Lecture:
In the lecture today the topics Electronic Civil Liberties, Creative Commons, Free and Open Source Software. It was interesting to learn about and lecturer Adam went through and discussed each topic in detail and asking the lecture group questions.
Tutorial:
In the tutorial there was a choice of what could be done. I chose to work on my assignment and tutor Chris came around and offered help individually.
Assignment: 'The Apple iPod'
The Apple iPod and its accessories have become a way of life and an aesthetic feature that is hard to miss through the generations. It has a never ending social impact and there is a new iPod culture that is more and more apparent as the generations pass and the technology of the iPod improves.
‘The Apple iPod is to the 2000s as the portable CD player was to the 1990s, the Song walkman was to the 1980s, and the transistor radio was to the 1960s. The iPod is a portable audio player, of course, a means of playing music while on the go; but it’s more than that. It builds in the breakthroughs of the previous technologies, and takes portable music one giant step beyond- both technologies and socially’. (Miller 2007, p3)
The iPod was 5GB, a Toshiba hard drive, a Pixo operating system, a large resolution display, a lithium polymer battery, and the still in use feature of the scroll wheel. By Apple making such a large product line and accessory line to accompany it, there is an Apple iPod and accessory to suit every individuals needs. Although the technology of the iPod and the model are constantly new and improved, Apple customers admire that Apple has made the direct decision to keep the general gist of the collection the same, making new features and improvements along the way (Apple, 2008)
Released in 2001, in the shadow of the September 11 world disaster, the Apple iPod was the first of its kind. With a huge team of people working towards the release the important features of the iPod began to fall into place with ‘Apples engineers tweaking and refining the design’ (Hart-Davis, 2006 p66) Phil Schiller was responsible for the scroll wheel, Apple leader; Steve Jobs was responsible for the sounds ‘Because Jobs is partially deaf he drove the sounds up so he could hear it’ (Biersdorfer, 2006 p28)
The engineers had to extend the battery life from three to ten hours ‘That short battery life would have been the kiss of death in the market place’ (Breen, 2005 p58)
A team of marketing consultants came up with the Moniker name, iPod. The prefix ‘I’ works with the iTunes product and the ‘Pod’ refers to small space ships, or ‘pods’ that return to the ‘mother ship’ to refuel (Biersdorfer, 2006).
The Apple iPod ranging from the original iPod in 2001to the introduction to the mini in 2004 and later the nano, is not only used for music but music downloading from Apples very own iTunes, photo storage space and now the new 2007 release of the iPhone, a mobile phone that is also your personal iPod. The Apple iPod gives an opportunity for children and even adults of all ages to have the choice in their own personal music preference and even the height of volume to listen to those songs at. The iPod is not only a music player but is far more economical and almost a fashion statement, and is now becoming a way of life.
‘More than any other single product from Apple, the iPod has changed the company and the world. Before its introduction, MP3 players were the realm of small companies with limited budgets that were unable to provide content. After the iPod the entire industry as evolved and grown to the point were the largest computer companies in the world have major interests in the digital music industry.’ (Hormby & Knight)
When discussing the negatives of the Apple iPod and co products, there are issues that are raised concerning a degree of social panic among parents and concerning social patterns that come from owning an iPod. There is also a discussion about the social impact that it has on iPod and non-iPod users. There seems to be a moral concern about the iPod and the cultural phenomenon that comes with it. The business dictionary describes ‘Social impact’ as an ‘Effect of an activity on the social fabric of the community and well being of the individuals and families.’(Business Dictionary, 2008) The iPod, although an aesthetic feature, also comes with the concern of sociability among the younger crowds. By young children using iPods on an everyday basis, it then prevents them from having social interaction with peers and family members. There is also a moral panic that accompanies the iPod generation, which is that of sub-conscious meaning through lyrics. By young children listening to iPod’s it stops parents having a choice over the music their child listens to. This panic comes from parents that are concerned with the music choices of their child and the lyrical and even subliminal messages that comes with that choice. Jeffery Brown also raises questions such as ‘Does the technology give us new freedom and opportunity to experience and shape our world or does it put us into individual bubbles and keep people from connecting, making us, as some sociologists say, alone together?’(MacNeil 1996) this is something that Apple iPod users and others have to think about. The purpose of the iPod was not to socially exclude but only to enjoy.
In conclusion the technology of the Apple iPod and accessory line has taken to world by storm. The ever changing technology market always seems to have room for all models of the iPod and the generation that are keen for purchase. Although a degree of social concern with the lack of social contact that comes with having an iPod playing constantly there is no need for a general consensus of moral panic among parents. The iPod is only an integral part of each day and with its use there needs to be balance. As with any modern device each one offers its own place in our daily life, which ultimately leads to pleasure and mental stimulation. It is not meant to become a permanent body part only just a temporary fashion accessory that happens to come with a few features called ‘music’.
