Tailored Education.

Is there a potential problem being stored up for people if 'education' is tailored to fit into their cultural and personal preferences?

We live in such a cultural and diverse world, that it would be ignorant if we only learned about things which fit into our own personal preferences and culture.
Personally, I think we all need to be educated and have a basic knowledge of other different cultures and backgrounds. I think its important to know about other cultures, not just your own, as in todays world, our society is so multi-cultural that we need to know about them, theres no escaping it. In later life when we are in the woking world we will need to be educated in more than things that just apply to ourselves.

I think many problems could arise if education was tailored for the individual. In some cases, I can understand why tailoring around individual needs would benefit the individual greatly, for example, the way things are culturally percieved to different people would be best adapted to their preferences.

What is "Semantic Web"?

"The Semantic Web is a web that is able to describe things in a way that computers can understand."
"The Semantic Web is an evolving extension of the World Wide Web in which the semantics of information and services on the web is defined, making it possible for the web to understand and satisfy the requests of people and machines to use the web content."

The Semantic Web is a much smarter vesion of the internet that we know already. Although the World Wide Web gives us information, Semantic Web takes into consideration that we need applications in order to gain this information. It is able to run on applications, and although it may be several years until we see the Semantic Web up and running, the capabilities of it will be so beneficial and helpful in a world of digital technologies.


http://www.w3schools.com/semweb/default.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semantic_Web

Semantic web and web 3.0

The semantic web and web 3.0 have a few similarities, such as both people eally fast versions of the internet, but they have many differences too.

Semantic web is a web of data. "The Semantic Web is about two things. It is about common formats for integration and combination of data drawn from diverse sources, where on the original Web mainly concentrated on the interchange of documents. It is also about language for recording how the data relates to real world objects. That allows a person, or a machine, to start off in one database, and then move through an unending set of databases which are connected not by wires but by being about the same thing". Semantic web allows comuters to read the internet.


"Web 3.0 refers to the attempt by technologists to overhaul radically the basic platform of the internet so that it 'understands' the near infinite pieces of information that reside on it and draws connections between them."



http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article2726190.ece
http://www.w3.org/2001/sw/

Week 9/10 - Digital divide, social-economy and global acess.

Looking at the digital divide between Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants in Prenskys work, we may also be able to identify a divide in society. Digital Natives are more likely to use the internet for shopping, not only with sites like amazon, e-bay and play, which are exclusively online stores, but many high street stores such as TopShop and Le Senza now have online stores, as well as supermarkets. Obviously, by allowing people to shop from the comforts of their own homes,this is largely going to benefit the companies. This wouldnt apply for digital immigrants, as they are more likely to leave the house to use such services.

The whole idea of the digital divide effect interaction between immigrants, natives and things we do. For example, rather than actually meeting up or making a phone call, many people nowadays rely on MSN, social networking sites and text messaging at the main ways of communication. Even childhood is effected by this digital divide. When I was younger I used to have books read to me and spend summer in the garden with my neighbours, but it seems this has changed. When I visiting my young cousins last weekend, they were using consoles to read stories and play games, rather than physically reading of playing the games themselves.

When we think of global access, we generally think of the positive things, like how communication between people miles apart can be effectivley active. This new digital way of communicating allows us to talk to people over the other side of the country and world, which obviously benefits us as its convinient and bridges a gap.

Week 9/10 Wenger and Prensky

Wenger and Prenskys idea's can relate to each other as they both talk about how technology helps people to learn.

Both of the ideas see technology and learning as beneficial to students, with Prenskys notion of technolocy having such a strong impact on the lives of"digital natives", and Wenger seeing Communities of Practice as a way for people to work together to get to the same place. E-learninf in incorporated into both of these ideas.

Both of the ideas could be critised though, as far too many assumptions are made. Prensky assumes that everyone who is under the age of 25 should have been bought up in a digital world, and therefore labelled a Digital Native. Assuming that everyone in this age range has top knowledge of technology is a negative thing, as many people challenge this. Also, in both Prenky and Wengers idea, they never consider e-learning to be a bad thing and put students at disadvantage. Does using the internet hinder students chance of reaching their full ability? Does the fact that there is limited face to face interaction mean that students are less likely to succeed?

Both of the ideas focus on techno-determinism, saying that we are shaped by technology, suggesting students need it to succeed and reach their potential. Although in many cases it shows that E-learning is effective, the whole idea fails to recognise negative aspects of technology, its completely one sided, thinking that it is 100% beneficial to students. Prensky and Wenger ignore the idea that the effectiveness of e-learning can be hindered by a number of things, and the notion of digital natives can be challenged.

Website Five (with URL)

http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/clearinghouse/AdvisingIssues/Digital-Natives.htm

I found this article really interesting as it contrasts to the several different pages I have looked at. Rather than discussing why Prensky is wrong, this page focuses on supporting his ideas, saying that there is a digital divide. The site is mainly based on Prensky, and quotes him throughout. I couldnt find a publication date for it, but it seems up-to-date and fairly recent. Although this particular page only deals with Prenskys view point, it does a great job in descriptivley analysing his ideas and refers to many things to back it up (native lingo, games consoles, email etc). I think this works well as it doesnt just simply re-tell Prenskys ideas, it incorporates other things into to make you understand it and put the ideas into actual use and real life

Website Four (with URL)

http://educationalissues.suite101.com/article.cfm/digital_natives_and_digital_immigrants

This website it quite similar to many I have looked at. It effectivley divides the two terms "digital native" and "digital immigrant" with examples and meanings. The way the webpage is structured is really easy to read and it helps grasp an understanding of what the terms mean. The page talks about "digital natives" havent adapted their life to technology, they havent adapted to using internet, email and social networking sites, its just a natural occurance to them, they were born into a world of digital technology so have grown up with it surrounding them.
The website also talks about "digital immigrants" as being people who are older, and may know how to use the internet and computers, but not be so up-to-date and know the lingo that younger people do.

The article was written in 2008 so it is fairly new, and people have since posted comments with their responses. The responses are what interested me the most, at two twenty year olds have said that they dont neccessarily feel they are digital natives, they feel "in between" the digital divide. This caught my attention as they are suggesting that age doesnt always come in to it, which opposes what Prensky focused on in his theory.

