The experience of a fictional technophile student in 2020
Callum's day starts off by him turning on his laptop and checking his Facebook and messages, while at the same time looking on his Blackberry to check his daily emails. He's got very good at multi-tasking these past few years! He sees that he's been invited to a party group via Facebook so checks his PDA to check if he's free on the calender. He is, so clicks confirm on the party invitation. After his social tasks are done he then gets ready for his virtual seminar that is about to start.
Once Callum's webcam is set up he joins the rest of his classmates on the virtual seminar. On the same screen he can see the other 6 students and his tutor who are all discussing the topic on whether or not to eradicate classrooms all together as online teaching is the main method these days. Once the seminar is technically over his stays online and chats to his classmates a bit longer before signing off the university portal and signing onto Skype to chat to his friend Mike in Australia. After making numerous jokes that Mike's new beard makes him look gay he signs off Skype and turns off his web cam so he can do some work.
Callum downloads this weeks lecture off the uni podcast and listens to it on his IPod while playing World of Warcraft with 200 other people online. After the podcast has finished he makes notes on the topic discussed and gets ready to go out for another party he got invited to on Facebook last week!
Monday, 14 April 2008
Week 9 tasks
Frustrations of the fictional neo-luddite
Sophie was having the best dreams about winning scrabble to her flatmate tim last night, until she slowly drifted awake to the harsh sunlight beaming on her face. Crap, it's midday and she slept through her wound up alarm clock again. The quiet bell just isn't enough to wake her up from her good dreams anymore! Unlike herself, sophie's classmates had all been woken up by their mobile phone alarms at 8 o'clock promptly and had been in lectures all morning.
Sophie rushes out of bed and gets dressed to the quiet hum of the cars outside her window, every now and again catching parts of Britney Spears 'Gimme More' which is being played in the flat next door. She quickly leaves for the 40 minute walk into uni with only her thoughts to keep her entertained.
As sophie realises shes missed all of the day's lectures she walks into the library to try and make up for the lost work of the day. She cannot find a spare table anywhere to get her notebook out and write notes so she has to sit at a computer space. How the hell does she log into this?? She presses a few buttons and after an hour realises the password is her uni number. The library is filled with the mixing sounds of everyone's IPods and mobile phone conversations. She remembers the days when library's were strictly silent.
After constant struggling to get to grips with the computer, the patronising looks from the people sitting next to her get too much and she decides today is a lost cause and leaves. The long walk home gives her time to think about the day's frustrations. Maybe in today's society there just isn't room for a neo-luddite like sophie....
Sophie was having the best dreams about winning scrabble to her flatmate tim last night, until she slowly drifted awake to the harsh sunlight beaming on her face. Crap, it's midday and she slept through her wound up alarm clock again. The quiet bell just isn't enough to wake her up from her good dreams anymore! Unlike herself, sophie's classmates had all been woken up by their mobile phone alarms at 8 o'clock promptly and had been in lectures all morning.
Sophie rushes out of bed and gets dressed to the quiet hum of the cars outside her window, every now and again catching parts of Britney Spears 'Gimme More' which is being played in the flat next door. She quickly leaves for the 40 minute walk into uni with only her thoughts to keep her entertained.
As sophie realises shes missed all of the day's lectures she walks into the library to try and make up for the lost work of the day. She cannot find a spare table anywhere to get her notebook out and write notes so she has to sit at a computer space. How the hell does she log into this?? She presses a few buttons and after an hour realises the password is her uni number. The library is filled with the mixing sounds of everyone's IPods and mobile phone conversations. She remembers the days when library's were strictly silent.
After constant struggling to get to grips with the computer, the patronising looks from the people sitting next to her get too much and she decides today is a lost cause and leaves. The long walk home gives her time to think about the day's frustrations. Maybe in today's society there just isn't room for a neo-luddite like sophie....
Week 9 tasks
Threats to the notions of digital immigrant/native
I think both of my posts about the oldest digital native and the youngest digital immigrant i know threaten the notion of these terms. They both go against what Prensky says about these categories and therefore threaten his theory.
I do not think that you have to be under 25 to be a digital native, you can be any age as long as you have the thirst for knowledge and the desire to learn new skills in new technology. Also, i don't think that just because you are young and born in this generation it means that you have to have the skills to use new modern technology.
I think this theory should be made broader as i believe age shouldn't be such a significant factor, and there should be more categories instead of just two terms to describe the whole of society.
I think both of my posts about the oldest digital native and the youngest digital immigrant i know threaten the notion of these terms. They both go against what Prensky says about these categories and therefore threaten his theory.
I do not think that you have to be under 25 to be a digital native, you can be any age as long as you have the thirst for knowledge and the desire to learn new skills in new technology. Also, i don't think that just because you are young and born in this generation it means that you have to have the skills to use new modern technology.
I think this theory should be made broader as i believe age shouldn't be such a significant factor, and there should be more categories instead of just two terms to describe the whole of society.
Week 9 tasks
The youngest digital immigrant i know
The youngest digital immigrant i know is my friend Josh who is 20 years old and is pretty behind the times when it comes to new technology! I am still shocked that he doesn't have a 'Facebook' profile and that he doesn't really even know what it is! I don't think i know anyone, especially at university that isn't on facebook. Even my little cousins know what it is! In some ways i respect him for not going along with the crowd as his view on it is, "I've lived this long without it, i can live on without it fine!". However, i do feel that he is missing out on a great socially interactive form of technology and i still try to persuade him to get facebook every time i see him lol.
He also doesn't have a very modern mobile phone which is quite unusual for people of his age who would usually want to have the newest one out. His view is that he doesn't use the sophisticated parts on a mobile and literally uses it to call and text, so therefore he doesn't need to pay loads of money to get the newest and most technologically advanced one out. I can defiantly see his point of view, but i would miss the other features on my phone like the camera and internet service.
My friend goes against Prensky's theory as he is born in this digital native generation yet is not a digital native himself and is unlikely to change and gain these skills because of the views he holds towards it. Even though i couldn't go through life myself without modern technology, i do respect him for standing by his guns!! It also shows again that Prensky's argument is not always correct.
The youngest digital immigrant i know is my friend Josh who is 20 years old and is pretty behind the times when it comes to new technology! I am still shocked that he doesn't have a 'Facebook' profile and that he doesn't really even know what it is! I don't think i know anyone, especially at university that isn't on facebook. Even my little cousins know what it is! In some ways i respect him for not going along with the crowd as his view on it is, "I've lived this long without it, i can live on without it fine!". However, i do feel that he is missing out on a great socially interactive form of technology and i still try to persuade him to get facebook every time i see him lol.
He also doesn't have a very modern mobile phone which is quite unusual for people of his age who would usually want to have the newest one out. His view is that he doesn't use the sophisticated parts on a mobile and literally uses it to call and text, so therefore he doesn't need to pay loads of money to get the newest and most technologically advanced one out. I can defiantly see his point of view, but i would miss the other features on my phone like the camera and internet service.
My friend goes against Prensky's theory as he is born in this digital native generation yet is not a digital native himself and is unlikely to change and gain these skills because of the views he holds towards it. Even though i couldn't go through life myself without modern technology, i do respect him for standing by his guns!! It also shows again that Prensky's argument is not always correct.
Week 9 tasks
The oldest digital native i know
The oldest digital native i know has to be my nan, she surprises me every time i go round to see her! No more than 5 years ago i would have classified her as a digital immigrant, but over the years she has gained so many new skills concerning technology i would defiantly call her a digital native now.
She has a lot of resistance from my grandad as he is a definate digital immigrant and is no chance of changing, but she still enabled her house to include numerous new technologies. To start with she got a computer and installed the internet (with a little help from me i admit, but this was a few years ago!), and started to use it nearly everyday. She loves emailing her friends and instead of getting a letter from her once a week like i used to i now receive numerous emails letting me know the family news! - that alone shows how society has changed!
She then got 'Sky Plus' which she got the hang of straight away and now records everything she can. One time i didn't know why things kept deleting themselves on our Sky Plus and she showed me how to fix it! She also has an up-to-date mobile and often texts me off it.
It just shows that Prensky's theory isn't concrete - you don't have to be under 25 to be a digital native. Its as young as you feel!!
The oldest digital native i know has to be my nan, she surprises me every time i go round to see her! No more than 5 years ago i would have classified her as a digital immigrant, but over the years she has gained so many new skills concerning technology i would defiantly call her a digital native now.
She has a lot of resistance from my grandad as he is a definate digital immigrant and is no chance of changing, but she still enabled her house to include numerous new technologies. To start with she got a computer and installed the internet (with a little help from me i admit, but this was a few years ago!), and started to use it nearly everyday. She loves emailing her friends and instead of getting a letter from her once a week like i used to i now receive numerous emails letting me know the family news! - that alone shows how society has changed!
She then got 'Sky Plus' which she got the hang of straight away and now records everything she can. One time i didn't know why things kept deleting themselves on our Sky Plus and she showed me how to fix it! She also has an up-to-date mobile and often texts me off it.
It just shows that Prensky's theory isn't concrete - you don't have to be under 25 to be a digital native. Its as young as you feel!!
Week 9 tasks
The 'Semantic Web'
The Semantic Web is not a different technology to the World Wide Web that we have today, it is the technology that will evolve from it. Most of the Web's content today is designed for humans to read, not for computer programs to manipulate meaningfully. Computers can read web pages for layout and routine processing such as what is a 'header' and what is a 'hyperlink', but in general, computers have no reliable way to process the semantics - for example the home page of a Doctor's clinic will have the CV of the doctor, the hours that specific doctor works, the appointment times that doctor has, and the exact distance it would take for you to drive there from your house, etc. The Semantic Web will bring structure to the meaningful content of Web pages that are already here where computers can carry out these sophisticated tasks for the users automatically.
These semantics will be encoded into the Web page giving the page well-defined meaning and enabling people and computers to work together efficiently. These developments are on their way in the near future and will enable computers to process and "understand" the
data that they merely display at present.
I think this is extremely interesting and exciting as it will greatly improve the way we use the internet and technology today. What do you think? Do you think it will change our society in any way?
The Semantic Web is not a different technology to the World Wide Web that we have today, it is the technology that will evolve from it. Most of the Web's content today is designed for humans to read, not for computer programs to manipulate meaningfully. Computers can read web pages for layout and routine processing such as what is a 'header' and what is a 'hyperlink', but in general, computers have no reliable way to process the semantics - for example the home page of a Doctor's clinic will have the CV of the doctor, the hours that specific doctor works, the appointment times that doctor has, and the exact distance it would take for you to drive there from your house, etc. The Semantic Web will bring structure to the meaningful content of Web pages that are already here where computers can carry out these sophisticated tasks for the users automatically.
These semantics will be encoded into the Web page giving the page well-defined meaning and enabling people and computers to work together efficiently. These developments are on their way in the near future and will enable computers to process and "understand" the
data that they merely display at present.
I think this is extremely interesting and exciting as it will greatly improve the way we use the internet and technology today. What do you think? Do you think it will change our society in any way?
Week 9 tasks
Education being tailored to personal preferences
I do not think education should be tailored to personal preferences as this can only lead to problems and inevitably a problem in the students behaviour and discipline. If teachers adapt their way of teaching for a specific student then the rest of the class will feel as though that one student is getting 'special treatment' which could lead to bullying for that one student. This could then lead to the students revolting against the teacher for them not getting special treatment also.
However, i do believe that if it is an issue concerning the student's health or learning capability then i do agree with the teachers adapting slightly to assist them. For example, if a student in my exam in secondary school was dyslexic or had a learning disability then i found it fair that they were given extra time and extra help than the rest of us. I didn't resent them for getting extra help and i didn't find it unfair that i wasn't getting that help as well because i understood that in that situation the education system had to be adapted and tailored to fit that specific student's needs.
What do you think on this topic?
I do not think education should be tailored to personal preferences as this can only lead to problems and inevitably a problem in the students behaviour and discipline. If teachers adapt their way of teaching for a specific student then the rest of the class will feel as though that one student is getting 'special treatment' which could lead to bullying for that one student. This could then lead to the students revolting against the teacher for them not getting special treatment also.
However, i do believe that if it is an issue concerning the student's health or learning capability then i do agree with the teachers adapting slightly to assist them. For example, if a student in my exam in secondary school was dyslexic or had a learning disability then i found it fair that they were given extra time and extra help than the rest of us. I didn't resent them for getting extra help and i didn't find it unfair that i wasn't getting that help as well because i understood that in that situation the education system had to be adapted and tailored to fit that specific student's needs.
What do you think on this topic?
Week 9 tasks
Should education stretch a person?
I believe that education should stretch a person but only to an extent that is beneficial to them and not too stressful as this could hinder other aspects of their life. I agree with a strict education system as i went to a fairly strict school and i can now see the benefits of it, even though at the time i found it hard and didn't enjoy it at some times. In my mind, 'stretching' a person means making them use their full potential and getting the most out of them. Students may only excel at a few subjects, so therefore i believe more attention should be paid to those specific subjects so they can get the most out of their school education instead of pushing them harder on subjects they do not excel at.
I think praise and encouragement is the best method of stretching someone to do their best as it gives them motivation to work harder. I didn't particularly enjoy English at school but when my teacher gave me praise on the areas i did well at it gave me motivation to keep engaged on the subject and not give up just because i didn't like it. I think this is also a good method with less academic students as instead of pointing out their flaws it allows them to enjoy the subject they are good at.
What do you think? Do you agree with me that schools should have a strict system but with constant encouragement, or do you have another idea?
I believe that education should stretch a person but only to an extent that is beneficial to them and not too stressful as this could hinder other aspects of their life. I agree with a strict education system as i went to a fairly strict school and i can now see the benefits of it, even though at the time i found it hard and didn't enjoy it at some times. In my mind, 'stretching' a person means making them use their full potential and getting the most out of them. Students may only excel at a few subjects, so therefore i believe more attention should be paid to those specific subjects so they can get the most out of their school education instead of pushing them harder on subjects they do not excel at.
I think praise and encouragement is the best method of stretching someone to do their best as it gives them motivation to work harder. I didn't particularly enjoy English at school but when my teacher gave me praise on the areas i did well at it gave me motivation to keep engaged on the subject and not give up just because i didn't like it. I think this is also a good method with less academic students as instead of pointing out their flaws it allows them to enjoy the subject they are good at.
What do you think? Do you agree with me that schools should have a strict system but with constant encouragement, or do you have another idea?
