Brent Rust
Online activities change us! (We are moved and lifted by your presentation :).)
You can still be essentially anonymous online, but it's the exception rather than the rule to be who you really are in that environment. The advent of technology has made it more acceptable to hold these standards and exercise these practices today than it was 15 years ago.
Yup, works for me. Get your research in there and back it up with your resources and it will be great :).
Cynthia
Cyberspace gives underrepresented groups more choices about representation that are not available through traditional media.
Cyberspace has the growth potential to allow for more voices to be heard.
Again, yep, works for me. Nothing to add here.
Neil Fastabend
Cell phones and Internet-ready smart phones are narrowing the access portion of the digital divide around the world, and that is a good thing. Cell phones are narrowing the digital divide: check. We live in a hybrid space that allows us to connect wherever, whenever: check. The opposition is wrong, you will prove it: I hope you will! The examples you used really help flesh our your paper, which is excellent. Good job.
Josh Cook
Internet activism is a necessary tool for physical activism in the real world (Get'r'done!)
I think you've covered what you need to cover. I have nothing to add. As you said, git'r'done.
GOOD JOB EVERYONE!!! We've made it! Good luck on your papers, and with the rest of your finals.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Presentations, week 3
Today marks the start of the end. Thursday will be the last day of presentations.
Dan Anderson
Correlations between virtual gaming and virtual community (particularly w/r/t Xbox Live)
"The learning principles of video games are enhanced in online environments, and this enhancement may account for an increase in the number of online gaming community members." Perhaps address the demographics, if available? Is there any information on differences from subcommunity to subcommunity (ie Gears of War versus Modern Warfare 2 -- two similar games, but potentially vastly different crowds)? I like that you were not absolute in your argument; it leaves room to say "such and such lends to but does not directly cause ...", and allows you to find more information to support your paper, which already sounds strong. I think 10 pages will be easy with your approach.
Mike Payne
Real crimes vs. cyber crimes
"We need to invest more time, resources, money and caution in our online lives, more-so than in our real lives these days. Virtual crimes can be more dangerous than meatspace crimes because of how widespread and fast they are." I feel like this is a lot of hyperbole without a lot of hard data to back up what you're saying. But the tips you provided for protecting yourself online were good, and your anecdotal support provided a look into why we should safeguard ourselves because of how easy it can be to have this happen. Find more statistical data, rely less upon hyperbole (80-year-old granny turning into a 6'5" brute at the door), and I think your paper has strong potential.
Lee Kidd
"Youtube's unique roles in political activism and inadvertent perpetuation of hate."
Yours is... a rather strongly-worded argument. For every racist and bigoted video of protest, there is a counter-protest that is not racist or bigoted. How much of the attention these videos are getting can actually be attributed to mainstream media and not YouTube? YouTube itself is not a tool of hate; it's the users that perpetuate this hate. YouTube is a medium through which they deliver their message (which more often than not is eventually censored by the community!). If YouTube did not exist, the "haters" would find another medium, and so would the counter-haters, to send forth their messages of activism. You could then argue that every medium, if used for political activism, perpetuates hate. Make an argument specific to YouTube, instead of accusations, and how we as users of this forum can diminish hate perpetuated by our media -- not "mainstream media" media, but the different methods of interaction and presentation available to anyone who has an opinion.
Angel Almaraz
"Students need to become actively involved in learning how to use new technologies, which can be accomplished by applying the concepts of video games in education."
Everything seems solid! Addressing the negative views of video games in an educational context will help to solidify your paper even further, and connecting Gee's theories will be supportive too. Addressing the issue of access in the classroom versus outside the classroom should be noted in your final write-up as well.
Derek Nelson
Mobile phones and the digital divide
Mobile technology is positively affecting the digital divide. Addressing issues of accessibility, education, etc. PHONE GOOD.
