This subject was very informative when it came to the communcation technologies- the history, the 'major players', and the ecomonic and political reprecussions of new technologies. Over the duration of 13 weeks, I was engaged in the many worlds of technology, from computer programs to games.
Lectures
The lectures were very interesting, and I learnt pieces of information I never knew before- such as the comparitive histories of computer companies Microsoft/IPM and Apple. Although at times the lectures can lack in interest and many people, I have noticed, let their minds wonder. The information itself is not the problem- it can sometimes be the presentation. Steve is a funny guy, I can honestly say, but sometimes during lectures, I am sad to say, that the presentation can be somewhat lacking in keeping the interest of the listeners.
Tutorials
Chris was my tutor for this subject and I really enjoyed having him as one. He was very helpful and always asked if anyone needed his assistance in any of the tutorial tasks and other related projects. The tutorials were where I learnt the most, for it provided a practical demonstration on what was previously discussed during the lecture, and an expansion upon related topics.
And he was always open-minded about us having a conversation during tutorials- just as long as we did the work (which we did)! If I was to come away with memories of this course, it would have to be the tutorials.
Assessment
-Essay
The essay was a task I was looking forward to writing, due to the topic being based on a popular piece of technology: the mobile phone.
-Exam
The exam was both easy and difficult: a majority of the questions I knew from study, the rest were a challenge to remember due to most of the ones that I found hard were about people who contributed to the technological world.
-Blog
The blog, I can honestly say, was the hardest of the three assessment pieces. I set myself a standard, and I tried to keep it up, with the Adobe Photoshop task being the most difficult and time-consuming of all the tutorial tasks. But, it helped me with the Essay assessment piece, due to my tutor Chris being able to look at it and help me when I needed it. The blog was definately the best communication tool between student and tutor.
Overall Rating
I recommend this course for the die-hard fans of computers and technology, and even to those gaming nerds out there. It's not my cup of tea, but I did learn things that I never really gave a second though to- such as the workings of the internet, which was my favourite topic discussed.
Friday, 1 June 2007
Friday, 18 May 2007
Week 11- Using Microsoft Excel
Exercise 1: Entering and Presenting Data
This exercise was too simple in my opinion. I was able to follow the instructions effectively and completed the task with no complications.
Exercise 2: Formulas
I encountered a big problem with typing in the code for the "Gain/Loss" column. I followed the instructions to a T, but the Excel program kept claiming that the equation was incorrect. I tried a few ways of altering the equation so it could work, but it was to my avail that it continued to fail me.
Just when I thought all had failed me, a little helper called 'Function' came to my rescue. It is located in the 'Insert', and it gave me a easy option on how to enter the information I needed. I just clicked on the 'IF' option, then clicked 'OK'. Then it leads me to a screen where I can type in the wanted equations (in this case, for the Logical Test, I typed in 'F2>0', and so on). And then I clicked 'OK', and it was written all for me with no problems, with the G2 box clearly saying 'Gain'. YAY!!! Problem solved!!
Exercise 3: Graphs
This was a lot easier to understand and execute than the previous exercise, and there was little problem, due to me using the 'Charts' option before on previous occasions.
Advanced Exercise 1: Macros
This was a difficult task to complete due to the complicated instructions. I was unable to complete the task, but I was able to complete it as far as Step 17. The whole idea of creating the 'Macros' by highlighting the rows and 'Hiding' them was simple, but when it came to creating the three new Taskbar buttons, it became confusing.
This exercise was too simple in my opinion. I was able to follow the instructions effectively and completed the task with no complications.
Exercise 2: Formulas
I encountered a big problem with typing in the code for the "Gain/Loss" column. I followed the instructions to a T, but the Excel program kept claiming that the equation was incorrect. I tried a few ways of altering the equation so it could work, but it was to my avail that it continued to fail me.
Just when I thought all had failed me, a little helper called 'Function' came to my rescue. It is located in the 'Insert', and it gave me a easy option on how to enter the information I needed. I just clicked on the 'IF' option, then clicked 'OK'. Then it leads me to a screen where I can type in the wanted equations (in this case, for the Logical Test, I typed in 'F2>0', and so on). And then I clicked 'OK', and it was written all for me with no problems, with the G2 box clearly saying 'Gain'. YAY!!! Problem solved!!
Exercise 3: Graphs
This was a lot easier to understand and execute than the previous exercise, and there was little problem, due to me using the 'Charts' option before on previous occasions.
Advanced Exercise 1: Macros
This was a difficult task to complete due to the complicated instructions. I was unable to complete the task, but I was able to complete it as far as Step 17. The whole idea of creating the 'Macros' by highlighting the rows and 'Hiding' them was simple, but when it came to creating the three new Taskbar buttons, it became confusing.
Week 10- Microsoft Word Exercise
Exercise 1: Opening, Typing and Saving
This exercise was pretty basic to me, because I have used this program numerous time beforehand on more complex projects. There were no problems, even if there were, they were minimal, such as Spell Check being set to the American English instead of Australian English.
Exercise 2: Bold, Italics, Underline and Bullets
This exercise was also considered to be pretty basic in comparison to Exercise 1. There were no problems, so there is nothing interesting to report.
Exercise 3: Headers, Footers and Double Spacing
Again, this was a very simple exercise with little problems.
Advanced Exercise 1: Track Changes
This was slightly challenging. The steps were very precise with what was expected out of the Exercise, but it took longer to achieve than the first three exercises. I now understand on how to work the Track Changes toolbar on a basic level. No problems came out of it, but it was a different usage for the Word program.
Advanced Exercise 2: Mail Merge
Now here was a challenge! This was harder than a thought... the instructions were specific enough, it was just the application of them that was challenging. I encountered few problems, only that I kept forgetting where certain buttons were on the Mail Merge Toolbar. But I was able to complete the task with success, so it's all good!
This exercise was pretty basic to me, because I have used this program numerous time beforehand on more complex projects. There were no problems, even if there were, they were minimal, such as Spell Check being set to the American English instead of Australian English.
Exercise 2: Bold, Italics, Underline and Bullets
This exercise was also considered to be pretty basic in comparison to Exercise 1. There were no problems, so there is nothing interesting to report.
Exercise 3: Headers, Footers and Double Spacing
Again, this was a very simple exercise with little problems.
Advanced Exercise 1: Track Changes
This was slightly challenging. The steps were very precise with what was expected out of the Exercise, but it took longer to achieve than the first three exercises. I now understand on how to work the Track Changes toolbar on a basic level. No problems came out of it, but it was a different usage for the Word program.
Advanced Exercise 2: Mail Merge
Now here was a challenge! This was harder than a thought... the instructions were specific enough, it was just the application of them that was challenging. I encountered few problems, only that I kept forgetting where certain buttons were on the Mail Merge Toolbar. But I was able to complete the task with success, so it's all good!
Friday, 11 May 2007
The Evolution of the Mobile Phone and its Affects on the Population
Student Number: s2603345
Tutor: Chris Mamouzelos
Tutorial Time: 11am- 1pm
The mobile phone has become a major factor on how people live their lives, either socially or work, and becoming the piece of technology that has evolved along with the changes of the economic world. The mobile phone has changed dramatically from its expensive, yet bulky, original design, to become a fashion item amongst the current generations, with its smaller size and affordability. Added features such as camera, “real tones”, internet, and satellite television being directly broadcast into the handset is just the tip of the iceberg as to what lengths this gadget can go. But, with its successes, there have been just as many problems, both technical and its affects of the health of the user. Despite this, the mobile phone has created a place for itself amongst the fashion-conscious current generation.
