2726190.ece)
Although there seems to be some confusion to what the different between the two are. Many have classed the two as the same thing. With both under development and wont be released for another decade at the same point. However with the speed experts say the web 3.0 will develop, this will rely on the semantic web as it will be run by other computers to match the speed, as a human operator will not be able to manage such a task.
They may both be (or suppose to be) ultra fast versions of the internet but the semantic web is a system which allow computers to read the internet, whilst the web 3.0 will be able to connect different items together on your personal computer or laptop through suggestion.
‘In a little over a decade, according to the engineers building the internet of tomorrow, the web will be able to connect every aspect of our digital lives - be it a website, an e-mail, or a file on our PC - to every other aspect. It will know, for instance, when you are typing an e-mail, what the subject of the e-mail is, and be able to suggest websites and books as well as documents, photos and videos you have saved that may be relevant to that topic.’
(http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article2726190.ece)
Although there seems to be some confusion to what the different between the two are. Many have classed the two as the same thing. With both under development and wont be released for another decade at the same point. However with the speed experts say the web 3.0 will develop, this will rely on the semantic web as it will be run by other computers to match the speed, as a human operator will not be able to manage such a task.
Monday, 23 March 2009
Week 9 - Should education 'stretch' a person?
When we think of putting a person through education, I think the concept ‘stretch’ wouldn’t be the right terminology to use.
If I used an ordinary child as an example of being put through education, of course we want them to do the best they can to their ability. However the concept of stretched makes it sound as though they are being forced into it by the parent.
I’d say that education should challenge the child a little more so as results seem to be growing higher every year, which simply shows the level of intelligence in young individuals is rising (and not that silly theory that key stage exams are getting easier).
Although I’d only say ‘stretch’ is a strong word for that example for those of a young age.
If we were to look at undergraduates like ourselves, this would be more appropriate. With the majority of degree’s lasting three years, the student should be pushed or stretch to the best of their abilities. The whole idea of university is to prepare them for a better career/life and if a bit of extra momentum will help that, then more the better.
However it’s not just with the work load that can stretch a person’s education. With this unit titled ‘new media’, it can stretch a persons ability to use programs and gain further knowledge through different sources. What I’d mean here would be the online resources such as the portal, blackboard and e-learning. This would certainly be useful in this digital age we are entering and living in and certainly an advantage to those who are classed as digital immigrants and have to compete with natives who are already use to these technological advances.
If I used an ordinary child as an example of being put through education, of course we want them to do the best they can to their ability. However the concept of stretched makes it sound as though they are being forced into it by the parent.
I’d say that education should challenge the child a little more so as results seem to be growing higher every year, which simply shows the level of intelligence in young individuals is rising (and not that silly theory that key stage exams are getting easier).
Although I’d only say ‘stretch’ is a strong word for that example for those of a young age.
If we were to look at undergraduates like ourselves, this would be more appropriate. With the majority of degree’s lasting three years, the student should be pushed or stretch to the best of their abilities. The whole idea of university is to prepare them for a better career/life and if a bit of extra momentum will help that, then more the better.
However it’s not just with the work load that can stretch a person’s education. With this unit titled ‘new media’, it can stretch a persons ability to use programs and gain further knowledge through different sources. What I’d mean here would be the online resources such as the portal, blackboard and e-learning. This would certainly be useful in this digital age we are entering and living in and certainly an advantage to those who are classed as digital immigrants and have to compete with natives who are already use to these technological advances.
Week 9 - The Oldest digital native
I’d have to say the oldest digital native I know would be my own father. Having recently hit the big 50, he is still well aware to today’s modern digital advances and can work with them, most of the time!
With his job constantly working at a computer designing new fitting for building and other things like that, he has had to gain an understanding of what else comes with the computer package such as e-mailing.
He may not have started with the computer software, (as it was done on huge draft boards) but he can work very well with it. In many ways he prefers this new digital version of work as it can be done a lot quicker and cleaner.
Not only with computers has he manage to change the way he takes everyday by now, but also in the world of phones. Having to make and receive dozens of calls a day and travelling around the country to different jobs he has had to summon himself to the world of mobile communication. Which again has seem to not affected him at all (what can I say, it’s me who can’t even work his blackberry!).These are the main two things in this digital world that is associated with him but at least these count for something as computers and mobiles seem to be the two main digital media which have taken oven our lives and the world in this new digital age
With his job constantly working at a computer designing new fitting for building and other things like that, he has had to gain an understanding of what else comes with the computer package such as e-mailing.
He may not have started with the computer software, (as it was done on huge draft boards) but he can work very well with it. In many ways he prefers this new digital version of work as it can be done a lot quicker and cleaner.
Not only with computers has he manage to change the way he takes everyday by now, but also in the world of phones. Having to make and receive dozens of calls a day and travelling around the country to different jobs he has had to summon himself to the world of mobile communication. Which again has seem to not affected him at all (what can I say, it’s me who can’t even work his blackberry!).These are the main two things in this digital world that is associated with him but at least these count for something as computers and mobiles seem to be the two main digital media which have taken oven our lives and the world in this new digital age
Week 9 - The youngest digital immigrant
There aren’t really a lot around in general. However if I had to think I one, it would be a friend from back home who has little knowledge of using today’s technology for communication. Of which who is a year younger than myself.
Having little access to the internet, contacting him with limited to only the phone. So the whole idea of social networking and instant messaging seemed to be a complete mystery to him.
Having only just finished college, most of his educational life was done the traditional way, e.g. text books and pen and paper. So the who idea of submitting work on the web or completing assessments on the computer didn’t always seem necessary.
I would only class my friend as a digital immigrant as it is very hard to think anyone who isn’t under 30 nowadays. I would have liked to say my mother as she doesn’t know the difference between e-mail and text, but she is middle aged.
Having little access to the internet, contacting him with limited to only the phone. So the whole idea of social networking and instant messaging seemed to be a complete mystery to him.
Having only just finished college, most of his educational life was done the traditional way, e.g. text books and pen and paper. So the who idea of submitting work on the web or completing assessments on the computer didn’t always seem necessary.
I would only class my friend as a digital immigrant as it is very hard to think anyone who isn’t under 30 nowadays. I would have liked to say my mother as she doesn’t know the difference between e-mail and text, but she is middle aged.
Week 9 - Threatens the notion of Digital Culture
If I had to think of an individual who threatens this notion in digital culture, I’d have to say it would be a relative of mine back home who is in his early 30’s. Obviously being of this age, we would class him as a digital immigrant which is what I thought for many years as I have never seen him with a mobile or at a computer. Yet when he comes round to the house, he can use my computer and music library like he has been for years. This is the same the other week when I showed him my new phone and managed to have a look through my videos and music without me telling him how to do so. An impressive achievement seeing as myself (over 10 years younger) took a couple of days to learn the same things!
Although I’d like to refer this back to something I found last week by Rochelle Mazar, in that she says we are never to old to learn something, ‘Being a “digital native” is not about your early experiences’.
Although I’d like to refer this back to something I found last week by Rochelle Mazar, in that she says we are never to old to learn something, ‘Being a “digital native” is not about your early experiences’.
Week 9 - One fictional neo-luddite coming up!
What I think I’ll do is try to imagine what would happen to a neo-luddite in life today, as my creative side is pretty crap art the minute.
Right from the word go a neo-luddite would struggle with both educational and social sides of life at a university. I’ll tend to use this university as the example.
They would even struggle just to gain access to their timetable as of course it is accessed online. Although hopefully the classes would go a little better as they wouldn’t chose a class that involves computer work, however it can’t bound to last long in this modern age.
As for the students social life (as long as they like pubs/clubs and alcohol), they will also see an affect in the way they communicate with friends. With everyone now social networking sites, keeping in contact would be very limited as of course mobiles will be out of the question for social life.
So this both education and friendships under jeopardy, the university life for a neo-luddite would be very tough and limited indeed.
Right from the word go a neo-luddite would struggle with both educational and social sides of life at a university. I’ll tend to use this university as the example.
They would even struggle just to gain access to their timetable as of course it is accessed online. Although hopefully the classes would go a little better as they wouldn’t chose a class that involves computer work, however it can’t bound to last long in this modern age.
As for the students social life (as long as they like pubs/clubs and alcohol), they will also see an affect in the way they communicate with friends. With everyone now social networking sites, keeping in contact would be very limited as of course mobiles will be out of the question for social life.
So this both education and friendships under jeopardy, the university life for a neo-luddite would be very tough and limited indeed.
Week 9 - The technophile if the future will be very cool I bet!
Obviously with technological advances increasing each year with us to have the ability to do more, the ones of 2020 are hard to think of at this point in time.
However I can’t see that the world will be one big city with flying car clogging the skies. The universities will still have the usual features such as lectures and seminars of which will be carried out in person. However I can imagine that the majority of work, such as assignments, in all courses will be completed digitally, such as through typed out or drawn out on some kind of super advanced software compared to the ones of today.
That would be my interpretation anyway, is too hard to predict the future!
However I can’t see that the world will be one big city with flying car clogging the skies. The universities will still have the usual features such as lectures and seminars of which will be carried out in person. However I can imagine that the majority of work, such as assignments, in all courses will be completed digitally, such as through typed out or drawn out on some kind of super advanced software compared to the ones of today.