Website Three (with URL)

http://www.mazar.ca/2006/07/18/digital-natives-vs-digital-immigrants/

I found this website quite interesting as it uses cases studies to effectivley give a greater understanding of Digitial Natives and Digitial Immigration. The opening paragraph straight away describes what it entails to be classed as each of these. The author (posting udner the name of Rochelle) immedietly puts her opinions into light, saying that Prenskys theory is indeed incorrect, as it is more of a "are we willing to learn" than "we've been brought up/havent been brought up in a digital world". I think this is a really interesting point, as although it goes against what Prensky says, it offers and alternative view point.
This webpage introduces us to two characters, 20 year old Emily who has been bought up in a world of wireless internet, social networking sites, mp3's, podcasts and mobile phones - qualify as a "digital native". Emily's lifestyle and experiences with technology reinforce her being labelled a "digitial native" as from the moment she wakes up, her day is effected by technology (checking her emails, podcasts and facebook account). Secondly, we are introduced to Rochelle, the author of this page. Rochelle is 32, and acoording to Premsky, she would be classified as a Digital Immigrant, because she was born before a world of digital technologies. Rochelle speaks about how she was 17 when she first started to use the internet, which is alot later that Emily. Although Rochelle should be a "digital immigrant", she it up-to-date with technology, using email and blogging sites, forums and instant messenger.

The website draws upon how Rochelle doesnt fit into the age range for a digital native, but feels that she is one, because she has as much technological involvement and knowledge as someone 10 years her senior.

I think this is really interesting and provides a great debate!

Website Two (with URL)

http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/default.asp

The second website which I found intersting is the homepage of a key figure in the concept of Digital Natives and Digitial Immigration, Marc Prensky. The homepage introduces Marc, and gives hyperlinks to different areas and pages. I found the "writitngs" hyperlink to be the most interesting, as on this page a number of articles are published, all to do with Digitial immigration and Digital Natives. Obviously as this website is about Prenskys ideas, it is all very supportive and positive. The website talks about how there is a divide in digital technology, breaking it down into to categories which are age dependent. The website is really up to date, with the most recent publications dating March 2009. There is also an archive of older publications dating back to 2003, so there is a whole host of resourses and articles available. The hyperlinks which give you acess to the articles are shown in red, which makes them stand out on the page, and co-ordinates with the text box at the very top of the page. The layout is generally quite simple, which is effective and is ideal for regular updates to be made.

Website One. (with URL)

[The first of my second batch!!]

http://technologysource.org/article/digital_natives_digital_immigrants/

This webpage was published on The University Of North Carolina's website and is one persons summary and opinions in Digital Natives and Digital Immigration.
The article begins with introducing the work of Marc Prensky, the main figure in the whole notion of digital immigration and natives. It talks about what Prensky said, and moves onto the authors own opinions and experiences. Although he thinks Prensky made soem valid points and a good distinction and understanding of those who grasp technology easier than others, he disagrees with many results Prensky made. Being in his 30's, according to Prensky, the author falls slightly outside the age range for being a digital native, but to himself he challenges this as he feels he knows a sufficient amount and works at a university within the field of technology and computers.
Although the article was written in 2003, I found it really interesting, as not only does it nicely introduce the notion and concepts, it provides a counter argument, drawing upon personal experiences. Personally, I found it really helpful in obtaining a greater understanding of Prenskys ideas.

Website analysis'

Okay, well Iexperienced some problems with my website analysis'...as in I saved the sources on my external hard drive and it broke, and there is no way of retrieving my files.

I have done the write ups for the sites I looked at, which are published on my blog already, but seeing as I havent been able to publish what sites I wrote about, Im gunna have to do it again! Just to let everyone know that Im not really late in doing it...I just had problems which caused a major delay!!

Something I stumbled across

I was having a browse on the cosmopolitan website (as you do) and it came up with a link to a forum where women were discussing open universities and online degrees.

From their points of view, its a really good thing, and i found it quite interesting as it sort of ties in with this unit in the sense that its a "virtual community" discussing the topic, and the topic has relevance to what we have been looking at.

Just thought I'd make a blog because, well, i found it interesting anyway.

Heres the link if anyone is interested http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/chatroom/topic/70345

Technophile 2020

11 years from now, and things must be different right? In an ever increasing technological world, the answer is so very obviously yes.

University would have changed so much for students like Finn (my fictional character - who is actually a real baby and likely to experience this for real!!). Long gone are the days of waking up early and trying to make it into uni for 9am starts, everything is now done in a virtual world. From the comfort of his own bedroom, Finn will be able to "attend" lectures and seminars and complete his degree course, all from his own house. At his own pace, at a time which suits him, he will be able to learn via his compter (which in ten years time will probably we able to make his breakfast and coffee for him too!...oo if only!!).

Distance learning is on the increase, already being used in a number of universities over the world. This uni itself it a prime example of how technology can be used for education, and if its as effective and convienient as we find it, then the likely hood is that its going to carry on developing and perhaps be the only way of learning? Why actually attend set lectures and seminars when it can all be done online?

I don't really see this as being a good thing. I would much prefer interactive learning, actually going into university for lectures etc, working with other students and being taught face to face from tutors. Its hard to predict what will happen in ten years time!!

Neo-luddites.

A neo-luddite is someone who doesn't agree with technological developments, and dislike using technology. "A Neo-Luddite is someone who believes that the use of technology has serious ethical, moral, and social ramifications" (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-neo-luddite.htm).
Neo-luddites are catious to promote early adaption of technology, and although they are not entirely against technology, they would rather see a serious discussion of the role of technology in todays soceity.

Being a neo-luddite causes many daily frustrations, as we live in such a technology dominated soceity, its virtually impossible to escape from it. To a neo-luddite student, university life would be such a problematice and frustrating area, as universtities rely on technology more than ever. For example, time tables, maps and contact between lectureres and students are all done via the internet these days, as well as lecture notes and materials being posted online the majority of the time, rather than in-class hand outs. At university, we are all given our own email address which is the man way we are expected to keep on contact with tutors and peers, and all written work is required to be submitted using word-proccesser, so a basic general knowledge of computers and technology is a must, which is obviously going to frustrate a neo-luddite.