The concept for the mobile phone, also known as a cellular phone, came about in the year 1947 when scientists looked into the idea of increasing a car phone’s cellular capacity so it could have a wider frequency and range- sadly, the technology was not available at the time (Global Source Marketing Inc. 1997). In the year 1984, the mobile phone was first introduced into the public as a large and bulky, and expensive piece of equipment, which was also expensive to repair and upkeep, not to mention being ‘constrained by battery strength’ (Bulkeley 1988, p. 8). It was not until ten years later that the mobile had gained popularity amongst the world’s populations, due to changes in its design making it smaller and easier to use, causing prices to go down and more people were able to afford it (Global Source Marketing Inc. 1997). These changes for the mobile in its early years are an example of the sort of technological changes and advancements between the early 80s and early 90s, and with that ideology, the mobile phone gained more popularity with the idea that the mobile was an example of the ‘latest’ technological feats at the time. By the time the year 1999 came along, about 104 million people in the United States owned a mobile phone, with that number being a part of the 500 million people in the world owning this piece of technology (Bellis 2007).
The evolvement of technology over time has been demonstrated through the mobile phone by the introduction and implementation of the latest trends and accessories, further instating that the mobile was slowing becoming a major factor in the lives of the people within the populace. The mobile has changed from being the simple portable (yet heavy and bulky) phone, to the ultra-fashionable, highly entertaining piece of technology. Currently mobiles have changed to the point where talking is not even necessary when communicating with someone else, with the invention of the text message, also known as TXT, and the picture, or sound, or even a video message, otherwise known as a Multimedia Message, or MMS for short (Haggerty 2002). Built in cameras can snap pictures or record videos; internet access with the ability to download ring tones and pictures and access emails; pay television, also known as cable television, being broadcast directly to your handset; changeable covers and various other accessories such as chains and other items (Bowman 2007, p. 1; Research and Markets 2005; Telstra Corporation Ltd. 2007). Some significant changes for the mobile phone are parents having the ability to track their children’s phone usage through the internet, and even set up blocking systems where the child would not be able to use their phone until a certain time (Holson 2006, p.5). The mobile phone was not only an example of the technological evolvements, but had become an accessory all in its own right.
The mobile has become such a success and influence that it has become the necessary accessory for the young people of this generation, as a definition of their social lives and welfare. With the costs of high-tech mobile phones becoming cheaper, the idea of owning an expensive mobile model while on a ‘phone plan’ is becoming part of the norm. According to recent studies, certain groups can now be defined by what model mobile they own, which is turning society into believing the superficial views that image is everything, and it is the objects that someone owns that define on who they are as a person (Weekend Bulletin, 31 Mar. 2007, p. 177). A problem which is occurring is the lack of using the mobile for calls; instead, they are used for text messaging for the majority of the time (Barker 2006, p.1). According to studies conducted by Virgin Mobile, their ‘teen customers use their phones for texting more than talking’ (Handler in Barker 2006, p.1). Handler further declares:
“We are living in a 160- character nation” (Barker 2006, p.1).
This goes to show that the ‘art of conversation’ is being distorted into a text- only exchange between individuals, with vocal or face to face conversing is becoming a part of the past norm (Barker 2006, p. 1).
The evolvement of the mobile phone may have been an example of how the social population is changing, but it is also creating different ways of communicating, often pushing aside the vocal conversation, with the text message becoming more of the social norm. The mobile has grown considerably from its humble beginnings to become the fashion icon of the current generation, with added features that add to the mobile’s popularity. But with the success this piece of technology has developed into, there have been problems in association with the social interactions and communications between individuals, such as the ideology that the brand of mobile phone is a definition of a person’s personality and lifestyle, which can often be considered to be unreliable. The mobile phone has changed along with society, and will continue to do so as the social norms change over time.
Bibliography
Database Journal Resources:
Barker, Olivia 2006, ‘Technology leaves teens speechless; text-messaging is wiping out the art of conversion’, USA TODAY, 30 May, 1.
Bowman, Becky 2007, ‘The reasons for buying phone accessories differ from young to old’, Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, 1 Mar, 1.
Bulkeley, William M. 1988, ‘Portable phones changing business styles’, Telephone Engineer & Management, vol. 92, no. 5 (March), 8.
Holson, Laura M. 2006, ‘Disney phone service has parents in mind’, New York Times, 5 April, 5.
Weekend Bulletin, 31 Mar. 2007, ‘Mobiles now a self image statement’, p. 177.
Web Resources:
Bellis, Mary 2007, Selling the Mobile Phone: Part 1: History of Cellular Phones, http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa070899.htm
Global Source Marketing Inc. 1997, History of Cell Phones, http://www.global-source-mkt.com/cellphonefacts.html
Haggerty, Jenn 2002, Cell Phones Continue to Advance, Grow in Popularity, http://www.academic.marist.edu/mwwatch/Fall02/articles/Technology/tech4.html
Research and Markets 2005, Future Cell Phones: The Big Trends, 2005- 2010, http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c15189
Telstra Corporation Limited 2000, Telstra Next G Network: FoxtelTM by Mobile, http://www.telstra.com.au/nextgnetwork/experience/foxtel.htm
Tutor: Chris Mamouzelos
Tutorial Time: 11am- 1pm
The mobile phone has become a major factor on how people live their lives, either socially or work, and becoming the piece of technology that has evolved along with the changes of the economic world. The mobile phone has changed dramatically from its expensive, yet bulky, original design, to become a fashion item amongst the current generations, with its smaller size and affordability. Added features such as camera, “real tones”, internet, and satellite television being directly broadcast into the handset is just the tip of the iceberg as to what lengths this gadget can go. But, with its successes, there have been just as many problems, both technical and its affects of the health of the user. Despite this, the mobile phone has created a place for itself amongst the fashion-conscious current generation.
The concept for the mobile phone, also known as a cellular phone, came about in the year 1947 when scientists looked into the idea of increasing a car phone’s cellular capacity so it could have a wider frequency and range- sadly, the technology was not available at the time (Global Source Marketing Inc. 1997). In the year 1984, the mobile phone was first introduced into the public as a large and bulky, and expensive piece of equipment, which was also expensive to repair and upkeep, not to mention being ‘constrained by battery strength’ (Bulkeley 1988, p. 8). It was not until ten years later that the mobile had gained popularity amongst the world’s populations, due to changes in its design making it smaller and easier to use, causing prices to go down and more people were able to afford it (Global Source Marketing Inc. 1997). These changes for the mobile in its early years are an example of the sort of technological changes and advancements between the early 80s and early 90s, and with that ideology, the mobile phone gained more popularity with the idea that the mobile was an example of the ‘latest’ technological feats at the time. By the time the year 1999 came along, about 104 million people in the United States owned a mobile phone, with that number being a part of the 500 million people in the world owning this piece of technology (Bellis 2007).
The evolvement of technology over time has been demonstrated through the mobile phone by the introduction and implementation of the latest trends and accessories, further instating that the mobile was slowing becoming a major factor in the lives of the people within the populace. The mobile has changed from being the simple portable (yet heavy and bulky) phone, to the ultra-fashionable, highly entertaining piece of technology. Currently mobiles have changed to the point where talking is not even necessary when communicating with someone else, with the invention of the text message, also known as TXT, and the picture, or sound, or even a video message, otherwise known as a Multimedia Message, or MMS for short (Haggerty 2002). Built in cameras can snap pictures or record videos; internet access with the ability to download ring tones and pictures and access emails; pay television, also known as cable television, being broadcast directly to your handset; changeable covers and various other accessories such as chains and other items (Bowman 2007, p. 1; Research and Markets 2005; Telstra Corporation Ltd. 2007). Some significant changes for the mobile phone are parents having the ability to track their children’s phone usage through the internet, and even set up blocking systems where the child would not be able to use their phone until a certain time (Holson 2006, p.5). The mobile phone was not only an example of the technological evolvements, but had become an accessory all in its own right.