Resources:
Apple, 2008, Ipod Accessories
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY- APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nnmm=browse&mco=MTE2OTA&node=home/shop_ipod/ipod_accessories
Accessed: 13/05/08
Biersdorfer J.D, 2006 ‘iPod & iTunes Fourth Edition’ Pogue Press O’Reilly USA
Breen C, 2005 ‘Secrets of iPod & iTunes Fifth Edition’ TechTv USA
4. Business dictionary, 2007-2008 http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/social-impact.html
Fung, D, 2007, Apple iPod Touch. CNet.com
http://www.zdnet.com.au/reviews/hardware/lifestyle/soa/Apple-iPod-Touch/0,2000065624,339281821,00.htm
Hart-Davis G, 2006 ‘iPod & iTunes Third Edition’ McGraw Hill Osborne USA
Hormby & Knight, 2007, The History of the ipod
http://lowendmac.com/orchard/05/ipod-history-since-2005.html
8. MacNeil 1996, ‘Apples iPod a technological, cultural phenomenon’ Lehrer Productions
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/media/jan-june06/ipod_05-15.html
Miller M, 2007 ‘iPod Pedia, the Ultimate iPod and iTunes Resource’, Que Indianapolis
Rossi, R, 2008, Customer review
http://www.amazon.com/review/R2AHVG5AU28K6I
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Topic 11-'The ethics of peer-to-peer filesharing'
Lecture:
In the lecture this week we discussed the ‘Ethics of peer-to-peer file sharing’. Each of the tutors expressed their own personal views of the media piracy situation that faces the world and internet uses on a daily basis. The lecture theatre was in a discussion about the topic, almost each individual having a different point of view, some agreeing, and some not. Overall the general consensus was that ‘everyone is doing it so why cant I?’ It was interesting to hear the different points of views that everyone has about the topic and the arguments that they raised ‘for’ and ‘against’.
Tutorial:
Following the lecture topic and discussion the tutorial was based on the discussion and each person’s personal opinions of peer-to-peer file sharing. The discussion was mostly based on the film and music industry with the issue of illegal downloading debated.
It was interesting to hear everyone’s different opinion about what they thought was fare for illegal file downloading and burning and their personal justification for doing so.
Readings:
The reading this week was an article called ‘When Pigs Fly; The Death of the Oink, the birth of Dissent, and the Brief History of Record Industry Suicide’. The article is about the music industry and the current debate of the illegal downloading of music of the internet. The article is two sided which is good to give the reader a chance to see the two sides of the argument and make up their own mind in the end. The positive side of the article is that the music is already out there and since it is a free download essentially there is no harm done. The other side of the argument is that by downloading this music for free off the internet that the people who have spent the time and effort making and producing this music are essentially ‘missing out’ on the money from their work. The author of the piece having a neutral argument, discusses that the music industry should have taken this into consideration a long time ago when the problem first evolved
In the lecture this week we discussed the ‘Ethics of peer-to-peer file sharing’. Each of the tutors expressed their own personal views of the media piracy situation that faces the world and internet uses on a daily basis. The lecture theatre was in a discussion about the topic, almost each individual having a different point of view, some agreeing, and some not. Overall the general consensus was that ‘everyone is doing it so why cant I?’ It was interesting to hear the different points of views that everyone has about the topic and the arguments that they raised ‘for’ and ‘against’.
Tutorial:
Following the lecture topic and discussion the tutorial was based on the discussion and each person’s personal opinions of peer-to-peer file sharing. The discussion was mostly based on the film and music industry with the issue of illegal downloading debated.
It was interesting to hear everyone’s different opinion about what they thought was fare for illegal file downloading and burning and their personal justification for doing so.
Readings:
The reading this week was an article called ‘When Pigs Fly; The Death of the Oink, the birth of Dissent, and the Brief History of Record Industry Suicide’. The article is about the music industry and the current debate of the illegal downloading of music of the internet. The article is two sided which is good to give the reader a chance to see the two sides of the argument and make up their own mind in the end. The positive side of the article is that the music is already out there and since it is a free download essentially there is no harm done. The other side of the argument is that by downloading this music for free off the internet that the people who have spent the time and effort making and producing this music are essentially ‘missing out’ on the money from their work. The author of the piece having a neutral argument, discusses that the music industry should have taken this into consideration a long time ago when the problem first evolved
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Topic 10- 'PK Dick,living in the future'
Lecture:
In the lecture this week, Harrison Fords 1982 sci-fi blockbuster was watched in class. The movie was interesting in how it was presented and acted out. It was an interesting insight into a someone’s personal view of the future. The movie delves into thought about over-population of the globe, climate change and also genetic engineering. The movie is based on the future and the ability for humans to be genetically manufactured and programmed to live a four year life span. Although dated, the movie is still a good and interesting one to watch and enjoy.
