Week Nine. Task Five and Six.
I think that to understand Semantic Web, one has to have basic understanding on what Web 3.0 is.
Web 3.o is alot more complex than Web 2.0, it can be described as a personal assistant. The internet will be able to remember likes/dislikes as well as location. One would be able to extensive questions all at once, and the web would be able to help/answer. Such as, I would be able to type "I want to get the bus into my nearest shopping centre, then go to the cinema to see a horror film", and the internet search engine will be able answer it all at once, as well as taking into consideration previous searches, likes, location and so on. Web 3.0 will be able to make the link between the individual and their online needs, giving them the information they ask for as well as much more. I think that Web 3.0 will come in slowly and there wont be a time when we say "we know use Web 3.0", it will just happen gruadually.
Semantic Web is an extension of the World Wide Web but with meaning and is an extension of Web 3.0. It is called "Semantic" because semantics are the meaning behind things. It is a means of sharing information and content. Its a way of information not only being stored and shared but actually being understod by internet and the realtionships and properities between the content and information, so it is easy to see why it is linked to Web 3.0.
The difference is difficult to understand. However, I think that Web 3.0 is what we get from the internet, whilst Semantic Web is how it all works and fits together inside the technology itself.
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Digital Divide
Week Nine. Task two.
There are two lots of divides digitally.
In terms of location and economy, not everyone can afford the internet or computers. In third world countries this is often the case. But this often applies to low-income households all over the world. This creates a divide, and is often linked to income. People may feel inferrior if they do not have access to the internet, in education, as children may be left behind as other children know how to use computers and they do not, this creates problems in learning as well as socially. It can cause problems in the work place, as finding jobs in the 21st century with no internet knowledge will be hard. There may cause social problems, in general conversation. For example, I find it strange if someone does not have a Facebook account, let alone not have the internet.
There is also a divide between people that have knowledge and people that dont-digital natives and immigrants, as discussed in my other posts. Digital immigrants may think they have more knowledge and the natives may feel inferrior.
There are two lots of divides digitally.
In terms of location and economy, not everyone can afford the internet or computers. In third world countries this is often the case. But this often applies to low-income households all over the world. This creates a divide, and is often linked to income. People may feel inferrior if they do not have access to the internet, in education, as children may be left behind as other children know how to use computers and they do not, this creates problems in learning as well as socially. It can cause problems in the work place, as finding jobs in the 21st century with no internet knowledge will be hard. There may cause social problems, in general conversation. For example, I find it strange if someone does not have a Facebook account, let alone not have the internet.
There is also a divide between people that have knowledge and people that dont-digital natives and immigrants, as discussed in my other posts. Digital immigrants may think they have more knowledge and the natives may feel inferrior.
Wegner and Prensky: Do they relate in terms of education?
Week Nine. Task One.
Wegner's theories on Communities of Practice are mainly about ideology. Groups of individuals grouped together with a shared ideology. With students, there are many shared ideology, the thirst and interest in learning is one of them.
Prensky believes in a "digital divide" between digital natives and immigrants, and this can be applied to education. As traditionally, the adult lecturers are immigrants and may struggle adjusting to the technology, as well as its relevance to the students they teach.
The students are able to learn and communicate digitally, through their knowledge and interest in social networking, msn and so on. These students can also research in their own time through different mediums. This makes the digital divide obvious and large between students and lecturers/teachers.
Wegner's theories on Communities of Practice are mainly about ideology. Groups of individuals grouped together with a shared ideology. With students, there are many shared ideology, the thirst and interest in learning is one of them.
Prensky believes in a "digital divide" between digital natives and immigrants, and this can be applied to education. As traditionally, the adult lecturers are immigrants and may struggle adjusting to the technology, as well as its relevance to the students they teach.
The students are able to learn and communicate digitally, through their knowledge and interest in social networking, msn and so on. These students can also research in their own time through different mediums. This makes the digital divide obvious and large between students and lecturers/teachers.
Technophiles
Technophiles are individuals that thrive on new technology, actively seek it out and easily adapt and use it easily. As well as it playing a large part in their lives.
I believe university in 2020, will be based around web-learning. A technophile student will enjoy this. I think distance-learning online will be alot more common. In 2020, at a stretch, maybe students will not even need to attend lectures, as they could watch them online. I think that the Web 3.0 will be so much more important, not simply just for research and lecture notes, which is how every student (not just technophiles) use technology to help their studies.