The mobile has become such a success and influence that it has become the necessary accessory for the young people of this generation, as a definition of their social lives and welfare. With the costs of high-tech mobile phones becoming cheaper, the idea of owning an expensive mobile model while on a ‘phone plan’ is becoming part of the norm. According to recent studies, certain groups can now be defined by what model mobile they own, which is turning society into believing the superficial views that image is everything, and it is the objects that someone owns that define on who they are as a person (Weekend Bulletin, 31 Mar. 2007, p. 177). A problem which is occurring is the lack of using the mobile for calls; instead, they are used for text messaging for the majority of the time (Barker 2006, p.1). According to studies conducted by Virgin Mobile, their ‘teen customers use their phones for texting more than talking’ (Handler in Barker 2006, p.1). Handler further declares:
“We are living in a 160- character nation” (Barker 2006, p.1).
This goes to show that the ‘art of conversation’ is being distorted into a text- only exchange between individuals, with vocal or face to face conversing is becoming a part of the past norm (Barker 2006, p. 1).
The evolvement of the mobile phone may have been an example of how the social population is changing, but it is also creating different ways of communicating, often pushing aside the vocal conversation, with the text message becoming more of the social norm. The mobile has grown considerably from its humble beginnings to become the fashion icon of the current generation, with added features that add to the mobile’s popularity. But with the success this piece of technology has developed into, there have been problems in association with the social interactions and communications between individuals, such as the ideology that the brand of mobile phone is a definition of a person’s personality and lifestyle, which can often be considered to be unreliable. The mobile phone has changed along with society, and will continue to do so as the social norms change over time.
Bibliography
Database Journal Resources:
Barker, Olivia 2006, ‘Technology leaves teens speechless; text-messaging is wiping out the art of conversion’, USA TODAY, 30 May, 1.
Bowman, Becky 2007, ‘The reasons for buying phone accessories differ from young to old’, Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, 1 Mar, 1.
Bulkeley, William M. 1988, ‘Portable phones changing business styles’, Telephone Engineer & Management, vol. 92, no. 5 (March), 8.
Holson, Laura M. 2006, ‘Disney phone service has parents in mind’, New York Times, 5 April, 5.
Weekend Bulletin, 31 Mar. 2007, ‘Mobiles now a self image statement’, p. 177.
Web Resources:
Bellis, Mary 2007, Selling the Mobile Phone: Part 1: History of Cellular Phones, http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa070899.htm
Global Source Marketing Inc. 1997, History of Cell Phones, http://www.global-source-mkt.com/cellphonefacts.html
Haggerty, Jenn 2002, Cell Phones Continue to Advance, Grow in Popularity, http://www.academic.marist.edu/mwwatch/Fall02/articles/Technology/tech4.html
Research and Markets 2005, Future Cell Phones: The Big Trends, 2005- 2010, http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c15189
Telstra Corporation Limited 2000, Telstra Next G Network: FoxtelTM by Mobile, http://www.telstra.com.au/nextgnetwork/experience/foxtel.htm
Friday, 27 April 2007
Week 8- 3D Worlds and Socialising on the Internet
This week is a discussion about the qualitative and socialising differences between the chatting programs/sites, such as MSN and ActiveWorlds.
Qualitative
*For one, MSN is a 2D environment, where the user only has a 'Avatar' or a small picture, to show their identity. ActiveWorlds (and other 3D messenger sites) allows a user to create their own 3D character, whether to look like the user or something completely the opposite.
*MSN has limited ability of usage for businesses, as it does not allow a user to explore the various products or other variables at their own free will. They would have to wait till someone uploads the file to be downloaded during the chat, and, even then, the user cannot see what the product is until they upload the file. Activeworlds enables a user to explore products, etc, without having to download any files, nor wait to see their upload one at a time on the screen. It is just a matter of looking through the 3D world's already uploaded files like a shopping mall window, to be able to browse at will.
*Game playing has also changed the qualitiative differences, with ActiveWorlds creating a whole environment for players, creating the mood and so on. MSN just uses the basic computer versions of games, such as chess, etc.
*Emoticons!! MSN- cute little moving faces. 3D worlds- little people that do whatever you command them to do.
Socialising
*With MSN, you have an idea on who you are talking to due to the user's email being displayed after their chosen Display Name. With 3D world sites, the user's email is usually not displayed, depending on the user's preference, and you would generally talk to absolute strangers.
*The 3D environment sort of has a more engaging environment when it comes to socialising, due to the 3D world, activities, and seeing other 'people' within those worlds. With MSN, all you see is an Avatar/picture, which is supposed to be a way of creating an identity within the IM program.
Overall, the 3D environment does create a difference due to the extra features and activites that is available, along with the customary character that is a representative of the user. The downside, however, is the potential risk that comes when talking to complete strangers online. It may be an 'upgrade' from the 2D environment MSN, but MSN is mostly used between people who know each other- 3D environment chat sites are just like normal 2D chat sites on the internet, just with the extra bells and whistles attatched.
Qualitative
*For one, MSN is a 2D environment, where the user only has a 'Avatar' or a small picture, to show their identity. ActiveWorlds (and other 3D messenger sites) allows a user to create their own 3D character, whether to look like the user or something completely the opposite.
*MSN has limited ability of usage for businesses, as it does not allow a user to explore the various products or other variables at their own free will. They would have to wait till someone uploads the file to be downloaded during the chat, and, even then, the user cannot see what the product is until they upload the file. Activeworlds enables a user to explore products, etc, without having to download any files, nor wait to see their upload one at a time on the screen. It is just a matter of looking through the 3D world's already uploaded files like a shopping mall window, to be able to browse at will.
*Game playing has also changed the qualitiative differences, with ActiveWorlds creating a whole environment for players, creating the mood and so on. MSN just uses the basic computer versions of games, such as chess, etc.
*Emoticons!! MSN- cute little moving faces. 3D worlds- little people that do whatever you command them to do.
Socialising
*With MSN, you have an idea on who you are talking to due to the user's email being displayed after their chosen Display Name. With 3D world sites, the user's email is usually not displayed, depending on the user's preference, and you would generally talk to absolute strangers.
*The 3D environment sort of has a more engaging environment when it comes to socialising, due to the 3D world, activities, and seeing other 'people' within those worlds. With MSN, all you see is an Avatar/picture, which is supposed to be a way of creating an identity within the IM program.
Overall, the 3D environment does create a difference due to the extra features and activites that is available, along with the customary character that is a representative of the user. The downside, however, is the potential risk that comes when talking to complete strangers online. It may be an 'upgrade' from the 2D environment MSN, but MSN is mostly used between people who know each other- 3D environment chat sites are just like normal 2D chat sites on the internet, just with the extra bells and whistles attatched.
Weeks 6 and 7- Continuation of Photoshop Exploration
I have more altered pictures/photos for this activity:
Friends (Taken by Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off Internet).
I chose this picture to represent the theme of ‘Friends’ because it features a group of school friends, including myself. It is a photo that is happy, and a little silly, which helps to emphasise the idea of friendship. I edited it by playing around with the shades and colour replacement tools, making it a bit more cartoonish and colourful.
Communication(Taken by Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off Internet)
I chose this picture to represent this theme because communication is usually having to do with interaction. One form of interaction is talking through telecommunication, or speaking to someone on the telephone, which is why I have chosen a picture of a telephone’s headset as my picture for this theme. I changed it to look ‘old’ because the telephone itself is becoming an old way of communicating these days, instead, IM and other chat systems are taking over the simple spoken conversation.