Tutorial:
In the tutorial today there was a class discussion about the assignment and the draft. Each person in the class had a turn in explaining their assignment giving an introduction and a brief run down of the assignment and the points they would be talking about.
Readings:
The reading for this week was an essay named ‘An exploration of what it is to be human’. It discussed humanity or lack of, in the form of human interaction in things that as humans we don’t understand but still wish to control. It talked about how humans judge only on what we know and not what can be known or discovered. The essay also talked about the Voight-Kampff machine and how humans and replicants can show a difference and be told apart by this machine. The machine watches and then deciphers ‘between instinctive and stimulated responses’.
In the lecture this week, Harrison Fords 1982 sci-fi blockbuster was watched in class. The movie was interesting in how it was presented and acted out. It was an interesting insight into a someone’s personal view of the future. The movie delves into thought about over-population of the globe, climate change and also genetic engineering. The movie is based on the future and the ability for humans to be genetically manufactured and programmed to live a four year life span. Although dated, the movie is still a good and interesting one to watch and enjoy.
Tutorial:
In the tutorial today there was a class discussion about the assignment and the draft. Each person in the class had a turn in explaining their assignment giving an introduction and a brief run down of the assignment and the points they would be talking about.
Readings:
The reading for this week was an essay named ‘An exploration of what it is to be human’. It discussed humanity or lack of, in the form of human interaction in things that as humans we don’t understand but still wish to control. It talked about how humans judge only on what we know and not what can be known or discovered. The essay also talked about the Voight-Kampff machine and how humans and replicants can show a difference and be told apart by this machine. The machine watches and then deciphers ‘between instinctive and stimulated responses’.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Topic 9- ' Cyberpunk'
Lecture:
In the lecture on Wednesday the concept of ‘Cyberpunk’ and its foundations were bought to the attention of the class. ‘Cyberpunk’ written by William Gibson discusses themes and ideas such as hackers vs. the large corporations, post industrial dystopias, artificial intelligence and even the idea of out of control cities. The ‘Cyberpunk’ generation then connected to the movie watched a few weeks ago ‘Alphaville’ and the idea of cities as machines. Modernism and postmodernism are also factors to consider, the technology change in society and as the generations pass. ‘Cyberpunk’ connected and evaluated ‘who has control or controls’ the switchboard or switches with the city and society.The movie ‘La Jette’ was also watched in the second half of the lecture
Tutorial:
In the tutorial today we went over and discussed the assignment in detail. We discussed what is expected from everyone for the draft and the assignment as a whole. As the assignment and the drafts due date are getting closer everyone in the class had their own personal questions to ask the tutor and we discussed everyone’s worries and concerns in the class. My assignment is going to be on the Apple Ipod and how far it has come in such a short amount of time.
Readings:
In the readings this week we looked at allegory of the cave by Plato. The main themes that are addressed by Plato is the concept of humankind. Humanity and reality were bought to attention and the understanding of reality ‘In the allegory, the shadows on the wall represent the prisoners 'reality' and their reaction to that reality.’ The reading was a little hard to gasp but interesting to read overall.
The second reading for the week was William Gibson’s ten short stories called ‘The Burning Chrome’. This book was the start of the ‘Cyberspace’ phrase and almost phenomenon, and impact that cyberspace has had all around the world.
In the lecture on Wednesday the concept of ‘Cyberpunk’ and its foundations were bought to the attention of the class. ‘Cyberpunk’ written by William Gibson discusses themes and ideas such as hackers vs. the large corporations, post industrial dystopias, artificial intelligence and even the idea of out of control cities. The ‘Cyberpunk’ generation then connected to the movie watched a few weeks ago ‘Alphaville’ and the idea of cities as machines. Modernism and postmodernism are also factors to consider, the technology change in society and as the generations pass. ‘Cyberpunk’ connected and evaluated ‘who has control or controls’ the switchboard or switches with the city and society.The movie ‘La Jette’ was also watched in the second half of the lecture
Tutorial:
In the tutorial today we went over and discussed the assignment in detail. We discussed what is expected from everyone for the draft and the assignment as a whole. As the assignment and the drafts due date are getting closer everyone in the class had their own personal questions to ask the tutor and we discussed everyone’s worries and concerns in the class. My assignment is going to be on the Apple Ipod and how far it has come in such a short amount of time.
Readings:
In the readings this week we looked at allegory of the cave by Plato. The main themes that are addressed by Plato is the concept of humankind. Humanity and reality were bought to attention and the understanding of reality ‘In the allegory, the shadows on the wall represent the prisoners 'reality' and their reaction to that reality.’ The reading was a little hard to gasp but interesting to read overall.