I believe university in 2020, will be based around web-learning. A technophile student will enjoy this. I think distance-learning online will be alot more common. In 2020, at a stretch, maybe students will not even need to attend lectures, as they could watch them online. I think that the Web 3.0 will be so much more important, not simply just for research and lecture notes, which is how every student (not just technophiles) use technology to help their studies.
Someone who threatens the notion of native/immigrant
I have already touched upon the main point of this post in a previous posting. I believe that there is no such thing as a digital native and a digital immigrant. As people will never be digital natives, as technological advances are changing constantly as well as their relevance in people's lives. People will constantly have to adapt to the new "environment" of technology.
I dont think I know anyone that I know threatens this notion, because I do not think it truly exsists. Especially as I think everyone was once a digital native when it comes to things involving Web 2.0. I think that I'm a prime example of this. I do not pick up new technology well, however, with time and lots of useage I eventually get used to technology, however, I think this is because me (and others) have to, to get along in modern life. Especially at university. People retain their "accent" when becoming a digital native and therefore no one will ever be a full digital immigrant.
If one was to consider this notion as exsisting, I think any adult in their 40s that even know how to use the internet threatens this idea, because they were once an immigrant and are gradually becoming natives. So, I think that no one is really a native or an immigrant in the digital world.
I dont think I know anyone that I know threatens this notion, because I do not think it truly exsists. Especially as I think everyone was once a digital native when it comes to things involving Web 2.0. I think that I'm a prime example of this. I do not pick up new technology well, however, with time and lots of useage I eventually get used to technology, however, I think this is because me (and others) have to, to get along in modern life. Especially at university. People retain their "accent" when becoming a digital native and therefore no one will ever be a full digital immigrant.
If one was to consider this notion as exsisting, I think any adult in their 40s that even know how to use the internet threatens this idea, because they were once an immigrant and are gradually becoming natives. So, I think that no one is really a native or an immigrant in the digital world.
The youngest digital immgirant I know...
The youngest digital immgrant I know of, were some individuals at my school. I went to quite a posh and therefore religious school and there were some children's paretns were extremely well off but very traditionalist in terms of technology, including limited television useage (if any) and no computers, let alone mobile phones. This meant that when it came to interactive learning at school, they had to make the transition from a neo-luddite background to digital immigrant. In this day and age, it is hard to be a digital native as technophobia is frowned upon and almost everything is digitalised and becoming more technological in every aspects of our lives.
Monday, 23 March 2009
Oldest natives and immigrants in my life...
I think the oldest digital immigrant I know is my grandad, who is about seventy years old. He lives in Spain and is constantly in touch via email, and has a laptop in his house. He also has Sky television in his house, which is obviously a big step for someone who as a child never even had a TV. He also has a mobile phone (admittedly, he does struggle to use it sometimes) and last time he visited he had an mp3 player, even though this was filled with classical music and audio books, it is still fairly modern. I think he is the perfect example of digital immgration.
The oldest digital native I know, I believe, are us; our generation. As I constantly see adults struggling with modern technology. Not necesarily the technology (for example, they know how to work mobile phones) but they fail to see the relevance they have in our lives (my mum does not understand why I text "constantly" or need an iPod than holds more than a 100 songs). My mum's boyfriend would probably describe himself as a digital native as he runs and designs websites for Halifax Bank, however mp3 players baffle him. I believe this is the perfect example and reason why no one, especially the older generation are digital natives.I believe that soon we will all have to be digital immigrants as we have to get used to new and improved technology, and how we use this technology and its relevance will be different for everyone and every genertation.
The oldest digital native I know, I believe, are us; our generation. As I constantly see adults struggling with modern technology. Not necesarily the technology (for example, they know how to work mobile phones) but they fail to see the relevance they have in our lives (my mum does not understand why I text "constantly" or need an iPod than holds more than a 100 songs). My mum's boyfriend would probably describe himself as a digital native as he runs and designs websites for Halifax Bank, however mp3 players baffle him. I believe this is the perfect example and reason why no one, especially the older generation are digital natives.I believe that soon we will all have to be digital immigrants as we have to get used to new and improved technology, and how we use this technology and its relevance will be different for everyone and every genertation.