Week 9 tasks
The 'digital divide' and its affects
As Wenger and Prensky state, society is at different level of skills and knowledge when it comes to new technology and the skills that come with it. This therefore can lead to problems occurring throughout society and even across the entire world as people fight to keep up with each other in the knowledge needed for the digital native generation.
In relation to socio-economic issues there are major concerns involving people's skills in new technology and how that can affect their livelihood. In today's generation businesses want staff who are up to date on technology and who have the knowledge to use these new technologies without any help. If a digital native and a digital immigrant went for a job interview, the most likely outcome would be that the digital native would get the job. This is down to them seeming more competent and therefore a better choice as they won't need any training or help to slot into the business and deal with technological issues on a daily basis. The digital immigrant is seen as older and therefore not as good at the job in hand.
I believe this is unfair as with a bit of training a digital immigrant could be even better at the job than a digital native as they are slightly older and therefore may have other skills that are useful at the job such as being more confident and having good people skills.
Affects across the globe
The main issue i see with technological differences across different countries is the lack of communication that could arise from this. If all countries were at the same level of technology then we could communicate with people in third world countries with ease and then there wouldn't be this image of these kind of countries being 'behind the times'. Unfortunately this isn't the case and some of these countries and regions are very isolated with no methods or funds to gain these sorts of new technologies.
Also, the difference in technology around the world affects the health system. I personally would not trust the health system in a third world country as they are not as well equipped with new technology and therefore are seen as less reliable. What do you think, do you think this is a justified statement? Or would you disagree?
As Wenger and Prensky state, society is at different level of skills and knowledge when it comes to new technology and the skills that come with it. This therefore can lead to problems occurring throughout society and even across the entire world as people fight to keep up with each other in the knowledge needed for the digital native generation.
In relation to socio-economic issues there are major concerns involving people's skills in new technology and how that can affect their livelihood. In today's generation businesses want staff who are up to date on technology and who have the knowledge to use these new technologies without any help. If a digital native and a digital immigrant went for a job interview, the most likely outcome would be that the digital native would get the job. This is down to them seeming more competent and therefore a better choice as they won't need any training or help to slot into the business and deal with technological issues on a daily basis. The digital immigrant is seen as older and therefore not as good at the job in hand.
I believe this is unfair as with a bit of training a digital immigrant could be even better at the job than a digital native as they are slightly older and therefore may have other skills that are useful at the job such as being more confident and having good people skills.
Affects across the globe
The main issue i see with technological differences across different countries is the lack of communication that could arise from this. If all countries were at the same level of technology then we could communicate with people in third world countries with ease and then there wouldn't be this image of these kind of countries being 'behind the times'. Unfortunately this isn't the case and some of these countries and regions are very isolated with no methods or funds to gain these sorts of new technologies.
Also, the difference in technology around the world affects the health system. I personally would not trust the health system in a third world country as they are not as well equipped with new technology and therefore are seen as less reliable. What do you think, do you think this is a justified statement? Or would you disagree?
Week 9 tasks
Wenger VS Prensky
Wenger's theory on Community of Practice is similar to Prensky's theory in relation to education on a number of levels. Wenger stated that in a community of practice there are different levels of the participants according to how good their skills are at the practice in hand. However, he does not say this is in a power hierarchical form. There is a sense of authority in the leader of the practice but there is no atmosphere of competition or authority in the rest of the group, but more of a sense of learning from each other. No one is seen as 'better than' someone else, they are just seen as being at a higher level of skills then the rest but are happy to help others learn off them.
This can relate to Prensky and education as digital natives and digital immigrants are both living in today's society and in the education system next to one another, but it doesn't mean one is better than the other. Yes digital natives may be better at discussing new technology and how to use it easily, but it doesn't mean they have more power than digital immigrants. They can learn off each other which allows digital immigrants to gain access to new knowledge concerning technology and there is the same feeling of community learning as there is in a 'Community of Practice'.
Wenger's theory on Community of Practice is similar to Prensky's theory in relation to education on a number of levels. Wenger stated that in a community of practice there are different levels of the participants according to how good their skills are at the practice in hand. However, he does not say this is in a power hierarchical form. There is a sense of authority in the leader of the practice but there is no atmosphere of competition or authority in the rest of the group, but more of a sense of learning from each other. No one is seen as 'better than' someone else, they are just seen as being at a higher level of skills then the rest but are happy to help others learn off them.
This can relate to Prensky and education as digital natives and digital immigrants are both living in today's society and in the education system next to one another, but it doesn't mean one is better than the other. Yes digital natives may be better at discussing new technology and how to use it easily, but it doesn't mean they have more power than digital immigrants. They can learn off each other which allows digital immigrants to gain access to new knowledge concerning technology and there is the same feeling of community learning as there is in a 'Community of Practice'.
Week 8 Tasks
Digital Immigration - arguments on articles
My only main argument against the articles is the generalisation that seems to be occurring about this topic of digital immigration. Prensky's theory means there are only two main categories - digital natives and digital immigrants - which i feel is not being specific enough. All of the articles are basing their research just on these primary terms instead of thinking in a broader way of people that may fall just outside of these categories but still have similar characteristics.
Also i disagree with saying that people over a certain age are then categorised as digital immigrants as they are 'past it' and can't pick up the knowledge of a digital native just because of their age. The articles research into digital natives deal with people from a younger generation, but i would like to see data from older candidates that still have the same skills as younger digital natives.
I was interested in the articles that dealt with education and how new methods of teaching is being brought into the classroom like downloading lectures onto Ipods, etc. However, i have disagreements and concerns that our society are becoming too dependent on new technology and that maybe we are becoming lazy in this new generation of digital natives. We rely so heavily on technology to assist with lectures and seminars that we are forgetting the traditional forms of learning with a classroom of students all interacting with each other with pens and paper! I just hope this interest of adapting to the learning needs of digital natives doesn't dissolve all of the former traditional forms of teaching.
My only main argument against the articles is the generalisation that seems to be occurring about this topic of digital immigration. Prensky's theory means there are only two main categories - digital natives and digital immigrants - which i feel is not being specific enough. All of the articles are basing their research just on these primary terms instead of thinking in a broader way of people that may fall just outside of these categories but still have similar characteristics.
Also i disagree with saying that people over a certain age are then categorised as digital immigrants as they are 'past it' and can't pick up the knowledge of a digital native just because of their age. The articles research into digital natives deal with people from a younger generation, but i would like to see data from older candidates that still have the same skills as younger digital natives.
I was interested in the articles that dealt with education and how new methods of teaching is being brought into the classroom like downloading lectures onto Ipods, etc. However, i have disagreements and concerns that our society are becoming too dependent on new technology and that maybe we are becoming lazy in this new generation of digital natives. We rely so heavily on technology to assist with lectures and seminars that we are forgetting the traditional forms of learning with a classroom of students all interacting with each other with pens and paper! I just hope this interest of adapting to the learning needs of digital natives doesn't dissolve all of the former traditional forms of teaching.
Thursday, 10 April 2008
Week 8 Tasks
Digital Immigration - article bibliography
Al-Khamayseh S, Zmijewska A, Lawrence E, et al.
Mobile learning systems for digital natives6th IASTED International Conference on Web-Based Education, MAR 14-16, 2007PROCEEDINGS OF THE SIXTH IASTED INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WEB-BASED EDUCATION 252-257, 2007
Levinsen KT
Baby Boomers with Neo-millennial Learning Styles2nd International Conference on e-Learning (ICEL 2007), JUN 28-29, 20072ND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON E-LEARNING, PROCEEDINGS 489-496, 2007
Lin YH
Integrating scenarios of video games into classroom instruction1st International Symposium on Information Technologies and Applications in Education (ISITAE 2007), NOV 23-25, 2007PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2007 1ST INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS IN EDUCATION (ISITAE 2007) 593-596, 2007
McLaren, SV
Exploring perceptions and attitudes towards teaching and learning manual technical drawing in a digital ageINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN EDUCATION, 18 (2): 167-188 MAR 2008
Robinson S
Using podcasting in a hybrid course: A case study6th European Conference on e-Learning (ECEL 2007), OCT 04-05, 20076TH EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON E-LEARNING 513-517, 2007
Al-Khamayseh S, Zmijewska A, Lawrence E, et al.
Mobile learning systems for digital natives6th IASTED International Conference on Web-Based Education, MAR 14-16, 2007PROCEEDINGS OF THE SIXTH IASTED INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WEB-BASED EDUCATION 252-257, 2007
Levinsen KT
Baby Boomers with Neo-millennial Learning Styles2nd International Conference on e-Learning (ICEL 2007), JUN 28-29, 20072ND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON E-LEARNING, PROCEEDINGS 489-496, 2007
Lin YH
Integrating scenarios of video games into classroom instruction1st International Symposium on Information Technologies and Applications in Education (ISITAE 2007), NOV 23-25, 2007PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2007 1ST INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS IN EDUCATION (ISITAE 2007) 593-596, 2007
McLaren, SV
Exploring perceptions and attitudes towards teaching and learning manual technical drawing in a digital ageINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN EDUCATION, 18 (2): 167-188 MAR 2008
Robinson S
Using podcasting in a hybrid course: A case study6th European Conference on e-Learning (ECEL 2007), OCT 04-05, 20076TH EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON E-LEARNING 513-517, 2007
Week 8 Tasks
Digital Immigration - article 5
This article deals with the various ways universities could adapt their teaching so to adjust to the digital native way of learning which involves more computer based and visual teaching. The article includes a lot of data and how it gained this data through numerous different methods. There was a survey carried out on IT teachers in eight universities in Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Europe to explore their ways of coping with large group teaching and the development of digital learning.
The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of various teaching methods in similar IT teaching faculties around the world. Interviewees were selected through web-based research to identify the most comparable teaching departments from various universities locally, nationally and internationally. In telephone interviews many of the respondents reported on their use of the Internet for teaching and managing large groups but none mentioned the use of mobile learning as a method of teaching. This article argues that mobile devices such as the video iPod, 3G phones and PDAs have the potential to revolutionise the teaching experiences of the 21st century students and the digital natives of this generation. I think this is an exciting study as it shows how teachers across the world are creating new innovative ideas to help identify with digital native students and how to teach them better.
This article deals with the various ways universities could adapt their teaching so to adjust to the digital native way of learning which involves more computer based and visual teaching. The article includes a lot of data and how it gained this data through numerous different methods. There was a survey carried out on IT teachers in eight universities in Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Europe to explore their ways of coping with large group teaching and the development of digital learning.
The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of various teaching methods in similar IT teaching faculties around the world. Interviewees were selected through web-based research to identify the most comparable teaching departments from various universities locally, nationally and internationally. In telephone interviews many of the respondents reported on their use of the Internet for teaching and managing large groups but none mentioned the use of mobile learning as a method of teaching. This article argues that mobile devices such as the video iPod, 3G phones and PDAs have the potential to revolutionise the teaching experiences of the 21st century students and the digital natives of this generation. I think this is an exciting study as it shows how teachers across the world are creating new innovative ideas to help identify with digital native students and how to teach them better.
Week 8 Tasks
Digital Immigration - article 4
This article discusses how this new generation of digital native students is starting to become harder to engage in the classroom as they attention is more focused on digital-based learning instead of traditional classroom teaching. This study therefore addresses the innovative idea of bringing Digital Game-Based Learning (DGBL) into the classroom to see if this holds the students' attention for longer in the classroom. The article states how guidelines are presented for teachers to integrate video games into class by using a developed preliminary design of a maths lesson taught through a popular children's video game - Pokemon.
This research is being carried out on second grade class of elementary school children in Taiwan, and the object is to minimize classroom distraction and try to engage the digital natives of this generation more. Observations showed that this method of learning helped engage some students in the classroom scenarios where math is applied and also keep their attention for longer. I think this is an interesting study as it shows that the education system across the world is having to adjust their teaching methods in order to keep up with the changing demands of the digital native generation.
This article discusses how this new generation of digital native students is starting to become harder to engage in the classroom as they attention is more focused on digital-based learning instead of traditional classroom teaching. This study therefore addresses the innovative idea of bringing Digital Game-Based Learning (DGBL) into the classroom to see if this holds the students' attention for longer in the classroom. The article states how guidelines are presented for teachers to integrate video games into class by using a developed preliminary design of a maths lesson taught through a popular children's video game - Pokemon.
This research is being carried out on second grade class of elementary school children in Taiwan, and the object is to minimize classroom distraction and try to engage the digital natives of this generation more. Observations showed that this method of learning helped engage some students in the classroom scenarios where math is applied and also keep their attention for longer. I think this is an interesting study as it shows that the education system across the world is having to adjust their teaching methods in order to keep up with the changing demands of the digital native generation.
Week 8 Tasks
Digital Immigration - article 3
This article discusses the issue of education systems and how they have had to make the transition from previous generations who are so called digital immigrants to our new generation of digital natives. Society often focuses on this difference between generations and therefore challenges the educational system to adapt to these new technological conditions. Today's students are regarded as the new learners and are considered to be fundamentally different from generations before in the ways in which they use ICT, and how they learn and solve problems.
The data collected for this article is the two first out of three phases of a qualitative study from a Danish college of social education which uses blended learning. The students in the study, all of whom are women, are seen as semi digital immigrants but have the competency similar to digital natives and display equal learning styles. The study looks into the ways in which "these students cope with the virtual environment and the reasons why they are able to bridge the gap between generations." I believe this study is important as it addresses the issues surrounding the link between age and digital immigration, and also discusses how this affects education systems.
This article discusses the issue of education systems and how they have had to make the transition from previous generations who are so called digital immigrants to our new generation of digital natives. Society often focuses on this difference between generations and therefore challenges the educational system to adapt to these new technological conditions. Today's students are regarded as the new learners and are considered to be fundamentally different from generations before in the ways in which they use ICT, and how they learn and solve problems.
The data collected for this article is the two first out of three phases of a qualitative study from a Danish college of social education which uses blended learning. The students in the study, all of whom are women, are seen as semi digital immigrants but have the competency similar to digital natives and display equal learning styles. The study looks into the ways in which "these students cope with the virtual environment and the reasons why they are able to bridge the gap between generations." I believe this study is important as it addresses the issues surrounding the link between age and digital immigration, and also discusses how this affects education systems.
