Saturday, June 9, 2007
Assessment of the Course
Altogether... I was happy with the course. I'm personally not persuing Techology and much more to do with Film etc but the interesting and broad information taught and the way it was taught was okay with me. My tutor Chris was great, he helped me with all my stupid questions and misunderstandings and re-directed me to the right pathway of thinking. The information taught was broad and allowed alot of room for creative output which I think is the way it should be. Overall, I was satisfied with the course - it was creative, covered a wide range of information and opened my eyes to a new way of thinking. However, I do not wish to persue Technology in the future :) Thank-you Chris for putting up with me as well.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
on the exam...
i have to say i had a few giggles to myself in the exam.
its amazing what study can do :) feeling pretty good about it.
definitely enjoyed the outright pathetic answer choices for those people who obviously never attended a lecture or tute or looked at the text book.
not a bad shot i thought... the movie questions kinda got me though - after awhile they just combined in my head.
but hey... never going to be the next bill gates so good work tiffanie.
its amazing what study can do :) feeling pretty good about it.
definitely enjoyed the outright pathetic answer choices for those people who obviously never attended a lecture or tute or looked at the text book.
not a bad shot i thought... the movie questions kinda got me though - after awhile they just combined in my head.
but hey... never going to be the next bill gates so good work tiffanie.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
chapter 1 & 2 revision!!!
Chapter 1 Themes: Political Economy, Technology, Culture, Media & Capitalism
(*=Key people; -= key words/meanings)
*Douglas Rushkoff: one of the 1st journalists to explore cyberspace. 1994 published 'Cyberia: Life in the trenches of hyperspace'.
*Aldous Huxley: 1965 'Brave New World' - utopian view of the future world initially, future revealed as dystopian with reference to people as 'drones'
*George Orwell: 1988 'Nineteen Eighty four' - dystopian view of the future.
Both Huxley and Orwell introduce the idea of 'constant surveillance' of people
*William Gibson: 1995 'The Gernsback continuum' - utopian/dystopian tension in dreams of the future
*Kingsley Aims: 1960 'New Maps of Hell' discussed the tension of utopia versus dystopia
*Alex Callinicos: 1995 British philosopher - human nature to attempt to control nature through implements of technology
- technology: series of intersecting scientific methods, discoveries and practices, often embodied in 'things'
-mass broadcasting vs narrowcasting - mass audience split into individual particles
...
Chapter 2 Theme: Communication
- dialectic: a concept of thinking systematically using a process of logic; the idea that history is shaped by opposing forces); methods of discussion and debate - determining the interrelation of ideas in light of a single principle
- Hegelian dialectic: the proposition (thesis); an opposite/competing proposition (antithesis); & the logical resolution of the tension between them (synthesis).
*Georg Hegel: 1770 - 1831 'process of resolving a contradiction between competing ideas'
*Karl Marx(1818 - 1883)
*Friedrick Engels (1820 - 1895)
*Marx & Engels 1973 'Manifesto of the Communist Party'
(both Marx & Engels took Hegel's understanding of dialectic being about ideas and formed the belief that dialectic reasoning had an application to the study of human history)
*Charles Darwin - theory of natural selection
- ideology: a world view based on principles or intuitions that may or may not be internally consistent
- idealism: worldview in which all manifestations of reality actually stem from the thought process of human beings
- materialism: philosophical mode of thought - events, situations & relationships in the physical world determine to the largest degree human consciousness & thinking
- meme: small, transmittable lump of ideology - ideas that carry a particular set of social attitudes & directions, meanings/trends that pass through time & space by mimetic transfer
*Richard Dawkins 1989 'The Selfish Gene' - first use of 'meme'
-vector: a parthway/pathways open for communication e.g. transmissions of ideology via mimetic transfer
- analogue: mechanical technology used to transmit sound, light, temparature, position, or pressure (wave measured by variations in time & amptitude during transmission) - basis of digital
- digital: digital electronic technology works using a binary code to store & transmit data using 'positive' & 'non-positive' ; either 'on' or 'off'; two digits 'one' and 'zero' - used in new com. media
*Neil Postman 1993 - technological pessimist - neither good nor bad
...
(*=Key people; -= key words/meanings)
*Douglas Rushkoff: one of the 1st journalists to explore cyberspace. 1994 published 'Cyberia: Life in the trenches of hyperspace'.
*Aldous Huxley: 1965 'Brave New World' - utopian view of the future world initially, future revealed as dystopian with reference to people as 'drones'
*George Orwell: 1988 'Nineteen Eighty four' - dystopian view of the future.