Virtual and hybrid community is key to your argument. Good on ya for acknowledging that the divide will still persist, but that the phones will continue to help educate users of mobile media and perpetuate a worldwide network that doesn't rely on phone lines. I have no bad feedback, because your topic and information are great! And you presented well under a time limit, and the faster you speak, the more people think you know what you're talking about ;).
Me! I wrap up today's presentations. Give me feedback, people!
Immediate feedback:
From Julie: Include an exhibit of a typical 30-minute "lesson plan" that one could distribute to potential program volunteers.
Dan Anderson
Correlations between virtual gaming and virtual community (particularly w/r/t Xbox Live)
"The learning principles of video games are enhanced in online environments, and this enhancement may account for an increase in the number of online gaming community members." Perhaps address the demographics, if available? Is there any information on differences from subcommunity to subcommunity (ie Gears of War versus Modern Warfare 2 -- two similar games, but potentially vastly different crowds)? I like that you were not absolute in your argument; it leaves room to say "such and such lends to but does not directly cause ...", and allows you to find more information to support your paper, which already sounds strong. I think 10 pages will be easy with your approach.
Mike Payne
Real crimes vs. cyber crimes
"We need to invest more time, resources, money and caution in our online lives, more-so than in our real lives these days. Virtual crimes can be more dangerous than meatspace crimes because of how widespread and fast they are." I feel like this is a lot of hyperbole without a lot of hard data to back up what you're saying. But the tips you provided for protecting yourself online were good, and your anecdotal support provided a look into why we should safeguard ourselves because of how easy it can be to have this happen. Find more statistical data, rely less upon hyperbole (80-year-old granny turning into a 6'5" brute at the door), and I think your paper has strong potential.
Lee Kidd
"Youtube's unique roles in political activism and inadvertent perpetuation of hate."
Yours is... a rather strongly-worded argument. For every racist and bigoted video of protest, there is a counter-protest that is not racist or bigoted. How much of the attention these videos are getting can actually be attributed to mainstream media and not YouTube? YouTube itself is not a tool of hate; it's the users that perpetuate this hate. YouTube is a medium through which they deliver their message (which more often than not is eventually censored by the community!). If YouTube did not exist, the "haters" would find another medium, and so would the counter-haters, to send forth their messages of activism. You could then argue that every medium, if used for political activism, perpetuates hate. Make an argument specific to YouTube, instead of accusations, and how we as users of this forum can diminish hate perpetuated by our media -- not "mainstream media" media, but the different methods of interaction and presentation available to anyone who has an opinion.
Angel Almaraz
"Students need to become actively involved in learning how to use new technologies, which can be accomplished by applying the concepts of video games in education."
Everything seems solid! Addressing the negative views of video games in an educational context will help to solidify your paper even further, and connecting Gee's theories will be supportive too. Addressing the issue of access in the classroom versus outside the classroom should be noted in your final write-up as well.
Derek Nelson
Mobile phones and the digital divide
Mobile technology is positively affecting the digital divide. Addressing issues of accessibility, education, etc. PHONE GOOD.
Virtual and hybrid community is key to your argument. Good on ya for acknowledging that the divide will still persist, but that the phones will continue to help educate users of mobile media and perpetuate a worldwide network that doesn't rely on phone lines. I have no bad feedback, because your topic and information are great! And you presented well under a time limit, and the faster you speak, the more people think you know what you're talking about ;).
Me! I wrap up today's presentations. Give me feedback, people!
Immediate feedback:
From Julie: Include an exhibit of a typical 30-minute "lesson plan" that one could distribute to potential program volunteers.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Presentations, day 4
Dena
I walked in late, but it looks like you're attacking copyright and governing body legislation w/r/t the world wide web. As has been said in class, be aggressive! Attack your topic without mercy ("this proposed legislation is ineffective because..."), and don't wibble from your point. I found this article online last night, and you might be able to glean some pertinent information for your research: http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/04/acta-is-here.ars.