Week 8 Tasks
Digital Immigration - article 2
This article deals with the fairly new form of technology called podcasting, in which audio files are regularly and automatically distributed to listeners via the internet, and then listened to on a computer or mp3 player such as an IPod. This can also be used for educational purposes as the paper discusses how one university created a course where tutors could make a popcast of their lecture and post it on the university website. This enables students to repeatedly access these files and gain the lecture information whenever they choose. The tutors also put supplement material to go alongside the lecture notes so to give the students as much information as possible to counter-act the fact of no face-to-face teaching.
The data for this article is collected from the Penn State University in USA and is based upon this innovative course that was created there. The students enjoyed this form of learning as they could access the lecture files at any time they wanted and as they can take their mp3 players anywhere it meant they could listen to the files in any situation they choose - very different to a classroom situation.
This article deals with the fairly new form of technology called podcasting, in which audio files are regularly and automatically distributed to listeners via the internet, and then listened to on a computer or mp3 player such as an IPod. This can also be used for educational purposes as the paper discusses how one university created a course where tutors could make a popcast of their lecture and post it on the university website. This enables students to repeatedly access these files and gain the lecture information whenever they choose. The tutors also put supplement material to go alongside the lecture notes so to give the students as much information as possible to counter-act the fact of no face-to-face teaching.
The data for this article is collected from the Penn State University in USA and is based upon this innovative course that was created there. The students enjoyed this form of learning as they could access the lecture files at any time they wanted and as they can take their mp3 players anywhere it meant they could listen to the files in any situation they choose - very different to a classroom situation.
Week 8 Tasks
Digital Immigration - article 1
This article addresses the place of manual drawing in 21st Century schools where children are more used to creating things via a computer instead of pen and paper. The data discussed in this article is from surveys, questionnaires and structured surveys so to gain a large range of information on the topic. The people questioned vary from professional CAD users to school students to gage opinions across the board. This adds to the articles reliability as their data comes across as accurate and professional.
The article refers back to the work of Prensky and addresses the issues of digital immigrants and natives to see how this affects certain academic topics such as art and drawing. The study reported in this paper and it's concluding argument indicates that the school students questioned in the data apparently appreciate the experience of traditional drawing over the use of computer added drawing. This then goes against Prensky's idea of all young students being digital natives and therefore wanting to use new technology for their educational learning.
This article addresses the place of manual drawing in 21st Century schools where children are more used to creating things via a computer instead of pen and paper. The data discussed in this article is from surveys, questionnaires and structured surveys so to gain a large range of information on the topic. The people questioned vary from professional CAD users to school students to gage opinions across the board. This adds to the articles reliability as their data comes across as accurate and professional.
The article refers back to the work of Prensky and addresses the issues of digital immigrants and natives to see how this affects certain academic topics such as art and drawing. The study reported in this paper and it's concluding argument indicates that the school students questioned in the data apparently appreciate the experience of traditional drawing over the use of computer added drawing. This then goes against Prensky's idea of all young students being digital natives and therefore wanting to use new technology for their educational learning.
Wednesday, 9 April 2008
Week 8 Tasks
Digital Immigration - website urls
Fryer, W. (2006) ‘Beyond the digital native / immigrant dichotomy’, Moving at the Speed of Creativity. http://www.speedofcreativity.org/2006/10/21/beyond-the-digital-native-immigrant-dichotomy/
George, H. (2006) ‘Digital Immigrants’, Slide Share. http://www.slideshare.net/GeorgeH/digital-immigrants/
Jenkins, H. (2007) ‘Reconsidering Digital Immigrants’, Confessions of an Aca-Fan. http://www.henryjenkins.org/2007/12/reconsidering_digital_immigran.html
VanSlyke, T. (2003) ‘Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants:Some Thoughts from the Generation Gap’, The Technology Source Archives. http://technologysource.org/article/digital_natives_digital_immigrants/
(2008) ‘What is the Digital Natives Project?’, Digital Natives. http://www.digitalnative.org/Main_Page
Fryer, W. (2006) ‘Beyond the digital native / immigrant dichotomy’, Moving at the Speed of Creativity. http://www.speedofcreativity.org/2006/10/21/beyond-the-digital-native-immigrant-dichotomy/
George, H. (2006) ‘Digital Immigrants’, Slide Share. http://www.slideshare.net/GeorgeH/digital-immigrants/
Jenkins, H. (2007) ‘Reconsidering Digital Immigrants’, Confessions of an Aca-Fan. http://www.henryjenkins.org/2007/12/reconsidering_digital_immigran.html
VanSlyke, T. (2003) ‘Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants:Some Thoughts from the Generation Gap’, The Technology Source Archives. http://technologysource.org/article/digital_natives_digital_immigrants/
(2008) ‘What is the Digital Natives Project?’, Digital Natives. http://www.digitalnative.org/Main_Page
Week 8 Tasks
Digital Immigration - website 5
This is my favourite website that i have come across as it is so different and uses an interesting method of presenting the information. The whole site is in a form of a slide show and there are 33 slides discussing the issues surrounding digital immigration. I found that this is a very easy way to take in the information and the slides are straight to the point in a bold layout.
My favourite slides are the timeline ones as there is a clear line with dates across the top with key events off the bottom, such as when technology became available like the internet and wireless connection. It also discusses the differences between 'paper learning' and 'computer learning' which i find really interesting.
Another positive of the site is that it has a slide dedicated just to other sites that the user can access and gain more information on the topic. I learnt most from this site and i think this way of layout with the slide show makes it extremely innovative.
This is my favourite website that i have come across as it is so different and uses an interesting method of presenting the information. The whole site is in a form of a slide show and there are 33 slides discussing the issues surrounding digital immigration. I found that this is a very easy way to take in the information and the slides are straight to the point in a bold layout.
My favourite slides are the timeline ones as there is a clear line with dates across the top with key events off the bottom, such as when technology became available like the internet and wireless connection. It also discusses the differences between 'paper learning' and 'computer learning' which i find really interesting.
Another positive of the site is that it has a slide dedicated just to other sites that the user can access and gain more information on the topic. I learnt most from this site and i think this way of layout with the slide show makes it extremely innovative.
Week 8 Tasks
Digital Immigration - website 4
This website is very interesting in its design and layout, and it kept my attention a lot longer than the other sites i have looked out. This is down to its colourful graphics and bright pictures which help reinforce and explain what the author is describing. Even though this may seem too simple for an intellectual, i believe it makes reading and taking in the information a lot easier.
The sites' main argument is that digital natives and digital immigrants should be broken down into more categories. I agree with what he is saying as i believe digital immigration is far more complex than just two sections. The site creates more categories can that be used on this topic so to be able to look at the issues in more detail. This quote taken from the site explains how the author would split things. "We should look at whether people merely KNOW ABOUT technologies, are PARTICIPATING IN the use of specific technologies, or are LIVING the use of technologies." He expands on the simple digital immigration system by bringing in terms such as “digital refugees” and “digital bridges”.
I think the site's ideas are very innovative and interesting. The use of an exciting layout also adds to the positives of the page. There is also an advert/hyperlink that states the author of the site is holding a presentation which i think adds to the professional feel of the site and is useful for people who wish to meet him.
This website is very interesting in its design and layout, and it kept my attention a lot longer than the other sites i have looked out. This is down to its colourful graphics and bright pictures which help reinforce and explain what the author is describing. Even though this may seem too simple for an intellectual, i believe it makes reading and taking in the information a lot easier.
The sites' main argument is that digital natives and digital immigrants should be broken down into more categories. I agree with what he is saying as i believe digital immigration is far more complex than just two sections. The site creates more categories can that be used on this topic so to be able to look at the issues in more detail. This quote taken from the site explains how the author would split things. "We should look at whether people merely KNOW ABOUT technologies, are PARTICIPATING IN the use of specific technologies, or are LIVING the use of technologies." He expands on the simple digital immigration system by bringing in terms such as “digital refugees” and “digital bridges”.
I think the site's ideas are very innovative and interesting. The use of an exciting layout also adds to the positives of the page. There is also an advert/hyperlink that states the author of the site is holding a presentation which i think adds to the professional feel of the site and is useful for people who wish to meet him.
Week 8 Tasks
Digital Immigration - website 3
This website is one of the more interesting ones i have found as there are many aspects to the site and is much more interactive then sites i've previously seen. The site author is discussing the issues concerning the term digital natives while referring back to the work of Prensky.
The author's main argument discusses how the term "digital natives" can sometimes mask certain aspects in society while trying to define others. For example talk of digital natives may make it harder for us to pay attention to the "digital divide" in terms of who has access to different technology and the gap in terms of who has access to certain skills, cultural experiences and social identities.
I find this website interesting but i think it would be better if the author didn't refer to and quote Prensky so much. Instead of writing what he personally thinks, there are just paragraphs of Prensky's work which can become frustrating after a while. However, i think the layout of the website itself is very innovative with a picture of the author himself at the top left of the corner which adds an informal and friendly aspect to the site. There is also a link in the top right corner to another one of the author's site which is useful if people want to learn more about him, and it adds reliability to what he is saying as his numerous sites makes him look more professional.
This website is one of the more interesting ones i have found as there are many aspects to the site and is much more interactive then sites i've previously seen. The site author is discussing the issues concerning the term digital natives while referring back to the work of Prensky.
The author's main argument discusses how the term "digital natives" can sometimes mask certain aspects in society while trying to define others. For example talk of digital natives may make it harder for us to pay attention to the "digital divide" in terms of who has access to different technology and the gap in terms of who has access to certain skills, cultural experiences and social identities.
I find this website interesting but i think it would be better if the author didn't refer to and quote Prensky so much. Instead of writing what he personally thinks, there are just paragraphs of Prensky's work which can become frustrating after a while. However, i think the layout of the website itself is very innovative with a picture of the author himself at the top left of the corner which adds an informal and friendly aspect to the site. There is also a link in the top right corner to another one of the author's site which is useful if people want to learn more about him, and it adds reliability to what he is saying as his numerous sites makes him look more professional.
Week 8 Tasks
Digital Immigration - website 2
This website deals with other arguments surrounding the term 'digital natives' and how it can be sub-categorised. It states how the university of St. Gallen in Switzerland are carrying out a large research project on the dynamics of what a digital native is and what type of person counts as one.
It's main argument is that not all young people born of the new media technology generation are automatically counted as digital natives, it depends on every person's different circumstance. For example, some young people don't necessarily have access to technology and the internet, etc so therefore wouldn't have the same knowledge as other young people that deal with technology on a daily basis. People base the term digital native on age, but this website argues it should be based on their technological interaction. I agree with this argument as i think the younger generation do not just get born with technological knowledge, they have to learn it and they will only be able to become a digital native if they have the access to it.
The website itself is fairly colourful with a white background and blue & green titles to brighten the page up. There is a search bar to the left of the page which enables users to research more information on this topic which i think is useful. The language is also fairly informal and therefore easy to read.
This website deals with other arguments surrounding the term 'digital natives' and how it can be sub-categorised. It states how the university of St. Gallen in Switzerland are carrying out a large research project on the dynamics of what a digital native is and what type of person counts as one.
It's main argument is that not all young people born of the new media technology generation are automatically counted as digital natives, it depends on every person's different circumstance. For example, some young people don't necessarily have access to technology and the internet, etc so therefore wouldn't have the same knowledge as other young people that deal with technology on a daily basis. People base the term digital native on age, but this website argues it should be based on their technological interaction. I agree with this argument as i think the younger generation do not just get born with technological knowledge, they have to learn it and they will only be able to become a digital native if they have the access to it.
The website itself is fairly colourful with a white background and blue & green titles to brighten the page up. There is a search bar to the left of the page which enables users to research more information on this topic which i think is useful. The language is also fairly informal and therefore easy to read.
Friday, 4 April 2008
Week 8 Tasks
Digital Immigration - Website 1
This website refers to Prensky and describes how 'Digital Natives' are constantly surrounded by new digital media and it even affects their lifestyle and behaviour which has never affected previous generations before. They are used to receiving and handling information really fast so they therefore like to deal with fast technology such as the internet to gain information instantly. The article also discusses how Digital Natives depend on graphics more than text, so often prefer to use video games, etc rather than doing "serious work".
The website is simple in its layout, just black and white colour scheme with a bright blue title to stand out from the rest of the text. The article comes across as reliable as the topic discussed is factual and straight to the point, with numerous references at the end. The language used has an educational feel to it but it is not challenging to read and therefore easy to understand.
There is also a hyperlink at the bottom of the page called "View Related Articles" which is really useful for people researching this specific topic and want more information on it. It also makes the website seem more professional which i think adds to its reliability.
This website refers to Prensky and describes how 'Digital Natives' are constantly surrounded by new digital media and it even affects their lifestyle and behaviour which has never affected previous generations before. They are used to receiving and handling information really fast so they therefore like to deal with fast technology such as the internet to gain information instantly. The article also discusses how Digital Natives depend on graphics more than text, so often prefer to use video games, etc rather than doing "serious work".
The website is simple in its layout, just black and white colour scheme with a bright blue title to stand out from the rest of the text. The article comes across as reliable as the topic discussed is factual and straight to the point, with numerous references at the end. The language used has an educational feel to it but it is not challenging to read and therefore easy to understand.
There is also a hyperlink at the bottom of the page called "View Related Articles" which is really useful for people researching this specific topic and want more information on it. It also makes the website seem more professional which i think adds to its reliability.
Week 8 Tasks
Digital Immigration
The term 'Digital Immigration' is coined by a man called Marc Prensky. He believed that today's students have evolved from traditional educational structures and are now more dependent on digital technology as a source of learning then ever before. Prensky described that people could be split into two categories:
Digital Natives - Prensky used this name for the 'new students' of society that are extremely literate in the new digital 'language' of today. They have detailed knowledge in new media technology such as computers and the internet.
Digital Immigrants - This term is used for people who were not born into this technological age and therefore do not have the detailed knowledge to use things such as the internet, etc. This older generation of people slowly pick up the skills to use new media technology as they wouldn't be able to function in today's lifestyle very well otherwise, but the older methods of gaining information often come first and then the internet is their second choice.
http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.pdf
The term 'Digital Immigration' is coined by a man called Marc Prensky. He believed that today's students have evolved from traditional educational structures and are now more dependent on digital technology as a source of learning then ever before. Prensky described that people could be split into two categories:
Digital Natives - Prensky used this name for the 'new students' of society that are extremely literate in the new digital 'language' of today. They have detailed knowledge in new media technology such as computers and the internet.