A threat to digital natives/immigrants

A person that I know who I would see as a threat to the notion of digital natives and digital immigrants is my old college media studies teacher. I couldnt really say how old he was exactly, but late 50's I would imagine. Although he was born before "the digital age", his level of digital and technological knowledge is so high, much higher than most people his age, and probably higher than people my age!

Being a media and film studies tutor for a-level students I guess its required that he has a certain degree of digital knowledge, but also having a teenage son my age, and a daughter who is two years older than me also plays a role in him being a threat. Raising children in a digital world and working with college students for many years of his life has obviously benifited him and educated him in technology and IT etc.

I remember him being the one tutor who relied on electical communication such as email to keep in contact with students, and he prefered to recieve an e-copy of all our assignments as well as a printed out version. He also was really up-to-date with other forms of technology such as mobile phones, and he had a contact number which he gave out to students in case they needed to contact him and didnt have access to email. He also has a facebook account, which isn't really expected of someone his age? To me, this makes him challenge Prenskys ideas, as he is older than a "digital native" should be, but really doesnt fall into the "digital immigrant" category at all.

The youngest digital immigrant

The youngest digital immigrant that I can think of that I know is one of my old best friends, a girl who lived across the road from me, who is now 19 years old. Although she fits into the age group of a "digital native" as she has grown up with new technological advances surrounding her, she doesnt seem to possess the same level of internet/computer/digital knowledge as people her her. To me, her lack of involvement and capabilities categorise her as a "digital immgrant".
I'm not entirely sure why, but I think it is probably to do with the fact that her parents were in the 40's when they had her, and she was their first child. As older parents, they didn'y have the knowledge themselves of technology, and I can remember its only been in the past couple years when she started college that they got broadband internet and a new computer for her. The lack of tecnhnology surrounding her directly when she grew up obviously had an impact on her laer life, as now she seems to be slightly behind everyone else in terms of what she knows and how to do certain things, and is learning at a much later stage of life.

The oldest native..

The oldest digital native I know would probably be a family friend, Pete. He is in his late 30's/early 40's and he probably knows more about the internet and IT than anyone my age! Although he wasnt born directly in an age of digital technology, he grew up with technology expanding and advancing around him, so to me he does fall into this category.

Pete works as a part time photographer and an IT techinican, and he has his own website and myspace page for his photography work, a facebook account and several e-mail accounts. The fact the he is so involved with IT as a job and is so up-to-date and aware of the latest internet social networking sites etc shows that he has grown up with technology, learning it along the way.

Week 9 - Stretching People.

To me, the concept of "stretching" a person relates to the idea of pushing an individual as far as possible, to gain the most from their educational abilities. The way I look at is that education challenges your potential and skills, in order "up" yourself, which can be used in later life, careers etc.

By stretching yourself you are providing yourself with a new level of knowlegde, new information which can help in the long run. Education is such a large and diverse area, so of course stretching should take place. An example of stretching within education which springs to mind is communcation and persuasion and the secondary readings. By doing the "should" (but not "must") reads, we stretch ourselves, making ourself consume more of the unit work, and obviously this will come handy when doing the final assessment!

In a way I think E-learning can "stretch" you within education, as we are submitting the work individually, and we have the oppurtunity to blog on anything do to with NMC that we wish too. We can bring in other interesting information we find and do extra blogs if we have the time and want to, which to me suggests that does indeed stretch a person.

Blogger.com

I'm experiences a few problems with my blog atm, its not letting me post and freezes! There is work to come, its just playing up!

Week 8 - Website five.

The fifth website I looked at is actually a page of someone’s blog and there experiences of New media cultures digital natives. I am aware that this isn’t an academic or professional web page, but I found it really informative and I like how personal experiences were used. The way the writer draws upon being brought up with technology and knowing how towork and use it, compared to the lack of knowledge and the problems her Father experiences is really helpful in understanding the whole notion if digital immigrants and digital natives from someone reality . It helped me to put the terms into use and get a greater understanding. Like all blog sites, the structure of the site is simple and the usability is pretty straightforward, There are links to other pages at the top of the page, but mainly this is the only page directly related, though if you follow enough links you can find related topics. The blog was posted in August 2008, and although It isn’t the most recent updated site I found, I liked the way comments could be made, which can update and introduce newer concepts. The issue discussed in the blog itself is quite contemporary andf relevant to what we are studying.

Week 8 - Website four

The fourth website I have looked at and criticised is one person opinions on “Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants: Some Thoughts from the Generation Gap”. I found this quite an interesting read, as it incorporates theory with opinions of the author. The usability is fairly easy as it is just one page about digital immigrants, and it’s a simple scroll down page. There is a lot of text and virtually no images, which makes the layout slightly boring, but the content of the text itself is really interesting and relevant to the concept and the unit. One flaw is that the commentary was written 2003, so being 6 years old it is pretty dated, and newer more relevant information and theories are available.

Week 8 - Website three.

The third website I am looking at is quite a small one, but I found it interesting. The website headline is “thoughts, ideas and reflections on teaching, learning and technology”, and I think this ties in with the unit so far. The usability of the website is quite straightforward, like the previous two, with links to different areas at the very top of the page, and a good use of text and images throughout. There are links to blogs and social networking sites to the right of the page, which keeps it up to date and modern, with blogs ranging from 2007 up until this year. There are areas where you can post comment and be alerted by email of any replies made, which I found interesting as it is really to do with the whole idea of online communication.

Week 8 - Website two

The second website I case across and found interesting is about a book in digital natives. As soon as I clicked on the page I liked what I saw, as there is a very striking image on the left hand side, which is colourful and big, instantly gaining attention from the viewer. The usability of the website is really simple yet effective. There are hyperlinks across the top of the page which take you to different areas of the site, including “authors” and “pod casts”. There is an image on the top of the page which changed every few seconds, showing children with different forms of technology such as game consoles and mp3 players. The website isn’t updated as often as some others I have seen, but I guess seeing as its reviewing a book it doesn’t really need to be updated too often. Although the main page doesn’t really give much information about digital immigration, there is a link to a page named “excerpt” which gives background information and a rough idea of what the terms mean and what the book is about and outlines.

