Friday, 27 March 2009
My Last Post!
So, its been 55 posts since I began my blogging 'journey' and its finally at an end! I have found learning online to be rewarding as well as frustrating. If I were to do it again, I would most certianly make use of more comments on other peoples blogs and to interact more about the tasks with group members. I think the trouble was once you had spent hours doing the tasks, the last thing you wanted to go was to keep checking back to see if someone had commented. I found the emails hard to pick up because I don't check my uni email as much as I would my hotmail, and theres not any other way you can see if someone has commented your blog unless you go to edit it! I have learnt a great deal of new information, and skills from this for example I now know how to blog, I know about the advances in technology. I know how to criticise articles and to write abstracts for them. So overall it has been a good experience, I don't think however that I will take up blogging permanently! I prefer speaking to people in person much more than userfacing.
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Week 10- MSN brainstorm for Q 2
Me and Katie were having trouble understanding question 2, so decided to have a brainstorm of possible ideas over instant messaging(MSN). Some of the downfalls I found to using msn rather than meeting face-to-face where that we could easily interrupt one another, as you would not in person. Also msn sometimes stopped working and our conversation could not flow like a conversation in person could. I found it harder to phrase what I wanted to say, as oppose to talking in person. What I did like about using msn, was that it was easy and convenient. We didn't have to organise a time when we both could meet, we could simply meet online and talk. We also were able to show each other links to websites that may of been some use. I think that overall our conversation other instant messaing helped both of us to clarify our understanding of this question and possible answers we could consider for it.
Week 10- Q2
What difference to all this might the digital divide make?
-To socioeconomically related access issues within a society
-To global access issues across countries and regions
The 'Digital Divide' refers to the gap between those who benefit from digital technology and those who do not. For example generally Upper Middle Classes have high-quality access to digital technology as they have the means to access it(money!). Those who cannot afford digital technology are simply left without access to it, or if they do have access it is usually low quality and merely localized versions of products and services, intended for the rich. The 'Digital Divide' mostly effects undeveloped countries, however it is evident within the class system as well. The ever changing new technologies purpose is to benefit the masses with new ways of finding information, the ability to develop new skills however what about those who are socially disadvantaged, those who fall in the bottom category of the digital divide? Prensky's idea of a digital divide, consists of digital natives and digital immigrants however the digital divide has taken place on a much larger basis than this, status, wealth and class.
Lister et al in New Media: A Critical Introduction, examine the digital divide in the U.S one of the most advanced 'rich' countries in the world and present the argument that digital divide is present in Western countries such as this despite it being one of the richest countries in the world. Lister claims "The digital divide reproduces other kinds of inequalities in the society". In America, White people are more likely to have access to the Internet than Black people or Hispanics from any location. The digital divide highlights how socioeconomic status determines whether or not you have access to digital technology. Novack and Hoffman argue that "differential access to online resources is a function of income". So according to these notions, the digital divide all comes down to how affluent you are. The digital divide reiterates the divisions between the classes, and mostly between the rich and the poor. If there was to be any equality in regards to access to the Internet and other digital technologies then the Inet would be made widely available to all, and cost should have no bearing on this. A persons socioeconomic status is judged by income, education level, social status so basically this means how wealthy and how educated you are.
Globalization of digital technology is a highly debated subject. We looked for example at the ever present challenges facing farmers in Africa, and the governments introduction of Infonet, a program where farmers can access vital information online, or offline about farming. However when we consider how little access there is to the Internet for developing countries such as these how many farmers are actually receiving this help. With the U.S, China and UK's ever advancing technologies further pushing the bridge between the digital divide, it is unlikely that these developing countries will ever catch up and have the access that we all take for granted. However it is not just the developing countries that are facing these problems as it has been shown the digital divide is evident within countries that are regarded as rich. The digital divide is an extension of the social problems and inequalities that already exist in countries such as these, but is another way of presenting the differences between the rich and the poor.
http://www.digitaldivide.org/dd/digitaldivide.html
http://www.flexibility.co.uk/issues/debates/divide.htm
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/students/earlycld/ea7lk5.htm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/special_report/1999/10/99/information_rich_information_poor/466651.stm
I also used Lister et al(2003) New Media: A Critical Introduction, Oxon, Routledge- p199-200
-To socioeconomically related access issues within a society
-To global access issues across countries and regions
The 'Digital Divide' refers to the gap between those who benefit from digital technology and those who do not. For example generally Upper Middle Classes have high-quality access to digital technology as they have the means to access it(money!). Those who cannot afford digital technology are simply left without access to it, or if they do have access it is usually low quality and merely localized versions of products and services, intended for the rich. The 'Digital Divide' mostly effects undeveloped countries, however it is evident within the class system as well. The ever changing new technologies purpose is to benefit the masses with new ways of finding information, the ability to develop new skills however what about those who are socially disadvantaged, those who fall in the bottom category of the digital divide? Prensky's idea of a digital divide, consists of digital natives and digital immigrants however the digital divide has taken place on a much larger basis than this, status, wealth and class.
Lister et al in New Media: A Critical Introduction, examine the digital divide in the U.S one of the most advanced 'rich' countries in the world and present the argument that digital divide is present in Western countries such as this despite it being one of the richest countries in the world. Lister claims "The digital divide reproduces other kinds of inequalities in the society". In America, White people are more likely to have access to the Internet than Black people or Hispanics from any location. The digital divide highlights how socioeconomic status determines whether or not you have access to digital technology. Novack and Hoffman argue that "differential access to online resources is a function of income". So according to these notions, the digital divide all comes down to how affluent you are. The digital divide reiterates the divisions between the classes, and mostly between the rich and the poor. If there was to be any equality in regards to access to the Internet and other digital technologies then the Inet would be made widely available to all, and cost should have no bearing on this. A persons socioeconomic status is judged by income, education level, social status so basically this means how wealthy and how educated you are.
Globalization of digital technology is a highly debated subject. We looked for example at the ever present challenges facing farmers in Africa, and the governments introduction of Infonet, a program where farmers can access vital information online, or offline about farming. However when we consider how little access there is to the Internet for developing countries such as these how many farmers are actually receiving this help. With the U.S, China and UK's ever advancing technologies further pushing the bridge between the digital divide, it is unlikely that these developing countries will ever catch up and have the access that we all take for granted. However it is not just the developing countries that are facing these problems as it has been shown the digital divide is evident within countries that are regarded as rich. The digital divide is an extension of the social problems and inequalities that already exist in countries such as these, but is another way of presenting the differences between the rich and the poor.
http://www.digitaldivide.org/dd/digitaldivide.html
http://www.flexibility.co.uk/issues/debates/divide.htm
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/students/earlycld/ea7lk5.htm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/special_report/1999/10/99/information_rich_information_poor/466651.stm
I also used Lister et al(2003) New Media: A Critical Introduction, Oxon, Routledge- p199-200
Week 10- Q6
How does the Semantic Web differ from web 3.0?
Where as facebook, youtube and blogs etc belong to Web 2.0. Web 3.0 is a new type of internet, far more powerful than the current one."In little over a decade the internet will be transformed, the web will be able to connect every aspect of our digital lives. It will be able to know when you are typing an email, suggest websites that are useful"
The first decade of the web focused on Web 1.0. This was a basic platform with the ability to widely access a huge amount of information. Next came the Web 2.0 which we are currently in, Web 2.0 was the next step of enabling users to connect with one another(user interface) i.e blogging, instant messaging, facebook etc.
Mr Spivack says "Web 3.0 will transform the basic platform of the internet, so that it understands the near infinite pieces of information that reside on it and draws the connections between them"
I found a number of articles that described the semantic web as web 3.0. I also read that if web 3.0 does eventually take over that it could mean the end to search engines like google. So Web 3.0 is all about making the internet more efficient and more personal to the user, and the semantic web is a database of all information that can lead the user to a number of different databases to find what they are looking for. It seems from most of the reading I did that the Web 3.0 and Semantic are very similiar and are going to be combined to make the most powerful internet so far.