Digital Immigrants - This term is used for people who were not born into this technological age and therefore do not have the detailed knowledge to use things such as the internet, etc. This older generation of people slowly pick up the skills to use new media technology as they wouldn't be able to function in today's lifestyle very well otherwise, but the older methods of gaining information often come first and then the internet is their second choice.
http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.pdf
Saturday, 8 March 2008
Week 7 - Distance learning
Zambia
The University of Zambia was one of the first universities in Africa to introduce distance learning 1966, where the idea was adopted from the University of New England in Australia. Its distance education uses identical courses which are offered to both internal and distance students by the same regular teaching staff. Therefore, the distance teaching activities are integrated into the normal teaching expectations of the lecturers there. This puts a very large work load onto the teachers, so a questionnaire was carried out at the university of Zambia to try and gage the tutor's attitudes towards distance teaching.
Some of the main findings were that lecturers did not have enough time to carry out their correspondence and that "distance teaching was an extra burden which was not sufficiently rewarding". This therefore leads staff to go back to 'campus-bound' teaching as this is less of a burden. In the article it states that "25% of the respondents in Scriven's study indicated that they would avoid distance teaching if they could. Scriven also discovered that 31% of the respondents disliked marking distance students' assignments". This reflects how tutors do not find distance learning enjoyable and that they would avoid the entire method of distance learning if they could. I think teachers would only be more accepting of this extra work load if universities reduced the staff's commitments to distance learning or employed more staff to make the work load more bearable.
I can also see some similarities between the tutor's attitudes to distance learning and my own attitudes towards it. As it says in the article, the staff found this method of teaching "time-consuming and monotonous". I can relate to their feelings towards it as i do find this way of learning very time-consuming and it often interferes with my other work. We are expected to do at least two full days a week of work on our blogs and posting on others, and i believe this is demanding a lot when we have numerous other units we have to concentrate on as well. I find myself not putting in as much effort with the other units as i am always concentrating on my blog. I understand that we are expected to put this much time into the unit as it has to make up for the lack of regular contact with tutors, but it does create a very heavy work load which can become quite stressful at times.
I can also understand how potentially beneficial this multi-media method of learning is, and i appreciate that it will help me in my life after university in my career, etc. However, i do prefer face-to-face learning in a classroom with other students around me. I find this much more enjoyable and beneficial as i think i learn best with people around me to bounce ideas off. I know that is the function of the 'forum', but i don't find it being the same sort of experience in that it's quite isolating doing work sat at a computer by yourself each week. I do ensure that i complete each weekly task on time and i have never fallen behind on my work in the hope that it will become more enjoyable. However, i just don't think you can beat a real life, classroom education.
What do you think? Can you also not wait for this blogging to finish? lol
The University of Zambia was one of the first universities in Africa to introduce distance learning 1966, where the idea was adopted from the University of New England in Australia. Its distance education uses identical courses which are offered to both internal and distance students by the same regular teaching staff. Therefore, the distance teaching activities are integrated into the normal teaching expectations of the lecturers there. This puts a very large work load onto the teachers, so a questionnaire was carried out at the university of Zambia to try and gage the tutor's attitudes towards distance teaching.
Some of the main findings were that lecturers did not have enough time to carry out their correspondence and that "distance teaching was an extra burden which was not sufficiently rewarding". This therefore leads staff to go back to 'campus-bound' teaching as this is less of a burden. In the article it states that "25% of the respondents in Scriven's study indicated that they would avoid distance teaching if they could. Scriven also discovered that 31% of the respondents disliked marking distance students' assignments". This reflects how tutors do not find distance learning enjoyable and that they would avoid the entire method of distance learning if they could. I think teachers would only be more accepting of this extra work load if universities reduced the staff's commitments to distance learning or employed more staff to make the work load more bearable.
I can also see some similarities between the tutor's attitudes to distance learning and my own attitudes towards it. As it says in the article, the staff found this method of teaching "time-consuming and monotonous". I can relate to their feelings towards it as i do find this way of learning very time-consuming and it often interferes with my other work. We are expected to do at least two full days a week of work on our blogs and posting on others, and i believe this is demanding a lot when we have numerous other units we have to concentrate on as well. I find myself not putting in as much effort with the other units as i am always concentrating on my blog. I understand that we are expected to put this much time into the unit as it has to make up for the lack of regular contact with tutors, but it does create a very heavy work load which can become quite stressful at times.
I can also understand how potentially beneficial this multi-media method of learning is, and i appreciate that it will help me in my life after university in my career, etc. However, i do prefer face-to-face learning in a classroom with other students around me. I find this much more enjoyable and beneficial as i think i learn best with people around me to bounce ideas off. I know that is the function of the 'forum', but i don't find it being the same sort of experience in that it's quite isolating doing work sat at a computer by yourself each week. I do ensure that i complete each weekly task on time and i have never fallen behind on my work in the hope that it will become more enjoyable. However, i just don't think you can beat a real life, classroom education.
What do you think? Can you also not wait for this blogging to finish? lol
Week 7 - Distance learning
China
China's distance learning universities was one of the first in the world to introduce this form of learning. The TVU courses are multimedia, consisting of radio, television and printed materials. The social-science courses' main form of media is television where satellite transmission broadcasts lectures to the students. This method of learning started in 1986 and it had lead to the social-science courses greatly increasing in its size of students. The other forms of media used in the learning is audio- and video-cassettes which make up for insufficient transmission time. With over 1 million audio-visual copies of teaching materials being produced each year this also helps long-distance students get efficient access to the learning materials where ever they may be located.
The main learning materials for the courses are formed into three types of media; course books, reference books and study guides. Printed teaching materials are also available to supplement radio and television programmes for all the courses. I think the radio and television teaching sounds effective as the programmes are just an identical transcription of the actual classroom teaching. This ensures that the distance learning students are getting the same quality of learning as the classroom students. Also, the presenters for the television and radio teaching are specifically chosen from high standard universities all around the country. This again ensures the highest quality in teaching and puts confidence into the programme.
As well as these options of distance learning, students also have the option off ace-to-face tuition which i believe is a necessary feature as presenters of radio and television programmes cannot answer the students' questions directly and students have to wait to hear any feedback on the learning and teaching. Also, problems with the television image and radio sound could occur for technical or other reasons, so it is beneficial to have face-to-face learning on top of this.
I think the main positives of China's distance learning universities is that teaching can be delivered in a shorter time period and on a much larger scale. Also, China can be seen as less culturally and scientifically developed than other countries so this method of learning can help to evolve these areas in its society. However, there are certain negatives that can be seen. Such as the "limited transmission time for television; improper use of media; inconvenient viewing and listening for part-time study, delayed distribution of printed teaching materials, a too large student study load, insufficient provision of experimental work, and a shortage of qualified staff for research on distance education." I can see how these problems would greatly affect the standard of distance learning as if the teaching materials are delayed or there isn't enough qualified staff then this will hinder the quality of learning. If i was a student facing these problems i would be extremely concerned about the future standard of my education.
To help solve these issues, the universities have started to establish new methods of learning. These include printed teaching materials being more of the basis of new types of courses, and radio and television teaching hours being reduced. I think this will decrease the problems that have previously arisen and these future changes would defiantly put my confidence back into the distance learning programmes.
What do you think? Do you think these changes will improve the standard of distance learning in China?
China's distance learning universities was one of the first in the world to introduce this form of learning. The TVU courses are multimedia, consisting of radio, television and printed materials. The social-science courses' main form of media is television where satellite transmission broadcasts lectures to the students. This method of learning started in 1986 and it had lead to the social-science courses greatly increasing in its size of students. The other forms of media used in the learning is audio- and video-cassettes which make up for insufficient transmission time. With over 1 million audio-visual copies of teaching materials being produced each year this also helps long-distance students get efficient access to the learning materials where ever they may be located.
The main learning materials for the courses are formed into three types of media; course books, reference books and study guides. Printed teaching materials are also available to supplement radio and television programmes for all the courses. I think the radio and television teaching sounds effective as the programmes are just an identical transcription of the actual classroom teaching. This ensures that the distance learning students are getting the same quality of learning as the classroom students. Also, the presenters for the television and radio teaching are specifically chosen from high standard universities all around the country. This again ensures the highest quality in teaching and puts confidence into the programme.
As well as these options of distance learning, students also have the option off ace-to-face tuition which i believe is a necessary feature as presenters of radio and television programmes cannot answer the students' questions directly and students have to wait to hear any feedback on the learning and teaching. Also, problems with the television image and radio sound could occur for technical or other reasons, so it is beneficial to have face-to-face learning on top of this.
I think the main positives of China's distance learning universities is that teaching can be delivered in a shorter time period and on a much larger scale. Also, China can be seen as less culturally and scientifically developed than other countries so this method of learning can help to evolve these areas in its society. However, there are certain negatives that can be seen. Such as the "limited transmission time for television; improper use of media; inconvenient viewing and listening for part-time study, delayed distribution of printed teaching materials, a too large student study load, insufficient provision of experimental work, and a shortage of qualified staff for research on distance education." I can see how these problems would greatly affect the standard of distance learning as if the teaching materials are delayed or there isn't enough qualified staff then this will hinder the quality of learning. If i was a student facing these problems i would be extremely concerned about the future standard of my education.
To help solve these issues, the universities have started to establish new methods of learning. These include printed teaching materials being more of the basis of new types of courses, and radio and television teaching hours being reduced. I think this will decrease the problems that have previously arisen and these future changes would defiantly put my confidence back into the distance learning programmes.
What do you think? Do you think these changes will improve the standard of distance learning in China?
Friday, 7 March 2008
Week 7 - Distance Learning
Deakin University
This Australian University is very innovative in its learning practices as it offers numerous online course options, and i can notice both positive and negative issues with this form of online learning. Instead of the students attending lectures and seminars they receive course material through the internet. They also have access to study methods which include online conferencing, tutorial and tele-tutorial groups. The university also offers the 'iLecture' facility which enables students to download lectures in audio or video format. They also have access to Deakin's library services, which enables students to search the library database online and have books sent to their residence.
I can see that this is a positive way of learning as it is keeping up to date with society's change in new media technology and it will provide the students relevant technological knowledge when they leave university and go into a career. Most companies now expect their employees to be equipped with up-to-date knowledge of the recent technological advances so this form of learning will prepare them for future life. I also think it is a helpful tool for students in live in more rural places and maybe can't get to the university that often. The online tutorial groups and lectures will help students stay to the courses deadlines and provides a more interactive way of learning.
However, i do think there are some negatives to this way of learning too. Even though it is very interactive i don't believe you can learn as well just through a computer screen compared to the real life 'classroom' experience. You don't have the facility of a teacher being there face-to-face and having that real life interaction. It is quite an individual and therefore i think a lonely way of learning and i always work best in a seminar room with the other students around me.
What do you think? Which way of learning do you prefer?
This Australian University is very innovative in its learning practices as it offers numerous online course options, and i can notice both positive and negative issues with this form of online learning. Instead of the students attending lectures and seminars they receive course material through the internet. They also have access to study methods which include online conferencing, tutorial and tele-tutorial groups. The university also offers the 'iLecture' facility which enables students to download lectures in audio or video format. They also have access to Deakin's library services, which enables students to search the library database online and have books sent to their residence.
I can see that this is a positive way of learning as it is keeping up to date with society's change in new media technology and it will provide the students relevant technological knowledge when they leave university and go into a career. Most companies now expect their employees to be equipped with up-to-date knowledge of the recent technological advances so this form of learning will prepare them for future life. I also think it is a helpful tool for students in live in more rural places and maybe can't get to the university that often. The online tutorial groups and lectures will help students stay to the courses deadlines and provides a more interactive way of learning.
However, i do think there are some negatives to this way of learning too. Even though it is very interactive i don't believe you can learn as well just through a computer screen compared to the real life 'classroom' experience. You don't have the facility of a teacher being there face-to-face and having that real life interaction. It is quite an individual and therefore i think a lonely way of learning and i always work best in a seminar room with the other students around me.
What do you think? Which way of learning do you prefer?
Friday, 29 February 2008
Sue's tasks - task 4
Our forum as a Community of Practice
It can be seen that our forum for this unit is a community of practice as we all have a joint interprise and a shared goal. As a group we are aiming to acquire the best mark we can for this unit while also understanding and learning the tasks given to us each week. It also fits Wenger's theory that it is different to an organisational unit as our forum is not formal and doesn't have a strict person to answer to. There is obviously a hierarchy structure however as the tutors are at the top assessing our progress and giving us marks, but they are there to help with our development of practice, not to restrict us.
The rest of our community which involves just students are at an equal level with everyone else as we all started with the same basic knowledge of the 'new media' topic. This means there isn't an extreme difference in the power structure between us and we all fit the same role of using the forum as a learning device. However, it could be said that the members who have fallen behind in the weekly tasks could be seen slightly lower in the hierarchy as their learning and practice is behind everyone elses.
I can't see any other roles that could be fulfilled as there are only two main differences in the members of the community - the tutors, and the students. If there are any more that you can think of that i've left out then please let me know! What did you think about our forum being a community of practice?
It can be seen that our forum for this unit is a community of practice as we all have a joint interprise and a shared goal. As a group we are aiming to acquire the best mark we can for this unit while also understanding and learning the tasks given to us each week. It also fits Wenger's theory that it is different to an organisational unit as our forum is not formal and doesn't have a strict person to answer to. There is obviously a hierarchy structure however as the tutors are at the top assessing our progress and giving us marks, but they are there to help with our development of practice, not to restrict us.
The rest of our community which involves just students are at an equal level with everyone else as we all started with the same basic knowledge of the 'new media' topic. This means there isn't an extreme difference in the power structure between us and we all fit the same role of using the forum as a learning device. However, it could be said that the members who have fallen behind in the weekly tasks could be seen slightly lower in the hierarchy as their learning and practice is behind everyone elses.
I can't see any other roles that could be fulfilled as there are only two main differences in the members of the community - the tutors, and the students. If there are any more that you can think of that i've left out then please let me know! What did you think about our forum being a community of practice?
Sue's tasks - task 3
Community of Practice website - 'Thrift Green Trotters'
I found on the internet a community of practice website associated with the Essex running club 'Thrift Green Trotters'. http://www.thriftgreentrotters.co.uk/index.htm
The site was not created solely for online purposes as it was created for the running club to help the runners develop their practice and share advice and experiences with other members. I discovered this community of practice through my mum who is actually a member of 'Thrift Green Trotters' and regularly uses the website as a secondary source of learning. She claims that nearly every member of the running club also use this website as it is useful for dates of races, and has message boards, etc. It also offers an element of Community of Practice as its joint enterprise is learning by practice and activity.