That would be my interpretation anyway, is too hard to predict the future!
Sunday, 22 March 2009
Week 8 pt.1 (apologises for the lateness of this work)
‘Digital Immigrants’ are those who were already socialized in pre digital ways when digital technology arrived on the scene.
This term has seemed to have a big impact on the world of the media today as we live in this digital age.
We see how the older generation are learning to cope with this change I everyday life while the younger ones who have grew up with it can expand on it and use this new digital technology available in different ways. These younger individuals who are familiar with these technological advances are known as ‘digital natives’.
An example of this digital immigration in the UK recently would be the digital switch over in the world of television. We are seeing how some are having to adapt to the new ways as the digital world advances around our lives.
This new sense of adapting to the new ways can be seen as a process of learning a new language in the ‘digital immigration accent’. This includes turning to the internet for information secondly rather than first.
Prensky, M. (2001) Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants
http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.pdf
This term has seemed to have a big impact on the world of the media today as we live in this digital age.
We see how the older generation are learning to cope with this change I everyday life while the younger ones who have grew up with it can expand on it and use this new digital technology available in different ways. These younger individuals who are familiar with these technological advances are known as ‘digital natives’.
An example of this digital immigration in the UK recently would be the digital switch over in the world of television. We are seeing how some are having to adapt to the new ways as the digital world advances around our lives.
This new sense of adapting to the new ways can be seen as a process of learning a new language in the ‘digital immigration accent’. This includes turning to the internet for information secondly rather than first.
Prensky, M. (2001) Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants
http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.pdf
Week 8 pt.2
In this article I found on The Times website, it looks at the comparison of ‘digital natives’ and ‘digital immigrants’. Using a daughter and a mother who are both living in this digital age, it talks of how the native (the daughter) is coping with all the new technologies we have turned to fine, whilst the mother (or the immigrant), is finding this adaption to the world a lot more difficult.
As one sentence states, ‘The digital native’s brain is physically different as a result of the digital input it has received growing up’.
This article basically looks at the major difference these two generations have against each other, even though there is only a 20 year different between them. Hence, showing the advances we have come through in the past decade or so.
The article tends to focus on the mother as she questions and discusses how today’s children who are growing up with this technology are coping and if it has had an effect on them. An example of this change from analogue to digital would be that kids would write their thoughts into a personal diary, while now this has also has changed to digital in the form of blogging and social network sites where we can talk about ourselves for all to see.
I could personal reason with the mother in this example as there has been a big change in the way people are brought up in the past decade as everything now can be done by the touch of a few keys, however these digital immigrants need to understand that the world is changing and should start to involve themselves with it, as eventually it will start to affect their lives too soon.
Woods. R (2006) The next step in brain evolution: Technology is dividing us into digital natives and digital immigrants - and changing the way we think
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/article683193.ece
As one sentence states, ‘The digital native’s brain is physically different as a result of the digital input it has received growing up’.
This article basically looks at the major difference these two generations have against each other, even though there is only a 20 year different between them. Hence, showing the advances we have come through in the past decade or so.
The article tends to focus on the mother as she questions and discusses how today’s children who are growing up with this technology are coping and if it has had an effect on them. An example of this change from analogue to digital would be that kids would write their thoughts into a personal diary, while now this has also has changed to digital in the form of blogging and social network sites where we can talk about ourselves for all to see.
I could personal reason with the mother in this example as there has been a big change in the way people are brought up in the past decade as everything now can be done by the touch of a few keys, however these digital immigrants need to understand that the world is changing and should start to involve themselves with it, as eventually it will start to affect their lives too soon.
Woods. R (2006) The next step in brain evolution: Technology is dividing us into digital natives and digital immigrants - and changing the way we think
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/article683193.ece
Week 8 pt. 3
In this article by Siva Vaidhyanathan, he again looks at this generation divide in digital users. However the way he looks at this contempory issue are the ways in which this can be both an advantage and disadvantage to today’s youth.
One of the positives we draws from how kids today are being brought up with digital advances is that with them having a higher knowledge and understanding of this new technology, it gives them a sense of power over the adults who are left ‘fumbling and hopelessly out of touch, and youth, seen as masterful’.
Whilst on the other hand, the negative aspect brought up again is that with this new technology, it affects the traditional child’s up bring. For example instead of them going out to the park with their friends, they are now preferring to stay in and surf the web or play on computer games etc.
So the main item that is brought to our attention here by Siva is how there is a whole new culture divide between two generation which are next to each as the result in digital technology advances and the affects on today’s children’s up bringing.
Vaidhyanathan, S. (2007) The Googleization Of Everything
http://www.googlizationofeverything.com/2007/12/the_problem_with_digital_nativ.php
One of the positives we draws from how kids today are being brought up with digital advances is that with them having a higher knowledge and understanding of this new technology, it gives them a sense of power over the adults who are left ‘fumbling and hopelessly out of touch, and youth, seen as masterful’.
Whilst on the other hand, the negative aspect brought up again is that with this new technology, it affects the traditional child’s up bring. For example instead of them going out to the park with their friends, they are now preferring to stay in and surf the web or play on computer games etc.
So the main item that is brought to our attention here by Siva is how there is a whole new culture divide between two generation which are next to each as the result in digital technology advances and the affects on today’s children’s up bringing.
Vaidhyanathan, S. (2007) The Googleization Of Everything
http://www.googlizationofeverything.com/2007/12/the_problem_with_digital_nativ.php
Week 8 pt. 4
With this article found, it was a response to the one I found from The Times Online. Rochelle Mazar however looks beyond the main points about digital natives and immigrants between different ages and looks at if being a digital immigrant in this digital world is such a bad thing.
Her main argument is that why should those over 20 years old be classed as something else just because they have a smaller knowledge of some digital equipment. She says that the digital immigrants can change and adapt to this new world by learning the ropes with one quote that stood out to me: ‘Because we all stop learning at age 20, right? And there should be no more pressure to learn after that. Is that really the world we want to live in? That’s like asking us to stop reading after age 20’.
She when goes on to use her own personal experience in comparing herself to a digital native and show that anyone over 20 who hasn’t been brought up by technology can easily accomplish the same things, such as being able to use the internet, download items etc. To summarize it, age should not be an issue as ‘Being a “digital native” is not about your early experiences’.
Mazar, R. (2006) Digital Natives vs. Digital Immigrants
http://www.mazar.ca/2006/07/18/digital-natives-vs-digital-immigrants/
Her main argument is that why should those over 20 years old be classed as something else just because they have a smaller knowledge of some digital equipment. She says that the digital immigrants can change and adapt to this new world by learning the ropes with one quote that stood out to me: ‘Because we all stop learning at age 20, right? And there should be no more pressure to learn after that. Is that really the world we want to live in? That’s like asking us to stop reading after age 20’.
She when goes on to use her own personal experience in comparing herself to a digital native and show that anyone over 20 who hasn’t been brought up by technology can easily accomplish the same things, such as being able to use the internet, download items etc. To summarize it, age should not be an issue as ‘Being a “digital native” is not about your early experiences’.
Mazar, R. (2006) Digital Natives vs. Digital Immigrants
http://www.mazar.ca/2006/07/18/digital-natives-vs-digital-immigrants/
Week 8 pt.5
In this final article I found, comparing the differences of digital natives and immigrants, it again looks at this cultural and age divide and the way the younger generation has been brought up on technology. However instead of Marc Prensky focusing on the negative aspects of the digital up bringing of today, he looks at how the digital immigrants should and easily could change in the way they teach the natives of today. ‘We need to help all our students take advantage of these new tools and systems to educate themselves’.
However the one thing I’d say of this ‘solution’ this that yes the internet and other technologies have seem to take over the world and young people’s lives, but we shouldn’t make such a sudden transition from analogue to digital. In education for example, books have been probably the best resource in academic learning and will still be so in the next decade. The internet may be here to stay, but so shall these tradition methods of research and understanding.
Prensky, M. (2005/6) Educational Leadership
http://www.ascd.org/authors/ed_lead/el200512_prensky.html
However the one thing I’d say of this ‘solution’ this that yes the internet and other technologies have seem to take over the world and young people’s lives, but we shouldn’t make such a sudden transition from analogue to digital. In education for example, books have been probably the best resource in academic learning and will still be so in the next decade. The internet may be here to stay, but so shall these tradition methods of research and understanding.
Prensky, M. (2005/6) Educational Leadership
http://www.ascd.org/authors/ed_lead/el200512_prensky.html
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Week 7 - South African Distance Education (My Example)
With the business for online education growing in Africa due to the constant low level of qualifications people gain, I thought I’d keep to this area of the world for those who want to take their educational lives past primary level.
With countries in the south of the continent having a better economy in general, I thought I’d take a look into what South Africa offers it’s children in today’s educational world which the use of technology.
Therefore I found a site called SAIDE, which stands for South African Institute for Distant Learning.