"Web 3.0 is about making all this technology and content smarter -- by adding semantics to the data (using the Semantic Web and microformats, etc.) and by adding more smarts to applications so that they can do a better job of helping humans (natural language search, semantic search, recommendation agents, etc.)."
Where as facebook, youtube and blogs etc belong to Web 2.0. Web 3.0 is a new type of internet, far more powerful than the current one."In little over a decade the internet will be transformed, the web will be able to connect every aspect of our digital lives. It will be able to know when you are typing an email, suggest websites that are useful"
The first decade of the web focused on Web 1.0. This was a basic platform with the ability to widely access a huge amount of information. Next came the Web 2.0 which we are currently in, Web 2.0 was the next step of enabling users to connect with one another(user interface) i.e blogging, instant messaging, facebook etc.
Mr Spivack says "Web 3.0 will transform the basic platform of the internet, so that it understands the near infinite pieces of information that reside on it and draws the connections between them"
I found a number of articles that described the semantic web as web 3.0. I also read that if web 3.0 does eventually take over that it could mean the end to search engines like google. So Web 3.0 is all about making the internet more efficient and more personal to the user, and the semantic web is a database of all information that can lead the user to a number of different databases to find what they are looking for. It seems from most of the reading I did that the Web 3.0 and Semantic are very similiar and are going to be combined to make the most powerful internet so far.
"Web 3.0 is about making all this technology and content smarter -- by adding semantics to the data (using the Semantic Web and microformats, etc.) and by adding more smarts to applications so that they can do a better job of helping humans (natural language search, semantic search, recommendation agents, etc.)."
I'm still a bit confused about the Web 3.0 and Semantic web, is not the semantic web an extension of Web 3.0? Does anyone have any thoughts that could help? Thanks
Some websites I found of use-
http://novaspivack.typepad.com/nova_spivacks_weblog/2006/11/does_the_semant.html
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article2726190.ece
http://evolvingtrends.wordpress.com/2006/06/26/wikipedia-30-the-end-of-google/
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Week 10- Q4
Is there a potential problem being stored up for people if 'education' is tailored to fit into their cultural and personal preferences?
In terms of Wenger's notion that people learn better when they are in a community of practice with people who share similar interests, cultures etc then in response to the question of whether the idea of tailoring education to fit with peoples own preferences poses a problem, I would say no. However, if we look at the bigger picture if education was to be tailored to fit individuals cultural and personal preferences then we would find ourselves separating people into groups who all have similar views. This would not be beneficial for these students because one of the main parts of learning I believe is to integrate with other students who share similar or dissimilar views. If everyone was of the same views or shared the same culture then there would be no diversity amongst students. Given that the U.K is a multicultural country is would be unwise to seperate cultures, as this could lead to negative effects on the way these groups interact with one another. The below is a report I found from the Houses of Parliament on 'Individually tailored education'.
35. We welcome the Government's proposals to provide more individually tailored education. These policies, directed at what actually happens in classrooms, are as important as anything in the White Paper. These proposals could directly and beneficially affect every child at school in England, and we look forward to seeing how matters develop in practice.
36. We do, however, sound two cautionary notes. Included in the chapter on personalised learning are proposals on the gifted and talented programme and for an increase in setting and grouping by ability and attainment. Professor David Gilborn, from the Institute of Education at the University of London, drew our attention to the fact that, according to DfES statistics, white pupils were twice as likely to be identified as gifted and talented as pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds in general (10% of white pupils; 6% of pupils of Indian origin; 5% of pupils of Pakistanis origin; 4% of pupils of Black Caribbean origin; and 2% of pupils of Black African origin).
This report shows that individually tailored education may be beneficial to those who are talented and gifted. It is however effected by race, as more white people are more likely to be identified as gifted as oppose to Black or Asian people. Education is not there simply to be adjusted for students who share different views, or like different things it is there to provide learning and develop one's skills and personality. I think is education was to be tailored to meet certain groups needs then many problems would arise, it would also be very costly to the government and I think money could be spend elsewhere on better resources. In an article on the BBC news website, Mike Baker asks what exactly is tailored/personalised education?
"re-integration of learning, life and community", making use of "catalogue and natural versions of curriculum and assessment" and "de-coupling of age-stage progressions". ..
"That White Paper said personalised learning meant a "tailored education for every child and young person". So, behind this haziness, the reality is that personalised education could be the biggest change to teaching and learning for many decades. It has the potential to re-engage the interest of thousands of unmotivated teenagers."
Baker conludes however it would be difficult for the government to implement and challenging for the the teachers and schools. Overall I think that tailored education would cause quite a few problems in regards to who decides who gets special treatment, race issues, cost effectiveness...Educations job is to educate as many people as possible, seperating people into groups may effect there learning experiences and views of other groups.
Houses of Parliament Report
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmselect/cmeduski/633/63306.htm
BBC News- Tailoring Lessons for every pupil. (Mike Baker)http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/5021550.stm
In terms of Wenger's notion that people learn better when they are in a community of practice with people who share similar interests, cultures etc then in response to the question of whether the idea of tailoring education to fit with peoples own preferences poses a problem, I would say no. However, if we look at the bigger picture if education was to be tailored to fit individuals cultural and personal preferences then we would find ourselves separating people into groups who all have similar views. This would not be beneficial for these students because one of the main parts of learning I believe is to integrate with other students who share similar or dissimilar views. If everyone was of the same views or shared the same culture then there would be no diversity amongst students. Given that the U.K is a multicultural country is would be unwise to seperate cultures, as this could lead to negative effects on the way these groups interact with one another. The below is a report I found from the Houses of Parliament on 'Individually tailored education'.
35. We welcome the Government's proposals to provide more individually tailored education. These policies, directed at what actually happens in classrooms, are as important as anything in the White Paper. These proposals could directly and beneficially affect every child at school in England, and we look forward to seeing how matters develop in practice.
36. We do, however, sound two cautionary notes. Included in the chapter on personalised learning are proposals on the gifted and talented programme and for an increase in setting and grouping by ability and attainment. Professor David Gilborn, from the Institute of Education at the University of London, drew our attention to the fact that, according to DfES statistics, white pupils were twice as likely to be identified as gifted and talented as pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds in general (10% of white pupils; 6% of pupils of Indian origin; 5% of pupils of Pakistanis origin; 4% of pupils of Black Caribbean origin; and 2% of pupils of Black African origin).
This report shows that individually tailored education may be beneficial to those who are talented and gifted. It is however effected by race, as more white people are more likely to be identified as gifted as oppose to Black or Asian people. Education is not there simply to be adjusted for students who share different views, or like different things it is there to provide learning and develop one's skills and personality. I think is education was to be tailored to meet certain groups needs then many problems would arise, it would also be very costly to the government and I think money could be spend elsewhere on better resources. In an article on the BBC news website, Mike Baker asks what exactly is tailored/personalised education?
"re-integration of learning, life and community", making use of "catalogue and natural versions of curriculum and assessment" and "de-coupling of age-stage progressions". ..
"That White Paper said personalised learning meant a "tailored education for every child and young person". So, behind this haziness, the reality is that personalised education could be the biggest change to teaching and learning for many decades. It has the potential to re-engage the interest of thousands of unmotivated teenagers."
Baker conludes however it would be difficult for the government to implement and challenging for the the teachers and schools. Overall I think that tailored education would cause quite a few problems in regards to who decides who gets special treatment, race issues, cost effectiveness...Educations job is to educate as many people as possible, seperating people into groups may effect there learning experiences and views of other groups.