The website uses a bright and simple layout and has a bar at the top of the page with numerous hyperlinks to all the sections on the site. It's sections include 'Beginners', 'Training', 'Race Information', 'Injuries & Nutrition', and 'Club information'. Under the 'Beginners' section there is helpful tips about what training or medical advice they may need before joining, with the given names of 'Paul Price' and 'Alan Shirley' as people to go to if any extra help is needed. This automatically suggests there is a power structure in this community of practice and these members must obviously be well respected and high up the hierarchy for them to be suggested as helpers for beginners.
There is also a major element of respect in this community as there is a whole section on the website dedicated to one member called Geoff Nobes. http://www.thriftgreentrotters.co.uk/ClubEvents/GeoffNobes.htm
It describes how Geoff joined 'Thrift Green Trotters' in 1990 and had the fastest time for the 10k run in the whole club. He however then was diagnosed with cancer but beat it and recovered in 1996. Unfortunately the cancer returned and Geoff died in 1998 after being one of the most respected members in the whole club for his record-beating running. Now the club dedicates a special race called the 'Geoff Nobes Handicap Race' every year and raises money for local cancer charities. This represents that Geoff's high level of practice within the community and his battle with cancer made him the most respected member of the club even after his death.
The 'Discussion Board' section is another crucial part of this website as it allows all the members to share advice and ask questions when needed. http://members5.boardhost.com/TGTrotters/
If you click on that link you will see that the main discussion for this week has been 'Dieting Myths' and advice for the upcoming marathon which my mum says is the main joint enterprise in the club at the moment. Special marathon training has been added to the normal training and everyone is together in sharing their passion for trying to get the best time in the race.
I believe this is a perfect example for community of practice as the site provides extra tips and learning while the members practice this out in their running each week. What do you think?
I found on the internet a community of practice website associated with the Essex running club 'Thrift Green Trotters'. http://www.thriftgreentrotters.co.uk/index.htm
The site was not created solely for online purposes as it was created for the running club to help the runners develop their practice and share advice and experiences with other members. I discovered this community of practice through my mum who is actually a member of 'Thrift Green Trotters' and regularly uses the website as a secondary source of learning. She claims that nearly every member of the running club also use this website as it is useful for dates of races, and has message boards, etc. It also offers an element of Community of Practice as its joint enterprise is learning by practice and activity.
The website uses a bright and simple layout and has a bar at the top of the page with numerous hyperlinks to all the sections on the site. It's sections include 'Beginners', 'Training', 'Race Information', 'Injuries & Nutrition', and 'Club information'. Under the 'Beginners' section there is helpful tips about what training or medical advice they may need before joining, with the given names of 'Paul Price' and 'Alan Shirley' as people to go to if any extra help is needed. This automatically suggests there is a power structure in this community of practice and these members must obviously be well respected and high up the hierarchy for them to be suggested as helpers for beginners.
There is also a major element of respect in this community as there is a whole section on the website dedicated to one member called Geoff Nobes. http://www.thriftgreentrotters.co.uk/ClubEvents/GeoffNobes.htm
It describes how Geoff joined 'Thrift Green Trotters' in 1990 and had the fastest time for the 10k run in the whole club. He however then was diagnosed with cancer but beat it and recovered in 1996. Unfortunately the cancer returned and Geoff died in 1998 after being one of the most respected members in the whole club for his record-beating running. Now the club dedicates a special race called the 'Geoff Nobes Handicap Race' every year and raises money for local cancer charities. This represents that Geoff's high level of practice within the community and his battle with cancer made him the most respected member of the club even after his death.
The 'Discussion Board' section is another crucial part of this website as it allows all the members to share advice and ask questions when needed. http://members5.boardhost.com/TGTrotters/
If you click on that link you will see that the main discussion for this week has been 'Dieting Myths' and advice for the upcoming marathon which my mum says is the main joint enterprise in the club at the moment. Special marathon training has been added to the normal training and everyone is together in sharing their passion for trying to get the best time in the race.
I believe this is a perfect example for community of practice as the site provides extra tips and learning while the members practice this out in their running each week. What do you think?
Sue's tasks - task 2
Wenger - 'Organisation Unit'
In the text Wenger describes the differences between a community of practice and an organisation unit. A good quote i found in the reading to help explain this is below:
"Communities of practice are not a new kind of organizational unit; rather, they are a different cut on the organization's structure—one that emphasizes the learning that people have done together rather than the unit they report to, the project they are working on, or the people they know. Communities of practice differ from other kinds of groups found in organizations in the way they define their enterprise, exist over time, and set their boundaries." (Wenger, 1998, page 4)
I take this to meaning that in an organisation unit you have to respond to a 'boss' and have to stick to strict rules. Communities of practice are different in that it's the community's members that set the rules of learning for themselves and have a shared interest in an informal setting. The members develop themselves and their own practice as they go along and there is no pressure to answer to anybody.
There is a much more flexible atmosphere in a community of practice and it is less restricted then an organisation unit. Using my example of 'Danceworks' before, we did have a leader in Mrs Chalkley but she was there to help and teach us instead of ordering us to meet certain tasks and deadlines. The members of 'Danceworks' were given the freedom to participate when they wished and learn at their own pace in a community setting. All the members could learn from each other whether it be the newcomers learning routines from the other dancers, or the more respected dancers helping the leader with new ideas for the next dance show.
Do you agree in my understanding of this text and question? What did you think?
In the text Wenger describes the differences between a community of practice and an organisation unit. A good quote i found in the reading to help explain this is below:
"Communities of practice are not a new kind of organizational unit; rather, they are a different cut on the organization's structure—one that emphasizes the learning that people have done together rather than the unit they report to, the project they are working on, or the people they know. Communities of practice differ from other kinds of groups found in organizations in the way they define their enterprise, exist over time, and set their boundaries." (Wenger, 1998, page 4)
I take this to meaning that in an organisation unit you have to respond to a 'boss' and have to stick to strict rules. Communities of practice are different in that it's the community's members that set the rules of learning for themselves and have a shared interest in an informal setting. The members develop themselves and their own practice as they go along and there is no pressure to answer to anybody.
There is a much more flexible atmosphere in a community of practice and it is less restricted then an organisation unit. Using my example of 'Danceworks' before, we did have a leader in Mrs Chalkley but she was there to help and teach us instead of ordering us to meet certain tasks and deadlines. The members of 'Danceworks' were given the freedom to participate when they wished and learn at their own pace in a community setting. All the members could learn from each other whether it be the newcomers learning routines from the other dancers, or the more respected dancers helping the leader with new ideas for the next dance show.
Do you agree in my understanding of this text and question? What did you think?
Sue's tasks - task 1
My own Community of Practice
When i was younger i was part of a dance group called 'Danceworks' which met up once a week in our town's local hall. It was run by a woman called Mrs Chalkley and she was one of my friend's mums, and she had established this successful dance group from scratch and conducted numerous shows and dancing exams to gage how good you were.
When i was younger i was part of a dance group called 'Danceworks' which met up once a week in our town's local hall. It was run by a woman called Mrs Chalkley and she was one of my friend's mums, and she had established this successful dance group from scratch and conducted numerous shows and dancing exams to gage how good you were.
As this was the main dance group in our town there were many members, especially from my school, as this did form a community of practice. The 'joint enterprise' of this community was to learn different styles of dancing such as 'Disco', 'Jazz', and 'Ballroom'. Our 'mutual engagement' was trying to become the best dancers we could and helping each other learn the routines for shows, etc. Our 'shared repertoire' was our passion for learning new routines and trying to perform the most exciting and innovative shows each year.
We would meet up once a week to practice, and often more times a week if we were preparing for a show. It did become a social feature in my life as many of my friends from my dancing community were friends from school and are still in my life even today. Also, the mums of the children often socialised together after they had picked us up from dancing practice as there was a family pub across the road we used to gather in afterwards.
We wore dancing outfits that were customised for 'Danceworks', such as a purple leotard (which was the community's main colour scheme), black dance trousers over the top, and a gray jumper which the 'Danceworks' logo on it in purple. This type of 'uniform' i suppose brought us together as a community as nobody apart from ourselves wore it. Also, when we did gather in the family pub across the road we would still be in these clothes so to outsiders they could recognise we were part of the dancing community of practice.
As in any community of practice there was a subtle power structure that was involved. Mrs Chalkey, the creator of 'Danceworks', was also the main dance teacher and took most of the classes so she was seen at the top of the hierarchy. She then had two extra helpers who took the younger children's classes and helped teach us new routines if we practicing for a show. They therefore got respect from the pupils, but we didn't view them as high up as Mrs Chalkley. There were then different classes based on the level of your dancing skills. The more exams you took and passed, the higher the class you would go up. This lead to you gaining respect from the other members as you were working your way up the hierarchy.
The newcomers often had a hard time as they were outsiders to our community and normally did not have very good dancing skills to start off with. As i said before, the better you were at the dancing the more respect you got. Once the newcomers passed their first exam though or participated in a show they often got more accepted. In that sense, people had to "earn their stripes" before being welcomed into the community.
Wednesday, 27 February 2008
Website Analysis
Analyis - 'more magazine' - part c
The last part of the 'more magazine' website i am going to analyse is the appeal it has for the uses and why it is such a popular site.
Appeal - There are many aspects of this website that i find appealing and that i could imagine many other young women enjoying too. Although the home page is slightly cluttered with adverts and different boxes, it does look exciting as soon as you enter it and there are so many different sections for users to go on. The numerous hyperlinks make the site very interactive and allow the user to create their own experience by choosing excatly what sections of the site they want to view. This high level of interactivity in my opinion is what makes the site so interesting as you keep finding new hyperlinks and new sections to go onto which stop you from leaving and surfing onto other sites.
The user generated content of the site is another appealing feature as the Message Boards and Chat rooms have endless topics you can talk about. There also seems to be a lot of users visiting each board so you know you will have a good discussion if you wish to get involved. It is an open and un-biased space where you can post anything you like and even ask the other users for advice which seems to always get answered on most of the boards. This creates an atmosphere of a virtual community as most of the users are young women all dealing with the same issues that the website addresses, so it allows a network of relationships to form and that is a very appealing aspect for this site.
Please go on the site for yourself to have a look at it and let me know if you agree with my positive analysis of it. Thanks! http://www.moremagazine.co.uk/message_chat/
The last part of the 'more magazine' website i am going to analyse is the appeal it has for the uses and why it is such a popular site.
Appeal - There are many aspects of this website that i find appealing and that i could imagine many other young women enjoying too. Although the home page is slightly cluttered with adverts and different boxes, it does look exciting as soon as you enter it and there are so many different sections for users to go on. The numerous hyperlinks make the site very interactive and allow the user to create their own experience by choosing excatly what sections of the site they want to view. This high level of interactivity in my opinion is what makes the site so interesting as you keep finding new hyperlinks and new sections to go onto which stop you from leaving and surfing onto other sites.
The user generated content of the site is another appealing feature as the Message Boards and Chat rooms have endless topics you can talk about. There also seems to be a lot of users visiting each board so you know you will have a good discussion if you wish to get involved. It is an open and un-biased space where you can post anything you like and even ask the other users for advice which seems to always get answered on most of the boards. This creates an atmosphere of a virtual community as most of the users are young women all dealing with the same issues that the website addresses, so it allows a network of relationships to form and that is a very appealing aspect for this site.
Please go on the site for yourself to have a look at it and let me know if you agree with my positive analysis of it. Thanks! http://www.moremagazine.co.uk/message_chat/
Website Analysis
Analysis - 'more Magazine' - part b
I have analysed the aspect of structure on the 'more magazine' website, and i am now going to address how the website is connected to the user on a cultural level.
Culture - In my opinion this site represents women's culture of today very accurately. It is basically an online version of the magazine so both of the forms of media reflect each other. 'More Magazine' is mostly known for its open and relevant topics such as a 'Sex Confessions' page in every issue and often one-off specials on 'Sex tips', etc. This isn't promoting young women to sleep around or belittle the serious topic of sex, but it tries to address issues in a light-hearted way and answer both the readers in the magazine and the users on the website questions.
This also demonstrates how today's female culture is much more open to talk about sex and that it is not such a taboo subject anymore to share your sexual experiences. In some ways this is addressing the 'Public Sphere' as on the Message Board there are sections named 'Dating Stories, 'Sexy Confessions', and 'Men & Sex' (alongside the other topics such as beauty and fashion) where users can talk to other users about their experiences and ask for advice. The way these specific boards are put amongst the other boards addressing less intimate topics, such as celebrities, reflects how sex and men are just another ordinary issue that women deal with on a daily basis and aren't afraid to talk about it. http://www.moremagazine.co.uk/message_chat/messageboards.asp?forum.asp?FORUM_ID=3
The users however can also be anonymous, as on the message boards they don't have to use their real names if they don't want to. There are names such as 'cutiepie1' and 'coolcat20' which disguise the user's identity. Maybe this suggests that even though in our culture we are more open to talk about sex and intimate topics, we still feel more at ease sharing our true views if nobody knows our real identity. Hopefully in the future these sort of topics will have completely shed their taboo status and then people will feel more comfortable in discussing their views while using their real name. What do you think? Would you feel comfortable talking about these sorts of topics on this forum?
I have analysed the aspect of structure on the 'more magazine' website, and i am now going to address how the website is connected to the user on a cultural level.
Culture - In my opinion this site represents women's culture of today very accurately. It is basically an online version of the magazine so both of the forms of media reflect each other. 'More Magazine' is mostly known for its open and relevant topics such as a 'Sex Confessions' page in every issue and often one-off specials on 'Sex tips', etc. This isn't promoting young women to sleep around or belittle the serious topic of sex, but it tries to address issues in a light-hearted way and answer both the readers in the magazine and the users on the website questions.
This also demonstrates how today's female culture is much more open to talk about sex and that it is not such a taboo subject anymore to share your sexual experiences. In some ways this is addressing the 'Public Sphere' as on the Message Board there are sections named 'Dating Stories, 'Sexy Confessions', and 'Men & Sex' (alongside the other topics such as beauty and fashion) where users can talk to other users about their experiences and ask for advice. The way these specific boards are put amongst the other boards addressing less intimate topics, such as celebrities, reflects how sex and men are just another ordinary issue that women deal with on a daily basis and aren't afraid to talk about it. http://www.moremagazine.co.uk/message_chat/messageboards.asp?forum.asp?FORUM_ID=3
The users however can also be anonymous, as on the message boards they don't have to use their real names if they don't want to. There are names such as 'cutiepie1' and 'coolcat20' which disguise the user's identity. Maybe this suggests that even though in our culture we are more open to talk about sex and intimate topics, we still feel more at ease sharing our true views if nobody knows our real identity. Hopefully in the future these sort of topics will have completely shed their taboo status and then people will feel more comfortable in discussing their views while using their real name. What do you think? Would you feel comfortable talking about these sorts of topics on this forum?