News-Worthy (Taken by Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Shrunken version of original photo)
I chose this photo to represent this theme because I believe that this really IS something news-worthy, something interesting to tell someone about. This is a picture taken from the recent SciFi Fantasy Night held over at Warner Bros. Movieworld, Gold Coast. Because it was such a big event, I think it classifies as ‘news-worthy’. I edited it to only have the colours purple and orange, while altering the brightness and contrast to make it look more realistic.
Australian (Taken by Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off Internet)
I chose this picture to represent this theme because it is a picture of Australian soldiers holding the Australian flag. It is a patriarchal-looking photo, so I assumed that the theme of ‘Australian’ would go well with this. I edited the photo by replacing the Australian flag with the Aboriginal flag, because it is also another theme of ‘Australian’, with the edited flag being representative of the Indigenous Australian, instead of the European Australian.
Popular (Taken by Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off Internet)
I chose a picture of the popular music group Sneaky Sound System because they represent what pop culture and what is ‘in’ at the moment. I altered the picture by making the background pink, which is currently a very popular colour at the moment amongst young adults.
Games (Taken with Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off Internet).
I chose this photo to represent this theme because it is a picture of the Australian Cricket team. Cricket is a game used in national sports, so naturally, I assumed that this picture represents how dedicated people can be to playing a game. I edited it by changing the background to a rainbow effect, to make it more cheery and celebratory, which is the vibe of the photo.
Celebrity (Taken with Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off Internet).
I chose this photo to represent this theme because it is a picture of an obviously famous person- Fergie, from the group The Black Eyed Peas. It was taken at the MTV Australian Music Video Awards, which is a channel often associated with celebrities. I changed it by changing the colour of Fergie’s dress from yellow to pink. Pink is the most often choice for a female celebrity, so this is why I did the change.
Friends (Taken by Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off Internet).
I chose this picture to represent the theme of ‘Friends’ because it features a group of school friends, including myself. It is a photo that is happy, and a little silly, which helps to emphasise the idea of friendship. I edited it by playing around with the shades and colour replacement tools, making it a bit more cartoonish and colourful.
Communication(Taken by Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off Internet)
I chose this picture to represent this theme because communication is usually having to do with interaction. One form of interaction is talking through telecommunication, or speaking to someone on the telephone, which is why I have chosen a picture of a telephone’s headset as my picture for this theme. I changed it to look ‘old’ because the telephone itself is becoming an old way of communicating these days, instead, IM and other chat systems are taking over the simple spoken conversation.
News-Worthy (Taken by Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Shrunken version of original photo)
I chose this photo to represent this theme because I believe that this really IS something news-worthy, something interesting to tell someone about. This is a picture taken from the recent SciFi Fantasy Night held over at Warner Bros. Movieworld, Gold Coast. Because it was such a big event, I think it classifies as ‘news-worthy’. I edited it to only have the colours purple and orange, while altering the brightness and contrast to make it look more realistic.
Australian (Taken by Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off Internet)
I chose this picture to represent this theme because it is a picture of Australian soldiers holding the Australian flag. It is a patriarchal-looking photo, so I assumed that the theme of ‘Australian’ would go well with this. I edited the photo by replacing the Australian flag with the Aboriginal flag, because it is also another theme of ‘Australian’, with the edited flag being representative of the Indigenous Australian, instead of the European Australian.
Popular (Taken by Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off Internet)
I chose a picture of the popular music group Sneaky Sound System because they represent what pop culture and what is ‘in’ at the moment. I altered the picture by making the background pink, which is currently a very popular colour at the moment amongst young adults.
Games (Taken with Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off Internet).
I chose this photo to represent this theme because it is a picture of the Australian Cricket team. Cricket is a game used in national sports, so naturally, I assumed that this picture represents how dedicated people can be to playing a game. I edited it by changing the background to a rainbow effect, to make it more cheery and celebratory, which is the vibe of the photo.
Celebrity (Taken with Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off Internet).
I chose this photo to represent this theme because it is a picture of an obviously famous person- Fergie, from the group The Black Eyed Peas. It was taken at the MTV Australian Music Video Awards, which is a channel often associated with celebrities. I changed it by changing the colour of Fergie’s dress from yellow to pink. Pink is the most often choice for a female celebrity, so this is why I did the change.
Sunday, 15 April 2007
Photoshop Tutorial- Week 5 (Friday Tutorial)
This week we've been looking at the basics of the photo editing and manipulating program Adobe Photoshop.
I have never once used this program, so it was very confusing at first to explore on my own, so the video that was played during tutorial really helped to clear things up.
On the basic level, I just played around with the various brushes and stamps (the stamp was my favourite... LOL). I later found out how to change the colours of images by playing with the percentages of colours within the image.
I still have no clue on how to use the majority of the program, but I did have a lot of fun editing the photos.
Picture:
Friends (Taken by Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off the Internet).
I chose this picture for this theme because it represents what friendship is all about- in this case, a group of school girls. This was taken at my High School Graduation, so this has a lot of emphasis as to what friendship is to me. At an event such as this, it was a time to reflect upon the good times spent with friends, so this picture represented that reflection. I edited it by blurring the background and an attempt at removing the camera’s automatic addition of the date, because I wanted to focus more on the group of girls in the photo, not the whole picture. I even changed the colour of the sky to a brighter blue, because we had a slightly cloudy day at our Graduation, and I wanted to give us the blue skies that weren’t promised when we finished our last day.
High Tech (Taken by Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off the Internet)
I chose this picture to represent this theme because it refers to the ‘high tech’ changes within the mobile industry, and the evolvements that it has gone through to result into something that is definitive of the technological changes. I altered this picture to make it more ‘old’ looking, like an aged photograph, just so that in, say, a decade’s time, people would be looking back on these models of mobiles and thinking them to be the models of the past.
News (Taken by Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off the Internet)
I chose this picture of Kevin Rudd because he is in the current news. Duh. LOL. I made him out to be both a Devil and an Angel- because we all think politicians are both. LOL.
Summer (Taken by Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off the Internet).
I chose this picture for this theme because it is a typical scene for the Summer- people hanging out at the beach. People associate the beach as a Summer trend, due to the weather permitting the ideal temperate conditions to do so. I edited the photo to the colours of winter, so to see how the change in colours could effect the mood of the overall photo. When I look at the edited version, I see that it has gotten colder, and the girl in the towel looks like she is not enjoying the weather change. Basically, I made it into the polar opposite of what Summer is supposed to be.
Unconventional (Taken by an Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off the Internet).
I chose this picture for this theme because it is my friend Sam showing that she is not going to follow the social norm and ‘fit in’ with the conventional ideals, by claiming that she is “Loony”. I edited the photo to continue with the idea of ‘lunacy’ with bright colours that wouldn’t really appeal with the majority of the viewers. It is unconventional in itself because it is too ‘out there’ to be considered a good picture- it is almost sickening with all of the brightness.
University Life (Taken by Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off the Internet)
I chose this picture from the Gumarrii Centre website because it represents what University life is for me: a friendly environment with the encouragement to reach your potential and beyond. I altered the picture to have more ‘happy’ colours, because when you make something more colourful, you immediately feel a bit happier.
I have never once used this program, so it was very confusing at first to explore on my own, so the video that was played during tutorial really helped to clear things up.
On the basic level, I just played around with the various brushes and stamps (the stamp was my favourite... LOL). I later found out how to change the colours of images by playing with the percentages of colours within the image.
I still have no clue on how to use the majority of the program, but I did have a lot of fun editing the photos.
Picture:
Friends (Taken by Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off the Internet).