Houses of Parliament Report
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmselect/cmeduski/633/63306.htm
BBC News- Tailoring Lessons for every pupil. (Mike Baker)http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/5021550.stm
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Week 10- Q1
1) How might Wenger's notions on practice communities relate to Prensky's on education?
Etienne Wenger developed the concept of "Community of Practice", which basically means a "group of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly"(Wenger). A community of practice is an identity and is shared by all those in the group that share the common interest. Communities among practioners create a direct link between learning and performance. Wenger is saying that groups of people with shared interests will learn better as they are able to interact with one another regularly.
Prensky's notions on education include the idea that teachers have to learn to communicate in the language and style of their students, therefor adapting themselves to a digital natives way of thinking and in effect helping them to learn quicker. Prensky also believes that teaching much be more"faster, instead of step by step- a more parallell content, with more random access" He also believes 2 contents are vital, Legacy content- readings, writing, arithmetic and Future Content- digital and technological. Lastly Prensky devises his idea that all this could be solved with inventing computer games to educate. Learning takes place in communities, if a community of practice is set up in schools, students could learn better through technology by teachers that are able to relate to students because they have also learnt about technology and ways to incorporate it in a positive way. If teachers are able to learn to communicate in a way that students can understand and relate to their language then the learning process will be a much quicker, efficient process.
Etienne Wenger developed the concept of "Community of Practice", which basically means a "group of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly"(Wenger). A community of practice is an identity and is shared by all those in the group that share the common interest. Communities among practioners create a direct link between learning and performance. Wenger is saying that groups of people with shared interests will learn better as they are able to interact with one another regularly.
Prensky's notions on education include the idea that teachers have to learn to communicate in the language and style of their students, therefor adapting themselves to a digital natives way of thinking and in effect helping them to learn quicker. Prensky also believes that teaching much be more"faster, instead of step by step- a more parallell content, with more random access" He also believes 2 contents are vital, Legacy content- readings, writing, arithmetic and Future Content- digital and technological. Lastly Prensky devises his idea that all this could be solved with inventing computer games to educate. Learning takes place in communities, if a community of practice is set up in schools, students could learn better through technology by teachers that are able to relate to students because they have also learnt about technology and ways to incorporate it in a positive way. If teachers are able to learn to communicate in a way that students can understand and relate to their language then the learning process will be a much quicker, efficient process.
Week 10- Q5
What is the Semantic Web?
The Semantic Web(W3C) is a web of data, it provides a common framework that allows data to be shared and reused across applications, enterprise and community boundaries. Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, invented the Semantic Web "a web of data that can be processed directly and indirectly by machines". The Semantic Web allows a person, or machine to star off in one database and move through a never ending set of databases that are all connected. The Semantic web becomes a part of the web and is able to be processed independently of applications, platform etc. It hold virtually boundless information in the form of documents and it also has data as well as documents on the web in order for the computer to make sense of the information requested.
"The vision of the Semantic Web is a “web of data” that not only harnesses the seemingly endless amount of data on the World Wide Web, but also connects that information with data in relational databases and other non-interoperable information repositories, for example, EDI systems."
Week 9/10- Describe the experience of a fictional technophile student in 2020
The term technophiles is used to describe someone who is the opposite to a Neo-Luddite and actually has a love/ enthusiasm for technology, espcially new technology such as the Inet, Mobile Phones, Computers etc. "Technophiles tend to believe that the latest device is more efficient, but in so believing they assume that the value of some pieces of technology is wholly derived from the purpose it serves; if new technology serves some such purpose better than which it threatens to replace then it is to be welcomed"( Graham, 1999:13) What Graham is arguing here is that it may be all very well and good this new technology, constantly replacing something that was new a month ago, but what purpose does new technology have other than that? The new seems to become old, in what seems like weeks nowadays, there is always something better and newer out there!
I think the experience of a fictional student in 2020, will be very different to that of a student studying in 2009. For a start I think that e-learning will take a huge part in learning, I also think if the tution fees continue to rise that less and less people will be able to afford to go university so e-learning will become accessible to all. I think that education will be dependent on advancing technology and I also think that lessons will be less and less taught by teachers, but rather you will be able to interact with a tutor online if you have queries about the learning materials. Perhaps students will no longer even have to go to school/university and everything will be taught online, however there is still the issue os social interaction. This is crucial to a persons development. There are some subjects that can not simply be taught through the internet however, for example medicine, music etc.
A fictional students experience could be:
Wake up, from the alarm on my blackberry, Check what work I have to do for this week on the blackboard on my phone. Emailed my personal tutor to ask for advise on an essay that is due to be emailed in next week. Went on the e-library to access some e-journals and books that I needed to read for this weeks work. Watched the video version of my lecture, and went on my online chat to discuss it with my other colleagues. Never actually met my other university colleagues but we talk via the internet and also on video chat on our mobile phones. I watched the film that we have to analyse on my carry size laptop.
I think the experience of a fictional student in 2020, will be very different to that of a student studying in 2009. For a start I think that e-learning will take a huge part in learning, I also think if the tution fees continue to rise that less and less people will be able to afford to go university so e-learning will become accessible to all. I think that education will be dependent on advancing technology and I also think that lessons will be less and less taught by teachers, but rather you will be able to interact with a tutor online if you have queries about the learning materials. Perhaps students will no longer even have to go to school/university and everything will be taught online, however there is still the issue os social interaction. This is crucial to a persons development. There are some subjects that can not simply be taught through the internet however, for example medicine, music etc.
A fictional students experience could be:
Wake up, from the alarm on my blackberry, Check what work I have to do for this week on the blackboard on my phone. Emailed my personal tutor to ask for advise on an essay that is due to be emailed in next week. Went on the e-library to access some e-journals and books that I needed to read for this weeks work. Watched the video version of my lecture, and went on my online chat to discuss it with my other colleagues. Never actually met my other university colleagues but we talk via the internet and also on video chat on our mobile phones. I watched the film that we have to analyse on my carry size laptop.
Friday, 20 March 2009
Week 9/10- Describe the daily frustrations of a fictional neo-luddite at university now in the uk.
In order for me to describe the daily frustrations of a neo-luddite at univeristy today I mus first consider what a neo-luddite is. Luddite is a historical term relating to a political movement, and a neo-luddite is a term used to describe people or organisations that resist technological advances. Neo-luddites claim that the increase in technology will result in; a totalitarian state, dehumanization, loss of privacy etc.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-Luddism)
In a book written by Gordon Graham, titled 'The Internet', Graham presents some of the reasons why neo-luddites are opposed to Technology. "a new and anarchial form of radical social isolation has come into view as individuals live more and more in their own self-chosen (and fantastical) worlds of virtual reality"(Graham, 1999:7)
A neo-luddites day may go something like this:
Woke up for my 9am lecture, and got to the lecture to find it had been cancelled. An email had been sent roung but as I do not have a computer/laptop I could not access it. Later on I went to a seminar where we were dicussing a reading we were suppose to have printed out, I do not have a printer or use the computer so I could not discuss with the rest of the class which left me feeling a little lost and I didn't understand what we were reading. I realised that I needed help with one of my essays I went to my tutors office to arrange a meeting, but he was not there, I tried several times, someone told me I could email her, however I can't as I don't use email. I wanted to hand my essay in, however they don't accept hand written essays it must be word processed. My university friends all were going out after the lecture, I didn't know about it, they said it had been sorted through faecbook and texting but I don't use these or understand them. This left me feeling left out.