Website Analysis
Analysis - 'More Magazine' - part a
For this task i am going to analyse the website for 'More' magazine. It is one of the most well-known and popular magazines for young women and covers a range of topics relevant to women's lifestyles which is also reflected through the website.
http://www.moremagazine.co.uk/message_chat/
Structure: In my opinion the website is structured very well as it encourages interaction and is full of interesting hyperlinks to keep the website exciting for the user. The opening page of the site is full of bright colours and numerous different sections to keep the user busy. The colour scheme is mostly pinks and whites which is stereotypically 'girlie' colours which keeps to the demographic of the magazine. As well as all the different sections on the open page there are numerous adverts directed to the user. These adverts are mainly make-up related and its main brand seems to be 'Rimmel'. The adverts are also hyperlinks so when the user clicks on them it directs them to a 'Rimmel' website where they can buy the make-up that is being advertised and even get a free sample if they follow the directions on the site: http://www.rimmellondon.com/UK/promotions.aspx?id=235
Down the left hand side of the home page there is a list of the different sections you can visit on the site, such as 'Celebrity', 'Fashion & Beauty', and even a 'Single Men' section which suggests that the target audience for this site prioritise the need for finding a man as well as looking and feeling good. This list of sections are hyperlinks that the user can just click on and be sent to the certain topic they are interested in. This increases the interactivity of the site and allows the user to become 'producers' and create their own experience of the website. There is also a Search bar at the top of the page so that the user can just type a key word in and be sent straight to that topic in the site instead of trying to look for it.
There are different boxes spread around the home page which create more functions of the site and to keep the user entertained for longer which decreases the chance for them to just 'surf' and not stay on the site. There is a 'Hot Topic' section with the week's most interesting stories which tells the user that the site is up-to-date with the newest topics and makes the site seem innovative.
There are two big boxes in the center of the page with a 'Message Board' hyperlink and a 'Chat room' hyperlink. The Message Board has lots of different subjects from 'Music and TV' to problem-page style topics called 'Get it off your chest'. http://www.moremagazine.co.uk/message_chat/messageboards.asp
There seem to be lots of comments on nearly every topic which suggests that this site, and especially the Message Board section, is very successful and popular with users. It is easily laid out and simple to use which will encourage people to post a comment. However, to go onto the Chat Room section you have to become a member of the site and register before you can become involved with the chat, so this could put off some users as it is time-consuming so they may just stick to using the Message Boards which you can use without becoming a member.
An extra hyperlink of the site which i thought was very innovative is the user can click on a link that shows them a webcam of the More Magazine office. I found this very interesting and haven't come across this sort of function on any other site. It makes the user feel more involved as they can actually see the staff working on the magazine and the website. Has anyone else come across this sort of thing on a website before?
For this task i am going to analyse the website for 'More' magazine. It is one of the most well-known and popular magazines for young women and covers a range of topics relevant to women's lifestyles which is also reflected through the website.
http://www.moremagazine.co.uk/message_chat/
Structure: In my opinion the website is structured very well as it encourages interaction and is full of interesting hyperlinks to keep the website exciting for the user. The opening page of the site is full of bright colours and numerous different sections to keep the user busy. The colour scheme is mostly pinks and whites which is stereotypically 'girlie' colours which keeps to the demographic of the magazine. As well as all the different sections on the open page there are numerous adverts directed to the user. These adverts are mainly make-up related and its main brand seems to be 'Rimmel'. The adverts are also hyperlinks so when the user clicks on them it directs them to a 'Rimmel' website where they can buy the make-up that is being advertised and even get a free sample if they follow the directions on the site: http://www.rimmellondon.com/UK/promotions.aspx?id=235
Down the left hand side of the home page there is a list of the different sections you can visit on the site, such as 'Celebrity', 'Fashion & Beauty', and even a 'Single Men' section which suggests that the target audience for this site prioritise the need for finding a man as well as looking and feeling good. This list of sections are hyperlinks that the user can just click on and be sent to the certain topic they are interested in. This increases the interactivity of the site and allows the user to become 'producers' and create their own experience of the website. There is also a Search bar at the top of the page so that the user can just type a key word in and be sent straight to that topic in the site instead of trying to look for it.
There are different boxes spread around the home page which create more functions of the site and to keep the user entertained for longer which decreases the chance for them to just 'surf' and not stay on the site. There is a 'Hot Topic' section with the week's most interesting stories which tells the user that the site is up-to-date with the newest topics and makes the site seem innovative.
There are two big boxes in the center of the page with a 'Message Board' hyperlink and a 'Chat room' hyperlink. The Message Board has lots of different subjects from 'Music and TV' to problem-page style topics called 'Get it off your chest'. http://www.moremagazine.co.uk/message_chat/messageboards.asp
There seem to be lots of comments on nearly every topic which suggests that this site, and especially the Message Board section, is very successful and popular with users. It is easily laid out and simple to use which will encourage people to post a comment. However, to go onto the Chat Room section you have to become a member of the site and register before you can become involved with the chat, so this could put off some users as it is time-consuming so they may just stick to using the Message Boards which you can use without becoming a member.
An extra hyperlink of the site which i thought was very innovative is the user can click on a link that shows them a webcam of the More Magazine office. I found this very interesting and haven't come across this sort of function on any other site. It makes the user feel more involved as they can actually see the staff working on the magazine and the website. Has anyone else come across this sort of thing on a website before?
Thursday, 21 February 2008
Week 4 - Task 2
Music Sharing Online
Online music has become so popular over the years and is changing the way music is distributed and consumed as a result. You can download a song within minutes which gets rid of the need to go to a high street shop like HMV at all. I personally still like going into music shops and being able to look at the different sections available and being able to ask questions to the staff face-to-face. However, i can see how easy and fast it is to just download the music online and not have to even leave your house.
This method of music sharing is useful for unknown bands to become more popular as their music can be distributed on a mass scale for no cost. Singers such as Kate Nash and Lilly Allen all became well known through online music sharing. The Artic Monkeys are probably the most well known band for becoming famous through the website Myspace. Their profile purely advertised their music and anyone was able to access it for no money at all.
This could easily change how popular music is viewed. Whereas before bands would need to be signed by a record label, have lots of money for advertising, and be able to travel to places all around the country to become well known. Now bands can have their music be heard all over the country without having to do long travelling as people can download their songs from anywhere. I think this will be a positive factor as unknown bands who wouldn't have had a chance to be heard before now have an effective outlet for their music. Do you agree with me that it's a positive thing or do you think it could lead to the downfall of music stores?
Online music has become so popular over the years and is changing the way music is distributed and consumed as a result. You can download a song within minutes which gets rid of the need to go to a high street shop like HMV at all. I personally still like going into music shops and being able to look at the different sections available and being able to ask questions to the staff face-to-face. However, i can see how easy and fast it is to just download the music online and not have to even leave your house.
This method of music sharing is useful for unknown bands to become more popular as their music can be distributed on a mass scale for no cost. Singers such as Kate Nash and Lilly Allen all became well known through online music sharing. The Artic Monkeys are probably the most well known band for becoming famous through the website Myspace. Their profile purely advertised their music and anyone was able to access it for no money at all.
This could easily change how popular music is viewed. Whereas before bands would need to be signed by a record label, have lots of money for advertising, and be able to travel to places all around the country to become well known. Now bands can have their music be heard all over the country without having to do long travelling as people can download their songs from anywhere. I think this will be a positive factor as unknown bands who wouldn't have had a chance to be heard before now have an effective outlet for their music. Do you agree with me that it's a positive thing or do you think it could lead to the downfall of music stores?
Week 4 - Task 1
Social Networking Sites
I believe that Facebook (www.facebook.com) is the perfect example of an efficient working social networking site, and the fact that i keep refering to it shows that it ticks a lot of boxes!! It is a great form of communication and is ideal for keeping in contact with friends who without this service you might have grown apart from. For anyone who has been living under a rock the past few years and doesn't know what facebook is it's a website that you join often in connection with a University or business you are part of and this initially allows you to make connections with other people similar to yourself. Your profile allows you to message other people you have become 'friends' with on the site and you can personalise your profile to suit your taste. I think these sort of functions is why this site has become so popular above others such as bebo as its so interactive and you have control over everything.
The function of adding and editing pictures is in my opinion one of the main reasons that makes this site stand out. You can 'tag' yourself and your friends in the pictures so that they can then be seen on numerous people's profiles. You can then click on the hyperlink of the person's name that is on the picture which sends you straight to their profile, so you therefore are 'surfing' through your friends' sites and seeing what is new on their profile.
There is no anonymity on this site as you know excatly who you are talking to as people often go into detail about themselves on their profile as it is split into different sections like 'interests' and 'background'. Even a 'religion' label is there so every aspect of a person is revealed.
I think this site is a clear example of how social networking sites are developing and how us as a society are developing with it. Even inside facebook there are constant developments as i get sent messages asking if i want to download the new application created for the site. I think this kind of development is very exciting and innovative, do you agree? Do you enjoy facebook as much as me?
I believe that Facebook (www.facebook.com) is the perfect example of an efficient working social networking site, and the fact that i keep refering to it shows that it ticks a lot of boxes!! It is a great form of communication and is ideal for keeping in contact with friends who without this service you might have grown apart from. For anyone who has been living under a rock the past few years and doesn't know what facebook is it's a website that you join often in connection with a University or business you are part of and this initially allows you to make connections with other people similar to yourself. Your profile allows you to message other people you have become 'friends' with on the site and you can personalise your profile to suit your taste. I think these sort of functions is why this site has become so popular above others such as bebo as its so interactive and you have control over everything.
The function of adding and editing pictures is in my opinion one of the main reasons that makes this site stand out. You can 'tag' yourself and your friends in the pictures so that they can then be seen on numerous people's profiles. You can then click on the hyperlink of the person's name that is on the picture which sends you straight to their profile, so you therefore are 'surfing' through your friends' sites and seeing what is new on their profile.
There is no anonymity on this site as you know excatly who you are talking to as people often go into detail about themselves on their profile as it is split into different sections like 'interests' and 'background'. Even a 'religion' label is there so every aspect of a person is revealed.
I think this site is a clear example of how social networking sites are developing and how us as a society are developing with it. Even inside facebook there are constant developments as i get sent messages asking if i want to download the new application created for the site. I think this kind of development is very exciting and innovative, do you agree? Do you enjoy facebook as much as me?
Monday, 11 February 2008
Week 3 - Task 2
Public Message Boards
'The Sun' Newspaper Discussion Board
The topic - Big Brother's 'Charley' gets into a 'bitch fight' outside club
http://www.thesun.co.uk/mysun/comment/view.page?storyId=373532&submissionId=148254&nav=jump&pageNo=1
In this message board the users were dicussing the recent topic of Big Brother's outspoken housemate 'Charley' being beaten up outside a London nightclub.
There was a lot of 'flaming' in this message board as most of the British public does not like Charley as she is so outspoken and loud and therefore she has got a lot of bad press since she left the Big Brother house. Users were being extremely nasty and hateful towards the fight with Charley and were directing words to the girl who started the fight such as "Well done", and "about time someone gripped the self obsessed egotistical bitch".
People are obviously being very outspoken in how much they dislike Charley as they are doing it in the safety of an online forum where nobody can find out who they are, so they can be as nasty as they like and not face any consequences. In the real world i'm sure they would not have the nerve to say all these things to Charley's face as then they would have to pay for they comments straight away. None of the users gave they real names, instead using obscure nicknames such as "the boli" and "nic512". They give no clue into what this person is like, the only insight you have into these people is that they have extreme hostile feelings towards Charley.
The users also have the option of stating their full name and where they are from in a box next to their comment. However, some people choose to ignore it or only put the most basic answer they can, like just saying they are from England instead of stating excatly where. This again reinforces the fact that they feel safe by saying these flaming comments and knowing that nobody can find them or track them down. What do you think about this?
'The Sun' Newspaper Discussion Board
The topic - Big Brother's 'Charley' gets into a 'bitch fight' outside club
http://www.thesun.co.uk/mysun/comment/view.page?storyId=373532&submissionId=148254&nav=jump&pageNo=1
In this message board the users were dicussing the recent topic of Big Brother's outspoken housemate 'Charley' being beaten up outside a London nightclub.
There was a lot of 'flaming' in this message board as most of the British public does not like Charley as she is so outspoken and loud and therefore she has got a lot of bad press since she left the Big Brother house. Users were being extremely nasty and hateful towards the fight with Charley and were directing words to the girl who started the fight such as "Well done", and "about time someone gripped the self obsessed egotistical bitch".
People are obviously being very outspoken in how much they dislike Charley as they are doing it in the safety of an online forum where nobody can find out who they are, so they can be as nasty as they like and not face any consequences. In the real world i'm sure they would not have the nerve to say all these things to Charley's face as then they would have to pay for they comments straight away. None of the users gave they real names, instead using obscure nicknames such as "the boli" and "nic512". They give no clue into what this person is like, the only insight you have into these people is that they have extreme hostile feelings towards Charley.
The users also have the option of stating their full name and where they are from in a box next to their comment. However, some people choose to ignore it or only put the most basic answer they can, like just saying they are from England instead of stating excatly where. This again reinforces the fact that they feel safe by saying these flaming comments and knowing that nobody can find them or track them down. What do you think about this?
Week 3 - Task 1
Identity & relationships online
I do not think that withholding your full identity in certain circumstances is ethically wrong. On such things as forums and chat rooms for example i don't think it's a problem to just put your first name or a nickname instead of your full name as it's just light-hearted chat. However, there are obvious examples where full identity is needed, such as for security reasons on financial websites. Also, for children's safety against paedophiles, etc, children should always know excatly who they are talking to on a socially interactive site and should ask for the person's full identity before talking to them.
I can understand the appealing factor of being 'yourself' on the internet and that there are hardly any boundaries in self-expression. People can re-invent themselves in a sense and portray themselves however they wish as the other people in the chat room or forum have no idea who they are in the 'real' world. There are websites for every sort of topic that people can relate to and express their views on, and this is a very liberating experience for some people who have never been able to voice their ideas on a certain topic before. Also, the fact that the user knows that the other people on the website have the same type of opinion as them reinforces the sense of freedom of speech and being open to express themselves with other like-minded people.