I chose this picture for this theme because it represents what friendship is all about- in this case, a group of school girls. This was taken at my High School Graduation, so this has a lot of emphasis as to what friendship is to me. At an event such as this, it was a time to reflect upon the good times spent with friends, so this picture represented that reflection. I edited it by blurring the background and an attempt at removing the camera’s automatic addition of the date, because I wanted to focus more on the group of girls in the photo, not the whole picture. I even changed the colour of the sky to a brighter blue, because we had a slightly cloudy day at our Graduation, and I wanted to give us the blue skies that weren’t promised when we finished our last day.
High Tech (Taken by Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off the Internet)
I chose this picture to represent this theme because it refers to the ‘high tech’ changes within the mobile industry, and the evolvements that it has gone through to result into something that is definitive of the technological changes. I altered this picture to make it more ‘old’ looking, like an aged photograph, just so that in, say, a decade’s time, people would be looking back on these models of mobiles and thinking them to be the models of the past.
News (Taken by Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off the Internet)
I chose this picture of Kevin Rudd because he is in the current news. Duh. LOL. I made him out to be both a Devil and an Angel- because we all think politicians are both. LOL.
Summer (Taken by Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off the Internet).
I chose this picture for this theme because it is a typical scene for the Summer- people hanging out at the beach. People associate the beach as a Summer trend, due to the weather permitting the ideal temperate conditions to do so. I edited the photo to the colours of winter, so to see how the change in colours could effect the mood of the overall photo. When I look at the edited version, I see that it has gotten colder, and the girl in the towel looks like she is not enjoying the weather change. Basically, I made it into the polar opposite of what Summer is supposed to be.
Unconventional (Taken by an Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off the Internet).
I chose this picture for this theme because it is my friend Sam showing that she is not going to follow the social norm and ‘fit in’ with the conventional ideals, by claiming that she is “Loony”. I edited the photo to continue with the idea of ‘lunacy’ with bright colours that wouldn’t really appeal with the majority of the viewers. It is unconventional in itself because it is too ‘out there’ to be considered a good picture- it is almost sickening with all of the brightness.
University Life (Taken by Unknown Brand Digital Camera; Saved off the Internet)
I chose this picture from the Gumarrii Centre website because it represents what University life is for me: a friendly environment with the encouragement to reach your potential and beyond. I altered the picture to have more ‘happy’ colours, because when you make something more colourful, you immediately feel a bit happier.
Friday, 30 March 2007
Essay Topic and Description
The history of the mobile phone and its impact on the current generation.
Intro:
The mobile phone has become a major factor on how we live our lives, either socially or work, and becoming the piece of technology that has evolved along with the changes of the economic world. The mobile phone has changed dramatically from its expensive, yet bulky, original design, to become a fashion item amongst the current generations, with its smaller size and affordability. Added features such as camera, “real tones”, internet, and satellite television being directly broadcast into your handset is just the tip of the iceberg as to what lengths this gadget can go. But, with its successes, there have been just as many problems, both technical and its affects of the health of the user. Despite this, the mobile phone has created a place for itself amongst the fashion-conscious current generation.
Topic 1:
The Birth of a Mobile
The basic idea of the mobile phone (cell phone) came about in the year 1947, when scientists looked into the idea of increasing a car phone’s cellular capacity so it could have a wider frequency and range. Sadly, the technology was not available at the time.
In the year 1984, the mobile phone was first introduced into the public as an expensive piece of equipment, which was also expensive to repair and upkeep. It wasn’t till ten years later that the mobile had gained popularity, causing prices to go down and more people were able to afford it.
Statistics:
In the year 1999, 104 million people in the United States owned a mobile, and that number being a part of the 500 million worldwide who also owned their own mobile.
Resource: http://www.global-source-mkt.com/cellphonefacts.html
Resource: http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa070899.htm
Topic 2:
The technological changes…and accessories.
The mobile has changed from being the simple portable (yet heavy and bulky) phone, to the ultra-fashionable, highly entertaining piece of technology. Currently (2000s) mobiles have changed to the point where talking isn’t even necessary when communicating with someone else, with the invention of the text message (TXT) and the picture, or sound, or even a video message, otherwise known as a Multimedia Message (MMS). Built in cameras can snap pictures or record videos; internet access with the ability to download ring tones and pictures and access emails; pay television (cable tv) being broadcast directly to your handset; changeable covers and various other accessories such as chains and other items. The list goes on.
Resource: http://www.academic.marist.edu/mwwatch/Fall02/articles/Technology/tech4.html
Resource: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c15189
Resource: http://www.telstra.com.au/nextgnetwork/experience/foxtel.htm?ti=TR-Mob-Offers-Foxtel-Bonus-506x150
Topic 3:
Impact on the current generation… the good and the bad.
The mobile has become such a success and influence that it has become the necessary accessory for the young people of this generation, as a definition of their social lives and welfare. With the costs of high-tech mobile phones becoming cheaper, the idea of owning an expensive mobile model while on a plan is becoming part of the norm. According to recent studies, certain groups can now be defined by what model mobile they own, which is turning society into believing the old shallow-minded beliefs that image is everything, and it’s the objects that you own that define on who you are as a person.
Resource: Article: Mobiles now a self image statement, Business Weekend, Weekend Bulletin, 31/03/07.
This is just a VERY brief explanation, not following essay regulations, on what I will be talking about in my essay. It’s such a broad topic, it’ll be a challenge to condense it all into a 1000 word essay. Bring it on!
Intro:
The mobile phone has become a major factor on how we live our lives, either socially or work, and becoming the piece of technology that has evolved along with the changes of the economic world. The mobile phone has changed dramatically from its expensive, yet bulky, original design, to become a fashion item amongst the current generations, with its smaller size and affordability. Added features such as camera, “real tones”, internet, and satellite television being directly broadcast into your handset is just the tip of the iceberg as to what lengths this gadget can go. But, with its successes, there have been just as many problems, both technical and its affects of the health of the user. Despite this, the mobile phone has created a place for itself amongst the fashion-conscious current generation.
Topic 1:
The Birth of a Mobile
The basic idea of the mobile phone (cell phone) came about in the year 1947, when scientists looked into the idea of increasing a car phone’s cellular capacity so it could have a wider frequency and range. Sadly, the technology was not available at the time.
In the year 1984, the mobile phone was first introduced into the public as an expensive piece of equipment, which was also expensive to repair and upkeep. It wasn’t till ten years later that the mobile had gained popularity, causing prices to go down and more people were able to afford it.
Statistics:
In the year 1999, 104 million people in the United States owned a mobile, and that number being a part of the 500 million worldwide who also owned their own mobile.
Resource: http://www.global-source-mkt.com/cellphonefacts.html
Resource: http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa070899.htm
Topic 2:
The technological changes…and accessories.
The mobile has changed from being the simple portable (yet heavy and bulky) phone, to the ultra-fashionable, highly entertaining piece of technology. Currently (2000s) mobiles have changed to the point where talking isn’t even necessary when communicating with someone else, with the invention of the text message (TXT) and the picture, or sound, or even a video message, otherwise known as a Multimedia Message (MMS). Built in cameras can snap pictures or record videos; internet access with the ability to download ring tones and pictures and access emails; pay television (cable tv) being broadcast directly to your handset; changeable covers and various other accessories such as chains and other items. The list goes on.
Resource: http://www.academic.marist.edu/mwwatch/Fall02/articles/Technology/tech4.html
Resource: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c15189
Resource: http://www.telstra.com.au/nextgnetwork/experience/foxtel.htm?ti=TR-Mob-Offers-Foxtel-Bonus-506x150
Topic 3:
Impact on the current generation… the good and the bad.