With the organisation having principles including:
· Lifelong learning
· Building on learners experiences
· Encouraging independent and critical thinking
· Flexible arrangements for learning
· Recognition of prior learning
· Credit accumulation
· A fair chance of learner success
The group looks very promising for those who want to gain higher education. This has been an opportunity for South African’s for over 15 years now as the program was set up in 1992 and has helped thousands who haven’t or don’t have access to a local facility which offer courses.
One of the reasons why this learning source has been carried out for these years is that SAIDE gain funding through various projects and grants. As of late most of the income comes from commissioned projects, one which they hope will support them for the formidable future.
With countries in the south of the continent having a better economy in general, I thought I’d take a look into what South Africa offers it’s children in today’s educational world which the use of technology.
Therefore I found a site called SAIDE, which stands for South African Institute for Distant Learning.
With the organisation having principles including:
· Lifelong learning
· Building on learners experiences
· Encouraging independent and critical thinking
· Flexible arrangements for learning
· Recognition of prior learning
· Credit accumulation
· A fair chance of learner success
The group looks very promising for those who want to gain higher education. This has been an opportunity for South African’s for over 15 years now as the program was set up in 1992 and has helped thousands who haven’t or don’t have access to a local facility which offer courses.
One of the reasons why this learning source has been carried out for these years is that SAIDE gain funding through various projects and grants. As of late most of the income comes from commissioned projects, one which they hope will support them for the formidable future.
Week 7 - Zambia Leaning
Even before reading this article on the level on education for African children, my and I’m sure many other people’s initial thoughts are that due to the low level of education in the continent as a whole and in this case Zambia, they are going to be very low.
So with the availability of e-learning to children in the country, this is only seen as a plus. Even with the country located near southern Africa, the level of opportunity is much greater for those children of the same age in the north of the continent.
One part of the article which caught my eye was that ‘Almost two-thirds of the children end their education at the primary level. Only one-third of the primary-school graduates have the opportunity to go on to a secondary education. Of those who enrol for primary education, less than 20 percent enter secondary school, and only 2 percent of the 20 to 24 age group enter a university or some other form of higher education’. So with e-learning coming into play for thousands of children around the country, this new way of learning can only be seen as a positive.
However these learning services would only be available to those who are in one of the main cities in Zambia. With these new classes becoming accessible through the internet, the only points would be from internet café’s or the lucky few who have it back at their homes. Not a reliable educational source considering the economy state.
But there is still hope is the radio educational service seems to be more hopeful and successful with more families and children have access to the box.
Zambia isn’t exactly the worst country in Africa coping with poverty for many families, in fact from the sound of this article it sounds that many families are doing well with the mention of children listening to music through their i-pods, CD’s and mobiles.
As the article states; ‘On the affordability of gadgets, John observed that the prices were now coming down and that parents should be able to afford them for their children. However, he suggested that it would be easier for all students to access these eLearning programmes on the radio, which was an ICT product that was found in almost every home, including rural households’.
As a whole though the prospect of learning on a higher level for young individuals in Zambia is certainly looking positive.
So with the availability of e-learning to children in the country, this is only seen as a plus. Even with the country located near southern Africa, the level of opportunity is much greater for those children of the same age in the north of the continent.
One part of the article which caught my eye was that ‘Almost two-thirds of the children end their education at the primary level. Only one-third of the primary-school graduates have the opportunity to go on to a secondary education. Of those who enrol for primary education, less than 20 percent enter secondary school, and only 2 percent of the 20 to 24 age group enter a university or some other form of higher education’. So with e-learning coming into play for thousands of children around the country, this new way of learning can only be seen as a positive.
However these learning services would only be available to those who are in one of the main cities in Zambia. With these new classes becoming accessible through the internet, the only points would be from internet café’s or the lucky few who have it back at their homes. Not a reliable educational source considering the economy state.
But there is still hope is the radio educational service seems to be more hopeful and successful with more families and children have access to the box.
Zambia isn’t exactly the worst country in Africa coping with poverty for many families, in fact from the sound of this article it sounds that many families are doing well with the mention of children listening to music through their i-pods, CD’s and mobiles.
As the article states; ‘On the affordability of gadgets, John observed that the prices were now coming down and that parents should be able to afford them for their children. However, he suggested that it would be easier for all students to access these eLearning programmes on the radio, which was an ICT product that was found in almost every home, including rural households’.
As a whole though the prospect of learning on a higher level for young individuals in Zambia is certainly looking positive.
Week 7 - Chinese Democracy, I mean Distance Learning
Whilst reading through this article, I’ll be honest, it didn’t surprise me to hear of this advanced level of learning with the use of communication technology. Not just that the Chinese are the king pin of new technologies for interacting with others around the world in this modern age, mainly that they have the highest demand for qualified individuals. As the article states ‘the number of qualified technicians and engineers accounted for only 2.5 per cent of the country's work-force in state-owned enterprises and institutes’. This was at the time when people were almost expected to have access to a telephone or television in their house (as you know these courses were taught via these) in 1975, so it wasn’t shocking to read that 15 years later this number grew to 4.7%. Which equals to 105 million individuals which have a qualification in one of these work areas.
Although one of the other strengths these TVU’s and CRTVU/PTVU’s allowed for their students throughout the country is that the service was cheap to run. Obviously only having one broadcast lesson spreading to hundreds if not thousands of people at the same time, the need of having teachers in schools around the country obviously cuts out the salaries etc.
So with the stats showing as; ‘The enrolment of these radio and television universities over the last eight years has totalled 1,291,833, and 590,941 students have graduated. The number of registered students in 1986 was 604,437 constituting one-third of the country's higher-education institute students’ the success of these courses offered speaks for itself for those who may have access to higher education facilities and so on.
Another strength these courses offer which interested me was the number of TVU staff numbers. As the table shows (Table 1.) that’s both the full time and part time staff numbers have increased by 10,000 in the space of 7 years. This just backs up the success and popularity on this distance learning.
However the one major weakness of these TVU’s and CRTVU/PTVU’s which was brought up in the lecture is that the information passed over to the students in of only one perception and opinion. Not being able to give an own personal opinion disallows discussion and for other points to be raised which could prove useful to the course and the students learning. But in an educational sense of mind who was to complain at the time. As this method has been around for almost the past 50 years.
Although one of the other strengths these TVU’s and CRTVU/PTVU’s allowed for their students throughout the country is that the service was cheap to run. Obviously only having one broadcast lesson spreading to hundreds if not thousands of people at the same time, the need of having teachers in schools around the country obviously cuts out the salaries etc.
So with the stats showing as; ‘The enrolment of these radio and television universities over the last eight years has totalled 1,291,833, and 590,941 students have graduated. The number of registered students in 1986 was 604,437 constituting one-third of the country's higher-education institute students’ the success of these courses offered speaks for itself for those who may have access to higher education facilities and so on.
Another strength these courses offer which interested me was the number of TVU staff numbers. As the table shows (Table 1.) that’s both the full time and part time staff numbers have increased by 10,000 in the space of 7 years. This just backs up the success and popularity on this distance learning.
However the one major weakness of these TVU’s and CRTVU/PTVU’s which was brought up in the lecture is that the information passed over to the students in of only one perception and opinion. Not being able to give an own personal opinion disallows discussion and for other points to be raised which could prove useful to the course and the students learning. But in an educational sense of mind who was to complain at the time. As this method has been around for almost the past 50 years.
Thursday, 26 February 2009
Week 6 - Website Analysis, NME To Me
What is the appeal for you as a user?
Having being a regular reader of the magazine for a while and a huge fan of most of the bands/artists featured, the website certainly interested me once I discovered the offerening to the users.
With the internet offering a quick link to the latest news and reviews, this is certainly the same situation with NME.com and one of the main reasons for my visits to the site.
However within the past couple of months I have tended to venture further into the site. An example would be that I regularly listen to NME radio which obviously gives me the opprtunity to listen to the new music rather than just read about it.
When there is a time when a new album is about to be released which I am waiting for then I tend to use most of the website to find things out about the new album or the artist. This would include watching videos on the band. This also helps finding out information I want to know.
One final point I'd say about the site that helps me is the lists of gigs being played across the country by some my favourite bands. This informs me in advance which allows me to get a ticket early days before the event is sold out.
Week 6 - Website Analysis, NME As A Cultural Site
What is it about on a cultural level?
When we think NME, we most oftenly think indie students reading the magazine, catching up on the lastest news and keeping up to date with the poular bands on the genre.
However with this site offering more to the reader of the magazine, we see a wider culture range.
With the site being open to all, there is no restriction for the internet user to read the content that has been published.
As I have previously mentioned the site offering other features such as NME radio and TV, this will gather in a wider audience as well. Talking on a personal level I use the site for most of it's features. It is a place were I find out the latest news, listen to the radio station and sometimes watch the TV channel (mostly as I don't like to fork out the £2.30 every week).
Another major point which makes this site branch out on it's culture side is that NME has a large American interest. With the site having another area for NME USA, this reaches out and gains interest from our friends on the other side of the Atlantic.
In terms of an age audience for not just the magazine but also the website, NME has and always will target itself towards the younger generation like ourselves as thats were it started off back in 1952. With the magazine standing for New Musical Express, it will always be the younger population who are interested in it's contents.