In an average day at university, interaction with technology happens almost every lecture or seminar or even study time. A neo-luddite who opposes technology would not be able to go to a lecture without experiencing a powerpoint on a projector. If for example a pupil needed to get in contact with a Lecturer of the University, he/she would need to email them as it would be difficult to get in touch without this. There is also the example of individual study, if a pupil wanted to access the library catalogue this is all done via computers. Most learning materials are accessed through the universities portal or some form of online page. Some pratical seminars that take place use the facility of computers. Neo-luddites would find life at university of a daily basis hard as almost every part of it uses some form of interction with technology. Even if we think of groupwork, a student must be able to get in contact with a group member via mobile phone, email, facebook etc. All of this problems would interupt in a neo-luddites learning process as they would not want to use them. If we think about Prenksys idea of all those who were born in the digital age are digital natives or if not there are digital immigrants, then a neo-luddite would not technically fit in with this presumption. The opposite of which to a neo-luddite, is a technophile which will feature in my next answer.
Does anyone know of any neo-luddites in your friend groups, or family? I was unaware that people oppose the advances in technology so strongly!
In a book written by Gordon Graham, titled 'The Internet', Graham presents some of the reasons why neo-luddites are opposed to Technology. "a new and anarchial form of radical social isolation has come into view as individuals live more and more in their own self-chosen (and fantastical) worlds of virtual reality"(Graham, 1999:7)
A neo-luddites day may go something like this:
Woke up for my 9am lecture, and got to the lecture to find it had been cancelled. An email had been sent roung but as I do not have a computer/laptop I could not access it. Later on I went to a seminar where we were dicussing a reading we were suppose to have printed out, I do not have a printer or use the computer so I could not discuss with the rest of the class which left me feeling a little lost and I didn't understand what we were reading. I realised that I needed help with one of my essays I went to my tutors office to arrange a meeting, but he was not there, I tried several times, someone told me I could email her, however I can't as I don't use email. I wanted to hand my essay in, however they don't accept hand written essays it must be word processed. My university friends all were going out after the lecture, I didn't know about it, they said it had been sorted through faecbook and texting but I don't use these or understand them. This left me feeling left out.
In an average day at university, interaction with technology happens almost every lecture or seminar or even study time. A neo-luddite who opposes technology would not be able to go to a lecture without experiencing a powerpoint on a projector. If for example a pupil needed to get in contact with a Lecturer of the University, he/she would need to email them as it would be difficult to get in touch without this. There is also the example of individual study, if a pupil wanted to access the library catalogue this is all done via computers. Most learning materials are accessed through the universities portal or some form of online page. Some pratical seminars that take place use the facility of computers. Neo-luddites would find life at university of a daily basis hard as almost every part of it uses some form of interction with technology. Even if we think of groupwork, a student must be able to get in contact with a group member via mobile phone, email, facebook etc. All of this problems would interupt in a neo-luddites learning process as they would not want to use them. If we think about Prenksys idea of all those who were born in the digital age are digital natives or if not there are digital immigrants, then a neo-luddite would not technically fit in with this presumption. The opposite of which to a neo-luddite, is a technophile which will feature in my next answer.
Does anyone know of any neo-luddites in your friend groups, or family? I was unaware that people oppose the advances in technology so strongly!
Week 9/10- A Person Who Most Threatens the Notion of Native/Immigrant in Digital Culture
The divide between digital immigrants and digital immigrants largely relies on age. If it is as Prensky believed that younger generations born in the digital age are digital natives, and older generation born in the analogue age are digital immigrants then a person that can threaten this notion must be of the older generation but as familiar with technology as a native. Bearing this in mind, I find that my Dad threatens the notion of immigrant/native.
My dad is 52, and is obviously born after the digital age however he is a journalist and is constantly using computers and software in his job. My dad owns an i-pod and regularly uses his mobile phone, and he uses Internet to buy things rather than always using shops. He uses email, and edits most of his stories on the computer rather than printing it out to correct. He may not be at the point of using the Internet on his phone and downloading music/movies but he certainly poses a threat to the divide between immigrants and natives. In my Dad's type of work the technology is ever changing and he has to be the first to know whats, what. So maybe the divide isn't at as prominent as was once thought. There is no denying that there are natives and immigrants however, can immigrants become natives. There are some people who are older and more efficient/ skilled in technology than those who grew up with it.
My dad is 52, and is obviously born after the digital age however he is a journalist and is constantly using computers and software in his job. My dad owns an i-pod and regularly uses his mobile phone, and he uses Internet to buy things rather than always using shops. He uses email, and edits most of his stories on the computer rather than printing it out to correct. He may not be at the point of using the Internet on his phone and downloading music/movies but he certainly poses a threat to the divide between immigrants and natives. In my Dad's type of work the technology is ever changing and he has to be the first to know whats, what. So maybe the divide isn't at as prominent as was once thought. There is no denying that there are natives and immigrants however, can immigrants become natives. There are some people who are older and more efficient/ skilled in technology than those who grew up with it.
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Week 9/10- The Youngest Digital Immigrant I know.
If we consider Prenskys defintion of a digital immigrant(those who did not grow up in the digital world and have had to adapt to technology) and their accent that is present in the way that they use technology. I would say that my Mum is the youngest Digital Immigrant I know. She could learn to adapt to using digital technology but she chooses not too, rather she lets my Dad do it instead. My mum owns a mobile phone(which takes her forever to text) I find that she tries to use 'text talk' which not even I do, so often her text messages comprises of random letters put together, and uses the internet occasionally to look on her favourite website 'Hobbs'! But I don't think that she really understands it and doesn't appear to care about being up to date. To her technology is changing so rapidly she will never be able to keep up.
I also think it is harder for her to learn as quickly as digital natives do, because her brain is wired differently she likes watching videos and reading books, and doesn't care for new technology that more my dads part. My mum does use email and, works on a daily basis with computers so she is familiar with computers and understands them but she had to go on a course to become used to pc programmes, where as me as a digital native have never been shown how to use a computer I have simply learnt on my own.
I also think it is harder for her to learn as quickly as digital natives do, because her brain is wired differently she likes watching videos and reading books, and doesn't care for new technology that more my dads part. My mum does use email and, works on a daily basis with computers so she is familiar with computers and understands them but she had to go on a course to become used to pc programmes, where as me as a digital native have never been shown how to use a computer I have simply learnt on my own.
Week 9/10- The Oldest Digital Native I know
I would say that the oldest digital native I know would be my Brother's girlfriend, she is nearly 25 years old and knows more about computers than I do. She studied Media at a London University and is very good at photography and often uses Photoshop and other software to edit photos. She inhibits every part of Prensky's definition of a Digital Native, she has grown up with digital technology and she uses it everyday.
She uses Facebook almost daily, and checks her email, she also uses her mobile phone a significant amount. She often downloads tv programmes and has a blog of livejournal, which is a classic expression of the digital age. people like to share their feelings with complete strangers. She is what Prensky coined as a digital native because she grew up around the time that the dhift in technology happened I would probably say her age group were the first to realise the change in technology. She shares the digital natives accent, and I would say that she is probably even more of a digital native than me.
She uses Facebook almost daily, and checks her email, she also uses her mobile phone a significant amount. She often downloads tv programmes and has a blog of livejournal, which is a classic expression of the digital age. people like to share their feelings with complete strangers. She is what Prensky coined as a digital native because she grew up around the time that the dhift in technology happened I would probably say her age group were the first to realise the change in technology. She shares the digital natives accent, and I would say that she is probably even more of a digital native than me.
Week 9/10- Question 3
Should education 'stretch' a person do you think? What do I mean by stretch?
Surely the main purpose of education is to stretch a persons knowledge and confidence and even their personality. The use of the word stretch means to expand and to push one selves further. For example higher education is usually carried on by people who wish to further their own potential and learn to make the most of their knowledge and how to expand their learning. I also take the term stretch to broaden ones imagination and options. Education should stretch a person, because if it does not push students further or simply does not educate in a way that pushes people to learn more and develop their skills then the educators are not fufilling what education should be. The idea of learning should be fun but also informative, it should allow students to want to push themselves. However if the teaching is not up to standards some students will not push themselves, because often a student needs a teacher to encourage their imagination and involve the students instead of reading of a powerpoint or book.