Neo-Luddites
Neo-luddites are those that are against the development of technology. One believes that in this country in 2009, it is relatively impossible to be completley against technology. This term started in the Industrial Revoultion, when individuals were against the devolpment of machines that made their lives easier.
In my daily life, as a university student, I am constantly using technology. From checking my emails to Facebook when I wake up, to texting my friends and listening to my iPod Nano on the way to lectures. Often these lectures require prior research, we often do this by researching online (usually on our own personal laptops). However, as students, we sometimes have to take out library books, without modern technology this would be alot harder. Our library is particularly modern, with self-service checkout points, as well as alarms (upon exit without checking out the book), these are all controlled by the magnetic strip inside the book. Even searching for the book involves technology, as one as to search on the special designed computer programme to be able to find which floor the book is on, and then one would usual take the lift to the next floor.
Back to the lecture, these are usually given by a lecturer who uses powerpoint presentations to helo get their message across. These are also then posted online for us to download, print out, and learn from. After lectures, I will usually watch TV on my LSD flatscreen which has Freeview and a DVD player built in, a neo-luddite would not be happy about this all-in-one, very modern (and very expensive) piece of not really necessary equipment.
On certain days, if one was to shop, we can not avoid technology-with electronic tagging of goods and payment systems (especially as I never carry cash). On more random days, a modern individual is in contact with a large amount of technology in hospitals- someone who is against the advancement of technology may have a problem when it comes to the very extensive and very modern technology now present in most areas of hospitals.
Neo-luddites have some good ideas as to why advancements in technology are bad, such as people cutting themselves of from the world (not the case however with mobile phones/email), dehumanization, health problems and to a larger extent, nuclear warfire. I believe that advancements in technology are good and it is up to the individual and society to use the technology how they wish and how much influence it has on their lives. Personally, I couldnt be against advancements in technology, because I couldnt be without the technology I have in my life.
In my daily life, as a university student, I am constantly using technology. From checking my emails to Facebook when I wake up, to texting my friends and listening to my iPod Nano on the way to lectures. Often these lectures require prior research, we often do this by researching online (usually on our own personal laptops). However, as students, we sometimes have to take out library books, without modern technology this would be alot harder. Our library is particularly modern, with self-service checkout points, as well as alarms (upon exit without checking out the book), these are all controlled by the magnetic strip inside the book. Even searching for the book involves technology, as one as to search on the special designed computer programme to be able to find which floor the book is on, and then one would usual take the lift to the next floor.
Back to the lecture, these are usually given by a lecturer who uses powerpoint presentations to helo get their message across. These are also then posted online for us to download, print out, and learn from. After lectures, I will usually watch TV on my LSD flatscreen which has Freeview and a DVD player built in, a neo-luddite would not be happy about this all-in-one, very modern (and very expensive) piece of not really necessary equipment.
On certain days, if one was to shop, we can not avoid technology-with electronic tagging of goods and payment systems (especially as I never carry cash). On more random days, a modern individual is in contact with a large amount of technology in hospitals- someone who is against the advancement of technology may have a problem when it comes to the very extensive and very modern technology now present in most areas of hospitals.
Neo-luddites have some good ideas as to why advancements in technology are bad, such as people cutting themselves of from the world (not the case however with mobile phones/email), dehumanization, health problems and to a larger extent, nuclear warfire. I believe that advancements in technology are good and it is up to the individual and society to use the technology how they wish and how much influence it has on their lives. Personally, I couldnt be against advancements in technology, because I couldnt be without the technology I have in my life.
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Should education "stretch" a person, do you think?
Week Nine.Task Three.
"Stretch" in terms of education, I believe, means to expand and grow, but mainly to challenge. I think education should attempt to expand people's knowledge. People should be challenged (or "stretched") in terms of learning. I believe challenging people encourages people to try harder and reach the best of their ability, and possibly even further than that, thus making the person more inelligent and/or gain more knowledge about a variety of things. I believe "stretching" people through education, will help individuals get the most of what they are learning about Also, I think that if people stretch themselves in education, they are more likely to try hadrer and stretch themselves in other aspects of their lives. Such as hobbies, sports and relationships.