Michelle
"It may not be long before the virtual is real." Excellent topic, excellent information, nothing for me to add here. The examples of Second Life and the 3D interfaces were great.
Brittany
Mobile locative marketing: Big Brother with a commercial twist! Very interesting. I want to say that Starbucks is already implementing this with their "MyCard" app on the iPhone, where you can pay for your coffee in some stores by flashing a QR code from the app on your phone. I know that Payless Shoes will send discount text messages on occasion, too. Does "personalized" advertising play into this? There is development going into advertising that actually advertises specifically toward your demographic, based on things like perceived age, gender and race, as you walk past certain kiosks. So could that, in theory, be locative and interactive? Anyway, that could be another angle from which to approach some of your information.
Mark B.
"The Cost of Access in WoW"
I AGREE 100% WITH YOUR ARGUMENT. This is a strong part of why I stopped playing (well, that and school), and this is why my husband is thinking about ending his subscription as well. It is interesting to note the decline in quality the game's community feel has suffered as a result of ActiBlizzard's desire to be more accessible. Even though I'm familiar with what you're talking about, I'm not entirely sure I have anything to contribute.
Chris
"Community fragmentation will continue to persevere in the digital community even if we get past the digital divide." I like that you're basically acknowledging that the digital divide might be healed one day, but that other issues will still persist, which will create a digital divide of a different nature. Um, nothing to add again, because I think you've got a good idea of where you're taking this.
I walked in late, but it looks like you're attacking copyright and governing body legislation w/r/t the world wide web. As has been said in class, be aggressive! Attack your topic without mercy ("this proposed legislation is ineffective because..."), and don't wibble from your point. I found this article online last night, and you might be able to glean some pertinent information for your research: http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/04/acta-is-here.ars.
Michelle
"It may not be long before the virtual is real." Excellent topic, excellent information, nothing for me to add here. The examples of Second Life and the 3D interfaces were great.
Brittany
Mobile locative marketing: Big Brother with a commercial twist! Very interesting. I want to say that Starbucks is already implementing this with their "MyCard" app on the iPhone, where you can pay for your coffee in some stores by flashing a QR code from the app on your phone. I know that Payless Shoes will send discount text messages on occasion, too. Does "personalized" advertising play into this? There is development going into advertising that actually advertises specifically toward your demographic, based on things like perceived age, gender and race, as you walk past certain kiosks. So could that, in theory, be locative and interactive? Anyway, that could be another angle from which to approach some of your information.
Mark B.
"The Cost of Access in WoW"
I AGREE 100% WITH YOUR ARGUMENT. This is a strong part of why I stopped playing (well, that and school), and this is why my husband is thinking about ending his subscription as well. It is interesting to note the decline in quality the game's community feel has suffered as a result of ActiBlizzard's desire to be more accessible. Even though I'm familiar with what you're talking about, I'm not entirely sure I have anything to contribute.
Chris
"Community fragmentation will continue to persevere in the digital community even if we get past the digital divide." I like that you're basically acknowledging that the digital divide might be healed one day, but that other issues will still persist, which will create a digital divide of a different nature. Um, nothing to add again, because I think you've got a good idea of where you're taking this.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Class presentations, continued, pt. 3
Today is day one, week three, of presentations! Is this the halfway mark? Indeed, I do believe it is!
Quiet Mark
Online Enabled Activism
Argument: "Cyberspace and online communities are two of the most important tools in saving the environment." Good approach, liked the example of EcoSnoop and similar iPhone applications, and I can't really find a chink in the armor, so to speak. Broaden your scope a bit to include a couple other examples of "then" versus "now," (excepting Hanford, of course), and focus on what's already being done in response to current eco issues, and I think you'll have a very strong paper.
Sarah
Presenting yourself differently in cyberspace
Yes, true, we are familiar with this concept. Make it about the "why" of these actions and the control we have (or don't have) over the presentation of oneself online instead of rehashing ideas we've heard before. You have good research already, and the potential for a good paper. Just push it to that edge of "so what?" and this paper will go beyond what's already out there.