Both Huxley and Orwell introduce the idea of 'constant surveillance' of people
*William Gibson: 1995 'The Gernsback continuum' - utopian/dystopian tension in dreams of the future
*Kingsley Aims: 1960 'New Maps of Hell' discussed the tension of utopia versus dystopia
*Alex Callinicos: 1995 British philosopher - human nature to attempt to control nature through implements of technology
- technology: series of intersecting scientific methods, discoveries and practices, often embodied in 'things'
-mass broadcasting vs narrowcasting - mass audience split into individual particles
...
Chapter 2 Theme: Communication
- dialectic: a concept of thinking systematically using a process of logic; the idea that history is shaped by opposing forces); methods of discussion and debate - determining the interrelation of ideas in light of a single principle
- Hegelian dialectic: the proposition (thesis); an opposite/competing proposition (antithesis); & the logical resolution of the tension between them (synthesis).
*Georg Hegel: 1770 - 1831 'process of resolving a contradiction between competing ideas'
*Karl Marx(1818 - 1883)
*Friedrick Engels (1820 - 1895)
*Marx & Engels 1973 'Manifesto of the Communist Party'
(both Marx & Engels took Hegel's understanding of dialectic being about ideas and formed the belief that dialectic reasoning had an application to the study of human history)
*Charles Darwin - theory of natural selection
- ideology: a world view based on principles or intuitions that may or may not be internally consistent
- idealism: worldview in which all manifestations of reality actually stem from the thought process of human beings
- materialism: philosophical mode of thought - events, situations & relationships in the physical world determine to the largest degree human consciousness & thinking
- meme: small, transmittable lump of ideology - ideas that carry a particular set of social attitudes & directions, meanings/trends that pass through time & space by mimetic transfer
*Richard Dawkins 1989 'The Selfish Gene' - first use of 'meme'
-vector: a parthway/pathways open for communication e.g. transmissions of ideology via mimetic transfer
- analogue: mechanical technology used to transmit sound, light, temparature, position, or pressure (wave measured by variations in time & amptitude during transmission) - basis of digital
- digital: digital electronic technology works using a binary code to store & transmit data using 'positive' & 'non-positive' ; either 'on' or 'off'; two digits 'one' and 'zero' - used in new com. media
*Neil Postman 1993 - technological pessimist - neither good nor bad
...
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Microsoft Word & Excel
I have grown up using Microsoft Word is various editions - older less complicated versions; and lately the more efficient and detailed version.
Microsoft Word is very simple to use I find - it has a help panel and many functions to allow for faster, more correct writing. The functions at the top of the screen make editing very easy and personalising documents quite fun. Spellcheck is definitely something to be wary of! The spellcheck can sometimes replace words that have been spelt wrong with the incorrect word - leaving your sentence completely out of context and hard to understand.
Microsoft Excel however did take me sometime to get used to. On the surface it a simple 'insert numbers in columns' program; however, once you have dug around there are many formulas and functions to learn and use.
Correctly using these can allow for faster, more efficient calculations with just a few letters and digits entered. On the otherhand, it is very easy to make mistakes with Excel functions and formulas and this can set you back with calculations. With a bit of help and practise it is possible to wrap your head around Excel and put it to use in a very beneficial way.
Personally, I would be lost without Excel and Word. I'm sure I could find another program to do the job - but being familiar with the offspring of Microsoft has allowed me to complete assignments and tasks with time efficiency and effectiveness. Go Microsoft!
Microsoft Word is very simple to use I find - it has a help panel and many functions to allow for faster, more correct writing. The functions at the top of the screen make editing very easy and personalising documents quite fun. Spellcheck is definitely something to be wary of! The spellcheck can sometimes replace words that have been spelt wrong with the incorrect word - leaving your sentence completely out of context and hard to understand.
Microsoft Excel however did take me sometime to get used to. On the surface it a simple 'insert numbers in columns' program; however, once you have dug around there are many formulas and functions to learn and use.
Correctly using these can allow for faster, more efficient calculations with just a few letters and digits entered. On the otherhand, it is very easy to make mistakes with Excel functions and formulas and this can set you back with calculations. With a bit of help and practise it is possible to wrap your head around Excel and put it to use in a very beneficial way.
Personally, I would be lost without Excel and Word. I'm sure I could find another program to do the job - but being familiar with the offspring of Microsoft has allowed me to complete assignments and tasks with time efficiency and effectiveness. Go Microsoft!