Week 8 - Website one

The first website I looked at takes you to a number of different pages relating to digital natives and digital immigration. On the home page there is a large picture of the author of the website, and the layout is really eye catching and easy to follow.
The usability of this website is quite easy, as all the separate articles are linked on the home page and divided into categories of release date. The articles are shown in a bright red link which instantly gets attention and stands out on the white background. At the top of the page there are a number of hyperlinks which take you to different areas of the site. The positioning of these on the page is really effective as they are right at the top of the page and kept separate from the articled linked on the homepage. A block of red is used where the hyperlinks are, which co-ordinates with the hyperlinks and makes the page look nice. Generally, the usability of the website is really easy for anyone to understand.
The content of the website is really up to date, with the most recent article dating March 2009, and a whole archive of articles dating back over the past year or so. The issues dealt with on this site are very contemporary and modern, dealing with issues such as college courses, mobile phones and articles designated for students, games and learning, which I think are all important and pretty up to date.

China - Part Two.

Of course, as with pretty much any form of education and technology in todays world, there and advantaged and disadvantages with distance learning. An advantage which you cant find in schooling is that is it flexible and there is no centralised resources. Also, so many people can be educated this way as messages can easily be delivered and recieved by so many people at one time, which of course is a massive convinience. However, with the advantages come disadvantages, such as lack of face to face interaction and active learning with other students, which you do find in the classroom, which in my opinion would slow down and decrease the effectiveness, as if someone doesn't understand something or struggles, they can't just ask their tutor for help, as they are learning via a television. The audience aren't seen as individuals with their own interests and preferences, they are simply seen as a group. Surely this reflects the quaility of learning?

In theory I think distance learning is a great thing as it is an effective way of reaching the masses and offering so many people an education, but are these people at disadvantage compared to those who have class room schooling? "Students having access to better-equipped laboratories may perform more experiments than those who have no well-equipped laboratory at their disposal". I find this point quite interesting and fitting, as basically it says that students who have access to practical equpment (in science for example) perform more experiments than those who have less access. This must mean that education isn't equal? To me, this just suggests taht depending on where you live, you have a better chance of education and better oppurtunities.

I can see how distance learning works in China, it is such an impressive technological advance, but personally I can see quite a few "cracks" - problems and issues which may not seem a big deal, but can effect the students, education systems and in the long run.

China - Part One.

After reading the article I was quite surprised to see how old distance learning dates. It seems to be a huge success and work really well, and its obvious that China are much more developed than most parts of the world when it comes to organizational structure.

Chine favours distance learning, in particular through the use of television to educate children, due to the amount of population across the county. As it has be proved,television as a convienient and effective way of delivery messages to a mass audience. Between 1960- 1966 8,000 students graduated by using the television based learning and 50,000 students passed single courses. These statistics show how effective distance learning is, as the amount of students who gratuated using television as their aid of learning is more than the amount one lecturer could educate in the classroom. This article has really opened my eyes to education in different forms of media, as I generally think schooling is the best option, but after reading the successed of China, I can see how different ways can work out just as well.

The whole notion of this distance learning can be linked to the conept of "social-determinsim" with the society working with and functioning around the technological advances available to us.

Televisions have the ability to send messages to a massive audience, and although it has proven to benefit and work well for people in China, the whole idea does make me doubt the quality of learning, as distance learning doesnt offer face to face or interacting with other students, which surely lowers the effectiveness compared to that you would find in the classroom? Another issue which makes me question the overall effectiveness is that everyone is getting the same standard education. Obviously, this can be seen as a good thing as it means eveyone has an equal chance of succeeding, but to me I see it as everyone learns exactly the same within their field, which isnt neccessarily beneficial as its better that people have the chance to further there education and focus on areas which they feel more comfortable in? It works well for China I admit.

E learning in Africa.

The closure of schools in Zambia and the introduction of E-learning due to an outbreak of Cholera on the surface seems like a good idea, an effective way of ensuring children contine to learn and are educated. Although online learning is beneficial and effective, I think it is problematic. "The pupils argued that they were all going to write the same exam at the end of the year and that it was not fair for them to stay home while friends in areas unaffected by cholera continued going to school." I agree with this, as surely the children who are continuing with education in a school are going to have a better oppurtunity and chance of succeeding than those who learn everything via the internet? Although this is what I personally think, the use of e-learning is obviously better than nothing. E-learning provides children with the basics of education, and although they are missing out on face to face and interactive elements of education which you would find in the classroom and schools, without e-learning they wouldn't be able to continue with learning at all and be at an even bigger disadvantage.
Generally speaking, I can see why e-learning was enforced in Zambia, but in the long run I think there are other ways to combat the problem, such as invest in ways to cure Cholera so that all students get an equal oppurtinity in education and are on same level.

Week 6 - communities of practice.

I wasn't in the lecture for this, but after reading the materials and other peoples blogs I thought I'd give it a shot anyway.

I'm at home at the moment and cant access the material again from here because my laptop and home computer are silly! At the moment im writing this based on a few notes i made, so this isnt going to be much of a successful post, but I shall write more when I return to the lincoln land!

I can't really think of a community of practice which I have belonged to, the only one that springs to mind is the Brownies. When I was about 8 I was part of the local Brownie group, and although I was only involved for a year, I guess this was a community of practice!

Being part of the Brownies, we were an all girls club, and were all of similar age. Because we were there as a club, we all socialised and interacted with each other, and had activities designed for us to work together. As Wenger states, members of a CofP are 'informally bound together', and I guess this was the case at the Brownies, although because we all shared the same uniform and had to abide by the dress clothes (brown clogs and a YELLOW JUMPER... what were they thinking!!) we were quite formal. Being part of a club bound us as a group, we worked together and in our groups to acheieve different skills and get the reward badge when we completed certain tasks.

We had a few levels of authority within the brownies, with the "brown owl" being in charge (the responsible adult) and deputy officers. Within the club and members of the club, we were split into different groups, such as the imps and the pixies, and we had a captain and vice captain for each of these. Although the captains didn't take a noticable authoritative or higher role than other members of the group, it was just a known thing that they were in a higher position than you.

Blogging - 6 weeks later

I know this is slightly off topic to where we are in the unit so far.