The second reading for the week was William Gibson’s ten short stories called ‘The Burning Chrome’. This book was the start of the ‘Cyberspace’ phrase and almost phenomenon, and impact that cyberspace has had all around the world.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Topic 8- 'Are games a waste of time?'
Lecture:
The lecture there was a group discussion about the weekly topic “Are games a waste of time”. Everyone in the class all had personal opinions on the topic, some agreeing with the statement and others disagreeing. Selected students in the class shared stories of their personal experiences with gaming and gave reasons to whether they agreed with the lecture topic.
The second half of the lecture consisted of a power point presentation by other lecturer Adam. Points were raised in conversation and some cyber lingo was discussed. The difference between ‘Narratology and Ludology’ and the workings of the virtual reality world were explained in detail. Overall the lecture was interesting and valuable information was gained.
Tutorial:
The tutorial task today was harder than expected. To be honest computers aren’t really my forte and I struggled with the task. However I did find it beneficial finding headers and footers!
The next few tutorials were explained and I am looking forward to using other things on the computer and exploring Photoshop and movie making. I find that sort of thing really interesting and am really looking forward to learning how to use it and applying it.
Readings:
The reading for this week was the book ‘Trigger Happy’. The book is based in the aesthetics of video games, and the connection that gamers have to games in their lives. Steven Poole says, "Videogames can only continue to thrive and evolve into a truly revolutionary entertainment medium as long as they concentrate on what they do best: build us ever more coherent constructions of ever more aesthetically wondrous worlds." The gaming industry has come along way since the start of video games and the virtual reality world. Now the gaming world has a product and a game that suits every individuals needs whether it be better graphics or more advanced games for the better gamers among us there is a need in the market for this technology and it’s only going to grow with the future.
The lecture there was a group discussion about the weekly topic “Are games a waste of time”. Everyone in the class all had personal opinions on the topic, some agreeing with the statement and others disagreeing. Selected students in the class shared stories of their personal experiences with gaming and gave reasons to whether they agreed with the lecture topic.
The second half of the lecture consisted of a power point presentation by other lecturer Adam. Points were raised in conversation and some cyber lingo was discussed. The difference between ‘Narratology and Ludology’ and the workings of the virtual reality world were explained in detail. Overall the lecture was interesting and valuable information was gained.
Tutorial:
The tutorial task today was harder than expected. To be honest computers aren’t really my forte and I struggled with the task. However I did find it beneficial finding headers and footers!
The next few tutorials were explained and I am looking forward to using other things on the computer and exploring Photoshop and movie making. I find that sort of thing really interesting and am really looking forward to learning how to use it and applying it.
Readings:
The reading for this week was the book ‘Trigger Happy’. The book is based in the aesthetics of video games, and the connection that gamers have to games in their lives. Steven Poole says, "Videogames can only continue to thrive and evolve into a truly revolutionary entertainment medium as long as they concentrate on what they do best: build us ever more coherent constructions of ever more aesthetically wondrous worlds." The gaming industry has come along way since the start of video games and the virtual reality world. Now the gaming world has a product and a game that suits every individuals needs whether it be better graphics or more advanced games for the better gamers among us there is a need in the market for this technology and it’s only going to grow with the future.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Topic 7- Cronenberg: Cinema and technology
Lecture:
In the lecture on wednesday the movie eXistenZ was watched, the movie starring Jude Law and Jennifer Jason lee as the two main characters. The basic gist of the movie is about how the power of a simple virtual reality game can be extremely mind altering even to the point where the line is crossed into what’s reality and what’s in the game. The characters in the game have different personalities and therefore the characters are forced to do things and say things that their normal selves would not do. The movie ends with a last segment of a character asking “Are we still in the game?” This then leaves the audience with an ending of asking the questions themselves.
Overall the movie was interesting and I enjoyed seeing something that asked something different of your mind to grasp.
THERE WAS NO TUTORIAL IN WEEK 7
Readings:
The reading this week was writen by the lecturers Stepen and Adam. It involved the 'exploration of the connection of war and the development of War simulators.' It went into detail explaining how the soliders in the current war have been trained for whats to come by virtual reality simulators and how this image is far from what is real and what can and should be explected. The article then persisted to make the connection between military games and what actually goes on.
Questions by students were then asked 'Why is the media and consumers interested in war so much?' and 'Have we been conditioned or desensitised to war so much that we can see it as a genuine form of entertainment?'
In the lecture on wednesday the movie eXistenZ was watched, the movie starring Jude Law and Jennifer Jason lee as the two main characters. The basic gist of the movie is about how the power of a simple virtual reality game can be extremely mind altering even to the point where the line is crossed into what’s reality and what’s in the game. The characters in the game have different personalities and therefore the characters are forced to do things and say things that their normal selves would not do. The movie ends with a last segment of a character asking “Are we still in the game?” This then leaves the audience with an ending of asking the questions themselves.