"Stretch" in terms of education, I believe, means to expand and grow, but mainly to challenge. I think education should attempt to expand people's knowledge. People should be challenged (or "stretched") in terms of learning. I believe challenging people encourages people to try harder and reach the best of their ability, and possibly even further than that, thus making the person more inelligent and/or gain more knowledge about a variety of things. I believe "stretching" people through education, will help individuals get the most of what they are learning about Also, I think that if people stretch themselves in education, they are more likely to try hadrer and stretch themselves in other aspects of their lives. Such as hobbies, sports and relationships.
Sunday, 15 March 2009
Articles Used
Week Eight. Topic Four.
Article 1:
Livingstone, S and Helsper, E (2007) "Gradations in Digital Inclusion: Children, Young People and the Digital Divide". New Media and Society. Volume 9: Issue 4.
Article 2:
McMillian S and Morrison M (2006) "Coming of age, with the internet: A qualitive exploration of how the internet has become an integral part of young people's lives". New Media and Society. Volume 8: Issue 1.
Article 3:
Mastronardi M (2003) "Adolescence and Media". Journal of Language and Social Psychology. Volume 22. Issue 83.
Article 4:
Livingstone, S (2003) "Children's Use of the Internet: Reflections on the Emerging Research Agenda". New Media and Society.Volume 5:Issue 2.
Article 5:
Thurlow, C and McKay S (2003) "Profiling New Communications Technologies in Adolescence". Journal of Language and Social Psychology. Volume 22: Issue 94.
Article 1:
Livingstone, S and Helsper, E (2007) "Gradations in Digital Inclusion: Children, Young People and the Digital Divide". New Media and Society. Volume 9: Issue 4.
Article 2:
McMillian S and Morrison M (2006) "Coming of age, with the internet: A qualitive exploration of how the internet has become an integral part of young people's lives". New Media and Society. Volume 8: Issue 1.
Article 3:
Mastronardi M (2003) "Adolescence and Media". Journal of Language and Social Psychology. Volume 22. Issue 83.
Article 4:
Livingstone, S (2003) "Children's Use of the Internet: Reflections on the Emerging Research Agenda". New Media and Society.Volume 5:Issue 2.
Article 5:
Thurlow, C and McKay S (2003) "Profiling New Communications Technologies in Adolescence". Journal of Language and Social Psychology. Volume 22: Issue 94.
Websites Used
Week Eight-Topic Two
Website 1: http://www.blogscholar.com/content/view/72/33
Website 2: http://www.blogher.com/are-you-drowning-technology
Website 3: http://prchances.com/2008/09/22/more-reactions-to-social-media
Website 4: http://thinkdigitalfirst.blogspot.com/2008/12/first-not-only.html
Website 1: http://www.blogscholar.com/content/view/72/33
Website 2: http://www.blogher.com/are-you-drowning-technology
Website 3: http://prchances.com/2008/09/22/more-reactions-to-social-media
Website 4: http://thinkdigitalfirst.blogspot.com/2008/12/first-not-only.html
Article Three & Four
Week Eight-Topic Six
Article 3: This article only focuses slightly on the topic we are to discuss, which is "New" Media. I disagree with the statement that TV is the still the most dominant media form, I believe music, as well as the internet are just as dominant. However, the point the writers make of major adolescant identity formation being formed by the internet, I believe that all forms of media influence young people.
Article 4: A point in this article that I found could be debated is that because the field of New Media is young, the writer believes that there is not much discussion in the field. However, I believe about "New" Media is that everytime a newer form of media happens, there is the same excitment, confusion and so on (such as when TV was invented). Therefore the same theories and views can be applied to the "New Media" we are discussing.
Article 3: This article only focuses slightly on the topic we are to discuss, which is "New" Media. I disagree with the statement that TV is the still the most dominant media form, I believe music, as well as the internet are just as dominant. However, the point the writers make of major adolescant identity formation being formed by the internet, I believe that all forms of media influence young people.
Article 4: A point in this article that I found could be debated is that because the field of New Media is young, the writer believes that there is not much discussion in the field. However, I believe about "New" Media is that everytime a newer form of media happens, there is the same excitment, confusion and so on (such as when TV was invented). Therefore the same theories and views can be applied to the "New Media" we are discussing.