To me, blogging is an effective way of reporting your ideas and stories to a large audience virtually, without the need of face to face communication. It works for some people, doesn't work for others. I was talking to my housemates about this unit just today and they asked me whether I prefer the blogging method, or the traditional physical seminar method. It kind of got me thinking, and after spending 6 weeks doing it this way, as good and convinient as it can be, I think i prefer seminars. Sure, using blogging in an academic way is ideal on a media communication course, but personally I don't think I'd chose to do it again if I had the oppurtunity. I like the way we can work at our own pace and not have to be rushed to doing all the work on one hour sessions, but generally, I feel seminars are more effective, for a greather understanding and interacting with peers. We have our study groups, but I prefer contact with tutors in reality rather than via the internet. I've researched blogging and looked at a few of my friends blogs (non academic) and I think blogs are great, but maybe not in an educational way. Its harder to grasp the topics and have actual conversations whilst trying to learn over the internet. I just feel its much easier to interact in person and academically works better for me. Maybe it just is me, but I thought I'd post about it anyway. I know its nothing really related to what we are expected to write about this week, but its to do with New Media Culture, so why not share my opinions :)

Website analysis.

The website I am analysing is http://www.cosmoplitan.co.uk/ because I often go on this website, and it is a popular site amongst people my age.

How is your chosen site structured?
The website is designed as an virtual magazine, an e-magazine. The website is prmarily based around the womans magazine. The website is broken down into a number of different subheadings, including "love and sex" "fashion and style" and "beauty". Each of the subheadings hyperlinks you to a new page, and within this page you can navigate to even futher pages, located under yet more subheadings such as "floral beauty" and "gold stars". It's almost as if each of the subheadings on the mainpage act as their own homepage, giving access so different topics within the particular title. The structure of the site is quite simple really, and easy to navigate and use, which is convineint for the audience and the content.

What is it about on a cultural level?
The cosmopolitan website is mainly aimed at females, and is quite heavily focused on celebrity and fashion culture. Alot of the website is dedicated to celebrity gossip and news, and fashion advice, suggestions and whats in season. The webisite is colourful, bold and slightly in your face, which grabs your attention and fits in with cosmopolitans motto "for fun, fearless women".

What is the appeal of you as a user?
Initially there was a number of things which appealed me to the website. The website is updated really often, so there is always something new to look at and read, in between when the actual magazine is out for sale. The layout and design of the magazine is appealing, as the background is pink and girlie, and theres images and colour and bold texts everywhere on the page. Pictures of celebrities, such as Kate Moss, Kate Winslet and Girls Aloud on the front page also appeal, as the link you make between the celebrities and the aspiration to follow in their footsteps and achievemtents. The interactivity of the website also appealed to me, as there are forums and areas which you can post your stroies, questions and problems, and seek the advice of people the same age as you who have gone through similar things. The website is really easy to navigate, and i think this adds to the attraction as you can easily find your way arounf the various pages. The different sections, such as hair and beauty and fashion also appeal, as I am interested in these things so I like to read about them.

Bruns - C - towards produsage.

In my opinion, I think that produsage will last. We live in an ever increasing technological world, and I can't see things regressing and going back to how they once were before. Boundaries are trying to be pushed, audiences are trying to be more involved, and I think it will continue like this. The public are encouraged to have an active role over the internet, whether its producing things to put online and share their ideas, or be part of a virtual community or forum. The main aim, as mentioned in my last post, it to attract and obtain a large audience and group of participants, and as long as produsage still exists, I can't see a decline in the audiences at all. I think its here for keeps. What do you all think? Comment me if you want to discuss =)

Bruns -B. - towards produsage.

I think the idea of no limitations and complete control discussed in my previous post regarding produsers and produsage isn't entirely true and can be critised, due to the amount of moderations and admin controls on the internet. Turkles idea that the internet allows you to have complete freedom is therefore gone against completely, with Burns arguing that "there needs to be a balance between openness and structure for the sites to work". Personally, I don't think having moderations on sites completely defeats the purpose of "produsers" and "produsage" as there is still a really high amount of control possessed by the individual, especially if you think of the lack of freedom in other medium forms like television, magazines and the radio. I think some moderation is needed, as the main focus is to get a large audience and group of participants, and although there are limitations, such as design and layout, enforcing boundaries, frameworks and guidlines is a good thing.

Bruns - A. - towards produsage.

The term "produser" refers to someone who is a user and a producer of the internet. From the term "produser" I pulled out the idea that there are no limitations of what an individual can do online, they can partake in an active and passive role, in constructing and consuming the media. People now have the power to recieve messages and respond to them, as well as create their own ideas and opinions how they wish to. Like alot of topics and discussions on this unit, this links to the idea of the internet being an open architecture where anyone can build and create their material on.
"Proudusage" also ties in with the notion of produsers, yet again with members of the public holding power over what they do online. Bruns describes the term ‘produsage’ as ‘the collaborative, iterative, and user-led production of content by participants in a hybrid user-producer, or produser role’. The idea of this explores the way produsers can produce things themseleves, led by themselves, for example, Wikipedia, which anyone can access and anyone can update or change. Both of the terms "produsage" and "produser" contain a high amount of power held by the individiual/public, compared to other media forms such as print broadcast, television and film.
The term intercreativity largely talks about the "mode of collaborative, productive engagement with content". This idea shows the concept of providing a "base" or a starting point for the expansion of produsage, and the produsers are having more freedom to create and work with. These terms really do give a greater understanding of collaborative creations online, although as Burns mentions, the amount of control which is assumed from these terms isnt really that high, as there are guidlines and frameworks within.

Meikle F

I do think that the internet can create and form new media institutions, as the internet is a place where everyone is pretty much equal. Theres no real sense of hierarchy or people being above each other. There is no limitations to who can post online, it doesn't matter how clever you are, what qualifications or grades you have, the internet is available for anyone to fill with their personal opinions and stories.

Meikle E

I don't think news can be completely open. Its virtually impossible for all sides of the story to be covered in one report, so a level of bias and person opinion of course will come into it. Different companies broadcast and report on stories in completely different manners, so I don't think the news can ever be 100% open.