One final point would be that the magazine and website bases it's contents and coverage around the celebrity world of new music. With Britain living in an obsessed interest with celebrities, NME is always going to draw in an interest. An example would be Pete Doherty and how he always cropping up in the news. As a result people will buy or visit the site to gain updates on the singers status.
When we think NME, we most oftenly think indie students reading the magazine, catching up on the lastest news and keeping up to date with the poular bands on the genre.
However with this site offering more to the reader of the magazine, we see a wider culture range.
With the site being open to all, there is no restriction for the internet user to read the content that has been published.
As I have previously mentioned the site offering other features such as NME radio and TV, this will gather in a wider audience as well. Talking on a personal level I use the site for most of it's features. It is a place were I find out the latest news, listen to the radio station and sometimes watch the TV channel (mostly as I don't like to fork out the £2.30 every week).
Another major point which makes this site branch out on it's culture side is that NME has a large American interest. With the site having another area for NME USA, this reaches out and gains interest from our friends on the other side of the Atlantic.
In terms of an age audience for not just the magazine but also the website, NME has and always will target itself towards the younger generation like ourselves as thats were it started off back in 1952. With the magazine standing for New Musical Express, it will always be the younger population who are interested in it's contents.
One final point would be that the magazine and website bases it's contents and coverage around the celebrity world of new music. With Britain living in an obsessed interest with celebrities, NME is always going to draw in an interest. An example would be Pete Doherty and how he always cropping up in the news. As a result people will buy or visit the site to gain updates on the singers status.
Week 6 - Website Analysis, NME
http://www.nme.com/home
How is your chosen site structed?
NME.com is in affect your average magazine website. We see the latest music reviews, headlines and stories displayed in which anyone can view and read.
However as this is a website, it can hold an awful lot more information and opportunities the normal weekly printed magazine does. We see the site expanding into other areas, of not just the internet, but also mass media.
This may make the site sound more complicated with all these additional features, however the way in which it has been structed makes it as easy to use as, a microwave, or whatever.
The homepage is basically split into two areas, the top of the page and the left hand column running the entire length.
With headlines leading to band/artist news down the left side of the page, users can find the very latest news within seconds of opening the front page, whereas running along the top of the home page are links to the other features the site has to offer.
This includes the other francise NME has to offer these days, such as the forums were users can talk about many different topics the site has prepared for them, NME radio, NME TV, the store and many other useful things readers are interested in.
However like a magazine, the site is littered with advertisments. They are still in keeping with the genre of the site, but still prove to be a distraction to the user.
Week 6 - Joint Enterprise In Communities Of Practice
In relation to my earlier post when I talked of my school day rugby playing days, I'd say it is quite possible to tie in the idea of a joint enterprise into this activity.
Of course the objective for the team was to win games and be champions of the regional area.
So with the idea of comminity in practise, we set ourselves to strive for the best outcome by helping one another. However most of the time it would result in the coach having to shout so much and loud that even people in the next village knew what he wanted us to do in training.
This enterprise as a whole is a very simple system. All we did in the ways we wanted to improve from the previous week, was to show up to training twice a week and run set pieces. A far simple process than the players of today having to return to the classroom to learn the ropes.
Of course the objective for the team was to win games and be champions of the regional area.
So with the idea of comminity in practise, we set ourselves to strive for the best outcome by helping one another. However most of the time it would result in the coach having to shout so much and loud that even people in the next village knew what he wanted us to do in training.
This enterprise as a whole is a very simple system. All we did in the ways we wanted to improve from the previous week, was to show up to training twice a week and run set pieces. A far simple process than the players of today having to return to the classroom to learn the ropes.
Week 6 - My Community Of Practise
When we look at Wenger's theory model of communities in practise, I'd say we can apply this to any social group we are/have been apart of.
In relation and comparison of myself to this model he created, it's quite difficult to refer back to my own personal experiences. However I'll relate back to when I played rugby for a very sort time (a difficult picture to imagine I know!).
It's prorbably best to refer my experiences as a school boy rugby player to the Communities of Practice in Organizations model we see. This model maybe in relation to business plans and routines, but in terms of the social asspect of my activity, I found it fits in very well.
At the start we have the finding each other stage, which would obviously relate to how when first joining the team, I was introduced to the rest of the players and was very much just a social asspect.
The second part of Wenger's model refers as 'Exploring connectedness, defining joint enterprise, negotiating community'. This would carry on with the social side of being part of a group or team but on a much more personal note, such as making good friends with some of the lads and staying away from others (most often the forwards!).
At the peak of the model we see 'Engaging in activities'. Obviously this would be actually playing a game together which is the best part of being in the team as thats why we were all there, to play a game a rugby.
However after this peak of the model and my rugby playing days, it all quickly decends. For many of my friends, these games would be the only opportunity in the week to meet up and have a good time. But once we started heading our seperate ways, the level of staying in touch slipped.
This then leads onto the last stage of the model, which in many ways relates to what I'm doing at the moment, telling the stories to others, keeping it alive and preserving memories.
Therefore I'd say my experiences would relate to all three of Wenger's characterists of communities of practise:
The domain - The club was a place where we created part of our identities as we all made the same interest in the game
The community - Somewhere we made friendships and relationships so we could learn from each other
The practise - We all gained the same experiences, stories and problems together as a team and club.
In relation and comparison of myself to this model he created, it's quite difficult to refer back to my own personal experiences. However I'll relate back to when I played rugby for a very sort time (a difficult picture to imagine I know!).
It's prorbably best to refer my experiences as a school boy rugby player to the Communities of Practice in Organizations model we see. This model maybe in relation to business plans and routines, but in terms of the social asspect of my activity, I found it fits in very well.
At the start we have the finding each other stage, which would obviously relate to how when first joining the team, I was introduced to the rest of the players and was very much just a social asspect.
The second part of Wenger's model refers as 'Exploring connectedness, defining joint enterprise, negotiating community'. This would carry on with the social side of being part of a group or team but on a much more personal note, such as making good friends with some of the lads and staying away from others (most often the forwards!).
At the peak of the model we see 'Engaging in activities'. Obviously this would be actually playing a game together which is the best part of being in the team as thats why we were all there, to play a game a rugby.
However after this peak of the model and my rugby playing days, it all quickly decends. For many of my friends, these games would be the only opportunity in the week to meet up and have a good time. But once we started heading our seperate ways, the level of staying in touch slipped.
This then leads onto the last stage of the model, which in many ways relates to what I'm doing at the moment, telling the stories to others, keeping it alive and preserving memories.
Therefore I'd say my experiences would relate to all three of Wenger's characterists of communities of practise:
The domain - The club was a place where we created part of our identities as we all made the same interest in the game
The community - Somewhere we made friendships and relationships so we could learn from each other
The practise - We all gained the same experiences, stories and problems together as a team and club.
Friday, 20 February 2009
Week 5 - Meikle D, E and F
Open News - When looking at open news as a whole, I'd say that it can be quality news to that local area. They can have their advantages to some areas, for example my hown town only has one small weekly newspaper (which is quite poor if i'm honest), so if the town was to have a site which was dedicated to the local news, then informing the locals of recent events would be much more relivent. As lets face it, events happening a week ago is ood news these days.
However if we were to see these sites which had endless amounts of spam attacted to the page, then our assumption into weather they are quality sites is definately questioned again.
Too Open Or Not? - I would say it's hard to answer if these sites are completely open. When we look at Wikipedia for example, we may be able to add to any page we wish, however our contributions are checked and moderated by the Wikipedia team into confirming if the text we wrote is indeed correct. So is this the same case with open news sites, as contents can remain of the front pages for weeks on end, or are we the open news moderation team?
New Institution - As with any internet site, it generates new possibilities for that group, business etc. This is the same case with open publishing. These sites such as open news ones may not be as big as the major media ones (such as BBC News), however they are most ertainly growing in popularity as the Net is a place in which everyone logged in can have their say and be heard about it.
However if we were to see these sites which had endless amounts of spam attacted to the page, then our assumption into weather they are quality sites is definately questioned again.
Too Open Or Not? - I would say it's hard to answer if these sites are completely open. When we look at Wikipedia for example, we may be able to add to any page we wish, however our contributions are checked and moderated by the Wikipedia team into confirming if the text we wrote is indeed correct. So is this the same case with open news sites, as contents can remain of the front pages for weeks on end, or are we the open news moderation team?
New Institution - As with any internet site, it generates new possibilities for that group, business etc. This is the same case with open publishing. These sites such as open news ones may not be as big as the major media ones (such as BBC News), however they are most ertainly growing in popularity as the Net is a place in which everyone logged in can have their say and be heard about it.
Week 5 - Meikle A, B and C
News On The Web - When it comes down to the basic form of news on the web, we should be sticking with traditional sites such as the BBC, Sky etc. These are the sites in which real qualified journalists are writing for, instead of this idea which the audience becomes the researchers/journalists. This gives me the impression of false news and information and reminds me of Wikipedia where anyone can add information. I understand that these are 'additional sources for information retrieval' as Meikle describes, however with these major news sites such as the BBC, there is a sense of reliability and trust.