Article One & Two
Week Eight-Topic Six
Article 1:There is not alot I disagree with within this article, as there is a lot of evidence to back up the points being made. However, there are some points that the writers make that I thik could do with a little more exploring. Such as the writers seem to think that "digital exclusion" is the most damaging form of social exclusion, there is no evidence presented for this; I also believe that all forms of social exclusion in children is damaging. There are also some pretty sweeping statements made, such as the internet being unlike "simple" media.
Article 2: This article is based around the essays written by 72 college students, and therefore is primarily based on opinons. Like the article before, there are plenty of sweeping statements with little evidence other than what the people say. Such as individuals being peer pressured into using the internet and that learning to use the internet (etc) is father-dominated. There is also a lot of discussion into the virtual communities and relationships formed online, and how they reflect offline relationships-there is no evidence within the article to reflect this-it is just people's views. And some of the points such as, online relationships are not as real as offline one, I disagree with.
Article 1:There is not alot I disagree with within this article, as there is a lot of evidence to back up the points being made. However, there are some points that the writers make that I thik could do with a little more exploring. Such as the writers seem to think that "digital exclusion" is the most damaging form of social exclusion, there is no evidence presented for this; I also believe that all forms of social exclusion in children is damaging. There are also some pretty sweeping statements made, such as the internet being unlike "simple" media.
Article 2: This article is based around the essays written by 72 college students, and therefore is primarily based on opinons. Like the article before, there are plenty of sweeping statements with little evidence other than what the people say. Such as individuals being peer pressured into using the internet and that learning to use the internet (etc) is father-dominated. There is also a lot of discussion into the virtual communities and relationships formed online, and how they reflect offline relationships-there is no evidence within the article to reflect this-it is just people's views. And some of the points such as, online relationships are not as real as offline one, I disagree with.
Digital Immigration
Week Eight
Website 1: The first website is fairly up-to-date, however, is not that simple to understand. It seems to jmp from point to point. However, it does tell the reader who and when created the term "digital immigration". It does reference an article (from 2006) from a well-known Britishnewspaper which helps explain what Digital Immgration is.
Website 2: This website was written in the form of a blog on a website written for and by women. It is easy to read, but not that easy to understand. The woman writing describes herself as a "Digital Immigration Officer"; she helps people make the transition to digital mediums. It practices what it preaches, by having links to websites such as facebook, to almost "complete" the transition into the digital world.
Website 3: This is also a blog, simply explaining what Digital Immigration. Someone has commented it saying that digital immigraton is an experience that is "confusing, painful" and "tramuatic" and also that she is "sadder but wiser now". This is easy to understand, and even though it was written a few years ago, I believe that it is still relevant and useful.
Website 4: This is another blog, this time it is about seniors going online and the problems they have with Digital Immigration. It is relevant and useful to what we are learning about, it is written in simple language.
Website 1: The first website is fairly up-to-date, however, is not that simple to understand. It seems to jmp from point to point. However, it does tell the reader who and when created the term "digital immigration". It does reference an article (from 2006) from a well-known Britishnewspaper which helps explain what Digital Immgration is.
Website 2: This website was written in the form of a blog on a website written for and by women. It is easy to read, but not that easy to understand. The woman writing describes herself as a "Digital Immigration Officer"; she helps people make the transition to digital mediums. It practices what it preaches, by having links to websites such as facebook, to almost "complete" the transition into the digital world.
Website 3: This is also a blog, simply explaining what Digital Immigration. Someone has commented it saying that digital immigraton is an experience that is "confusing, painful" and "tramuatic" and also that she is "sadder but wiser now". This is easy to understand, and even though it was written a few years ago, I believe that it is still relevant and useful.
Website 4: This is another blog, this time it is about seniors going online and the problems they have with Digital Immigration. It is relevant and useful to what we are learning about, it is written in simple language.
Friday, 6 March 2009
Distance Learning: Our example
Week Seven
http://www.open.ac.uk: The Open University
This is the only fully-dedicated to online learning university in the United Kingdom. They around 150,000 undergraduate and more than 30,000 postgraduate students. Nearly all of the students are part-time, 70% of the students learn alongside full-time work. A positive of Open University is that 10,000 of the students have disabilities, learning online means that these students can learn from the comfort of their own home, without travel. Unlike other unversities, no previous qualificiations are needed, however, the student must be over sixteen years old. A third of the students have lower qualifications needed than needed to enter other universities, this gives a variety of students to better themselves. The students learn through a variety of mediums such as tv/radio/internet/printed materials.