Meikle D

Is open news quality news? I think this depends on the reporter, site and contents to be honest. I don't think you can give a straigh forward "yes" or "no" as more comes into it than that.

Meikle c

c) Personally I don't think that DIY newsmakers should be classed as being part of an alternative culture, as in theory they are basically doing what all journalists do ... report a story, though theres are based online rather that print and television broadcast. There is differences, for exaple online journalists can easily change what they say, and update stories alot quicker, but I wouldn't say they are part of an alternative culture as such.

Meikle a&b

a) The internet had a vast variety of writers and journalists, changing the conventions of news, and how we know it as a print or television broadcast. The internet takes away the high register that the news possess, due to the fact that pretty much anyone can write something online and publish it.

b) The internet has created a new place for anyone to have their say. Once again touching on the idea of the internet being seen as an "open architecture", pretty much anyone, qualified or unqualified can post and report their stories and images online, even if they don't have the authority to be delevering the news to us. People can become journalists to themselves.

Week 4 - topic 3; Online Music.

Online music is a really effective way to promote music and raise awareness of your band. I know many people who have gained so many fans or managed to get themselves out there using MySpace and other music forums etc online.

Websites such as myspace or youtube allow people to access and stream music for free. Not only does this benefit the public, but it gives bands and singers free ways to publicise themselves and get people interested in them. Itunes can be used to download (legally with a charge) music whuch you may not be able to find in the shops, specialist music appealing to a niche market perhaps.

The consumption of music is so high these days, thanks to online resourses its so much easier for it to be accessed and available.

Week 4- topic 2!

To me, in a way I would class social networking sites as communities. One I have involvement in is Facebook, and I use it for a a few different reasons. I'd say it can be seen as a community because we often use it for group emailing, threads and to communicate about academic things, much like we would use a forum. I wouldn't say I feel a sense of community using facebook, but the conventions could make it feel as if you are part of a community. For example, fan pages for films, book, tv programmes and bands could be seen as virtual communities, as everyone is part of the group for a reason, the same reason. The same applies for MySpace. Althoug it is very similar to facebook in the way it is mainly used to talk to friends and people you know in real life, MySpace is known for its mucic promotions, giving bands and singers the chance to gain an audience and a fanbase, and being part of this online fanbase, to me, could be seen as a community, as once again you are part of a group for a reason, to support the band.

"community is in the eye of the users?"

I think this is probably quite true. Many theorists have their own views on what makes up a community and what requirements are needed for a community, but when it comes down to it, surely its the individuals view that counts? I think the whole issue of sense of community can be percieved differently by different people, to one person on a particular forum they may see it just as a forum, but to someone else, it may be their community and mean something different to them. At the end of the day, the way we consume new media nowdays is much more actively, we are pretty much in conrtol when it comes to how we feel about virtual community and online resourses, so yes, it is in the eye of the users =)

Identifying a sense of community (week 4 - task 2 - part one!)

"The term “virtual community” is used quite frequently. Some definitions of virtual community have become so broad that they essentially refer to any CMC group (Bieber, Engelbart, Furuta, & Hiltz, 2002; Evans, Wedande, Ralston, & van 't Hul, 2001; Falk, 1999; Kardaras, Karakostas, & Papathanassiou, 2003)"

What makes a virtual community? This is something which is dicussed quite alot in the extract, providing an interesting read. According to Jones, the "virtual settlement" has to be understood, the postings, structure and content. Blanchard and Markus (2003) note that a sense of comminity is neccessary for a virtual community, being an important characteristic. It is the sense of community which distinguishes a virtual community from mere virtual groups.
I think virtual settlement is quite a useful concept, as on the Blanchard reading is seems to have helped give theorists a better understanding of virtual communities. Virtual settlement allows a difference to be made between virtual communities and normal online groups.

Personally, I don't really get myself involved with virtual communities, so the notion of "sense of community" is something I have rarely come across or experienced myself. Af ew years ago I signed up to the Reading Festival forums, and I guess in a way this gave me a SOC , as the topics discussed were relevant to the music and the event. I wouldn't say I felt a strong sense of community, as I rarely posted, but the involvement with like minded people does make you feel part of a group, whether or not i felt part of a virtual community is a different matter. A belonging? I didn'y really feel like I belonged to the group or had any sepcial sort of memebership, it was merely just a place to check updates and discuss what bands we want to see. To an extent I guess there was a shared emotion, a shared feeling, as everyone was there for the same reason. Everyone was signed up to the forum because they were attending the festival. There wasnt really any sense of relationship of a shared history, more like discussions over memories and experiences.

Week 4 - Topic 1.

A) p. 174 What do you think of the notion that online community can be empowering/disempowering?

-I'd say the notion that an online community can be empowering/disempowering is down to the individual. For people who perhaps live far away from people, or suffer from an illness which prevents them from getting out and about, I can see why, to them. that online communities can be empowering.
I also think they can be disempowering, as people can become socially excluded, distancing themselved away from reality and real life swocial situations, and using the internet to be part of a community instead.

B) p. 177 Does the Net provide a ‘public sphere’ where citizens can engage with each other? If so, how, and are there any limitations?

-It can be seen that the intenet provides a "public sphere", where people can virtually communcate and share ideas, thoughts and opinions in one place. Although this might seem a good thing, theres alot of down sides, such as online stalking, abuse and identity fraud, and the prevention of this is pretty limited.

C) p. 181 To what extent are ‘dangerous materials’ prominent on the Internet (or ‘junk and jerks’ as Kollock put it)? What do their existence mean in terms of the ‘freedoms’ the Net allows? Is freedom always positive?

-Not everything on the internet is good, as mentioned in many of my recent blogs. Kollock uses the term "junk and jerks" which refers to people who purposely use the internet to cause trouble and a distraction. Their existence kind of shows that the internet is an open field, with room and space for anyone. I think this is quite evident that freedom isn't always positive, as theres always things we would rather not see.

D) p. 184-5 To what extent can ‘ordinary’ Net users become producers of culture, rather than people who ‘respond’ to culture supplied for them?

- I think this point can be linked to the idea of the internet as being an open field, an open architecture (recently discussed in previous blog), a place where just about anyone can build upon. We are supplied with this open canvas, chatrooms, social networking sites and forums, which as the basics we need to produce culture ourselves. The consumption of the internet is active, not passive. Rather than just respond to what is already out there, we have the chance to produce what we want, build on what we want.