New Journalists Online - I do agree with this and what Meikle says. With the mention of blogging and news groups even the everyday joe can contribute to the discussions. I would still relate back to my first point in questioning weather these are reliable sites to gain our information, but I suppose this gives the user that sense of being a real journalist. An easy thing to do on the Net where we can become anyone we want to be.
DIY News Online - When taking this into mind, my first thought I would relate this to is blogging. A place were we can start off discussions of our own and build on it. When questioning it as an alternative culture, I probably would agree with this statement. Not only as it's an online society which is an alternative to the big named news media groups, but they are part of Indymedia where we see small time sites making an impact.
New Journalists Online - I do agree with this and what Meikle says. With the mention of blogging and news groups even the everyday joe can contribute to the discussions. I would still relate back to my first point in questioning weather these are reliable sites to gain our information, but I suppose this gives the user that sense of being a real journalist. An easy thing to do on the Net where we can become anyone we want to be.
DIY News Online - When taking this into mind, my first thought I would relate this to is blogging. A place were we can start off discussions of our own and build on it. When questioning it as an alternative culture, I probably would agree with this statement. Not only as it's an online society which is an alternative to the big named news media groups, but they are part of Indymedia where we see small time sites making an impact.
Sunday, 15 February 2009
Week 4 Topic 3
MUSIC SHARING ONLINE
With the younger generation being brought up through all this new technology and availabilty to access material, we have new ways of consuming it. With people like ourselves being associated with the internet and music, there are new ways in which we combine the two together and share our interests. By doing this process if music listening and downloading, it is having a massive change in the way we consume new material. The day of the CD went out of the window a long time ago, but we are already seeing an impact on the world of download such as iTunes. The only reason as people don't won't to pay 79p per track. So with people downloading dozens of tracks a week, they want to save money and share music with their friends.
One of the major advantages these sites and social sites have, is that we are seeing more and more bands starting their days off on them. Such as on Myspace mostly (but also on Facebook now) bands can upload their songs for all to hear at no cost. This sees more music agents signing new bands via this process. One prime example would be the Artic Monkeys. Starting with a number one download single, the band has turned into a huge success.
This change in music consumption has had it's advantages. More and more people are being introduced to new music through this process. It also allows us to gain access and download the content must faster than having to wait for it to be released in the shops.
These changes may be changing a lot of the media industry, but we will still need these companies for the future. It's not also a chase of need but also want. For instance the development of iTunes and the iPod, consumers have the chance to download new music, videos and films to their portable devices such as their iPod's. From this iTunes gives them that opportunity. It may be at a small price, but it ensures a decent quality and risk free.
With the younger generation being brought up through all this new technology and availabilty to access material, we have new ways of consuming it. With people like ourselves being associated with the internet and music, there are new ways in which we combine the two together and share our interests. By doing this process if music listening and downloading, it is having a massive change in the way we consume new material. The day of the CD went out of the window a long time ago, but we are already seeing an impact on the world of download such as iTunes. The only reason as people don't won't to pay 79p per track. So with people downloading dozens of tracks a week, they want to save money and share music with their friends.
One of the major advantages these sites and social sites have, is that we are seeing more and more bands starting their days off on them. Such as on Myspace mostly (but also on Facebook now) bands can upload their songs for all to hear at no cost. This sees more music agents signing new bands via this process. One prime example would be the Artic Monkeys. Starting with a number one download single, the band has turned into a huge success.
This change in music consumption has had it's advantages. More and more people are being introduced to new music through this process. It also allows us to gain access and download the content must faster than having to wait for it to be released in the shops.
These changes may be changing a lot of the media industry, but we will still need these companies for the future. It's not also a chase of need but also want. For instance the development of iTunes and the iPod, consumers have the chance to download new music, videos and films to their portable devices such as their iPod's. From this iTunes gives them that opportunity. It may be at a small price, but it ensures a decent quality and risk free.
Week 4 - Topic 2
User Generated Content And Social Networking Sites
User Generated - In this modern age of technology and the internet, I'd say that I use user generated sites less than social networking ones. The two I'd say I use the most are YouTube and Wikipedia. However even when I do visit these sites, I'm only a user and never contribute to them. For instance I have a account on YouTube but have never uploaded a video, the only useage I get from the site is listening to music (or watching the video) and watching comedy shows or clips.
When it comes to Wikipedia, I use it more less, especially in the past year or two. I would use it constantly in college as if i'm honest, I didn't realise that the site is created by the everyday internet user and has the danger of displaying incorrect information so it's an unrealiable site. This would be in relation to the 'dangerous material' as Kollock's describes. People have the freedom to include information they want. The site may have officials who check the updated information, but still has the chance of confirming incorrect data.
Social Networking - Also known as the centre form of my life! Only joking. But it seem that (and i'm sure i'm not the only one) they seem to crop up everyday in our lives. When I think about it I can't remember what I did before these sites were around when I was bored.
I'd say that especially Facebook has been my 'virtual settlement' where I keep in contact with my friends back home and also those who are on the other side of Lincoln as I can't be arsed to walk 10 minutes down the road!
I'm not a fake person were I'd display false facts about myself, but Facebook really is the place were people can learn the most about me. With general things about me such as interests, my profile has it all!
However I like to and think most other people should just calm it down on these sites. With people checking their profile three or four times a day, we are losing sense of real community and communication. The internet may be taking a global turn on businesses and other asspects, but it is becoming a real concern that it is taking over our lives and becoming an obsession.
User Generated - In this modern age of technology and the internet, I'd say that I use user generated sites less than social networking ones. The two I'd say I use the most are YouTube and Wikipedia. However even when I do visit these sites, I'm only a user and never contribute to them. For instance I have a account on YouTube but have never uploaded a video, the only useage I get from the site is listening to music (or watching the video) and watching comedy shows or clips.
When it comes to Wikipedia, I use it more less, especially in the past year or two. I would use it constantly in college as if i'm honest, I didn't realise that the site is created by the everyday internet user and has the danger of displaying incorrect information so it's an unrealiable site. This would be in relation to the 'dangerous material' as Kollock's describes. People have the freedom to include information they want. The site may have officials who check the updated information, but still has the chance of confirming incorrect data.
Social Networking - Also known as the centre form of my life! Only joking. But it seem that (and i'm sure i'm not the only one) they seem to crop up everyday in our lives. When I think about it I can't remember what I did before these sites were around when I was bored.
I'd say that especially Facebook has been my 'virtual settlement' where I keep in contact with my friends back home and also those who are on the other side of Lincoln as I can't be arsed to walk 10 minutes down the road!
I'm not a fake person were I'd display false facts about myself, but Facebook really is the place were people can learn the most about me. With general things about me such as interests, my profile has it all!
However I like to and think most other people should just calm it down on these sites. With people checking their profile three or four times a day, we are losing sense of real community and communication. The internet may be taking a global turn on businesses and other asspects, but it is becoming a real concern that it is taking over our lives and becoming an obsession.
Week 4 - Topic 1 (Blanchard)
Right, I'm just going to keep to the basic points which are relivant as not to bore you with an essay style post!
CMC's, Online Communities? - When we see these sites where people interact with each other such as the global obsessions with Facebook and MySpace, it's pretty hard wether to class them as community sites. They may hold some of the characteristics the average community should have, such as discussions and interaction with each other. But at the end of the day, these sites only involve us sitting at our computer screens typing away for hours of the day or week. I'd probably classify these sites as fake communities. We don't interact the same as we would do in real life and only se these community groups are networks as an image on our profiles.
'Virtual Settlements' - In Blanchards reading on this issue, the term of virtual settlement can be seen as an important one. With Jones stating that this settlement is where we find the virtual place in which we interact. So this can be seen as an important side to out virtual communication as with out this settlement, we would have no interaction with other people. So you could say that my virtual settlement would be these networks relating to the uni and college I went to where I interact with friends I go and have been to.
A Sense Of Community? - To relate back to my first point I made, I find it hard to classify these online sites as a community. However this is only a person opinion. When related back to McMillan and Chavis theory, I can understand how we can get that sense of community. Such as the feelings of membership, influences and emotional connection.
'Lurkers' - When we think of the term 'lurking', we think those who 'stalk' other people through the net. However when we think of those who just have a quick read of people's posts or profiles, can we class they as a lurker if they don't write something back. It's a fine line issue as we all post details about us, such as favourite music, films etc. So why do we do this if we dont want people to read this material?
CMC's, Online Communities? - When we see these sites where people interact with each other such as the global obsessions with Facebook and MySpace, it's pretty hard wether to class them as community sites. They may hold some of the characteristics the average community should have, such as discussions and interaction with each other. But at the end of the day, these sites only involve us sitting at our computer screens typing away for hours of the day or week. I'd probably classify these sites as fake communities. We don't interact the same as we would do in real life and only se these community groups are networks as an image on our profiles.
'Virtual Settlements' - In Blanchards reading on this issue, the term of virtual settlement can be seen as an important one. With Jones stating that this settlement is where we find the virtual place in which we interact. So this can be seen as an important side to out virtual communication as with out this settlement, we would have no interaction with other people. So you could say that my virtual settlement would be these networks relating to the uni and college I went to where I interact with friends I go and have been to.