The mobile has become such a success and influence that it has become the necessary accessory for the young people of this generation, as a definition of their social lives and welfare. With the costs of high-tech mobile phones becoming cheaper, the idea of owning an expensive mobile model while on a plan is becoming part of the norm. According to recent studies, certain groups can now be defined by what model mobile they own, which is turning society into believing the old shallow-minded beliefs that image is everything, and it’s the objects that you own that define on who you are as a person.
Resource: Article: Mobiles now a self image statement, Business Weekend, Weekend Bulletin, 31/03/07.
This is just a VERY brief explanation, not following essay regulations, on what I will be talking about in my essay. It’s such a broad topic, it’ll be a challenge to condense it all into a 1000 word essay. Bring it on!
Friday, 23 March 2007
Tutorial Task (Week 4)
Task 1: The first task is for library searches: search the library catalogue and check out the full-text database search via the library website and find three academic articles that relate to the topic of your first essay. Write a report to post in your blog that summarises the key points in the articles, and comment on how this task has helped you formulate your topic.
Essay topic:
The history of mobile phones and their effects on the current generation.
(This task will be continued in the next post).
Task 2: Complete the Scavenger Hunt questions by using a search engine that isn't Google, and post your answers in your blog.
1. What is the weight of the world's biggest pumpkin?
The weight if the world's biggest pumpkin, to date, is 1502 pounds.
Resource: http://www.bigpumpkins.com/ViewArticle.asp?id=161&gid=49
2. What is the best way (quickest, most reliable) to contact Grant Hackett?
I searched around several sites, including the official Australian swimmers site, http://www.swimming.org.au/. When I thought I couldn't find any proper reliable information, I came across a site called Celebrity Addresses Australia, and it included Grant Hackett's contact details, through his management:
c/- International Quarterback Pty Ltd, Suite 9, 36 Agnes Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006
Telephone: (07) 3252 2311
Facsimile: (07) 3252 3411
Email: info@iqsport.com.au
Resource: http://www.celebrity-addresses-australia.com/Celebrity/Address/Grant-Hackett.html
3. What is the length of a giraffe's tongue?
The length of a giraffe's tongue is on average 18 inches (46cm) in length.
Resource: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-giraffe.html
4. How would you define the word 'ontology'? In your own words, what does it really mean ?
Ontology is a study of what there is. On basic terms, it means studying and asking about what exists in the world, by analysing what others think about 'what's there'.
Resource: http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/logic-ontology/#3
5. What was David Cronenberg's first feature film?
"Stereo" (1969) was his first feature film.
Resource: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000343/
6. When was the original 'Hacker's Manifesto' written?
January 8th, 1986.
Resource: http://reactor-core.org/hacker-manifesto.html
7. Why do all phone numbers in Hollywood films start with '555'?
All phone numbers in Hollywood films start with '555' because it is to prevent people from actually trying to dial the number and getting a connection, because the '555' does not connect to telecommunication subscribers in America. In Australia, however, it is entirely possible that an Australian film showing a number with the '555' at the start can connect to a subscriber unintentially by the film company.
Resource: http://www.telephonecollecting.org/code.htm
8. What is the cheapest form of travel from Crete to Rhodes?
The Ferry is the cheapest form of travel between these two destinations.
Resource: http://www.athensguide.com/ferries.html
9. What song was top of the Australian Pop Charts this week in 1965?
The song that was Number 1 in the Pop charts this week in 1965 was I'll Never Find Another You by The Seekers.
Resource: http://www.onmc.iinet.net.au/topspot/1965.htm
10. Which Brisbane band includes Stephen Stockwell on keyboards and vocals?
The Black Assassins.
Resource: http://www.griffith.edu.au/school/art/staff/stockwell.htm
Task 2b:
What is a search engine?
A search engine is a software prorgram that is used to find a list of websites, computer documents and other online resources on the World Wide Web, using search terms that have been typed in by the user. These search terms are used when the search engine 'scans' a list of resources, so when there is a match, a resource is added to the list of results.
Resource: http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761582857/Search_Engine.html
How do search engines rank the stuff they find on the internet?
Yes they do. They rank it either according to the relevance to the search terms used, the popularity of the sites, and if the site itself is a sponsor of the search engine. These example are usually put at the top of the list.
Resource: http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761582857/Search_Engine.html
Who, or what, makes one page (that you might get in your search results) more useful than another one, so that it is put at the top of your search results?
As I had mentioned in the last question's answer, one page is more useful than the other via it's popularity, usefullness or if it is a sponsor of the serach engine.
Resource: http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761582857/Search_Engine.html
What are some of your favourite search engines? why do you like one more than others?
My favorite search engines are Google and Ask (formally Ask Jeeves). I mostly use Google because it, on the majority of times, has the biggest list after a search. If I was to do comparisons on which one I liked most and why, I would have to say Google, because of the reasons I had just stated.
Can you find some current news stories about search engines? (for example, Google has been in the technology news a bit lately).
Google building software, not mobile phone - analyst (24/3/2007)
Link: http://in.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=technologyNews&storyID=2007-03-22T235439Z_01_NOOTR_RTRJONC_0_India-291953-1.xml&archived=False
Google Apps: Killer software or killer decision? (24/3/2007)
Link: http://www.pcworld.ca//news/column/8088b6470a01040800f483b40707b39a/pg1.htm
Microsoft Search Engine (26/3/2007)
Link: http://www.platywebs.com.au/senews.php
Essay topic:
The history of mobile phones and their effects on the current generation.
(This task will be continued in the next post).
Task 2: Complete the Scavenger Hunt questions by using a search engine that isn't Google, and post your answers in your blog.
1. What is the weight of the world's biggest pumpkin?
The weight if the world's biggest pumpkin, to date, is 1502 pounds.
Resource: http://www.bigpumpkins.com/ViewArticle.asp?id=161&gid=49
2. What is the best way (quickest, most reliable) to contact Grant Hackett?
I searched around several sites, including the official Australian swimmers site, http://www.swimming.org.au/. When I thought I couldn't find any proper reliable information, I came across a site called Celebrity Addresses Australia, and it included Grant Hackett's contact details, through his management:
c/- International Quarterback Pty Ltd, Suite 9, 36 Agnes Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006
Telephone: (07) 3252 2311
Facsimile: (07) 3252 3411
Email: info@iqsport.com.au
Resource: http://www.celebrity-addresses-australia.com/Celebrity/Address/Grant-Hackett.html
3. What is the length of a giraffe's tongue?
The length of a giraffe's tongue is on average 18 inches (46cm) in length.
Resource: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-giraffe.html
4. How would you define the word 'ontology'? In your own words, what does it really mean ?
Ontology is a study of what there is. On basic terms, it means studying and asking about what exists in the world, by analysing what others think about 'what's there'.
Resource: http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/logic-ontology/#3
5. What was David Cronenberg's first feature film?
"Stereo" (1969) was his first feature film.
Resource: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000343/
6. When was the original 'Hacker's Manifesto' written?
January 8th, 1986.
Resource: http://reactor-core.org/hacker-manifesto.html
7. Why do all phone numbers in Hollywood films start with '555'?
All phone numbers in Hollywood films start with '555' because it is to prevent people from actually trying to dial the number and getting a connection, because the '555' does not connect to telecommunication subscribers in America. In Australia, however, it is entirely possible that an Australian film showing a number with the '555' at the start can connect to a subscriber unintentially by the film company.
Resource: http://www.telephonecollecting.org/code.htm
8. What is the cheapest form of travel from Crete to Rhodes?
The Ferry is the cheapest form of travel between these two destinations.
Resource: http://www.athensguide.com/ferries.html
9. What song was top of the Australian Pop Charts this week in 1965?
The song that was Number 1 in the Pop charts this week in 1965 was I'll Never Find Another You by The Seekers.