Week 3 topic 3 (c,d&e)

C) p. 167 What do you think of postmodern views which stress the fluidity of online selves and their apparent disembodied status, which has been argued frees people from being represented through signs of their race, gender, class etc?
- Online, using forums and blogs and chatrooms, unless you have a photo of yourself, people at the other end cannot physically see you. Rather than be judged on your race, gender or class, the focus of primarily on your personality and writing, or the persona you create. You're identity doesn't have to be fixed. You don't need to let people know what you look like, or your social status. You are in control.


D) p. 168 Do cyberidentities constitute an alternative to ‘normal social reality’?
- Cyberidentities allow you to be who you want to be. People can easily escape from the realy identity and live a fantasy, being someone you are not.“...represent a retreat from, or an alternative to social reality” (Lister et al. 2003; 168).


E) p 170 Are online relationships the same as offline ones?
- Personally, I think no, online and offline relationships are not the same. How can they be? There are some similarities in the way that you are communicating on an in depth level, but the conventions differ greatly. With online relationships everything is done "behind closed doors" "hidden behind a screen". You can't see facial expressions, conversations are limited and not as instant as in a face-to-face situation, theres no physical contact. Some people may find it easier to talk online, as they can take their time to reply, not have to deal with awkward silences or veing face to face with someone if they are shy, but you can't see the other person. Communicating through the internet and typing doesn't allow you to recognise the register, the tone of the message. Its unpersonal. I do find it easy talking to people online, taking my own pace and not having to give the conversation my full attention, but I think online and offline relations differ quite alot really.

Week 3 - topic 3 (a&b)

TOPIC 1 wk 3
Respond to some of the points raised in the reading, Lister et al pp. 164-72 and/or in the recommended readings.
Identify and raise any issues yourself by making a post.
Cite the page number of Lister so others can see what’s written.

Some questions from me:

A) p. 164 In what ways can the Net be thought of as an ‘open architecture?’
- The internet is an "open" space, and new tecnhnologies are developments are contalntly being built in the space.

B) p. 166 Do you think that assuming an online persona (via screen name/handle/avatar etc) encourages people to play with the identity they present online and take risks in the ways the express themselves?
-By having an online persona, it is possible that it doesn't match your real one. People experiment with themselves online, change who they are and how they are percieved.

“We can experiment with other parts of ourselves, take risks or express aspects of self that we find impossible to live out in day-to-day ‘meatspace’” (Bolter and Grusin cited in Lister et al, 2003;167)

People often use the internet as an escapism, a way of getting away from there everyday life and living up to a fantasy, taking risks and doing things they wouldn't normally do.

Week 3 - topic 2.

A) Is withholding one’s identity ethically wrong?
- I have mixed opinions about this one. I think withholding or hiding your identity online is fine, as long as you aren't pretending to be someone you are not. As long as you aren't pusposley changing who you are, or trying to manipulate people online on a personal level, I don't see a massive problem with this.

B) Should we always use our full name?
- I don't think it is neccessary to use our full names when using online forums, blogs, chatrooms etc. I think it is up to the individual whether they reveal there full name or not, but I don't think we should have to at all. For the sake of privacy, I sometimes think it's best not to, as theres clever people out there, and with knowledge of your full name they could attempt to track you on the internet, leading into all types of problems.

C) Far from adopting a ‘mask’, isn’t one appeal of the Net that you can express your true self among like minds?
- I think this is pretty true yes. Specialst forums are designed so you cam communicate and talk to people with a similar interest. For example, people who are into a niche market, such as comics or a particular type of music or band sign up to the available forums with the intentions of communicating with people who are htere for the same reaosn as them - because of their interest in the particlar field.

D)What kinds of risk are involved in online self-expression? Online relationships?
- I don't agree with online relationships. How do you know that the person you are talking to is genuine? How do you know that the photos they post are actually them? The person they say they are is actually who they are? You don't. Fair enough, in some cases online relationships can be a success, but only if you actually meet the person. But thats a bad idea in itself. I don't personally see the appeal. Yeah, okay, so your Mr.Perfect may be out there online somewhere, but for every nice person theres probably millions of not so nice ones. Its just too much of a risk to take.

E) If you are participating in online social interaction might you shape your identity and expression to ‘fit’ that group?
- I wouldn't myself, but I can see why people would/do. Online, you can be who you want to be. I can understand that people with self confidence issues or low self esteem might alter themselves to make them feel better, or just for the adreneline of being someone else. It's like a fantasy world, make belief, not real. Personally I'd rather be myself and not conform to changing myself to be like others, but it happens, and I can understand why.

Virtual communities.

The notion of virtual communities differs quite greatly from "real" communication.

Community is basically a network of relationships, and it would seem that more and more people use the internet for these. With online communities, individuals can talk to a number of people at one time, building relations via the computer, without really knowing the reciever at all.

Virtual communities- good vs the bad?

Personally, I think the overall effects and impact of online communities is negative, as they "encourage disengagement from real communities". Although for the sake of communicating, virtual communities bring positvity, the use of virtual communitites isn't suffieicent enough for any real kind of relationship. I really don't think that a substainable relationship or frienship can be "real" or "true" if only expressed via the internet. Virtual communities bring a lack of validity to the internet, we don't know that the people we are talking to are "true" and its not reality, its just not real. Well, thats what I think anyway.

On the other hand, I can see why people use online virtual communitites as they are beneficial to people who have confidence issues and wish to stay in touch with friends and family, as using the internet is convinient. I understand how for some people it suits them more to use the internet as an aid of communication, especially in todyas world when we are contantly being offered new technologies.

"Information wants to be free" (Stuart Brand - founding member of The Well). Reading this quote, I pulled out the idea that online communities are neither controlled or restricted, it is entirely in the hands of the individual to say what they wish. Quite a lot of intensive work and research has been carried out into the field of virtual communities, as this New Media offers us something completely different, altenative and interesting.