Surely the main purpose of education is to stretch a persons knowledge and confidence and even their personality. The use of the word stretch means to expand and to push one selves further. For example higher education is usually carried on by people who wish to further their own potential and learn to make the most of their knowledge and how to expand their learning. I also take the term stretch to broaden ones imagination and options. Education should stretch a person, because if it does not push students further or simply does not educate in a way that pushes people to learn more and develop their skills then the educators are not fufilling what education should be. The idea of learning should be fun but also informative, it should allow students to want to push themselves. However if the teaching is not up to standards some students will not push themselves, because often a student needs a teacher to encourage their imagination and involve the students instead of reading of a powerpoint or book.
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Week 9- Abstract 5
Anita Davis shows in "The Rise of the Digital Natives" how the takeover of technology is particularly affecting Asia. Asia is one of the most forfront countries in the development of technology. The article focuses on how often young people are using technology in their daily lifes and also presents some interesting statistics, that provides useful insight into the rise in technology use in young peoples lives.
Week 9- Abstract 4
Unlike many other theoretical view taken that digital natives and digital immigrants are entirely seperate generations C Adams claims that we are all part of the google generation. With examples that it is not just the younger generation that turn automatically to the internet for information, Adams is presenting an interesting view on the digital divide. Adams also presents the idea that is shared by many others in his field that young people are no longer developing analytical skills due to their constant flicking through pages instead of absorbing information.
Monday, 16 March 2009
Week 9- Abstract 3
With the digital divide growing ever further apart, this article looks at what could be done to integrate technology in to education to fulfil digital natives needs. The author discusses various Google tools that could aid incorporating technology into learning, to help close the divide. The article looks at ways of making technology accessible to all and shows how important the role of technology in education is today.
Week 9- Abstract 2
In recent times, Prensky's idea of Digital Native and Digital Immigrants has been highly debated. Sue Bennett et al presents in this article a critical reviw of the evidence that these groups do infact exist. The article raises the issue of whether education is fully equipped to deal with the new generation who are so intune with digital technology and questions whether teachers must adapt for digital natives.
Week 9- Abstract 1
With the ever increasing changes in technology, just who is this "google generation". David Nicholas looks at this new generation of google addicts and argues that young people are no longer forming sufficient analytical skills unlike their previous generations due to this "skim read" culture. This article demonstrates a valid argument and presents an interesting view into the world of digital natives and immigrants.
Week 9- Question 4
The following articles can be found on the e-library under the EBSCO database.
Article 1-
Nicholas, D et al (2008) The Google Generation: The information behaviour of the researcher of the future, Aslin Proceedings: New Information Perspectives, Vol 60, Issue 4 p290-310
Article 2-
Bennett, S et al (2008) The 'Digital Natives' debate: A critical review of the evidence, British Journal of Educational Technology, Sept,Vol 39 Issue 5, p775-786.
Article 3
Adams, C (2008) Gaga for Google in the Twenty-First Century Advanced Placement Language Classroom, Clearing House, Vol 82, Issue 2, p96-100
Article 4
Ashling, J (2008) We're All Members of the Google Generation, Information Today, Vol 25, Issue 3, p22-23
Article 5-
Davis, A (2008) The rise of the Digital Natives, Media: Asia's Media & Marketing Newspaper, Digital Media Supplement, p24-27
Article 1-
Nicholas, D et al (2008) The Google Generation: The information behaviour of the researcher of the future, Aslin Proceedings: New Information Perspectives, Vol 60, Issue 4 p290-310
Article 2-
Bennett, S et al (2008) The 'Digital Natives' debate: A critical review of the evidence, British Journal of Educational Technology, Sept,Vol 39 Issue 5, p775-786.
Article 3
Adams, C (2008) Gaga for Google in the Twenty-First Century Advanced Placement Language Classroom, Clearing House, Vol 82, Issue 2, p96-100
Article 4
Ashling, J (2008) We're All Members of the Google Generation, Information Today, Vol 25, Issue 3, p22-23
Article 5-
Davis, A (2008) The rise of the Digital Natives, Media: Asia's Media & Marketing Newspaper, Digital Media Supplement, p24-27
Week 9- Question 2
The below websites are the ones I used for this weeks tasks on digital immigration:
Website 1-Marc Prensky (2001) Digital Immigrants, Digital Natives http://www.marcprensky.com/http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/default.asp (Authors website)
http://www.twitchspeed.com/site/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.htm
Website 2-Timothy Vanslyke,(2003) Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants:Some Thoughts from the Generation Gap
http://technologysource.org/article/digital_natives_digital_immigrants/
Website 3- Richard Woods (2006) Times Online: Report The next step in brain evolution.
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/article683193.ece
Website 4-Siva Vaidhyanathan (2007) The googlization of everything.
http://www.googlizationofeverything.com/2007/12/the_problem_with_digital_nativ.php
Website 5- Henry Jenkins (2007) Reconsidering Digital Immigrants
http://www.henryjenkins.org/2007/12/reconsidering_digital_immigran.html
Website 1-Marc Prensky (2001) Digital Immigrants, Digital Natives http://www.marcprensky.com/http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/default.asp (Authors website)
http://www.twitchspeed.com/site/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.htm
Website 2-Timothy Vanslyke,(2003) Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants:Some Thoughts from the Generation Gap
http://technologysource.org/article/digital_natives_digital_immigrants/
Website 3- Richard Woods (2006) Times Online: Report The next step in brain evolution.
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/article683193.ece
Website 4-Siva Vaidhyanathan (2007) The googlization of everything.
http://www.googlizationofeverything.com/2007/12/the_problem_with_digital_nativ.php
Website 5- Henry Jenkins (2007) Reconsidering Digital Immigrants
http://www.henryjenkins.org/2007/12/reconsidering_digital_immigran.html
Saturday, 14 March 2009
Week 9- Question 1: Digital Immigration
Week 9- Question 1: Digital Immigration What is 'Digital Immigration'? Who cares about it? What sort of general attitudes have been based upon it?
Digital Immigration marks the shift in technology from Analogue to Digital. Those who have grown up with digital technology are regarded as Digital Natives and those who grew up with Analogue and have had to adapt to Digital are known as Digital Immigrants. An example of a Digital Native and a Digital Immigrant can be seen in the case of Student and Teacher, Teachers are regarded as Digital Immigrants as they have not grown up in the digital era and the student is a native because they have and have an automatic knowledge of digital that older generations might find harder to grasp because their "brains are wired differently"( Timothy Vanslyke http://www.wisc.edu/depd/html/TSarticles/Digital%20Natives.htm).
The differences between these two terms can even be related to the way in which they act a digital immigrant is more likely to take the time to read an instruction manual where as a native is more likely to assume they can do it without a manual. I think what is interesting about the terms digital 'immigrant' and 'native' coined by Marc Prensky, is that in todays society we feel the need to put a name on everything. The use of immigrant and native is claimed to "help us understand who is comfortable with with technology and those who are not". Is it really necessarily to drive a wedge between two generations, by naming them.
From the website articles I have focused on it appears that older generations and teachers/ lecturers are most interested with this digital divide. Marc Prensky, who has published a number of articles about digital learning, and as I mentioned earlier infact devised the concept of digital natives and digital immigrants presents the idea that digital natives do not need to be taught about technology because they are already programmed to know the latest technology and adapt very quickly(Marc Prensky- http://www.twitchspeed.com/site/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.htm)
"Our students today are all "native speakers" of the digital language of computers, video games and the Internet."