Resource: http://www.onmc.iinet.net.au/topspot/1965.htm
10. Which Brisbane band includes Stephen Stockwell on keyboards and vocals?
The Black Assassins.
Resource: http://www.griffith.edu.au/school/art/staff/stockwell.htm
Task 2b:
What is a search engine?
A search engine is a software prorgram that is used to find a list of websites, computer documents and other online resources on the World Wide Web, using search terms that have been typed in by the user. These search terms are used when the search engine 'scans' a list of resources, so when there is a match, a resource is added to the list of results.
Resource: http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761582857/Search_Engine.html
How do search engines rank the stuff they find on the internet?
Yes they do. They rank it either according to the relevance to the search terms used, the popularity of the sites, and if the site itself is a sponsor of the search engine. These example are usually put at the top of the list.
Resource: http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761582857/Search_Engine.html
Who, or what, makes one page (that you might get in your search results) more useful than another one, so that it is put at the top of your search results?
As I had mentioned in the last question's answer, one page is more useful than the other via it's popularity, usefullness or if it is a sponsor of the serach engine.
Resource: http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761582857/Search_Engine.html
What are some of your favourite search engines? why do you like one more than others?
My favorite search engines are Google and Ask (formally Ask Jeeves). I mostly use Google because it, on the majority of times, has the biggest list after a search. If I was to do comparisons on which one I liked most and why, I would have to say Google, because of the reasons I had just stated.
Can you find some current news stories about search engines? (for example, Google has been in the technology news a bit lately).
Google building software, not mobile phone - analyst (24/3/2007)
Link: http://in.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=technologyNews&storyID=2007-03-22T235439Z_01_NOOTR_RTRJONC_0_India-291953-1.xml&archived=False
Google Apps: Killer software or killer decision? (24/3/2007)
Link: http://www.pcworld.ca//news/column/8088b6470a01040800f483b40707b39a/pg1.htm
Microsoft Search Engine (26/3/2007)
Link: http://www.platywebs.com.au/senews.php
Friday, 16 March 2007
Week 2 Lecture Notes and Views (Friday Tutorial)
I mentioned in my last post a very brief description of the Week 2 Lecture of this course. In this post, I have my lecture notes of that week, and what I thought of them (my thoughts are in italics).
Media Theory
Communication Studies (USA)
*During WW1, there were thoughts and acts of trying to convince populations of something, like a trend.
eg. selling stuff through movies (guy wore singlet, singlet sales went up)
This was known as the "Bullet (Inoculation) Theory", which produces Maximum effects (1920s).
Marshall McLuhan
- thought that TV and other media had turned the world into a 'global village' (1960s).
He worked out the theory of rating how a media source 'grabs' an audience:
Cinema and radio = 'hot' media
TV and telephone = 'cool' media
My Thoughts:
This is a very uncomplicated way of looking at how the media can affect audiences. Using the old method of 'hot and cold', you can tell what types of media can be the most affective (or, the most influential).
'Hot' media refers to the type of media that you HAVE to listen to, such as a cinema or radio, because it's in the same room (or area, such as a car radio) as the audience. Also with cinema, if a product is in the movie, the audience would want to purchase that product (or something similar) in order to feel 'up with the times' or 'trendy'.
'Cold' media refers to the opposite of 'hot' media- you can change the channel on the TV when an advertisement comes on, or hang up when you recieve a call about advertisement (telemarketers, yuck!).
Media Studies (UK)
*It's interesting to think about how a culture is defined by its media.
Stanley Cohen
- analysed the 'competition' between the representitives within the media.
Stuart Hall
- pointed out the different processes of decoding the messages from the media
- the audience were the ones with the 'power' to decode these messages.
My Thoughts:
The 'competition' between the media representitives that Stanley Cohen had analysed is a very prominent feature amongst the technology and media giants today. Fighting for the limelight with every opportunity presented to them, advertisements for products or other media-worthy things is quite common- just look at how the current affair shows (A Current Affair (Channel 9) and Today Tonight (Seven Network)) fight it out on who seems to be the better candidate on how to present the problems people face in life, or handling major news.
Stuart Hall's theory of the audience being the one who has the 'power' to decode the messages that the media sources send them, is quite right. With the media, the audience has to decode which resources presented to them are considered to be reliable or not, a.k.a., which news story from each different Network is more reliable? And so on.
Culture Studies (Europe)
Walter Benjamin
- worked as a critique (1950s)
- produced kids' radio.
New Wave and the Future of Theory
*Quantitative and Qualative research
My Thoughts:
I have already covered the basics on what Quantitative and Qualitative research in a previous subject, so I will give the basic definitions here, just for reference sakes.
Quantitative research- The research method where it is based on statistics and numbers, in reference to a researched topic.
Qualitative research- The research method where it focuses on a more detailed and analysed view of the statistics researched. Like, why are there that many people on that one area? Etc.
I know that there is more, but this is what I have learnt from Week 2, and it has made me think about how technology has changed the media so that we are unable to escape from media advertisement, no matter how subtle.
The task for this week's tutorial is to talk about how technolgy has changed my life, and I know it has.
I definately have friends on the internet that I have never met in person- I've known some of them for over 3 years, and it's really amazing how we tell each other stories of our lives, yet we never actually see them in person and experience them ourselves. I do plan to visit them one day in the near future, but right now, as a poor Uni student, I'll have to stay in my home country for a little while longer. They are a not much different in comparison to the friends I see in person, due to me knowing them for as long as I have. We all have the same interests, and I talk to them through chat programs like MSN, just like the friends I see in person. I don't see my 'flesh and blood' friends as often as I would like, so I use MSN to communicate with them. The only major difference between these two categories of friends is I see one lot in the flesh, while the other lot live overseas and are too far away to see in person.
Mobile phones and my iPod have become a major part of my life, where I cannot leave the house without them, thinking of the excuses that my iPod could come in handy when I wait for a lecture or tute to start, or that my mobile is a link to all my friends that I cannot give up. I remember a time when I forgot my mobile, leaving it at home while I went to school. The whole day afterwards, I felt the feeling of loneliness and confusion, because I did not have my 'link' to my friends outside of school.
Technologies like these have definately become a major in my life, alongside the internet and my car's CD player.
What influenced me to start using these technologies in the first place? Sadly, it was me wanting to follow trends. I never had a mobile till I started Year 11- by that time, some people were on their 3rd or 4th mobile. Same goes with my iPod- I recieved mine when I was in Year 11 also, several months behind everyone else. Now, looking back, I was glad that I recieved a mobile and an MP3 player. Homework was never the same again without my listening to music; and I'm now able to communicate with friends who don't live as close to me as they used to.
So, yes, technology HAS become a major part of my life, and I would change along with the evolvements that can change technology, because that's what life is all about- adapting to the changes that can occur.
Media Theory
Communication Studies (USA)
*During WW1, there were thoughts and acts of trying to convince populations of something, like a trend.
eg. selling stuff through movies (guy wore singlet, singlet sales went up)
This was known as the "Bullet (Inoculation) Theory", which produces Maximum effects (1920s).
Marshall McLuhan
- thought that TV and other media had turned the world into a 'global village' (1960s).
He worked out the theory of rating how a media source 'grabs' an audience:
Cinema and radio = 'hot' media
TV and telephone = 'cool' media
My Thoughts:
This is a very uncomplicated way of looking at how the media can affect audiences. Using the old method of 'hot and cold', you can tell what types of media can be the most affective (or, the most influential).
'Hot' media refers to the type of media that you HAVE to listen to, such as a cinema or radio, because it's in the same room (or area, such as a car radio) as the audience. Also with cinema, if a product is in the movie, the audience would want to purchase that product (or something similar) in order to feel 'up with the times' or 'trendy'.