Overall the movie was interesting and I enjoyed seeing something that asked something different of your mind to grasp.
THERE WAS NO TUTORIAL IN WEEK 7
Readings:
The reading this week was writen by the lecturers Stepen and Adam. It involved the 'exploration of the connection of war and the development of War simulators.' It went into detail explaining how the soliders in the current war have been trained for whats to come by virtual reality simulators and how this image is far from what is real and what can and should be explected. The article then persisted to make the connection between military games and what actually goes on.
Questions by students were then asked 'Why is the media and consumers interested in war so much?' and 'Have we been conditioned or desensitised to war so much that we can see it as a genuine form of entertainment?'
Monday, April 14, 2008
Topic 6- A Brief History and Internet
Lecture:
In the lecture on Wednesday, Lecturer Stephen Stockwell discussed the history of the computer and internet. The topics ranged from the birth of the computer and its origin to the becoming of the internet and its creators and even investors. Points on 'Crypting' within WW1, the Germans using secret coding systems to pass on messages and information to others within their Morse coding system. The subject then moved forward in time to people/creators of computer software adding to the evolution of the computer. People from Charles Babbage to Bill Gates were mention along with their contributions to the cyber world. The discussion then moved to the cyber world and what now is on offer as present users. Things like Skype, msn messenger; Facebook and MySpace were also discussed. Other topics like Apple in comparison to the PC and the history of both were talked about along with IBM and Microsoft.
Tutorial:
In the tutorial today the exam and essay tasks were discussed and tutor Chris gave some good information on both with some valuable hints. The Griffith data base and library system was explained and gone through in detail in reference to our assignment and exam information. We used the data bases to research each of our assignments individually. I have chosen the Apple IPod to research and do my assignment about. The IPod has come so far since its beginning in 2000. The advancements in the technology have taken only weeks or months in comparison to other technology which can take up to years to improve. I find the evolution of the IPod interesting and am looking forward to learning more through the research of this assignment.
Readings:
The reading this week ‘What’s New Media’ was about the evolution of technology. The piece explains that there is not really that much development of new technology only the evolution of the old. Things like telephones, the television, cd’s, DVD’s etc. are all the same old technologies but with new advancements. The piece goes into large detail explaining the evolution of these technologies such as the internet and others and also goes through the key to understanding these advancements in these technologies. These products are molded to society and become more advanced as we do.
In the lecture on Wednesday, Lecturer Stephen Stockwell discussed the history of the computer and internet. The topics ranged from the birth of the computer and its origin to the becoming of the internet and its creators and even investors. Points on 'Crypting' within WW1, the Germans using secret coding systems to pass on messages and information to others within their Morse coding system. The subject then moved forward in time to people/creators of computer software adding to the evolution of the computer. People from Charles Babbage to Bill Gates were mention along with their contributions to the cyber world. The discussion then moved to the cyber world and what now is on offer as present users. Things like Skype, msn messenger; Facebook and MySpace were also discussed. Other topics like Apple in comparison to the PC and the history of both were talked about along with IBM and Microsoft.
Tutorial:
In the tutorial today the exam and essay tasks were discussed and tutor Chris gave some good information on both with some valuable hints. The Griffith data base and library system was explained and gone through in detail in reference to our assignment and exam information. We used the data bases to research each of our assignments individually. I have chosen the Apple IPod to research and do my assignment about. The IPod has come so far since its beginning in 2000. The advancements in the technology have taken only weeks or months in comparison to other technology which can take up to years to improve. I find the evolution of the IPod interesting and am looking forward to learning more through the research of this assignment.
Readings:
The reading this week ‘What’s New Media’ was about the evolution of technology. The piece explains that there is not really that much development of new technology only the evolution of the old. Things like telephones, the television, cd’s, DVD’s etc. are all the same old technologies but with new advancements. The piece goes into large detail explaining the evolution of these technologies such as the internet and others and also goes through the key to understanding these advancements in these technologies. These products are molded to society and become more advanced as we do.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Topic 5- "Why I hate Wikipedia"
Lecture:
The main topic of discussion for the lecture held on Wednesday was ‘Wikipedia’ and the truth involved. Wikipedia, an internet source is best known for being able to be edited by any user on the internet on any topic. Lecturer Stephen Stockwell raised the issue of how much is true on the Wikipedia website and how much can be trusted from the ever growing website.
The lecture notes raised points about the movie “The Matrix” and where and how do you draw the line between the real world and the virtual reality world. It raised points about the 19th and 20th century and how it is becoming an ever blurred line between what’s real and what’s not.