I think there are a few risks with online identity, as people may not be who they say they are and this could lead to mis-trust. The persona a person puts on to you online may be totally different to the person they are in real life. You have no face-to-face interaction with that person so just have to trust them on what they tell you via emails and messages. This could again pose as a dangerous situation for younger people who may be naive and therefore put trust into people they meet online when they shouldn't.
I can understand why some people change their online persona subtly when on different chat rooms, etc. It may not involve them lying about themselves or deceiving the other users on there, it may just be that in certain chat rooms with specific topics of conversation you have to maybe agree with what the majority of people are saying so to be involved in the online social interaction. Do you agree with that?
I do not think that withholding your full identity in certain circumstances is ethically wrong. On such things as forums and chat rooms for example i don't think it's a problem to just put your first name or a nickname instead of your full name as it's just light-hearted chat. However, there are obvious examples where full identity is needed, such as for security reasons on financial websites. Also, for children's safety against paedophiles, etc, children should always know excatly who they are talking to on a socially interactive site and should ask for the person's full identity before talking to them.
I can understand the appealing factor of being 'yourself' on the internet and that there are hardly any boundaries in self-expression. People can re-invent themselves in a sense and portray themselves however they wish as the other people in the chat room or forum have no idea who they are in the 'real' world. There are websites for every sort of topic that people can relate to and express their views on, and this is a very liberating experience for some people who have never been able to voice their ideas on a certain topic before. Also, the fact that the user knows that the other people on the website have the same type of opinion as them reinforces the sense of freedom of speech and being open to express themselves with other like-minded people.
I think there are a few risks with online identity, as people may not be who they say they are and this could lead to mis-trust. The persona a person puts on to you online may be totally different to the person they are in real life. You have no face-to-face interaction with that person so just have to trust them on what they tell you via emails and messages. This could again pose as a dangerous situation for younger people who may be naive and therefore put trust into people they meet online when they shouldn't.
I can understand why some people change their online persona subtly when on different chat rooms, etc. It may not involve them lying about themselves or deceiving the other users on there, it may just be that in certain chat rooms with specific topics of conversation you have to maybe agree with what the majority of people are saying so to be involved in the online social interaction. Do you agree with that?
Wednesday, 6 February 2008
Week 2 - Task 2
My blog as a form of communication
I feel that my blog is a good way of communicating with other people in my group and getting my points across in a direct and literal way. It encourages people on the course to talk more as you are having to look and comment on everyone's blogs each week. This has lead to more friendships being formed as before this method of communicating you may have never spoken to that person on the course before.
My audience is obviously the rest of the people off my course and my tutor who is marking my blog each week. My writing is similar to the way i would talk in an actual seminar, in that i'm not talking too formally but then im not talking in 'slang' or 'text' talk as i don't think this is an appropriate way of discussing issues in seminars no matter if it is online.
I don't think that im putting on a kind of 'self-image' as i feel that im talking just as i would in a real-life seminar. I try to get my ideas across in the best way possible with simple language that is quick and easy to read. In some ways i do feel that i am part of a 'blogger community', especially on the forum as we are all talking on there for the same purpose and i know that people will be interested in what i have to say as we are all studying the same topic.
I feel that my blog is a good way of communicating with other people in my group and getting my points across in a direct and literal way. It encourages people on the course to talk more as you are having to look and comment on everyone's blogs each week. This has lead to more friendships being formed as before this method of communicating you may have never spoken to that person on the course before.
My audience is obviously the rest of the people off my course and my tutor who is marking my blog each week. My writing is similar to the way i would talk in an actual seminar, in that i'm not talking too formally but then im not talking in 'slang' or 'text' talk as i don't think this is an appropriate way of discussing issues in seminars no matter if it is online.
I don't think that im putting on a kind of 'self-image' as i feel that im talking just as i would in a real-life seminar. I try to get my ideas across in the best way possible with simple language that is quick and easy to read. In some ways i do feel that i am part of a 'blogger community', especially on the forum as we are all talking on there for the same purpose and i know that people will be interested in what i have to say as we are all studying the same topic.
Week 2 - Task 1
online seminars VS classroom seminars
I believe that there are many positives to conducting the seminars for this unit online. We are able to express ourselves in a more literal form. For example, some people find it quite difficult to talk in front of people in a seminar room and therefore keep some of their points to themselves. However, in this method you have to write done your exact views on an issue each week without the pressure of a classroom of people watching you. I however do prefer the face-to-face experience of conducting a seminar in a classroom with fellow students but i can recognise this factor of writing down your ideas on an online forum as being a positive way of learning.
There is some interaction through this method of communication as there is the online forum where each group can talk to each other and discuss issues with each weeks tasks. However, this is not conducted in 'real-time' and answers to messages on the forum can take a while to come back, whereas in a seminar room you would get answers straight away. I believe there is also more interaction with your tutor in a classroom compared to online seminars as you are face-to-face and can talk to them without having to wait for a reply to a message.
I do think it is helpful being able to schedule your time for blogging over the course of a week. Even though with a real-life seminar you can discuss all your points in one scheduled time and then concentrate on your other units scheduled for the rest of the week, it is useful if say you just want to do a bit of blogging on a certain topic and then come back to it later.
I don't feel like there is any real sense of authority, whereas in a classroom there is the obvious discourse of the tutor/student relationship. Everyone is seen as equal in the online forums which is good in that you can voice your opinions in an equal environment. Do you agree?
I believe that there are many positives to conducting the seminars for this unit online. We are able to express ourselves in a more literal form. For example, some people find it quite difficult to talk in front of people in a seminar room and therefore keep some of their points to themselves. However, in this method you have to write done your exact views on an issue each week without the pressure of a classroom of people watching you. I however do prefer the face-to-face experience of conducting a seminar in a classroom with fellow students but i can recognise this factor of writing down your ideas on an online forum as being a positive way of learning.
There is some interaction through this method of communication as there is the online forum where each group can talk to each other and discuss issues with each weeks tasks. However, this is not conducted in 'real-time' and answers to messages on the forum can take a while to come back, whereas in a seminar room you would get answers straight away. I believe there is also more interaction with your tutor in a classroom compared to online seminars as you are face-to-face and can talk to them without having to wait for a reply to a message.
I do think it is helpful being able to schedule your time for blogging over the course of a week. Even though with a real-life seminar you can discuss all your points in one scheduled time and then concentrate on your other units scheduled for the rest of the week, it is useful if say you just want to do a bit of blogging on a certain topic and then come back to it later.
I don't feel like there is any real sense of authority, whereas in a classroom there is the obvious discourse of the tutor/student relationship. Everyone is seen as equal in the online forums which is good in that you can voice your opinions in an equal environment. Do you agree?
Week 2 - Learning Journal - Task 2
Hypertext
I believe that Hypertext does shape the experience of using the internet as it gives the user a more interactive experience. By having these different links and text that can link to 'anywhere' it allows an open-ended amount of choice for the user. The term 'prousers' can be used here as hypertext leads us to create our own experience as we have to make choices and decide whether we want to click on certain links or not. This can be seen as a positive thing as the internet and websites are constantly changing so it allows the user to connect to sites quickly.
However, this constant choice and 'surfing' of the internet can be seen as a negative thing as people will be tired of constantly scanning different websites and clicking on hyperlinks that lead them to somewhere else, they will want to stick to their favourites. This is where 'cultivation' comes in as people now choose their favourite search engines and favourite specific sites over 'surfing'.
Do you agree?
I believe that Hypertext does shape the experience of using the internet as it gives the user a more interactive experience. By having these different links and text that can link to 'anywhere' it allows an open-ended amount of choice for the user. The term 'prousers' can be used here as hypertext leads us to create our own experience as we have to make choices and decide whether we want to click on certain links or not. This can be seen as a positive thing as the internet and websites are constantly changing so it allows the user to connect to sites quickly.
However, this constant choice and 'surfing' of the internet can be seen as a negative thing as people will be tired of constantly scanning different websites and clicking on hyperlinks that lead them to somewhere else, they will want to stick to their favourites. This is where 'cultivation' comes in as people now choose their favourite search engines and favourite specific sites over 'surfing'.
Do you agree?
Week 2 - Learning Journal - Task 1
Interactive Wesites
The initial website that comes to mind that involves interactivity is 'Facebook', probably because this is my favourite website! Also, it is many of my friends favourite website so it got me thinking why is this site so popular? And my answer was because it is centered around the user being involved and interactive with the site and its different functions. It's main role for the user is to organise your own site and add the different functions you want on there (videos, 'superwall', etc) and then communicate with the friends on there. Everything shown on your own wall is decided purely by you; what photos you have shown, what comments you want to be shown, everything. This is an attractive feature as the user is totally in control of what is being seen on their page and it is purely done by their interaction. There is an aspect of 'Registrational Interactivity' as the user communicates with their friends by writing on each other's 'walls' and adding messages to pictures, etc.
I think this website is a perfect example of an interactive website and it gains its popularity from being so interactive which is a common popular method as it can be seen in other such sites as Myspace and Bebo. Do you agree?
The initial website that comes to mind that involves interactivity is 'Facebook', probably because this is my favourite website! Also, it is many of my friends favourite website so it got me thinking why is this site so popular? And my answer was because it is centered around the user being involved and interactive with the site and its different functions. It's main role for the user is to organise your own site and add the different functions you want on there (videos, 'superwall', etc) and then communicate with the friends on there. Everything shown on your own wall is decided purely by you; what photos you have shown, what comments you want to be shown, everything. This is an attractive feature as the user is totally in control of what is being seen on their page and it is purely done by their interaction. There is an aspect of 'Registrational Interactivity' as the user communicates with their friends by writing on each other's 'walls' and adding messages to pictures, etc.
I think this website is a perfect example of an interactive website and it gains its popularity from being so interactive which is a common popular method as it can be seen in other such sites as Myspace and Bebo. Do you agree?
Lister Reading p.1-44
Lister - p.1-44
Lister's reading initially discusses what is 'new media' and the different methods of communication it has created. Lister sees the media as "a fully social institution" and that society has developed a "set of interactions between new technological possibilities and established media forms" (Lister, p10). The changes that this new development has created include:
Lister's reading initially discusses what is 'new media' and the different methods of communication it has created. Lister sees the media as "a fully social institution" and that society has developed a "set of interactions between new technological possibilities and established media forms" (Lister, p10). The changes that this new development has created include:
- A shift in cultural changes such modernity changing to postmodernity. This can be seen in such example as society's economics now being handled by 'new media' which has been a key marker in change for society.
- There is now not such a solid line between national states and boundaries when concerning trade, cultures and even beliefs as new media has helped to break those boundaries.
- A shift in employment as more staff are needed to work on these new media tools.
I agree in that new media has encouraged all these changes to society, especially in the breaking of boundaries between cultures and beliefs. The internet has allowed people from all different cultures around the world to come together and discuss their views in a safe environment. Without the internet people may have never had access to information that can broader our own culture such as other religions or beliefs for example.
Lister also describes the positives of this new "interactive media" (p.11) and the different possibilities of communication it has created. I agree that new media has opened up new ways of "representing the world" and by having screen-based ineractive multimedia it allows new visual outlets for views on the world. I also agree that new technology has created new ways of forming relationships between people, as the internet and chat sites have increased the chance of making friendships with people you would have never been able to contact before.
Another aspect of this reading that i found interesting was the view on 'virtual reality' (p.35) Lister describes that this termed can describe several different meanings, for example it can describe the "immersion in an envirnoment constructed with computer graphics and digital video", but it can also go deeper than that and describe the actual experience the user is having. I agree with that even though the user's physical body is sitting remotely in front of a computer, their minds and imagination can be somewhere very different while playing these interactive games. The enjoyment of playing these games comes from the user imagining themselves being involved in this virtual world they are playing in. I also found it interesting that Lister compared this description to the experience of watching films, reading books, and even looking at paintings as while doing these things we are imagining ourselves in the fantasy world that is being presented through these media forms.
The other main part of this reading i found interesting was the discussion of 'hypertext', but i will cover this in my learning journal.
Thursday, 31 January 2008
Week 1 - Task 3
Technological Determinism
Technological determinism has been coined as 'The belief in technology as a key governing force in society ...' (Smith, M). It is described that as technological development occurs, society and culture is changed because of this. People say that technologies such as television or the computer 'changed society'. In its most extreme form, society is seen as being determined by technology. Therefore new technologies transform society at every level such as institutions and social interaction. At the least a wide range of social and cultural phenomena are seen as shaped by technology. 'Human factors' and social arrangements are seen as secondary. (Chandler, D)
I do believe that new media has shaped society in some ways, but i wouldn't go as far as saying that society's development is a pure result of new technology. Digital media has radically changed the way we live and the introduction of television, the internet, etc has changed our culture and attitudes towards new media greatly. However, i do not believe that new technology will be 'in control' of us, i think society will always make new technology shape around us and we will use it in the best way to benefit us.
What do you think?
Technological determinism has been coined as 'The belief in technology as a key governing force in society ...' (Smith, M). It is described that as technological development occurs, society and culture is changed because of this. People say that technologies such as television or the computer 'changed society'. In its most extreme form, society is seen as being determined by technology. Therefore new technologies transform society at every level such as institutions and social interaction. At the least a wide range of social and cultural phenomena are seen as shaped by technology. 'Human factors' and social arrangements are seen as secondary. (Chandler, D)
I do believe that new media has shaped society in some ways, but i wouldn't go as far as saying that society's development is a pure result of new technology. Digital media has radically changed the way we live and the introduction of television, the internet, etc has changed our culture and attitudes towards new media greatly. However, i do not believe that new technology will be 'in control' of us, i think society will always make new technology shape around us and we will use it in the best way to benefit us.
What do you think?
Week 1 - Task 2b
Differing views on the Internet
Like with every new form of media, the introduction of the internet was met with mixed reponses. There are so many positives to having the internet, but there are also some problems and issues that arise from having this facility.
Security is a major issue. With internet banking being available now there are many moral panics in that financial information will be stolen, and in some cases this has occured. However, this has lead to better security via more passwords, etc. The issue of fraud is another worry as many sites ask you to give all your personal details and often credit card details, and there is always a chance people could get access to this information. This has made people quite weary about putting their personal details online and this has lead to many people still going to banks and shops in the highstreet instead of doing it on the internet.