A Sense Of Community? - To relate back to my first point I made, I find it hard to classify these online sites as a community. However this is only a person opinion. When related back to McMillan and Chavis theory, I can understand how we can get that sense of community. Such as the feelings of membership, influences and emotional connection.
'Lurkers' - When we think of the term 'lurking', we think those who 'stalk' other people through the net. However when we think of those who just have a quick read of people's posts or profiles, can we class they as a lurker if they don't write something back. It's a fine line issue as we all post details about us, such as favourite music, films etc. So why do we do this if we dont want people to read this material?
Week 4 - Topic 1 (Lister)
Sorry this is very late in the week, but it's better late than never doing this blogging business
Online Community - Empowering/Disempowering? - Of course like many of us when we think of online communities we think social networking etc. So I'll refer to the simple site which we're all familiar with (yes, it is Facebook!). As a whole, this and other sites like it, are empowering as it gives that sense of freedom. As Manuel Castelles mentions the internet is 'the fabric of our lives'. In my opinion I agree with this statement but can see it in two ways. First is that seeing the internet as the fabric of our lives says we dress ourselves using the it to create an image of our choice and that we can use it to design things of our choice. Which would refer to statements I made last week in that we create new images and identities of ourselves and so on.
Internet As A 'Public Sphere' - The internet has always seem to be a sphere in which everyone is connected to each other. As with social networking people all over the world can talk to each other whenever they want. The same with blogs and also forums. With also the availability of picture sending and web cams, it's changes dramatically in the past few years from the simple text messages we send to one another like the form of these blogs we type. The interaction is on a much higher level. But as the saying goes, the more advanced and complicated something is the more chance of it breaking and leaving you at risk. This use to be more of a threat, but with more security measures taken on sites and the wide availability of security software protection, we can be at ease more from the dangers that face us on the net.
'Dangerous Materials' - Of course with the use on the net, comes the risk of viruses and the ever annoying spam messages popping up on our screens daily! So these items maybe people promoting something of themselves but of course the freedom of the net is not always positive.
Producers Of Culture On The Net - With the internet being a place where anything can happen, such as being the person we wish to be, to fighting mythical creatures with a sword of destiny or whatever, than the opportunity to create new cultures is always a possibility. Anyone can express opinions or interests which are different to everyone else, to which other people respond to. If this keeps building, you can have a group of people who are the same to you but different to everyone else which may lead to a new culture. One prime example is the ever expanding world of online gaming. As the name suggests is started on here and has turned into a multi million user sub culture in only a matter of few years.
Online Community - Empowering/Disempowering? - Of course like many of us when we think of online communities we think social networking etc. So I'll refer to the simple site which we're all familiar with (yes, it is Facebook!). As a whole, this and other sites like it, are empowering as it gives that sense of freedom. As Manuel Castelles mentions the internet is 'the fabric of our lives'. In my opinion I agree with this statement but can see it in two ways. First is that seeing the internet as the fabric of our lives says we dress ourselves using the it to create an image of our choice and that we can use it to design things of our choice. Which would refer to statements I made last week in that we create new images and identities of ourselves and so on.
Internet As A 'Public Sphere' - The internet has always seem to be a sphere in which everyone is connected to each other. As with social networking people all over the world can talk to each other whenever they want. The same with blogs and also forums. With also the availability of picture sending and web cams, it's changes dramatically in the past few years from the simple text messages we send to one another like the form of these blogs we type. The interaction is on a much higher level. But as the saying goes, the more advanced and complicated something is the more chance of it breaking and leaving you at risk. This use to be more of a threat, but with more security measures taken on sites and the wide availability of security software protection, we can be at ease more from the dangers that face us on the net.
'Dangerous Materials' - Of course with the use on the net, comes the risk of viruses and the ever annoying spam messages popping up on our screens daily! So these items maybe people promoting something of themselves but of course the freedom of the net is not always positive.
Producers Of Culture On The Net - With the internet being a place where anything can happen, such as being the person we wish to be, to fighting mythical creatures with a sword of destiny or whatever, than the opportunity to create new cultures is always a possibility. Anyone can express opinions or interests which are different to everyone else, to which other people respond to. If this keeps building, you can have a group of people who are the same to you but different to everyone else which may lead to a new culture. One prime example is the ever expanding world of online gaming. As the name suggests is started on here and has turned into a multi million user sub culture in only a matter of few years.
Friday, 6 February 2009
Week 3 Topic 2 - Yes That One!
I only want to keep this one sort and rise a couple of key points when expressing ourselves online.
To Show Or Not To Show Our Identities?! - As the are showing our identities in the first place on these blogs/social networking sites, we should be at liberty to portray ourselves as we want. I mean there isn't exactly a law saying we have to be exact in our describtions. If I was a ballet dancer (this is an example by the way!), i can choose whether i want to share that with everyone.
Full Names? - Should we have to show our full names? No. I don't think anyone does as in general we prefer our nick names. It keeps the whole experience more casual than making it look very formal and business like. There sites are here for our enjoyment and entertainment. Even on this very blog I've put myself down as Drewseph instead of Andrew John Oliver as it's more social and easier to remember!
To Show Or Not To Show Our Identities?! - As the are showing our identities in the first place on these blogs/social networking sites, we should be at liberty to portray ourselves as we want. I mean there isn't exactly a law saying we have to be exact in our describtions. If I was a ballet dancer (this is an example by the way!), i can choose whether i want to share that with everyone.
Full Names? - Should we have to show our full names? No. I don't think anyone does as in general we prefer our nick names. It keeps the whole experience more casual than making it look very formal and business like. There sites are here for our enjoyment and entertainment. Even on this very blog I've put myself down as Drewseph instead of Andrew John Oliver as it's more social and easier to remember!
Week 3 Topic 1 - Continued
Online Identities - With more and more online social networking taking over our lives (especially with us younger generation) it gives us a chance to be the better person we want to be in real life. For example even having the choice to display ourselves with a different name, it creates a whole new image for us.
It may be seen as a small risk to take, but if any a good risk as we can create that person we really want to be inside. As an example, in the film Fight Club we see Edward Norton become the person he wants to be rather than the boring one he lives day to day in a dead end job. This is what we are doing today, but instead of a mental case, we do it through technology/the internet. Plus as it's technology, we have the choice of how far we want to portray ourselves differently, the only danger we have is of ourselves.
Representation Of Selves - In this post-modern age, the issue of people's backgrounds has taken a back seat as we can express ourselves as freely as we want. If we take social networking into account again, individuals are aloud to 'promote' their backgrounds etc. With pages and sites devoted to their needs or interests.
Cyberidentities - As I have already mentioned we play with our identities online and tend to make new ones up, so of course our 'cyberidentities' are an alternative to our real ones. One of the reasons for people to do this maybe as a comfort zone. For example if someone was a shy person in real life, they can come off as a loud one online. So these new identities have benefits which may lead to being passed off into their real life ones?
Online/Offline Relationships - I understand I have been speaking on a personal level with these topics, however this can be the best way as it may differ from Lister's views. So with relationships we have with people on and offline, I'd say that they can differ quite a lot.
Again as we can portray ourselves differently online, we may communicate with people better through the Net. We may find more confidence through using the keyboard than our words which may suit some people. However face to face relationships will always be better, of course if the other person is on the other side of the planet, in a jungle somewhere haha.
It may be seen as a small risk to take, but if any a good risk as we can create that person we really want to be inside. As an example, in the film Fight Club we see Edward Norton become the person he wants to be rather than the boring one he lives day to day in a dead end job. This is what we are doing today, but instead of a mental case, we do it through technology/the internet. Plus as it's technology, we have the choice of how far we want to portray ourselves differently, the only danger we have is of ourselves.
Representation Of Selves - In this post-modern age, the issue of people's backgrounds has taken a back seat as we can express ourselves as freely as we want. If we take social networking into account again, individuals are aloud to 'promote' their backgrounds etc. With pages and sites devoted to their needs or interests.
Cyberidentities - As I have already mentioned we play with our identities online and tend to make new ones up, so of course our 'cyberidentities' are an alternative to our real ones. One of the reasons for people to do this maybe as a comfort zone. For example if someone was a shy person in real life, they can come off as a loud one online. So these new identities have benefits which may lead to being passed off into their real life ones?
Online/Offline Relationships - I understand I have been speaking on a personal level with these topics, however this can be the best way as it may differ from Lister's views. So with relationships we have with people on and offline, I'd say that they can differ quite a lot.
Again as we can portray ourselves differently online, we may communicate with people better through the Net. We may find more confidence through using the keyboard than our words which may suit some people. However face to face relationships will always be better, of course if the other person is on the other side of the planet, in a jungle somewhere haha.
Week 3 Topic 1 - The Interweb Thingy! As An 'Open Architecture'
Open Architecture - After having a cheeky look through Lister's reading and a couple of people's blogs, I think that the term 'open architecture' can be summarised as what the title suggests. The Internet is an open service of which any fool can log onto and talk whatever.
As a quote stated says 'it's intended to facilitate and exchange flow of data'.
In terms of architecture, it does seem to suggest that the internet is almost a project on which we build on. With Lister refering to facts on the topic, from 1969 the world saw 4 servers (but not surprising as they would consist of the ones at NASA) which grew to 200,000,000 by 2002.