Tutorial:
The tutorial started off this week with the discussion of the lecture and how much truth there is on Wikipedia. The class decided that Wikipedia has its pros and cons, it is a simple source of information that can be read but as an academic source it is not reliable and probably shouldn’t be used as a source at an university level.
The second half of the tutorial consisted of completing the tutorial task and discussing with the tutor our topics for the essay and our basic structure and view on the topic.
The main topic of discussion for the lecture held on Wednesday was ‘Wikipedia’ and the truth involved. Wikipedia, an internet source is best known for being able to be edited by any user on the internet on any topic. Lecturer Stephen Stockwell raised the issue of how much is true on the Wikipedia website and how much can be trusted from the ever growing website.
The lecture notes raised points about the movie “The Matrix” and where and how do you draw the line between the real world and the virtual reality world. It raised points about the 19th and 20th century and how it is becoming an ever blurred line between what’s real and what’s not.
Tutorial:
The tutorial started off this week with the discussion of the lecture and how much truth there is on Wikipedia. The class decided that Wikipedia has its pros and cons, it is a simple source of information that can be read but as an academic source it is not reliable and probably shouldn’t be used as a source at an university level.
The second half of the tutorial consisted of completing the tutorial task and discussing with the tutor our topics for the essay and our basic structure and view on the topic.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Topic 4- Old Communication Technologies and Theories
Topic 4-
Lecture:
The lecture by Stephen Stockwell started off this week with a brief discussion on the film ‘Alphaville’ watched before the holidays. The lecture hall raised thought about the themes and the presentation of the film in comparison to today’s society. The second half of the lecture was talking about old communication technologies and theories. The discussion of old communication technologies like the telephone and morse code where bought to attention along with radio and others. Communication studies ranging from the 1920’s and culture studies ranging from Walter Benjamin’s theories to Fraser- Subaltern counter publics. Lecturer Stephen Stockwell went through each topic individually raising a discussion on each technology among the group.
Tutorial:
The tutorial today consisted of going through the essay topics and explaining the assignment. The essay draft was explained by the tutor Chris and questions and a general discussion of the assignment was had by the class.
The reading ‘ The work of Art in the age of mechanical reproduction’ was also a topic of conversation within the lecture and the tutorial. The class decided that it was one that needed to be read more than once to understand the true meaning and theories of the piece written by the late Walter Benjamin.
The tutorial task of completing the ten questions that were posted on the portal took up the majority of the tute with everyone searching the web for the answers before the end of the lesson.
The last part of the tutorial consisted of the tutor coming around to each indivudal and looking over the blogs done over the past 4 weeks of semester and giving positive feedback to everyone.
Lecture:
The lecture by Stephen Stockwell started off this week with a brief discussion on the film ‘Alphaville’ watched before the holidays. The lecture hall raised thought about the themes and the presentation of the film in comparison to today’s society. The second half of the lecture was talking about old communication technologies and theories. The discussion of old communication technologies like the telephone and morse code where bought to attention along with radio and others. Communication studies ranging from the 1920’s and culture studies ranging from Walter Benjamin’s theories to Fraser- Subaltern counter publics. Lecturer Stephen Stockwell went through each topic individually raising a discussion on each technology among the group.
Tutorial:
The tutorial today consisted of going through the essay topics and explaining the assignment. The essay draft was explained by the tutor Chris and questions and a general discussion of the assignment was had by the class.
The reading ‘ The work of Art in the age of mechanical reproduction’ was also a topic of conversation within the lecture and the tutorial. The class decided that it was one that needed to be read more than once to understand the true meaning and theories of the piece written by the late Walter Benjamin.
The tutorial task of completing the ten questions that were posted on the portal took up the majority of the tute with everyone searching the web for the answers before the end of the lesson.
The last part of the tutorial consisted of the tutor coming around to each indivudal and looking over the blogs done over the past 4 weeks of semester and giving positive feedback to everyone.
Tutorial Questions
1) Who was the creator of the infamous "lovebug" computer virus?
Onel de Guzman, an ex-student of Manila's Computer CollegeSource: http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vbmV3cy56ZG5ldC5jby51ay9pdG1hbmFnZW1lbnQvMCwxMDAwMDAwMzA4LDIwODA5MzUsMDAuaHRt
2) Who invented the paper clip?
The modern paper clip was patented on November 9, 1899 to William D. Middlebrook of Waterbury, Connecticut.
Source: http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/paperclip.htm
3) How did the Ebola virus get its name?
The virus gets its name from a river in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where it was first recognized.
Source: http://ebola.emedtv.com/ebola-virus/from-what-place-did-the-ebola-virus-get-its-name.html
4) What country had the largest recorded earthquake?
The Great Chilean Earthquake
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Chilean_Earthquake
5) In computer memory/storage terms, how many kilobytes in a terabyte?
1024 gigabytes in a terabyte
Source:http://www.sonoma.edu/users/c/carusor/web219/hardware_terms.htm
6) Who is the creator of email?