Another concern if the use of internet is that this could lead to the decline in need for highstreet shops. With so many options of shopping online for your food and even your holidays, there is becoming less need to go into the actual shops to perform these tasks as you can do it from the comfort of your own home. However, i believe the enjoyment of the personal experience of walking into a shop and having one-to-one help from a sales assistant will never die out and therefore highstreet shops will never die out either.
A highly disturbing moral panic of the internet is children's safety concerning paedophiles. There are many publishised cases over the years of children being taking advantage of by paedophiles using the internet and chat rooms as a tool of getting close to them. Many children are naive to the intentions of these people and it can lead to horrible situations. However, as this concern is so highly publishised in the media i believe chat rooms and community sites such as Myspace etc have stepped up their security as a result of this. Also, parents are much more aware of this problem now and will constantly watch what they're children are doing on the internet which i believe this will decrease this moral panic.
There are also lots of positives to having the internet and why people are so keen on its usage. It is a great way to stay in touch with people, especially if you have friends who live over-seas as sites such as Facebook and Myspace let you communicate and send messages and pictures to people all over the world. Also, MSN is really good at talking to people in real-time and you can have a conversation with them with the use of webcam which is a cheaper version of a phone call!!
I know that i would not be able to cope without the internet as it helps me out in my day to day tasks and is great for researching and booking cheap holidays. As well as keeping in touch with friend, researching for essays and holidays are my other main uses of the internet and i think i have benefited a lot from it. I know there are many worries concerning the use of internet, but as long as you are careful when using it and don't give out your personal details then i think it is a great tool to use.
Do you agree?
Like with every new form of media, the introduction of the internet was met with mixed reponses. There are so many positives to having the internet, but there are also some problems and issues that arise from having this facility.
Security is a major issue. With internet banking being available now there are many moral panics in that financial information will be stolen, and in some cases this has occured. However, this has lead to better security via more passwords, etc. The issue of fraud is another worry as many sites ask you to give all your personal details and often credit card details, and there is always a chance people could get access to this information. This has made people quite weary about putting their personal details online and this has lead to many people still going to banks and shops in the highstreet instead of doing it on the internet.
Another concern if the use of internet is that this could lead to the decline in need for highstreet shops. With so many options of shopping online for your food and even your holidays, there is becoming less need to go into the actual shops to perform these tasks as you can do it from the comfort of your own home. However, i believe the enjoyment of the personal experience of walking into a shop and having one-to-one help from a sales assistant will never die out and therefore highstreet shops will never die out either.
A highly disturbing moral panic of the internet is children's safety concerning paedophiles. There are many publishised cases over the years of children being taking advantage of by paedophiles using the internet and chat rooms as a tool of getting close to them. Many children are naive to the intentions of these people and it can lead to horrible situations. However, as this concern is so highly publishised in the media i believe chat rooms and community sites such as Myspace etc have stepped up their security as a result of this. Also, parents are much more aware of this problem now and will constantly watch what they're children are doing on the internet which i believe this will decrease this moral panic.
There are also lots of positives to having the internet and why people are so keen on its usage. It is a great way to stay in touch with people, especially if you have friends who live over-seas as sites such as Facebook and Myspace let you communicate and send messages and pictures to people all over the world. Also, MSN is really good at talking to people in real-time and you can have a conversation with them with the use of webcam which is a cheaper version of a phone call!!
I know that i would not be able to cope without the internet as it helps me out in my day to day tasks and is great for researching and booking cheap holidays. As well as keeping in touch with friend, researching for essays and holidays are my other main uses of the internet and i think i have benefited a lot from it. I know there are many worries concerning the use of internet, but as long as you are careful when using it and don't give out your personal details then i think it is a great tool to use.
Do you agree?
Week 1 - Task 2a
Goebbel's View of Radio
In Goebbel's speech he discusses how radio was used to reach the masses and send out a message in a fast and effective way to large groups of people. He saw it as a method to "distract the masses from the difficulties of our national and social life". This was done by distracting them with games and entertainment to take their minds off what was happening around them.
Goebbel voices his negative views towards the lack of political information in radio shows. Radio can hit a large audience and by presenting political views it could influence people on a large scale. Radio was mainly used for entertainment purposes and this is why it was so successful as people enjoyed the light-hearted attitude that was so different to their lives. However, the influence of radio should have been taken advantage of and political issues should has arisin somewhere as well.
I think that people today would agree with Goebbel's views that radio is an effective way of communicatiing with large audiences and it can influence them greatly. Radio is a very good form of entertainment, but that it should also include related issues that effect our lives such as the news and politics. That's why radio is still one of the most popular mediums today as it involves a mixture of news and entertainment that appeals to mass audiences.
Do you agree with my interpretation of this text?
In Goebbel's speech he discusses how radio was used to reach the masses and send out a message in a fast and effective way to large groups of people. He saw it as a method to "distract the masses from the difficulties of our national and social life". This was done by distracting them with games and entertainment to take their minds off what was happening around them.
Goebbel voices his negative views towards the lack of political information in radio shows. Radio can hit a large audience and by presenting political views it could influence people on a large scale. Radio was mainly used for entertainment purposes and this is why it was so successful as people enjoyed the light-hearted attitude that was so different to their lives. However, the influence of radio should have been taken advantage of and political issues should has arisin somewhere as well.
I think that people today would agree with Goebbel's views that radio is an effective way of communicatiing with large audiences and it can influence them greatly. Radio is a very good form of entertainment, but that it should also include related issues that effect our lives such as the news and politics. That's why radio is still one of the most popular mediums today as it involves a mixture of news and entertainment that appeals to mass audiences.
Do you agree with my interpretation of this text?
Week 1 - Task 2a
Our Views on New Media
I don't think that we would understand or appreciate 'new' media today if it wasn't for the previous media that has come before-hand. Our atttidudes toward the technology that is available is constantly changing and developing with the evolving media industry. Our values and ideologies towards this therefore represent our change in demand for the latest gaget out there.
Before the use of internet people survived perfectly fine and and the use of other methods of communication such as reading newspapers, listening to the radio, and writing letters was the main source of keeping society connected. However, our society today wouldn't be able to cope without the use of internet. I personally would find it very difficult to conduct any sort of task or essay without looking on the internet for research and information. An example in this difference of attitudes can be seen in my grandparents (a bit random i know!). My nan loves the internet and was so happy when we bought her a computer and showed her how to use everything. She only has three main uses for it, to buy shopping online, book holidays, and send emails to her other golf-club members! She says she lived fine all her life without the internet before, but now if it stops working for whatever reason she feels lost without it! my grandad on the other hand hates the fact she uses it and depends on it so much. He feels that society was fine before with its previous media and technology and therefore feels we would still be fine without it. Maybe his hatred towards it is just the fact he doesn't understand it and doesn't want to. This represents how people's attitudes towards new media often link to their age and the ideologies of the society they grew up in.
Mobile phones are another example of how people's views towards new media differs. I can't remember life without having a mobile and i feel that is a helpful tool in everyday life. However, the older generation like my dad doesn't like the huge popularity of mobile phones and will use one only if extremely needed, like a sort of rebellion against it!! Older people socialised and coped fine before the introduction of mobiles and would just use other modes of communication such as public telephone boxes or faxes for business, etc. Now my dad says that he doesn't like the fact people can get in touch with you whenever they feel like it and that you can't get away from mobiles, whereas my attitude towards it is mobiles have helped develop society and made communication far easier.
What do you think?
I don't think that we would understand or appreciate 'new' media today if it wasn't for the previous media that has come before-hand. Our atttidudes toward the technology that is available is constantly changing and developing with the evolving media industry. Our values and ideologies towards this therefore represent our change in demand for the latest gaget out there.
Before the use of internet people survived perfectly fine and and the use of other methods of communication such as reading newspapers, listening to the radio, and writing letters was the main source of keeping society connected. However, our society today wouldn't be able to cope without the use of internet. I personally would find it very difficult to conduct any sort of task or essay without looking on the internet for research and information. An example in this difference of attitudes can be seen in my grandparents (a bit random i know!). My nan loves the internet and was so happy when we bought her a computer and showed her how to use everything. She only has three main uses for it, to buy shopping online, book holidays, and send emails to her other golf-club members! She says she lived fine all her life without the internet before, but now if it stops working for whatever reason she feels lost without it! my grandad on the other hand hates the fact she uses it and depends on it so much. He feels that society was fine before with its previous media and technology and therefore feels we would still be fine without it. Maybe his hatred towards it is just the fact he doesn't understand it and doesn't want to. This represents how people's attitudes towards new media often link to their age and the ideologies of the society they grew up in.
Mobile phones are another example of how people's views towards new media differs. I can't remember life without having a mobile and i feel that is a helpful tool in everyday life. However, the older generation like my dad doesn't like the huge popularity of mobile phones and will use one only if extremely needed, like a sort of rebellion against it!! Older people socialised and coped fine before the introduction of mobiles and would just use other modes of communication such as public telephone boxes or faxes for business, etc. Now my dad says that he doesn't like the fact people can get in touch with you whenever they feel like it and that you can't get away from mobiles, whereas my attitude towards it is mobiles have helped develop society and made communication far easier.
What do you think?
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
Week 1 - Task 1e
Websites
Websites are the main form of the internet and every action used on the internet is conducted via a website. Even though reading a website is very different to reading a book, there are similarities in structure and grammar. The presentation is just different as factors such as hyperlinks and hypertext create a whole different experience to reading. Hypertext leads us to to create our own experience on the internet as we make our own choices on what links to click on.
This interaction of websites by using links makes viewing the internet a lot more interesting and has lead to high competition within the different website's layouts. This competition has lead to a constant choice of different websites to look at, and this is where the term 'surfing' has originated from. Websites are constantly trying to be novel and innovative to gain more popularity and therefore gives users a very wide range of choice. However, people now start to have favourites and aren't surfing as much which is termed 'cultivation'. For example, i use my same favourite search engine of Google and have gone from using many social websites such as Myspace, Facebook, and Bebo to now just using my favourite one of Facebook. Does anyone else just stick to their favourite websites?
These virtual community websites are a fairly new development and have become a social phenomenon. Every person i know is involved with either Myspace or Facebook and i was even involved in a radio show last semester just about this topic. We did a survey around the Uni and the popularity for these websites is outstanding. Nobody had any negative comments about these online communities and view it as a very good way of keeping in touch with friends from around the world. What is your view on these social networking sites?
Hope to hear some feedback soon! Thank you.
Websites are the main form of the internet and every action used on the internet is conducted via a website. Even though reading a website is very different to reading a book, there are similarities in structure and grammar. The presentation is just different as factors such as hyperlinks and hypertext create a whole different experience to reading. Hypertext leads us to to create our own experience on the internet as we make our own choices on what links to click on.
This interaction of websites by using links makes viewing the internet a lot more interesting and has lead to high competition within the different website's layouts. This competition has lead to a constant choice of different websites to look at, and this is where the term 'surfing' has originated from. Websites are constantly trying to be novel and innovative to gain more popularity and therefore gives users a very wide range of choice. However, people now start to have favourites and aren't surfing as much which is termed 'cultivation'. For example, i use my same favourite search engine of Google and have gone from using many social websites such as Myspace, Facebook, and Bebo to now just using my favourite one of Facebook. Does anyone else just stick to their favourite websites?
These virtual community websites are a fairly new development and have become a social phenomenon. Every person i know is involved with either Myspace or Facebook and i was even involved in a radio show last semester just about this topic. We did a survey around the Uni and the popularity for these websites is outstanding. Nobody had any negative comments about these online communities and view it as a very good way of keeping in touch with friends from around the world. What is your view on these social networking sites?
Hope to hear some feedback soon! Thank you.
Week 1 - Task 1d
MUDS
MUD stands for a "multi-user dungeon, domain or dimension and is a multi-player computer game that involves role-playing with other users. It is typically run on the internet and enables huge groups of people to interact with each other in a virtual world. An example of this is 'World of Warcraft' where users take up a certain character role they design and give it demands which interact with other user's characters. The graphics are usually the best in gaming and involve a kind of fantasy world with often mystical characters such as Elves and Dwarves in 'World of Warcraft'. It has become a very popular hobby within the internet community as users can talk to numerous other users through their characters and form a sort of gaming community between them.
I have never used this sort of internet interaction as this kind of gaming has never interested me. However, i can see why it is so popular as the interaction between the characters is very interesting and the fact you know that real people are behind these characters adds extra competition to the gaming experience.
MOOS
MOOS stand for Object orientatedand this involves a 'text' online virtual reality system where multiple users can join online and are all connected at the same time. When a user logs on, it will provide them with a situation such as "You are sitting under a tree in a vast field." The user then has to respond with what they want to do next in this situation and the computer will then respond to their commands. Users can see descriptions of rooms, objects, events and other characters and therefore respond to this with their specific commands and comments.
Again, i have never used this type of gaming and don't think i ever would. The virtual world that is being presented could make the user become quite involved and even obsessed with it. I personally think this type of interaction is too far in gaming and could lead to people spending too much time at their computers instead of being outside. Does anyone agree?
Look forward to hearing your feedback.
MUD stands for a "multi-user dungeon, domain or dimension and is a multi-player computer game that involves role-playing with other users. It is typically run on the internet and enables huge groups of people to interact with each other in a virtual world. An example of this is 'World of Warcraft' where users take up a certain character role they design and give it demands which interact with other user's characters. The graphics are usually the best in gaming and involve a kind of fantasy world with often mystical characters such as Elves and Dwarves in 'World of Warcraft'. It has become a very popular hobby within the internet community as users can talk to numerous other users through their characters and form a sort of gaming community between them.
I have never used this sort of internet interaction as this kind of gaming has never interested me. However, i can see why it is so popular as the interaction between the characters is very interesting and the fact you know that real people are behind these characters adds extra competition to the gaming experience.
MOOS
MOOS stand for Object orientatedand this involves a 'text' online virtual reality system where multiple users can join online and are all connected at the same time. When a user logs on, it will provide them with a situation such as "You are sitting under a tree in a vast field." The user then has to respond with what they want to do next in this situation and the computer will then respond to their commands. Users can see descriptions of rooms, objects, events and other characters and therefore respond to this with their specific commands and comments.
Again, i have never used this type of gaming and don't think i ever would. The virtual world that is being presented could make the user become quite involved and even obsessed with it. I personally think this type of interaction is too far in gaming and could lead to people spending too much time at their computers instead of being outside. Does anyone agree?
Look forward to hearing your feedback.
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