References for Mobile Tech Essay
References
Anonymous (1992) ‘Mobile Phones:
Australian Government (2007) ‘The Australian Wireless Industry’ Text www.investaustralia.com (accessed 01 May 2007)
Beaton, J. & Wajcman, J. (2004) ‘The Impact of the Mobile Telephone in
Datacomm Research Company (2006) ‘Mobile Phone Evolution’ Text www.datacommresearch.com (accessed 01 May 2007)
Flanagan, W. (2007) ‘Hold the Phone: Is the Incentive market ready for SmartPhones?’ Incentive 181:4, pg 22
Lipoff, S. (1992) ‘New Frontiers in Wireless Communications’ Telecommunications. 26:2 ABI/INFORM Global, pg. 65
Lush, E. (2007) ‘The real 3G phone boom: it’s about girls, girls, girls’ The Spectator,
SMS.ac (2004) ‘The Evolution of Mobile Phones as from the Perspective of SMS.ac’ Text www.sms.ac/corporate (accessed 01 May 2007)
Smyth, P (2000) ‘A history of Mobile Communications – 1995 – 2010’ Text www.springerlink.com/index/N47227744J532725.pdf (accessed 01 May 2007)
Take, S (2004) ‘Evolution of the Mobile Technology’ Text http://www.buzzle.com/chapters/science-and-technology.asp (accessed 01 May 2007)
Taylor, P. (2002) ‘Nokia goes from Humble Origins to Global Success: The world’s leading maker of cell phones has always had to look beyond its Finnish roots’ Financial Times
Friday, May 4, 2007
The Mobile Phone: An Evolved Species
Shopping centres are overflowing with them, schools are filled with them, workplaces operate on them and they are even found in third world countries; it is undeniable that the mobile phone has evolved greatly to impact the world in a profound way.
According to the Australian Government, at the end of 2006 there were approximately 19.5 million mobile phone subscribers in Australia; almost matching the estimated population figure in the same year (Australian Government).
Before the mobile phone concept came into being, the United States developed a new technology called the ‘radiotelephone service’; this connected users in their cars to the public network (Take, S. 2004). The evolution of the mobile telephone begins with the ‘First Generation’ (1G) mobile – developed in the 1970s; this system allowed users to make calls across the country (Take, S. 2004). When the ‘Second Generation’ (2G) mobile phone was first introduced in the 1980s it was seen as a ‘rich man’s indulgence’, assumed that only the upper-class businessman would possess such an object (Anonymous. 1992). The 2G phone offered better quality and greater capability than the 1G phone (Take, S. 2004).
After proving successful with the general public, improvements were made to the mobile telephone to introduce more features and increase its appeal (Smyth, P. 2000). The 1990s saw the introduction of an integrated mobile phone and personal organiser; this machine incorporating voice and messaging services, global positioning services (GPS) and even Internet browsing (Smyth, P. 2000). During this evolution and progression; it became evident that mobile telephone users were after unique devices with a large array of features, highest speed functions and mobility (Flanagan, W. 2007). This prompted the introduction of new multimedia devices in the year 2000, known as the ‘Third Generation’ (3G) of the mobile phone (Take, S. 2004). These devices were seen as a breakthrough in technology; incorporated personal media players, global roaming, colour and touch screens (Anonymous. 1992), video conferencing, and high-speed internet access into one compact machine (Lush, E. 2007).
The evolution of the ‘mobile’ has caused several mobile telephone manufacturers to become leading names in the communications industry. As it became evident that there was a large market for new technology devices within the general public; manufacturers began to compete to produce the most impressive and high-speed devices (Lipoff, S. 1992). Nokia, Motorola and Ericsson have risen above the other manufacturers to become the leaders in mobile communication technology (Taylor, P. 2002). The continuing competition to produce the most ‘cutting-edge’ mobile devices has shaped the way business is conducted; created many opportunities for small and large businesses and also impacted greatly on users’ personal lives (Coventry. 2001).
The development of the mobile phone has altered the way people communicate on business and personal terms. Modern day communication surpasses the traditional methods and it has allowed for faster contact and increased mobility (Beaton, J & Wajcman, J. 2004). The mobile telephone has enhanced and increased personal communication; as people can now communicate via short text messages, video messages and images sent from mobile phone to mobile phone (Lipoff, S. 1992).
The evolution of the mobile phone from enabling basic voice calls to sending and receiving text/video/image messages, now sees the 'mobile’ as an essential personal device for most users (Lush, E. 2007).
The mobile telephone has allowed for a greater connection to be made between the work life and the personal life. However, the fast-connection and increased mobility of mobile telephones today allows users to organize and coordinate home and work activities (Beaton, J & Wajcman, J. 2004). Most mobile phones have calendar and notebook facilities that allow users to set appointments and reminders for both work and personal matters (Beaton, J & Wajcman, J. 2004).
Users of the mobile telephone from a business perspective have been greatly affected as the new technology allows for faster communication and Internet/company Intranet access and greater data storage capacity (Flanagan, W. 2007). The faster transportation of information and data that new mobile telephone technology has produced, has seen many large companies and smaller businesses grow (Mobile Anonymous. 1992). Highly complex functions such as mobile-tracking, high-speed downloading capabilities and Internet access have enabled quicker, less problematic communication for business persons (Datacomm Research Company. 2006).