Ray Tomlinson in the early 1970’sSource: http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmxpdmluZ2ludGVybmV0LmNvbS9lL2VpLmh0bQ==
7) What is the storm worm, and how many computers are infected by it?
The "Storm" worm computer virus/botnet/trojan horse/malware extravaganza got its name from its first method of transmission -- an e-mail attachment with the subject line: "230 dead as storm batters Europe." Slammer infected 75,000 computers in 10 minutes.”
Source:http://www.hothardware.com/News/What_Is_The_Storm_Worm_For/
8) If you wanted to contact the prime minister of Australia directly, what is the most efficient way?
Parliament House
Suite MG 8Parliament HouseCanberra ACT 2600
Tel: (02) 6277 7700
Fax: (02) 6273 4100
Source: http://www.alp.org.au/people/qld/rudd_kevin.php
9) Which Brisbane-based punk band is Stephen Stockwell (Head of the School of Arts) a member of?
Black AssassinsSource: http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vbWljcm9oLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v
10) What does the term "Web 2.0" mean in your own words?
People of the second generation sharing online information from the web between one another and world wide.
Reading:
The reading for the week, The work of Art in the age of mechanical reproduction’, by Walter Benjamin, sent a wave of confusion among the class and lecture hall. The concept and theories of the late Walter Benjamin are hard to grasp and need to be definitely read more than once to be able to understand and relate to his work. The script has been transcribed over the years and even the UCLA School of Theatre, Film and television’s version is no easier to understand. With over 25 pages of written script it is clear that there is a huge amount of work and research that has gone into the piece that needs to be appreciated and can only be after reading the piece more than once.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Topic 3- Alphaville
TOPIC 3-
Week 3 Lecture:
The lecture 3 week 3 started off with a brief ‘Good morning’ by Lecturer Steven Stockwell, and a brief discussion and a little information on the film ‘Alphaville’. The second half of the lecture consisted off the group watching the 1965 French, black and white, subtitled movie 'Alphaville’. The movie went for an hour and a half and the lecture hall seemed to be in a confused state after the movie finished. The film was very abstract, however interesting in its form of cinematography, themes and lighting etc. The themes of the film and in particular the voice over off the computer was a large component and added to the eccentricity of the film. Themes such as utopia and dystopia played the part and a comparison was made by students about the difference in society and how far we have come. The movie highlighted the computer stopping the residents of ‘Alpaville’ experiencing emotions, each person a drugged, bar coded resident living in oppression of the 1960’s.
Tutorial:
The tutorial consisted of networking among the class to distribute url's and web blog advice.
The next half of the tutorial consisted of completing the class readings on the film ‘Alphaville’ watched in the lecture and having a brief discussion among the class on the movie and techniques used in the film.
We then moved onto the tutorial question asked ‘How do you use your new communication techniques to communicate with family member?’
Mobile phones and the internet are the major forms of communication within my family. With a large family, its vital to keep a track of everyones movements with mobile phones. The internet is also a major component with everyone using email to keep in contact with one another.
Readings:
The reading this week was a collection of articles about the movie watched in the lecture 'Alphaville'. The articles discussed the cinemagraphic themes and techniques used like lighting, costuming, settings etc. The article explained the film by going over these things in detail and explaining them and why they were used.
The article gave a clear insight into the film and the motive behind it. Reading the piece made it easier to understand and communicate with the film and its themes etc.
Week 3 Lecture:
The lecture 3 week 3 started off with a brief ‘Good morning’ by Lecturer Steven Stockwell, and a brief discussion and a little information on the film ‘Alphaville’. The second half of the lecture consisted off the group watching the 1965 French, black and white, subtitled movie 'Alphaville’. The movie went for an hour and a half and the lecture hall seemed to be in a confused state after the movie finished. The film was very abstract, however interesting in its form of cinematography, themes and lighting etc. The themes of the film and in particular the voice over off the computer was a large component and added to the eccentricity of the film. Themes such as utopia and dystopia played the part and a comparison was made by students about the difference in society and how far we have come. The movie highlighted the computer stopping the residents of ‘Alpaville’ experiencing emotions, each person a drugged, bar coded resident living in oppression of the 1960’s.
Tutorial:
The tutorial consisted of networking among the class to distribute url's and web blog advice.
The next half of the tutorial consisted of completing the class readings on the film ‘Alphaville’ watched in the lecture and having a brief discussion among the class on the movie and techniques used in the film.
We then moved onto the tutorial question asked ‘How do you use your new communication techniques to communicate with family member?’
Mobile phones and the internet are the major forms of communication within my family. With a large family, its vital to keep a track of everyones movements with mobile phones. The internet is also a major component with everyone using email to keep in contact with one another.