Is this a fair assumption that because we have grown up in the digital age that we no longer even need to be taught about new technologies?
It is inevitable if a generation grow up with new technology that they will adapt quickly to the rapid ever changing technology, where as generations that have not been exposed/ grown up with such technologies will find this more challenging to adapt to because their brains will work differently. For instance my parents are what would be defined as Digital Immigrants, they both can use email however this took a while to learn. My mum still cannot grasp the use of a mobile phone,no matter how many times I have shown her and this is not because she is unintelligent but to her it is a new technology it is something new to learn and frankly she doesn't seem to have time for new technology. I do not believe this is the case in all digital immigrants however, I think we are uick to judge older people as not being up to date with technology however I know many older people who use ipods, mobile phones the internet to buy things etc. I think in order to make sense of things we must define people into groups to make things understandable. Who knows when I am am older I will most likely be regarded as a digital immigrant because technology will have shifted rapidly and the next generation will have a better understanding of what is 'new'
Digital Immigration marks the shift in technology from Analogue to Digital. Those who have grown up with digital technology are regarded as Digital Natives and those who grew up with Analogue and have had to adapt to Digital are known as Digital Immigrants. An example of a Digital Native and a Digital Immigrant can be seen in the case of Student and Teacher, Teachers are regarded as Digital Immigrants as they have not grown up in the digital era and the student is a native because they have and have an automatic knowledge of digital that older generations might find harder to grasp because their "brains are wired differently"( Timothy Vanslyke http://www.wisc.edu/depd/html/TSarticles/Digital%20Natives.htm).
The differences between these two terms can even be related to the way in which they act a digital immigrant is more likely to take the time to read an instruction manual where as a native is more likely to assume they can do it without a manual. I think what is interesting about the terms digital 'immigrant' and 'native' coined by Marc Prensky, is that in todays society we feel the need to put a name on everything. The use of immigrant and native is claimed to "help us understand who is comfortable with with technology and those who are not". Is it really necessarily to drive a wedge between two generations, by naming them.
From the website articles I have focused on it appears that older generations and teachers/ lecturers are most interested with this digital divide. Marc Prensky, who has published a number of articles about digital learning, and as I mentioned earlier infact devised the concept of digital natives and digital immigrants presents the idea that digital natives do not need to be taught about technology because they are already programmed to know the latest technology and adapt very quickly(Marc Prensky- http://www.twitchspeed.com/site/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.htm)
"Our students today are all "native speakers" of the digital language of computers, video games and the Internet."
Is this a fair assumption that because we have grown up in the digital age that we no longer even need to be taught about new technologies?
It is inevitable if a generation grow up with new technology that they will adapt quickly to the rapid ever changing technology, where as generations that have not been exposed/ grown up with such technologies will find this more challenging to adapt to because their brains will work differently. For instance my parents are what would be defined as Digital Immigrants, they both can use email however this took a while to learn. My mum still cannot grasp the use of a mobile phone,no matter how many times I have shown her and this is not because she is unintelligent but to her it is a new technology it is something new to learn and frankly she doesn't seem to have time for new technology. I do not believe this is the case in all digital immigrants however, I think we are uick to judge older people as not being up to date with technology however I know many older people who use ipods, mobile phones the internet to buy things etc. I think in order to make sense of things we must define people into groups to make things understandable. Who knows when I am am older I will most likely be regarded as a digital immigrant because technology will have shifted rapidly and the next generation will have a better understanding of what is 'new'
Week 8- Article 5
Article 5- The last article I have chosen to look at is front an Asian Magazine. The article features "The rise of the digital native" and looks at an example of how much time young people are spending on digital based media. The article shows statistics of how much time people are spending on the Inet, TV, Mobile phones etc. However this article is from an Asian Magazine which may have implications on taking this as a reliable source as it is well known that Asia is one of the leading countires in the world of digital production. I think more so than the others this article is based on facts within the magazines own country and is hard to disagree with. However a question I would be asking when reading this is why exactly has it been written... is it implying that this amount of time spent on technology is a bad thing?
Week 8- Article 4
Article 4- This article also looks at the google generation but instead of claiming that it is just the younger generation that makes up this definition, the writer believes we are all members of the "google generation". The writer does however also argue like some of the other articles I looked as that the digital generation are developing the same analytical skills and learning skills. "However, the young still exhibit a lack of critical and analytical skills even though they are more confident and familiar with computer equipment and social networking." I have to disagree with this point, although many of the articles I have looked at mention that the digital natives brain is wired differently and they tend to not take as much information in. Students etc are still being taught via traditional teaching methods, they may when they get home watch tv all night or go on the internet but they are still being taught in the way that digital immigrants were. I agree that there may be some issues with concentration, and a tendency to flick through things but generally digital natives are still learning. The idea that we all belong to the google generation, is a fair point and is the first article I have seen so far to mention this. It is clear that all generations turn to search engines now as oppose to sifting through books.
Week 8- Article 3
Article 3- The third article I have chosen to look at draws upon integrating digital natives needs into education. The article was written in 2008 which is fairly recent and shows how much the issue of digital natives/immigrants is still very much an issue in terms of learning. The article discusses Twenty-first century tools in the classroom and incorporating the Internet via google into education, it also looks at the various google tools such as Google docs, available to students who do not have Microsoft word. The main disagreements I have with this article is basically the incorporation of google tools into education. I think that this article is "selling" google and all its products as a form of educational use in learning., it talks about how introducing this into classrooms could help "to close the digital divide", which I completely disagree with. I think that the digital divide will never be completely closed because there are two types of generation we are talking about. Surely just because the "google generation" have grown up with technology, does not mean that other generations must have to change in order to meet their needs. It should be a compromise, I do not believe that in order for this new digital generation to learn, the digital immigrants must change their teaching methods because these still prove to be effective!
Friday, 13 March 2009
Week 8- Article 2
Article 2- This article is from the British Journal of Education Technology and was written in 2008. The article discusses the debate of 'digital natives', and looks at other theorists views on the digital divide. I find it hard to criticise this particular article as I found myself agreeing with many of the points raised. For example the issue of what a digital native actually means, some had said that "Young people of the digital native generation possess sophisticated knowledge of technologies, and also that their learning differs from other generations", this article points out that there is little evidence to prove this. It does however question whether education is currently equipped to meet the needs of these digital natives, which I disagree with. This point presents the idea that digital natives (reliant on the Internet) need new forms of learning processes perhaps with the use of technology, however it is clear that traditional teaching methods are still effective and I do not think these need to change in order to "meet the needs of digital natives". If anything I think we are too reliant on technology in teaching for example, when a PowerPoint does not work in a lecture the lecturer cannot always function without this aid, what happened to good old fashioned teaching??!!
Week 8- Article 1
Article 1- The first article I have chosen to look at focuses on the 'google generation'. Some of the major disagreements I have with this article is the generalisation that everyone born after 1993 belongs to the google generation, a generation dominated by the Internet. The authors of this article claim that young people turn to the Internet( search engines) for first port of call instead of libraries. Well to an extent I would say this could be true of some young students, however I think the library still plays a very important part in learning. The trouble with search engines is that often they produce lists of endless irrelevant pages, often with subject matter that has no match to what you were actually searching for.
The article presents the idea that the "google generation" no longer are able to evaluate a source adequately for relevant information. However I do not think this is the case, as I already mentioned search engines tend to produce lists of websites that are not relevant to the search, surely this is evaluating a source for relevance by looking at each website and establishing that is it not usable!
The article also gives the impression that young people's academic learning skills are not developing the same as older generations. "Young scholars are using tools that require little skill", well this is simply not the case if anything the "google generation" are having to develop new learning skills in order to keep up with the rapid change in technology. The assumption that everyone born in the digital age is already imprinted with the knowledge and must be able to use new technology and understand it without being shown how to is exactly that, an assumption.