Like alot of distance learning programmes, the OU started alot earlier than originally thought. The university started in the 60's, growing extensively in the 80s. There are debates as to whethr this type of learning can be described as a "real univerity", Iain Macleod MP called it "blithering nonesense" in the 60's. Now a days, the OU qualifications are recongnised by other univerisities, and more importantly, by employeers.
http://www.open.ac.uk: The Open University
This is the only fully-dedicated to online learning university in the United Kingdom. They around 150,000 undergraduate and more than 30,000 postgraduate students. Nearly all of the students are part-time, 70% of the students learn alongside full-time work. A positive of Open University is that 10,000 of the students have disabilities, learning online means that these students can learn from the comfort of their own home, without travel. Unlike other unversities, no previous qualificiations are needed, however, the student must be over sixteen years old. A third of the students have lower qualifications needed than needed to enter other universities, this gives a variety of students to better themselves. The students learn through a variety of mediums such as tv/radio/internet/printed materials.
Like alot of distance learning programmes, the OU started alot earlier than originally thought. The university started in the 60's, growing extensively in the 80s. There are debates as to whethr this type of learning can be described as a "real univerity", Iain Macleod MP called it "blithering nonesense" in the 60's. Now a days, the OU qualifications are recongnised by other univerisities, and more importantly, by employeers.
Distance Learning in China and Africa
Week Seven
Distance learning in Africa and China is very popular, for many reasons. One reason is the size of these countries, there is no travelling involved in this kind of learnin. Also, everyone can learn without any racial or gender discrimintion. This is very important in China, as university educatioon negatively discrimintes against them. It is also non-selective; anyone can learn. The learning an be fit in around jobs, and this is important for poorer families. The individuals can learn at their own pace.
In China, the article we were asked to look at discusses their use of TVU, which is television learning. And this way of learning is getting more and more popular. Whilst E-learning in Africa encourages techno-determinsim, and boasts connecting "80 countries" and the "wider globe". This E-learning uses lots of different mediums-such as the internet, books, television and radio.
Distance learning in Africa and China is very popular, for many reasons. One reason is the size of these countries, there is no travelling involved in this kind of learnin. Also, everyone can learn without any racial or gender discrimintion. This is very important in China, as university educatioon negatively discrimintes against them. It is also non-selective; anyone can learn. The learning an be fit in around jobs, and this is important for poorer families. The individuals can learn at their own pace.
In China, the article we were asked to look at discusses their use of TVU, which is television learning. And this way of learning is getting more and more popular. Whilst E-learning in Africa encourages techno-determinsim, and boasts connecting "80 countries" and the "wider globe". This E-learning uses lots of different mediums-such as the internet, books, television and radio.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Wenger 2
Week Six
"Joint enterprise" is the idea of a community working together to get better at something together. Originally, I thought this could only be related to forums and chatrooms such as self help groups, for people with mental health problems or abuse. Joint enterprise can apply to forums dealing with pregnancy, childbirth and so on. The people on these forums share tips, advice and experience to help themselves and others. The forum that I often reference, Mixmag.net/forum, has a forum dedicated to people learning to DJ, sharing mixing tips, ideas, song titles and everything to get better together. When people complete and post a mix online,and even get jobs DJing, the rest of the forum are supportive and proud; they work together to get better and improve at DJing. I believe this can be applied to any hobby, such as forums to do with fishing to writing etc.
"Joint enterprise" is the idea of a community working together to get better at something together. Originally, I thought this could only be related to forums and chatrooms such as self help groups, for people with mental health problems or abuse. Joint enterprise can apply to forums dealing with pregnancy, childbirth and so on. The people on these forums share tips, advice and experience to help themselves and others. The forum that I often reference, Mixmag.net/forum, has a forum dedicated to people learning to DJ, sharing mixing tips, ideas, song titles and everything to get better together. When people complete and post a mix online,and even get jobs DJing, the rest of the forum are supportive and proud; they work together to get better and improve at DJing. I believe this can be applied to any hobby, such as forums to do with fishing to writing etc.
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