Cassie Lane
Social Networking Sites in the Classroom
"Social networking sites should be used by teachers and students in a classroom to enhance the learning of different content areas. Not only do these sites enhance the learning, but they also draw in the students who aren't engaged in the classroom learning." Good examples of sites that could benefit this method. Include the issues of access and parental knowledge to fill in some gaps in your paper to solidify your argument.
Quiet Mark
Online Enabled Activism
Argument: "Cyberspace and online communities are two of the most important tools in saving the environment." Good approach, liked the example of EcoSnoop and similar iPhone applications, and I can't really find a chink in the armor, so to speak. Broaden your scope a bit to include a couple other examples of "then" versus "now," (excepting Hanford, of course), and focus on what's already being done in response to current eco issues, and I think you'll have a very strong paper.
Sarah
Presenting yourself differently in cyberspace
Yes, true, we are familiar with this concept. Make it about the "why" of these actions and the control we have (or don't have) over the presentation of oneself online instead of rehashing ideas we've heard before. You have good research already, and the potential for a good paper. Just push it to that edge of "so what?" and this paper will go beyond what's already out there.
Cassie Lane
Social Networking Sites in the Classroom
"Social networking sites should be used by teachers and students in a classroom to enhance the learning of different content areas. Not only do these sites enhance the learning, but they also draw in the students who aren't engaged in the classroom learning." Good examples of sites that could benefit this method. Include the issues of access and parental knowledge to fill in some gaps in your paper to solidify your argument.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Week two, more presentations!
Today marks week two of presentations!
Katie Shaw
Bridge the Divide
Katie proposes bridging the gap between underprivileged students and privileged students with regard to technology. Beyond just students, getting parents and teachers involved is a great approach. Utilizing charts to compare before usage and after usage to see the effectiveness of this proposed project is also good for reference. I could see this project, if it ever gains footing, being implemented well within our community because there really is such a wide divide between the haves and have nots in our school systems. I feel this is something that could have real-world implications outside of the classroom environment.
Beau Yancey
Technology benefits greatly from gaming
Good contrast of "what your mother told you" and "what your mother doesn't know" to address both sides of the argument. Great examples of how video game technology past is influencing medical and military technology of today. It seems like you have a good, strong arguments on striking a balance between "hardcore gamers" and the idea of gaming and how both influence everything around us today.
James Cavanah
Learning can be based on the symbolic processing the mind undertakes when playing a game
Strong, potentially super cool topic. Make the connections a little more obvious to your thesis (learning leans heavily on symbolism, knowledge and access) and I think you will have a very strong paper. What you told me this morning about your paper was AWE-SOME. I think if you'd just chewed the cud on that in the class presentation instead of worrying about Prezi, your topic would have come across so much clearer :). It was an awesome topic then, it will be a strong topic in the end too.
Hans Wellenbrock
Social networks bridging the chasm
The thing that went "BAM!!" to me was this point from Silva e Souza: "The shift from static to mobile interfaces brings social networks into physical spaces." RUN WITH THIS, plzkthx. I feel like a lot of your points went back to that particular line. I like that you addressed that poor does not necessarily mean technologically illiterate, particularly among the younger generation. I like, also, that you had fun with making your presentation.
Spencer Towne
Do games generate better soldiers?
Have you addressed the video game "America's Army"? This was a game released by the U.S. Army specifically for the purpose increasing the public opinion of the army and increasing recruitment. Could you perhaps address, if not the quality of soldiers, perhaps the quantity of soldiers as a result of military fighting simulators? Excellent list in comparing the consequences of real versus virtual space, I think this will go a long way in your argument.