Readings:
The reading this week was a collection of articles about the movie watched in the lecture 'Alphaville'. The articles discussed the cinemagraphic themes and techniques used like lighting, costuming, settings etc. The article explained the film by going over these things in detail and explaining them and why they were used.
The article gave a clear insight into the film and the motive behind it. Reading the piece made it easier to understand and communicate with the film and its themes etc.
Topic 2- Is email dead?
TOPIC 2-
Lecture 2-
Is Email Dead?
The second lecture of the semester consisted of the discussion among the class of the question ‘Is email dead? The class participated in a symposium of the topic and spam. The survey taken last week about email was analysed and discussed in the lecture with student participation to the topic and experience with it.Web blogging, the assignment task for the semester was discussed and explained in more detail to the class. Lecture Stephen Stockwell went through the assignment explaining the expectations of the blogs and due dates etc.
Tutorial:
Tutorial 2 week 2 started with ‘Web blogging’. The class briefly discussed web blogging and refreshed our memories of what had happened in the tute and lecture for week 1. ‘Webbloggers’ was introduced and everyone in the class and we began to start our own blog website for the semester. Each person created their own personal blog and wrote their 100 words for the tutes and lectures already been. The blogs were able to be personalized with backgrounds and fonts etc. The website was explained and gone through in detail with inviting people to read your personal blog etc.
Readings:
The reading for week 2 was the bloggers guide 'What is a blog?' The guide explained all the definitions of the web and the language of blogging. It went through what an actual blog is, and how a blog works.
Lecture 2-
Is Email Dead?
The second lecture of the semester consisted of the discussion among the class of the question ‘Is email dead? The class participated in a symposium of the topic and spam. The survey taken last week about email was analysed and discussed in the lecture with student participation to the topic and experience with it.Web blogging, the assignment task for the semester was discussed and explained in more detail to the class. Lecture Stephen Stockwell went through the assignment explaining the expectations of the blogs and due dates etc.
Tutorial:
Tutorial 2 week 2 started with ‘Web blogging’. The class briefly discussed web blogging and refreshed our memories of what had happened in the tute and lecture for week 1. ‘Webbloggers’ was introduced and everyone in the class and we began to start our own blog website for the semester. Each person created their own personal blog and wrote their 100 words for the tutes and lectures already been. The blogs were able to be personalized with backgrounds and fonts etc. The website was explained and gone through in detail with inviting people to read your personal blog etc.
Readings:
The reading for week 2 was the bloggers guide 'What is a blog?' The guide explained all the definitions of the web and the language of blogging. It went through what an actual blog is, and how a blog works.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Topic 1- You only live once
TOPIC 1-
Lecture One:
Lecture 1 week 1 started as a warm introduction to the course outlining all components of the subject and requirements for the semester. A brief course outline was covered by lecture Stephen Stockwell, explaining the course and what would be achieved by the end of the semester by students. Assignment tasks and what was expected by each individual was explained additionally.
The second half of the lecture consisted of watching the Four Corners documentary “Second Life”, the “Virtual Reality” computer game that is taking the world by storm.
Tutorial:
The first tutorial for the semester was an introduction of the tutor and the students in the class. Everyone participated in going around the room and saying a brief introduction about themselves. The course outline and assignments were explained in more detail to the lecture and gone through as a class. A survey about email and the use of the internet was also taken by the class as we were going through the learning@griffith website.
The next half of the tute consisted of an in class discussion on” Second Life”, the Four Corners documentary that’s sweeping the world. “Second Life” is the new “Virtual Reality” computer game that is making thousands of dollars from thousands of users around the world. “Second Life” is a computer game where users can escape from reality by creating an ‘Avatar’ and designing everything from body shape, to clothing lines.
Lecture One:
Lecture 1 week 1 started as a warm introduction to the course outlining all components of the subject and requirements for the semester. A brief course outline was covered by lecture Stephen Stockwell, explaining the course and what would be achieved by the end of the semester by students. Assignment tasks and what was expected by each individual was explained additionally.
The second half of the lecture consisted of watching the Four Corners documentary “Second Life”, the “Virtual Reality” computer game that is taking the world by storm.
Tutorial:
The first tutorial for the semester was an introduction of the tutor and the students in the class. Everyone participated in going around the room and saying a brief introduction about themselves. The course outline and assignments were explained in more detail to the lecture and gone through as a class. A survey about email and the use of the internet was also taken by the class as we were going through the learning@griffith website.
The next half of the tute consisted of an in class discussion on” Second Life”, the Four Corners documentary that’s sweeping the world. “Second Life” is the new “Virtual Reality” computer game that is making thousands of dollars from thousands of users around the world. “Second Life” is a computer game where users can escape from reality by creating an ‘Avatar’ and designing everything from body shape, to clothing lines.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)