As a quote stated says 'it's intended to facilitate and exchange flow of data'.
In terms of architecture, it does seem to suggest that the internet is almost a project on which we build on. With Lister refering to facts on the topic, from 1969 the world saw 4 servers (but not surprising as they would consist of the ones at NASA) which grew to 200,000,000 by 2002.
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Week 2 Topic 3 (The last one...for this week!)
Talking In Blog Or Face To Face?!
Navigation - Again just like the forums, blogs are easy peasy to work yourself around. With a kind of bulletin board showing who has posted something and on what topic, it's very simple to find a opinion on a subject you also have interest on. With the actual blog page and the Dashboard page, they are easy to use and navigate right from the start.
Expression - Thats what blogs are designed for really isn't? They are, thinking about it, the main way to virtually express your opinion and expression to issues already raised or even as a fresh topic. Blogs are a certain way to get your point across, instead of trying to constantly butt in when speaking face to face.
Interaction - Again, like the forums, blogs allow you to comment and write back to people about what they have had to say on a subject. As it's all written down you can relate back to what has been said and you would learn more instead of forgetting what was said as you can't remember word for word.
Time - With also a week time slot for each task and topics to discuss, the time management is easier. As mentioned with the forums, the tasks and dicussion can be had any time of the week. Whether at 7am or 11pm, you can carry on with the discussion instead of being restricted to a hour time slot for a class.
Authority and Identity - With simularities to the forums, you don't have a leader of the group as everyone on a blog is displayed the same way. However there can be a sense of a team leader if one individual was posting at a constant rate while others only posted once or twice a week.
Speech/Writing - One of the main strengths you have with a blog is that you can focus on one point during the conversation. This includes the use of colour and text style, fonts etc. So if you want to high light I key point you want to rasie then you can can the text in different ways so readers have the same undersanding.
With all these unique features and advantages blogs have, they are becoming more popular around the world for those who just want to raise a point or give a personal opinion.
Navigation - Again just like the forums, blogs are easy peasy to work yourself around. With a kind of bulletin board showing who has posted something and on what topic, it's very simple to find a opinion on a subject you also have interest on. With the actual blog page and the Dashboard page, they are easy to use and navigate right from the start.
Expression - Thats what blogs are designed for really isn't? They are, thinking about it, the main way to virtually express your opinion and expression to issues already raised or even as a fresh topic. Blogs are a certain way to get your point across, instead of trying to constantly butt in when speaking face to face.
Interaction - Again, like the forums, blogs allow you to comment and write back to people about what they have had to say on a subject. As it's all written down you can relate back to what has been said and you would learn more instead of forgetting what was said as you can't remember word for word.
Time - With also a week time slot for each task and topics to discuss, the time management is easier. As mentioned with the forums, the tasks and dicussion can be had any time of the week. Whether at 7am or 11pm, you can carry on with the discussion instead of being restricted to a hour time slot for a class.
Authority and Identity - With simularities to the forums, you don't have a leader of the group as everyone on a blog is displayed the same way. However there can be a sense of a team leader if one individual was posting at a constant rate while others only posted once or twice a week.
Speech/Writing - One of the main strengths you have with a blog is that you can focus on one point during the conversation. This includes the use of colour and text style, fonts etc. So if you want to high light I key point you want to rasie then you can can the text in different ways so readers have the same undersanding.
With all these unique features and advantages blogs have, they are becoming more popular around the world for those who just want to raise a point or give a personal opinion.
Week 2 Topic 2
Virtual VS Real Life Seminars
Navigation - When we are on these blogs and forums, I think the navigation around the sites are very easy. With titles that relate to a subject you might be looking into having a link to the page with the info, its one of today's fastest and easiest way to collect certain pieces of into. Even with the online forum we are using for this unit, it's very basic ansd simple to use. They dont have to be complicated or fancy, just display a conversation had by a group of people.
Expression - I would say that people's expressions are displayed in the same way as they would in a face to face seminar or group meeting. Just via a monitor. If anything it can be better as you can always go back to a discussion when ever and add a point, where as thats not really possible face to face.
Interaction - Although you always do loss the sense of people's physical reactions to points raised. You can never tell if a person is lying or just argreeing with you online, whereas in person you can read people's reactions and behaviour on the subject in hand.
Time - Probably one of the main high lights for me. With these activities taking place over 7 days, we are able to carry them out at any point within that week. Whereas in person you only have an hour in class. All points may not be covered and the discussion will feel rushed.
Authority and Identity - Another strength the online forums have is that everyone is treated the exact same. Everyone can write an opinion and it will be therefor all to see and read. However in a seminar there may be loud and quiet people of the group. So one person may have loads to say while others are left in the dark with only their personal opinions and experiences to themselves.
Speech/Writing - Speaking online seems to be simular as to it in person. With the forum having unique features which suggests things we only do in real life. An example I would say is the use of the X's (XXXXX), which suggests the start of a new paragraph or issue rasied. So these forum are becoming used more often.
So these forums can be for anyone I would summarise as. With myself and others only been using them for a week and getting use to them already, any shuck can post their comments on.
Navigation - When we are on these blogs and forums, I think the navigation around the sites are very easy. With titles that relate to a subject you might be looking into having a link to the page with the info, its one of today's fastest and easiest way to collect certain pieces of into. Even with the online forum we are using for this unit, it's very basic ansd simple to use. They dont have to be complicated or fancy, just display a conversation had by a group of people.
Expression - I would say that people's expressions are displayed in the same way as they would in a face to face seminar or group meeting. Just via a monitor. If anything it can be better as you can always go back to a discussion when ever and add a point, where as thats not really possible face to face.
Interaction - Although you always do loss the sense of people's physical reactions to points raised. You can never tell if a person is lying or just argreeing with you online, whereas in person you can read people's reactions and behaviour on the subject in hand.
Time - Probably one of the main high lights for me. With these activities taking place over 7 days, we are able to carry them out at any point within that week. Whereas in person you only have an hour in class. All points may not be covered and the discussion will feel rushed.
Authority and Identity - Another strength the online forums have is that everyone is treated the exact same. Everyone can write an opinion and it will be therefor all to see and read. However in a seminar there may be loud and quiet people of the group. So one person may have loads to say while others are left in the dark with only their personal opinions and experiences to themselves.
Speech/Writing - Speaking online seems to be simular as to it in person. With the forum having unique features which suggests things we only do in real life. An example I would say is the use of the X's (XXXXX), which suggests the start of a new paragraph or issue rasied. So these forum are becoming used more often.
So these forums can be for anyone I would summarise as. With myself and others only been using them for a week and getting use to them already, any shuck can post their comments on.
Week 2 Blog-athon (Topic 1)
Right here goes...
I think when we see and hear about upgrade culture it is in a large sense a money making business which is seen as the main priority for these companies making the 'big bucks'.
However we can't forget the real main priority is which why this industry to exist.
With new technological advances becoming available every year to use, so are our needs.
So if you look at your phone, when your got your first one all you needed it to do is be a phone, nothing more nothing less. But with the advances within the past, I don't know 9 or 10 years, our need for the phone has become a lot higher. With the availability of having a camera on them, this gives the chance for workers to use it if needed. I guess you could say they are the electronic pen knifes!? So these advances do help in both senses, the customer’s needs and business for the manufacture.
This then is an opinion in contrast to Robin’s statement. I mean I do see where he gets his idea and how we really can’t justify new media, but as a whole I would have to go against his argument.
Obviously clever new media products have been around for time now, but it’s in our generation where we have seen a dramatic change. I can relate to my statement above with the phones, but I see this situation in all media forms. This is a digital age we live in. Even half this course is online now, so we are basically in class when sitting at our own computers at home. Which is good in some ways, as I don’t have to get dressed and out of bed!
But as a whole, in my personal opinion, I would categorize new media as things from this 21st century and even things anything up to 5 years before the millennium.
So I’d say that during this time it has been a progress in our new media world. We have seen these advances evolve certainly through our lives as they are becoming a daily use and need.
I could take an example at random like insurance companies. With the use of the internet, their business has exploded as this progress with new media has benefitted everyone. Especially this case with people on the internet. To put it in general, this new media and others like it cut out the hassle and speeds it up as its all digital. That is if the bloody computer doesn’t freeze!
With analogue and digital I think that it’s difficult to say there is a clear cut between the two unless when we focus on certain media forms. With email and letters in mind, they are basically the same concept without the ink and paper. As I have already mentioned, this is a digital age we live in and we have moved on from the old styles of communication. Certainly those like writing which has been around for centuries and so on.
That said we do take this new media form for granted. I’m not sure how I would cope with having to write essay out on paper if I had to do it now? Again, with the new media, it just takes out the hassle. We don’t have to worry about the little things like the style of writing, the computer sets it all the exact same. Even now with the spelling. If you make a mistake writing something out, it can completely balls up the entire thing, but with typing the same piece you can erase it in the blink of the eye and no one would be any wiser.
With Lunenfield’s concept in mind, we are basically looking at online gaming and realistically on a global scale. So what, World Of Warcraft and all that nonsense? I mean I’m not an online gamer myself so I can’t give a personal opinion on the matter but I suppose it does allow you to chill out doing an activity with a friend who maybe on the other side of the world.