'Cold' media refers to the opposite of 'hot' media- you can change the channel on the TV when an advertisement comes on, or hang up when you recieve a call about advertisement (telemarketers, yuck!).
Media Studies (UK)
*It's interesting to think about how a culture is defined by its media.
Stanley Cohen
- analysed the 'competition' between the representitives within the media.
Stuart Hall
- pointed out the different processes of decoding the messages from the media
- the audience were the ones with the 'power' to decode these messages.
My Thoughts:
The 'competition' between the media representitives that Stanley Cohen had analysed is a very prominent feature amongst the technology and media giants today. Fighting for the limelight with every opportunity presented to them, advertisements for products or other media-worthy things is quite common- just look at how the current affair shows (A Current Affair (Channel 9) and Today Tonight (Seven Network)) fight it out on who seems to be the better candidate on how to present the problems people face in life, or handling major news.
Stuart Hall's theory of the audience being the one who has the 'power' to decode the messages that the media sources send them, is quite right. With the media, the audience has to decode which resources presented to them are considered to be reliable or not, a.k.a., which news story from each different Network is more reliable? And so on.
Culture Studies (Europe)
Walter Benjamin
- worked as a critique (1950s)
- produced kids' radio.
New Wave and the Future of Theory
*Quantitative and Qualative research
My Thoughts:
I have already covered the basics on what Quantitative and Qualitative research in a previous subject, so I will give the basic definitions here, just for reference sakes.
Quantitative research- The research method where it is based on statistics and numbers, in reference to a researched topic.
Qualitative research- The research method where it focuses on a more detailed and analysed view of the statistics researched. Like, why are there that many people on that one area? Etc.
I know that there is more, but this is what I have learnt from Week 2, and it has made me think about how technology has changed the media so that we are unable to escape from media advertisement, no matter how subtle.
The task for this week's tutorial is to talk about how technolgy has changed my life, and I know it has.
I definately have friends on the internet that I have never met in person- I've known some of them for over 3 years, and it's really amazing how we tell each other stories of our lives, yet we never actually see them in person and experience them ourselves. I do plan to visit them one day in the near future, but right now, as a poor Uni student, I'll have to stay in my home country for a little while longer. They are a not much different in comparison to the friends I see in person, due to me knowing them for as long as I have. We all have the same interests, and I talk to them through chat programs like MSN, just like the friends I see in person. I don't see my 'flesh and blood' friends as often as I would like, so I use MSN to communicate with them. The only major difference between these two categories of friends is I see one lot in the flesh, while the other lot live overseas and are too far away to see in person.
Mobile phones and my iPod have become a major part of my life, where I cannot leave the house without them, thinking of the excuses that my iPod could come in handy when I wait for a lecture or tute to start, or that my mobile is a link to all my friends that I cannot give up. I remember a time when I forgot my mobile, leaving it at home while I went to school. The whole day afterwards, I felt the feeling of loneliness and confusion, because I did not have my 'link' to my friends outside of school.
Technologies like these have definately become a major in my life, alongside the internet and my car's CD player.
What influenced me to start using these technologies in the first place? Sadly, it was me wanting to follow trends. I never had a mobile till I started Year 11- by that time, some people were on their 3rd or 4th mobile. Same goes with my iPod- I recieved mine when I was in Year 11 also, several months behind everyone else. Now, looking back, I was glad that I recieved a mobile and an MP3 player. Homework was never the same again without my listening to music; and I'm now able to communicate with friends who don't live as close to me as they used to.
So, yes, technology HAS become a major part of my life, and I would change along with the evolvements that can change technology, because that's what life is all about- adapting to the changes that can occur.
Friday, 9 March 2007
First post!
Hiya there!
My name is Jasmine and I'm making this blog for a subject in University- New Communications Tech.
This subject is about how the modern technologies that we all take for granted have changed our lives- and how society has adapted itself to the changes that technology can create. For example, the changes in the playing and recording of music have changed dramatically, from a record to a simple computer program called an MP3. We've all adapted to these changes over time- me, I thought that personal CD players were the top of the technological range when it came to what was 'cool' and what was 'not'. But that was just my opinion when MP3 players were introduced- iPods and those USB MP3 thingys.
Lets see... about the actual lectures and tutorial... I quite like them both. Our lecturer, Steve, is a really cool guy. I remember being introduced into Bachelor of Arts at his welcome speech last year during Semester 2 Orientations. He got our attention when he talked about his adventures at the Uni Bar during his time as a student. LOL. The lecture topics are interesting too- the first lecture being a basic introduction (I think it was more than 'basic', LOL) and some details on what technology is and when they were invented.
The second lecture was more concentrated on various names that had been deemed important to the analysis and study of technology and it's impact on society. Then, after the break, we watched an unusual old black and white film (I cannot remember the name at this point in time) about time travel and the conspiracies behind the people in control of it all. The ending really weirded me out! LOL.
OK, enough blabbering, let's talk about ME. LOL.
Lets see... My name is Jasmine (duh). I'm 18 years old (yay! legal drinker!). I have an addiction to shopping (clothes, CDs and DVDs mostly, LOL). My favourite stores are EzyDVD, Jay Jays and JB Hi Fi.
I don't really have a set goal on what I want to be in life- I'm currently studying a major in Sociology, which means I can be an advisor or a researcher for a media source (radio, TV, etc.).
My hobbies are: reading, writing, drawing (design, art, etc.), hanging out with friends (get me started and I can talk about anything for ages), partying (whoo!) and playing around on the internet. I have other interests, but I'll be going on for a very long time if you wanted me to state all.
I can't really think of anything else to say, except I hope I didn't either bore or confuse (most likely the latter) you all.
My name is Jasmine and I'm making this blog for a subject in University- New Communications Tech.
This subject is about how the modern technologies that we all take for granted have changed our lives- and how society has adapted itself to the changes that technology can create. For example, the changes in the playing and recording of music have changed dramatically, from a record to a simple computer program called an MP3. We've all adapted to these changes over time- me, I thought that personal CD players were the top of the technological range when it came to what was 'cool' and what was 'not'. But that was just my opinion when MP3 players were introduced- iPods and those USB MP3 thingys.
Lets see... about the actual lectures and tutorial... I quite like them both. Our lecturer, Steve, is a really cool guy. I remember being introduced into Bachelor of Arts at his welcome speech last year during Semester 2 Orientations. He got our attention when he talked about his adventures at the Uni Bar during his time as a student. LOL. The lecture topics are interesting too- the first lecture being a basic introduction (I think it was more than 'basic', LOL) and some details on what technology is and when they were invented.
The second lecture was more concentrated on various names that had been deemed important to the analysis and study of technology and it's impact on society. Then, after the break, we watched an unusual old black and white film (I cannot remember the name at this point in time) about time travel and the conspiracies behind the people in control of it all. The ending really weirded me out! LOL.
OK, enough blabbering, let's talk about ME. LOL.
Lets see... My name is Jasmine (duh). I'm 18 years old (yay! legal drinker!). I have an addiction to shopping (clothes, CDs and DVDs mostly, LOL). My favourite stores are EzyDVD, Jay Jays and JB Hi Fi.
I don't really have a set goal on what I want to be in life- I'm currently studying a major in Sociology, which means I can be an advisor or a researcher for a media source (radio, TV, etc.).
My hobbies are: reading, writing, drawing (design, art, etc.), hanging out with friends (get me started and I can talk about anything for ages), partying (whoo!) and playing around on the internet. I have other interests, but I'll be going on for a very long time if you wanted me to state all.
I can't really think of anything else to say, except I hope I didn't either bore or confuse (most likely the latter) you all.
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