"Castells argues that the internet is the most appropriate medium of communication in an emerging network society (1998) and that it will play an increasingly important role, not only in the way that people choose to communicate with each other but also in the way we form social relationships"(http://www.whb.co.uk/socialissues/vol2ke.htm)

This quote I found from the internet supports the notion of online identites, suggesting that they are on the rise. I find it quite worrying that it is suggested that virtual communities not only play a role in how we communicate, but the way in which we form social relationships. I don't think virtual communities should obtain such power. I think physical eye-to-eye contact is a much healthier and important way of constucting relationships, we shouldn't rely on technology to do this for us.

Online identity and privacy.

After reading other peoples posts it really made me think about the issue of online identity.

On the one hand, online identity brings such an air of negativity, as it is so easy to fake the person you are, pretend to be someone else and hide your true self. There are always numerous reports of how people trick others into thinking they are someone else, and by the time their true identity is revealed, it's too late. Although social networking sites such as facebook, bebo and myspace are brillinat for keeping in contact with friends and family and a way of communicating, there are many issues which arise with them

The internet = big brother?
I also think the internet acts as a 'big brother' more than ever these days. It's so easy to stalk and spy on people by looking at their social networking page or searching for their name on google. For example, so many people have lost jobs because of what their bosses have seen or read on their profile page. I think this is a bad thing, as its almost like we have zero privacy, and what you post on the internet is like treading on glass - it can really damage you.

Saying this, the 'big brother' effect can be good! It can help. For example, a shop in the company I work for at home was ram-raided before christmas and thousands of pounds worth of fragrances were stolen, and there was no cctv footage or evidence over who broke in. A few weeks later, the boss of the store was linked to a facebook profile of locals from the town, selling fragrances on the cheap. The stuff they were selling matched the ones which were stolen from the shop, and the dates of the break in and profile matched up. Although this is just one example, it does show that the non privacy of the internet can work out to be good.

New Media- what it means to me.

My phone broke this week, it was tragic. It made me realise how important new media technologies actually are. I was phoneless for a godo three days, and it really effected my mood! It sounds stupid, but it made me realise how much we depends on technology and the difference it makes in our lives. You don't appreciate it half as much until its gone! I felt really cut off from communication, although there are other forms! I thought I'd share this as it sort of relates to the topic...kind of.

Interactivity.

After reading this lecture, it was noted that there is a fair amount of arguments regarding interactivity and the surrounding areas. Some academic figures see this as being techno-determinsm, which can often be percieved negativley. The techno-determinism model see's interactiving as being without authority, with no means of control. On the other hand, new media technology can be seen as socio-determinsim, a conrolled by those of a higher authority figure. Socio determinism "see's technology as a product of societies", the outcome of capitalist profit.

Thats all I have to say for this right now, I'll be back later.

Forums and Blogs.

Using the internet as a study aid through the use of blogs and forums is a completely new way to communicate and share work ideas. Rather than the traditional face to face in class discussions we normally participate in for seminars, using blogs is a more formal way of learning. I'm not sure if this is because we know our thoughts and opinions are going to be recorded on the internet and available for everyone to see, but it does change the tone of work.

With blogging, we get a longer period of time to discuss the lecture material and readings, whereas in seminars we have a designated hour slot. I like the way that we get to work at our own pace and individually, as well as having weekly study group meetings. The way we converse using the blogs is quite formal, as it's almost like we are taking turns, commenting on each others notes saying what we think, as if we are having a conversation/discussion.

Using forums for this unit is also effective, as its an easy way to let tutors and peers know you have posted a new blog. I think everyone instantly knows that the tutor is the authority figure in the forums, and although they are academic and desinged to be used for course related discussion, they are alot more laid back that the blogs, acting as more of a chat/conversation than a full blown academic discussion.

New Media.

The concept of 'new' media is quite controversial in todays word. Everyone relies on different forms of mediums in their everyday life. Personally, I couldn't imagaine life without the internet and mobile phones. It seems really materialistic, but it's true, the only way I keep in contact with friends from home and family is via text messaging and facebook/email. The only reason we so heavily rely on these media forms is because they are there for us, they are available, quick and easy and make communication so much easier! I like the idea of letter writing as a form of communication, but with the vast amount of technology available, its so much more convinient for us to switch on a laptop and type out an email or pick up your phone and sent a text which will be received instantly.

Obviously, although new media is positive and provides us with so much, there are a number of problems attatched - fraud, stalking, identity theft, privacy etc. With all the good things the internet brings we are bound to have bad things too, there is no way of completely relying on it t be 100% positive. Overall, despite issues faced which bring negativity, I think the internet is actually a positive form for us, as it is available easily, appeals to every age group and is easy to work and use.

Goebbel reading.

So I have just read the week one reading and found it slightly confusing first time around, so its time to get the old pan and paper out and make some notes! Haha what a way to spend your Friday afternoon =p

After reading the extract it's still not easy to know what to write, but I'll give it ago.

The first thing I picked up on and noted was the significance radio had in the 20th century. Nowadays we have all new types of media forms, the internet, televsion, mobile phones etc, and radio isn't what I consider personally to be the most significant. Obviously, other forms weren't avaialble in those days, and reading Goebbels article kind of opened my eyes to the importance it brang when it first started. Goebbel talks about how the radio was used to "bring a nation together" (much like facebook and email these days) and how the radio is broadcast to a mass audience, which greaters its responsibility of the future of a nation. To me, what i got from this is that the power radio possessed in its day was similar to what social networking at the internet has today. For example, it is mentioned how radio was responsible for a number of things, including the German Revolution, which would have not been possible without the help of radio transmissions.

Goebbel also spoke about Politics quite alot. Politics is something I don't know much about, so I'm not going to try and be clever and write loads about it!! But its clear in the writitng, that although radio was initially used to distract the masses from national difficulties and social life, it underlied a very politically ifnused...thing...message. I don't know really, I think I'll come back and write some more later! Good luck with your first study blog everyone! x

This is my first blog =)

Hello! Welcome to my blog! I do hope you like it haha.

Dave Kenyon told us to write something on here, buts its far too early and cold to think properly! I'm not sure what to write, I don't normally do these kind of things!! I'm sleepy because I came to my seminar an hour early thinking it started at 9am! Not fun, considering the lack of sleep I had last night!

Happy blogging =)

xx