Katie Shaw
Bridge the Divide
Katie proposes bridging the gap between underprivileged students and privileged students with regard to technology. Beyond just students, getting parents and teachers involved is a great approach. Utilizing charts to compare before usage and after usage to see the effectiveness of this proposed project is also good for reference. I could see this project, if it ever gains footing, being implemented well within our community because there really is such a wide divide between the haves and have nots in our school systems. I feel this is something that could have real-world implications outside of the classroom environment.
Beau Yancey
Technology benefits greatly from gaming
Good contrast of "what your mother told you" and "what your mother doesn't know" to address both sides of the argument. Great examples of how video game technology past is influencing medical and military technology of today. It seems like you have a good, strong arguments on striking a balance between "hardcore gamers" and the idea of gaming and how both influence everything around us today.
James Cavanah
Learning can be based on the symbolic processing the mind undertakes when playing a game
Strong, potentially super cool topic. Make the connections a little more obvious to your thesis (learning leans heavily on symbolism, knowledge and access) and I think you will have a very strong paper. What you told me this morning about your paper was AWE-SOME. I think if you'd just chewed the cud on that in the class presentation instead of worrying about Prezi, your topic would have come across so much clearer :). It was an awesome topic then, it will be a strong topic in the end too.
Hans Wellenbrock
Social networks bridging the chasm
The thing that went "BAM!!" to me was this point from Silva e Souza: "The shift from static to mobile interfaces brings social networks into physical spaces." RUN WITH THIS, plzkthx. I feel like a lot of your points went back to that particular line. I like that you addressed that poor does not necessarily mean technologically illiterate, particularly among the younger generation. I like, also, that you had fun with making your presentation.
Spencer Towne
Do games generate better soldiers?
Have you addressed the video game "America's Army"? This was a game released by the U.S. Army specifically for the purpose increasing the public opinion of the army and increasing recruitment. Could you perhaps address, if not the quality of soldiers, perhaps the quantity of soldiers as a result of military fighting simulators? Excellent list in comparing the consequences of real versus virtual space, I think this will go a long way in your argument.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Feedback on thesis presentations, day one
Today kicks off final paper thesis and progress presentations in the course. Constructive feedback, only; no dislikes based on slide colors!
Lorena Swift
China: Communication in Crisis
A good starting look at the Great Firewall of China. I definitely second the notion of trying to route your Internet through China via Firefox plugins. The word for "America" in Mandarin is "mei" (美). I hope that this helps with your "search for America from China" searches :).
Sheila Newsom
Gender Roles and Social Networks
I think the look at Facebook/MySpace/StarDoll presents a good background for the traditional social networking "gender" norms, so keep that information in (but with less emphasis). Analyzing children's/young teen's social networks is a good approach to this topic. To further bolster your paper, I would suggest taking a look at Neopets and Webkinz, or even some Disney-based networks, to see how gender is approached in those realms as well.
Maurice Smiley
Mobile technology and how it's changing the agricultural world (I think)
No comments. Sounds like you know exactly where you're going and what you're talking about with this topic. This sounds absolutely brilliant and I kind of wish I had your brain power for this course.
Corrinda Lathan
Educating through Gaming
Loved that you got the class engaged by means of a memory game :). Are you looking at games across all platforms or specifically board games or specifically video games? (I think video games may tie more into our overall course theme, but gaming is gaming and the same rules in board games apply to video games as well, so... not sure where I'm going with that.) At any rate, I think Lorena had a good question after your presentation. Perhaps you should take a look at how the education world is embracing the technology to go with these changes in gaming (or, conversely, not embracing) and how this is (or isn't) impacting changes among children and how they learn.
Kathleen
Old school politics, new school media
A question: Does political standing (left-wing vs. right-wing) indicate how technologically savvy a candidate may be? Or the demographics they are reaching successfully? To say that McCain/Palin barely scratched the surface is something of an understatement; I would argue that Palin goes beyond the norms of her party and internet use. Her e-mail was hacked, which dealt a harsh blow to the campaign; she used Facebook and Twitter then and still uses these tools to rally her followers to her cause, even though she isn't running OR in a position of political power anymore. BUT, that being said, you've got a strong start. I like the main question you're addressing of if the use of new social technology was a critical factor in the outcome of the election, and was actually going to ask if you were going to address that (but you beat me to it in your presentation).