The article presents the idea that the "google generation" no longer are able to evaluate a source adequately for relevant information. However I do not think this is the case, as I already mentioned search engines tend to produce lists of websites that are not relevant to the search, surely this is evaluating a source for relevance by looking at each website and establishing that is it not usable!
The article also gives the impression that young people's academic learning skills are not developing the same as older generations. "Young scholars are using tools that require little skill", well this is simply not the case if anything the "google generation" are having to develop new learning skills in order to keep up with the rapid change in technology. The assumption that everyone born in the digital age is already imprinted with the knowledge and must be able to use new technology and understand it without being shown how to is exactly that, an assumption.
Week 8- Website 5
Website 5-
The last website I have chosen to look at is also from a published source, the website is in a form of a blog once again. The fact that the blog is written by a published source who has written other books inclines me to believe it is a reliable source, however there may be biased views presented. The blog was written in 2007, so again a relatively recent source compared to the previous websites I have looked at. The author has written numerous books on subjects related to the new digital world. This blog also looks at the Website no.1s argument and uses his argument to make comparisons and draw upon similiarites in his own thoughts. Like some of the other websites, the author also agrees that digital immigrants and natives alow us to understand the learning differences between the two. This blog, like the other blog I focused on features comments from other readers. There is also a link to find out more information about the author of this blog. I found the usability of this website easy, and straightforward it follows the layout of most typical blogs with hypertext at the top and sides.
The last website I have chosen to look at is also from a published source, the website is in a form of a blog once again. The fact that the blog is written by a published source who has written other books inclines me to believe it is a reliable source, however there may be biased views presented. The blog was written in 2007, so again a relatively recent source compared to the previous websites I have looked at. The author has written numerous books on subjects related to the new digital world. This blog also looks at the Website no.1s argument and uses his argument to make comparisons and draw upon similiarites in his own thoughts. Like some of the other websites, the author also agrees that digital immigrants and natives alow us to understand the learning differences between the two. This blog, like the other blog I focused on features comments from other readers. There is also a link to find out more information about the author of this blog. I found the usability of this website easy, and straightforward it follows the layout of most typical blogs with hypertext at the top and sides.
Week 8- Website 4
Website 4-
The fourth website page I have chosen to look at is a blog that was written in 2007 which is the most recent of the websites I have looked at so far. This blog is a book in progress, but whether it is reliable or not given that the other sources are published sources is debatable. This website entirely disagrees with the notion of digital immigrants and digital natives, claiming that "generations are not meaningful social catergories". This website like website 2, also speaks for personal experience with 'digital natives'. The blog has many comments from readers which shows that the blog is widely viewed. The writer believes that dividing generations into categories is having a negative effect on seeing the similiarites between the two and the way that the groups interact. The usability if this blog is simple as each blog is located into subject topics and comments are easily accessible.
The fourth website page I have chosen to look at is a blog that was written in 2007 which is the most recent of the websites I have looked at so far. This blog is a book in progress, but whether it is reliable or not given that the other sources are published sources is debatable. This website entirely disagrees with the notion of digital immigrants and digital natives, claiming that "generations are not meaningful social catergories". This website like website 2, also speaks for personal experience with 'digital natives'. The blog has many comments from readers which shows that the blog is widely viewed. The writer believes that dividing generations into categories is having a negative effect on seeing the similiarites between the two and the way that the groups interact. The usability if this blog is simple as each blog is located into subject topics and comments are easily accessible.
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Week 8- Website 3
Website 3- The third website page I have chosen for this task is from a well known newspaper article online. The writers aim in this article is show how technology is dividing us into two groups of generations. The article is from 2006, which is more recent. The article uses examples in the case of a 20 year old student and her mother to show the clear divide in generations. This articles also echoes some of the points raised in the other two articles, that the digital natives brains differ to those of a digital immigrant. "Are digital natives charting a new course for human intelligence? And if so, is it better, faster, smarter?". Experts talk about how new generation brains, do not absorb as much information, constantly working faster and sifting more information. This article also raises the issue of blogging, where once children confided in diaries, now they blog where anyone can see. This article is from a newspaper and is written in a more user friendly way. I think that is raises some interesting points.
Week 8- Website 1+ 2
Website 2- This article reinforces the ideas that the previous website article presented, especially highlighting the cultural divide between Digital Immigrants and Digital Natives. However, the author predominantly disagrees with many of the conclusions reached in the previous article. The author is writing this from his own experiences of this divide. The article draws upon the question of whether all students fit the term Digital Native, and the author disagrees with the author of article 1's idea that learning must be adapted into virtual games etc arguing that "While it appears that the digital natives, on average, grew up reading less and engaging with digital media more, this does not mean that they are illiterate or unresponsive to traditional forms of teaching and learning". Here the author recognises the different abilities of people learning, and believes that a computer program cannot produce the same level of teaching as a human teacher. The author highlights that there is an overemphasise on the differences between a digital immigrant and digital native but what of the similarities? The author states that we can learn from looking at digital immigrants and natives but we should not take this analogy too far. This article was written in 2003 and overall I think its usability is great it takes the previous articles argument and presents its own counter argument, considering parts of the argument but also revealing reasons why this does not work. However once again this is over 6 years ago, and the impact of the Internet on students has become even greater during this time. Does this mean that the differences between digital natives and digital immigrants are pushed to even greater lengths today?
Website 1- This article acknowledges the established terms Digital Native and Digital Immigrant, the author explores the fundamental differences between the two terms, and how a generation that has grown up with new technology(digital world) differs to those who have grown up in an analogue world. This article was published online in 2001, and though this is over 8 years ago it is still relevant, the article can be found on the authors website with a link to it, and I would say the article usability is straightforward and easy to access. I think the authors ideas of teaching becoming a virtual game for students to learn off still is a revolutionary idea and even in 2009 I do not think this could happen, but who can predict what effect the Internet may have in years to come? The article raises issues about the teaching and learning of this digital generation, asking whether or not they need to be taught about technology, because their way of learning differs to that of other generations. "It is now clear that as a result of this ubiquitous environment and the sheer volume of their interaction with it, today's students think and process information fundamentally differently from their predecessors". The article asks what about those who are not part of this generation, the digital immigrants so to speak and about their "accent"an example of this is printing out an email, printing out a word document to edit, referring to the Internet after other methods of finding something else. This article highlights the differences between a Digital Immigrant and Digital Native, it concludes with the idea that Digital Immigrants must change their language etc in order to reach their students.
Website 1- This article acknowledges the established terms Digital Native and Digital Immigrant, the author explores the fundamental differences between the two terms, and how a generation that has grown up with new technology(digital world) differs to those who have grown up in an analogue world. This article was published online in 2001, and though this is over 8 years ago it is still relevant, the article can be found on the authors website with a link to it, and I would say the article usability is straightforward and easy to access. I think the authors ideas of teaching becoming a virtual game for students to learn off still is a revolutionary idea and even in 2009 I do not think this could happen, but who can predict what effect the Internet may have in years to come? The article raises issues about the teaching and learning of this digital generation, asking whether or not they need to be taught about technology, because their way of learning differs to that of other generations. "It is now clear that as a result of this ubiquitous environment and the sheer volume of their interaction with it, today's students think and process information fundamentally differently from their predecessors". The article asks what about those who are not part of this generation, the digital immigrants so to speak and about their "accent"an example of this is printing out an email, printing out a word document to edit, referring to the Internet after other methods of finding something else. This article highlights the differences between a Digital Immigrant and Digital Native, it concludes with the idea that Digital Immigrants must change their language etc in order to reach their students.