When reading what Lister has to say about non-linear structure, I can totally understand him. As he says we are constantly surrounded by linear text which has to follow rules to make the text interesting and the reader involved. Whereas with non-linear, these texts can break the rules which does in most cases make it more interesting and exciting. Readers like the sense of excitement and shock when reading.
When I think DIY and click to send setting features, obviously the first thing I think is social networking. As Sam has already stated that every friend can see what you’ve been doing and sometimes even your friends friend. So even with all the protection they offer account holders, we are still advertising ourselves to people we don’t even know.
As for ideal interactivity, the thing I would mention would again relate to the likes of Facebook and Myspace. With the freedom to create different profiles, you can personalise your details which displays your character. As an example my Myspace profile is based around The Beatles. These personalised options are there just to show your interests I guess. Whether music, film or television.
I think when we see and hear about upgrade culture it is in a large sense a money making business which is seen as the main priority for these companies making the 'big bucks'.
However we can't forget the real main priority is which why this industry to exist.
With new technological advances becoming available every year to use, so are our needs.
So if you look at your phone, when your got your first one all you needed it to do is be a phone, nothing more nothing less. But with the advances within the past, I don't know 9 or 10 years, our need for the phone has become a lot higher. With the availability of having a camera on them, this gives the chance for workers to use it if needed. I guess you could say they are the electronic pen knifes!? So these advances do help in both senses, the customer’s needs and business for the manufacture.
This then is an opinion in contrast to Robin’s statement. I mean I do see where he gets his idea and how we really can’t justify new media, but as a whole I would have to go against his argument.
Obviously clever new media products have been around for time now, but it’s in our generation where we have seen a dramatic change. I can relate to my statement above with the phones, but I see this situation in all media forms. This is a digital age we live in. Even half this course is online now, so we are basically in class when sitting at our own computers at home. Which is good in some ways, as I don’t have to get dressed and out of bed!
But as a whole, in my personal opinion, I would categorize new media as things from this 21st century and even things anything up to 5 years before the millennium.
So I’d say that during this time it has been a progress in our new media world. We have seen these advances evolve certainly through our lives as they are becoming a daily use and need.
I could take an example at random like insurance companies. With the use of the internet, their business has exploded as this progress with new media has benefitted everyone. Especially this case with people on the internet. To put it in general, this new media and others like it cut out the hassle and speeds it up as its all digital. That is if the bloody computer doesn’t freeze!
With analogue and digital I think that it’s difficult to say there is a clear cut between the two unless when we focus on certain media forms. With email and letters in mind, they are basically the same concept without the ink and paper. As I have already mentioned, this is a digital age we live in and we have moved on from the old styles of communication. Certainly those like writing which has been around for centuries and so on.
That said we do take this new media form for granted. I’m not sure how I would cope with having to write essay out on paper if I had to do it now? Again, with the new media, it just takes out the hassle. We don’t have to worry about the little things like the style of writing, the computer sets it all the exact same. Even now with the spelling. If you make a mistake writing something out, it can completely balls up the entire thing, but with typing the same piece you can erase it in the blink of the eye and no one would be any wiser.
With Lunenfield’s concept in mind, we are basically looking at online gaming and realistically on a global scale. So what, World Of Warcraft and all that nonsense? I mean I’m not an online gamer myself so I can’t give a personal opinion on the matter but I suppose it does allow you to chill out doing an activity with a friend who maybe on the other side of the world.
When reading what Lister has to say about non-linear structure, I can totally understand him. As he says we are constantly surrounded by linear text which has to follow rules to make the text interesting and the reader involved. Whereas with non-linear, these texts can break the rules which does in most cases make it more interesting and exciting. Readers like the sense of excitement and shock when reading.
When I think DIY and click to send setting features, obviously the first thing I think is social networking. As Sam has already stated that every friend can see what you’ve been doing and sometimes even your friends friend. So even with all the protection they offer account holders, we are still advertising ourselves to people we don’t even know.
As for ideal interactivity, the thing I would mention would again relate to the likes of Facebook and Myspace. With the freedom to create different profiles, you can personalise your details which displays your character. As an example my Myspace profile is based around The Beatles. These personalised options are there just to show your interests I guess. Whether music, film or television.
Friday, 23 January 2009
Week 1 Topic 1 - Why I Use New Media Communication
After having a cheeky read through of Sam's experience of using new media communication devices, I thought I'd compose a post myself sharing my experiences and the reasons behind why I use them.
With E-mail, this has seemed to take over my life. I tend to check it a couple of times a day. However my email is mostly used now just as a notification. As 90% of the messages I recieve says that someone's virtually poked my on facebook or some rubbish like that. But I do put it to good use sometimes such as keeping in touch with old friends that have travelled to the other side of the world.
Bulletin boards are definately a quiet area in my media communication. As Sam said I think the only one that i have come into contact with is the one on Myspace. However this has just turned into a promotion feature for bands telling us of ticket realise and up coming gigs.
Messaging services have also definately had a massive impact on my life. Especially instant messaging. Even at this moment as I types these words, I am on MSN messenger talk to people. This is now starting to spread over my internet usage with the introduction of the same concept of Facebook chat. Although I tend to stick mostly with MSN as it is much better such as the features, layout and the reliability.
With the MUD's and MOO's, this again has a little impact on my life. I know that online gaming seems to have shot off in the past few years such as the availibility to go online through consoles including the Xbox and Playstation. But this and many computer based games such as World Of Warcraft doesn't appeal to me. Walking around a world as a mythical creature with horns and flippers or something just seems a waste of time.
Finally, websites, these have probably have had the biggest impact on my new media communication usage as i'm sure they have for endless amounts of people.
With everything these days shown and explained on the internet it has now become a lot easier to find a piece of information. So when we next try to find the number for a local restaurants or garage, the most likely hing for people to do now is to 'surf' the web as more companies and businesses are creating websites of their own. So I think we might as well throw our copies of the Yellow Pages away as the entire book has turned into a virtual version. Of course with it's own web page!
Anyhoo thats that, just thought I'd throw that ou there because I know we all have a little amount of reading haha!
With E-mail, this has seemed to take over my life. I tend to check it a couple of times a day. However my email is mostly used now just as a notification. As 90% of the messages I recieve says that someone's virtually poked my on facebook or some rubbish like that. But I do put it to good use sometimes such as keeping in touch with old friends that have travelled to the other side of the world.
Bulletin boards are definately a quiet area in my media communication. As Sam said I think the only one that i have come into contact with is the one on Myspace. However this has just turned into a promotion feature for bands telling us of ticket realise and up coming gigs.
Messaging services have also definately had a massive impact on my life. Especially instant messaging. Even at this moment as I types these words, I am on MSN messenger talk to people. This is now starting to spread over my internet usage with the introduction of the same concept of Facebook chat. Although I tend to stick mostly with MSN as it is much better such as the features, layout and the reliability.
With the MUD's and MOO's, this again has a little impact on my life. I know that online gaming seems to have shot off in the past few years such as the availibility to go online through consoles including the Xbox and Playstation. But this and many computer based games such as World Of Warcraft doesn't appeal to me. Walking around a world as a mythical creature with horns and flippers or something just seems a waste of time.
Finally, websites, these have probably have had the biggest impact on my new media communication usage as i'm sure they have for endless amounts of people.
With everything these days shown and explained on the internet it has now become a lot easier to find a piece of information. So when we next try to find the number for a local restaurants or garage, the most likely hing for people to do now is to 'surf' the web as more companies and businesses are creating websites of their own. So I think we might as well throw our copies of the Yellow Pages away as the entire book has turned into a virtual version. Of course with it's own web page!
Anyhoo thats that, just thought I'd throw that ou there because I know we all have a little amount of reading haha!
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Week 1 topics (Goebbels on Radio 1933)
Right, thought I'd kick start a discussion into this week's work
I just had a quick read through of the second topic for this week on the radio transcript.
I think that Goebbels sounded pretty ambitious towards his words on how the radio will dramatically change the German population. However I think we can understand him as he says that he doesn't want the radio to turn into a spineless servent to political interests.
He does set out his goals in some reason as he wanted the radio to play the main source of information to the public. However at the end he goes back to his original behaviour and sounds like he only wants to build this German radio industry primarly as a business to make money which will apparently bring cultues together and strengthen the German media.
Anyway thats my initial thought on the topic.
Anyone else had a read through? x
I just had a quick read through of the second topic for this week on the radio transcript.
I think that Goebbels sounded pretty ambitious towards his words on how the radio will dramatically change the German population. However I think we can understand him as he says that he doesn't want the radio to turn into a spineless servent to political interests.
He does set out his goals in some reason as he wanted the radio to play the main source of information to the public. However at the end he goes back to his original behaviour and sounds like he only wants to build this German radio industry primarly as a business to make money which will apparently bring cultues together and strengthen the German media.
Anyway thats my initial thought on the topic.
Anyone else had a read through? x
Lets get this shizzle on the road!
Well what can i say? Blogging is ace?! Well i wouldn't go that far, i'm just finding it more difficult to write something interesting rather than the rubbish i'm typing now!
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