Good job to everyone. You've set the bar high. Good luck to everyone who will present next week!
Lorena Swift
China: Communication in Crisis
A good starting look at the Great Firewall of China. I definitely second the notion of trying to route your Internet through China via Firefox plugins. The word for "America" in Mandarin is "mei" (美). I hope that this helps with your "search for America from China" searches :).
Sheila Newsom
Gender Roles and Social Networks
I think the look at Facebook/MySpace/StarDoll presents a good background for the traditional social networking "gender" norms, so keep that information in (but with less emphasis). Analyzing children's/young teen's social networks is a good approach to this topic. To further bolster your paper, I would suggest taking a look at Neopets and Webkinz, or even some Disney-based networks, to see how gender is approached in those realms as well.
Maurice Smiley
Mobile technology and how it's changing the agricultural world (I think)
No comments. Sounds like you know exactly where you're going and what you're talking about with this topic. This sounds absolutely brilliant and I kind of wish I had your brain power for this course.
Corrinda Lathan
Educating through Gaming
Loved that you got the class engaged by means of a memory game :). Are you looking at games across all platforms or specifically board games or specifically video games? (I think video games may tie more into our overall course theme, but gaming is gaming and the same rules in board games apply to video games as well, so... not sure where I'm going with that.) At any rate, I think Lorena had a good question after your presentation. Perhaps you should take a look at how the education world is embracing the technology to go with these changes in gaming (or, conversely, not embracing) and how this is (or isn't) impacting changes among children and how they learn.
Kathleen
Old school politics, new school media
A question: Does political standing (left-wing vs. right-wing) indicate how technologically savvy a candidate may be? Or the demographics they are reaching successfully? To say that McCain/Palin barely scratched the surface is something of an understatement; I would argue that Palin goes beyond the norms of her party and internet use. Her e-mail was hacked, which dealt a harsh blow to the campaign; she used Facebook and Twitter then and still uses these tools to rally her followers to her cause, even though she isn't running OR in a position of political power anymore. BUT, that being said, you've got a strong start. I like the main question you're addressing of if the use of new social technology was a critical factor in the outcome of the election, and was actually going to ask if you were going to address that (but you beat me to it in your presentation).
Good job to everyone. You've set the bar high. Good luck to everyone who will present next week!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Catching up
This weekend, I will be playing catch-up in my blog entries to get up to speed. I will post an extended proposal on a new final paper topic relating the startlingly aggressive behaviors of online "alpha women" to the hegemonically masculine environment of the Internet (and how we've seen it before and how, potentially, this could alter the state of gender balance on the Internet [please note that this last one is a stretch and may not actually be presented in the final paper]).
I will also attempt to write summaries for the articles I missed, and will tackle some of the extra credit entries as well. Upcoming blog entries will be (gasp!) on-time and the arguments within will be well-presented.
While I do care some if this late work is seen as "too little, too late" with regard to my blog grade, I at least want to make the effort, because damnit, I'm tired of feeling anxious. I want to be able to enjoy this class (and care!) again, like I did when the semester started. And perhaps when I get up to speed, I can stop having panic attacks whenever I start thinking about this course and its workload.
I will also attempt to write summaries for the articles I missed, and will tackle some of the extra credit entries as well. Upcoming blog entries will be (gasp!) on-time and the arguments within will be well-presented.
While I do care some if this late work is seen as "too little, too late" with regard to my blog grade, I at least want to make the effort, because damnit, I'm tired of feeling anxious. I want to be able to enjoy this class (and care!) again, like I did when the semester started. And perhaps when I get up to speed, I can stop having panic attacks whenever I start thinking about this course and its workload.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