Friday, 6 March 2009
Week 7- Task Three
I decided to look at the University of London, distance learning website for this task.
http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/study_ep/index.shtml
The university of London, external system has been offering wide range of distance learning since 1858. When reading the study experience, it explains that you must be self motivated and enjoy working independently which I think highlights that fact that you will not be interacting in a social experience but rather learning on your own.
Study Materials include:
Study guides and handbooks – specially written by University of London academics and designed to guide you through your studies.
Textbooks
Past examination papers and Examiners’ reports.
CD-ROMs which may include information resources or interactive exercises.
Online resources – including access to online libraries, study materials and databases
The UoL is not just limited to England it is a major institution in Africa,Asia, Carribean, Europe and South America etc with over 40,000 students worldwide. It allows people to study at their own pace while also having a job and travelling around. There is an online library with access to to a full-list text database, journals etc. It also allows students to take exams online. The UoL also features 'Online Learning Enviroment'. The OLE provides access to online support and collaboration between students and academics. It helps to deal with the issues of distance learning including features such as:
http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/study_ep/index.shtml
The university of London, external system has been offering wide range of distance learning since 1858. When reading the study experience, it explains that you must be self motivated and enjoy working independently which I think highlights that fact that you will not be interacting in a social experience but rather learning on your own.
Study Materials include:
Study guides and handbooks – specially written by University of London academics and designed to guide you through your studies.
Textbooks
Past examination papers and Examiners’ reports.
CD-ROMs which may include information resources or interactive exercises.
Online resources – including access to online libraries, study materials and databases
The UoL is not just limited to England it is a major institution in Africa,Asia, Carribean, Europe and South America etc with over 40,000 students worldwide. It allows people to study at their own pace while also having a job and travelling around. There is an online library with access to to a full-list text database, journals etc. It also allows students to take exams online. The UoL also features 'Online Learning Enviroment'. The OLE provides access to online support and collaboration between students and academics. It helps to deal with the issues of distance learning including features such as:
- Student-student and student-tutor discussion boards
- Contact with programme administration staff
- Secure assignment submission and retrieval
- Internal messaging
- Links to external resources including the Online library
- Access to online study materials and study guides
- Audio and video resources
- Assessment activities
- Student and staff profiles
- Student community areas
Overall from looking at UoL external system, there are valuable points to distance learning it allows people who may not be able to attend university a chance to study for a degree and fufil aspirations. It also allows students to continue with jobs as well as studying. It is also important that this distance learning is available to other countries, as this increases the accessibility of studying towards higher education.
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Week 7- Task Two: Rural Farmers in Africa
Task two is taken from the following web address:
http://www.elearning-africa.com/newsportal/english/news163.php
The main issue that is effecting Africa is the agriculture, it is an important part of Kenya's economy and farmers are struggling due to lack of knowledge when it comes to dealing with crops and pests etc. Given this situation Biovision Foundation and local scientists teamed up to develop an informational portal called Infonet, this was launched in 2007. Infonet meant that farmers were able to access useful information that could help them increased their farming. The project tarhets farmers, schools, extension officers, and trainers etc.
The main problem with launching an internet site is that Inet is still very limited in Kenya, this is why Biovision also made an offline version on CD's and Memory Sticks, so that farmers can access Infonet on any computer and without the Inet. This has changed farmers lives. "Infonet acts like a google for farmers where they can easily access info on their most urgent problems"(Mr Schriber). Kenya is currently the central information portal but there are plans to extend the access worldwide. There is also the opportunity for farmers to interact with Infonet via SMS and email. Biovision is working on linking the info portal so that it can be accessed on a mobile phone.
When I began reading this article, I considered how I would be able to access a range of information without the Inet, and to an extent I am able to access books from the library etc. But without the Inet nowadays I think I would struggle a great deal to find the information I needed. So considering that I thought of the rural area's in Africa with no Inet access, and thought about how farmers would be able to access valuable information about crops and pests. The answer is they wouldn't. So this article is important in showing how technology is being used to further peoples lives everyday. It also shows the effectiveness of distance learning and how technology is becoming widely available to all.
http://www.elearning-africa.com/newsportal/english/news163.php
The main issue that is effecting Africa is the agriculture, it is an important part of Kenya's economy and farmers are struggling due to lack of knowledge when it comes to dealing with crops and pests etc. Given this situation Biovision Foundation and local scientists teamed up to develop an informational portal called Infonet, this was launched in 2007. Infonet meant that farmers were able to access useful information that could help them increased their farming. The project tarhets farmers, schools, extension officers, and trainers etc.
The main problem with launching an internet site is that Inet is still very limited in Kenya, this is why Biovision also made an offline version on CD's and Memory Sticks, so that farmers can access Infonet on any computer and without the Inet. This has changed farmers lives. "Infonet acts like a google for farmers where they can easily access info on their most urgent problems"(Mr Schriber). Kenya is currently the central information portal but there are plans to extend the access worldwide. There is also the opportunity for farmers to interact with Infonet via SMS and email. Biovision is working on linking the info portal so that it can be accessed on a mobile phone.
When I began reading this article, I considered how I would be able to access a range of information without the Inet, and to an extent I am able to access books from the library etc. But without the Inet nowadays I think I would struggle a great deal to find the information I needed. So considering that I thought of the rural area's in Africa with no Inet access, and thought about how farmers would be able to access valuable information about crops and pests. The answer is they wouldn't. So this article is important in showing how technology is being used to further peoples lives everyday. It also shows the effectiveness of distance learning and how technology is becoming widely available to all.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Week 7- Task One China's DL
These are some of the key points I found interesting and informative about distance learning teaching in China. These points are taken from this weeks reading of Zhao Yuhui's article, China: Its Distance Higher Education System, this can be located at the following address:
http://www1.worldbank.org/disted/Technology/broadcast/tv-02.html
http://www1.worldbank.org/disted/Technology/broadcast/tv-02.html
- China was one of the first countries to use radio and Tv for distance learning. IN THE 1960s the first TV Universities were established.
- After the Cultual revolution ended in 1976, enrollment in higher education was low despite the education level being higher than most developing countries.
- TVUs were practical because they required fewer funding and took a sorter amount of time to train.
- CRTVU- Central Radio and TV university-1978 Radio and TV uni's run at 5 levels; CRTVU-highest level, PTVUS- Second level, Branch Schools- third level, Work Stations-fourth level, Television classes- lowest level.
- CRTVU offers 150 courses, from Mathematics to Library Science.
- TVU- Multimedia, radio+tv+ printed materials
- Audio/Video cassettes are also used to aid distance learning.
- Textbooks that conventional universities use are also used in CRTVU
- "At present, radio and televisins teaching programmes are to a large extent a direct transcription of conventional university classroom teaching"
- Face to face tutoring is also available.
- Students have to obtain credits to pass units. If they do not complete an 'experiment' etc they will not get the credits for the degree
- Period of Schooling is similiar to that of conventional universities, 2-3 years for full time students
- Students are required to obtain 160 credits for 2 years, 240 credit for 3 years.
- TVU students are free from tution fees!!!!!!!!
- "It has been estimated that on average one-third of the cost can be saved to produce a TVU graduate who studies full-time and continues to receive full wages; two-thirds can be saved to turn out a part-time graduate"
- China's radio and TV universities will play an important role in the economy, the development of higher education and social development.
I think what is interesting about the expansion of distance learning in China, is that it has obviously had a huge effect on higher education as around half of the students there graduate with degrees they might not necessarily have got if there was no access to learning in their area.
I also wonder about the state of bias in the type of education they are learning, remember they are only sourcing information from one output. They could be taught entirely biased views and the CRTVU can get away with it.
There is also the issue of interactivity. Through learning information from the radio and TV, you are not able to interact with other students. I think that this is an important part of studying to be allowed to listen and express your own and others views. It also helps to develop social skills and confidence.
Can anyone else think of any importants points to this weeks reading?
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