It is evident in everyday life that most business people depend of the capability of their mobile phone; during business hours most communication is conducted through a mobile telephone, and after business hours most business people are still making appointments and sending and receiving data in text or image form (Anonymous. 1992).
The evolution of the mobile telephone and the continuous drive from consumers for the most up-to-date communication methods; has ensured that the mobile telephone market will continue to expand as technology improves. The last decade has seen this communication device push the boundaries of creativity and technological features and function.
New mobile telephone technology has seen high speed data transmission, colour videos, 3D images, games and wireless Internet come into being in the form of compact mobile telephones (Take, S. 2004). These devices allow users to ‘personalise’ them with backgrounds, ring-tones, layouts and icons; transforming them from a mobile telephone to a personal organiser (SMS.ac 2004).
After the breakthrough in mobile technology by Nokia, Motorola and Ericsson; the future of the ‘mobile phone’ is beyond imaginable. A personal banking function is a foreseeable development in mobile telephone technology; as mobile operators are aiming at becoming banking institutions in the future (SMS.ac 2004). The evolution of the mobile telephone has seen it grow from a basic and limited machine to a high-speed, functional device that is capable of almost anything in the technology realm (Take, S. 2004).
According to the Australian Government, at the end of 2006 there were approximately 19.5 million mobile phone subscribers in Australia; almost matching the estimated population figure in the same year (Australian Government).
Before the mobile phone concept came into being, the United States developed a new technology called the ‘radiotelephone service’; this connected users in their cars to the public network (Take, S. 2004). The evolution of the mobile telephone begins with the ‘First Generation’ (1G) mobile – developed in the 1970s; this system allowed users to make calls across the country (Take, S. 2004). When the ‘Second Generation’ (2G) mobile phone was first introduced in the 1980s it was seen as a ‘rich man’s indulgence’, assumed that only the upper-class businessman would possess such an object (Anonymous. 1992). The 2G phone offered better quality and greater capability than the 1G phone (Take, S. 2004).
After proving successful with the general public, improvements were made to the mobile telephone to introduce more features and increase its appeal (Smyth, P. 2000). The 1990s saw the introduction of an integrated mobile phone and personal organiser; this machine incorporating voice and messaging services, global positioning services (GPS) and even Internet browsing (Smyth, P. 2000). During this evolution and progression; it became evident that mobile telephone users were after unique devices with a large array of features, highest speed functions and mobility (Flanagan, W. 2007). This prompted the introduction of new multimedia devices in the year 2000, known as the ‘Third Generation’ (3G) of the mobile phone (Take, S. 2004). These devices were seen as a breakthrough in technology; incorporated personal media players, global roaming, colour and touch screens (Anonymous. 1992), video conferencing, and high-speed internet access into one compact machine (Lush, E. 2007).
The evolution of the ‘mobile’ has caused several mobile telephone manufacturers to become leading names in the communications industry. As it became evident that there was a large market for new technology devices within the general public; manufacturers began to compete to produce the most impressive and high-speed devices (Lipoff, S. 1992). Nokia, Motorola and Ericsson have risen above the other manufacturers to become the leaders in mobile communication technology (Taylor, P. 2002). The continuing competition to produce the most ‘cutting-edge’ mobile devices has shaped the way business is conducted; created many opportunities for small and large businesses and also impacted greatly on users’ personal lives (Coventry. 2001).
The development of the mobile phone has altered the way people communicate on business and personal terms. Modern day communication surpasses the traditional methods and it has allowed for faster contact and increased mobility (Beaton, J & Wajcman, J. 2004). The mobile telephone has enhanced and increased personal communication; as people can now communicate via short text messages, video messages and images sent from mobile phone to mobile phone (Lipoff, S. 1992).
The evolution of the mobile phone from enabling basic voice calls to sending and receiving text/video/image messages, now sees the 'mobile’ as an essential personal device for most users (Lush, E. 2007).
The mobile telephone has allowed for a greater connection to be made between the work life and the personal life. However, the fast-connection and increased mobility of mobile telephones today allows users to organize and coordinate home and work activities (Beaton, J & Wajcman, J. 2004). Most mobile phones have calendar and notebook facilities that allow users to set appointments and reminders for both work and personal matters (Beaton, J & Wajcman, J. 2004).
Users of the mobile telephone from a business perspective have been greatly affected as the new technology allows for faster communication and Internet/company Intranet access and greater data storage capacity (Flanagan, W. 2007). The faster transportation of information and data that new mobile telephone technology has produced, has seen many large companies and smaller businesses grow (Mobile Anonymous. 1992). Highly complex functions such as mobile-tracking, high-speed downloading capabilities and Internet access have enabled quicker, less problematic communication for business persons (Datacomm Research Company. 2006).
It is evident in everyday life that most business people depend of the capability of their mobile phone; during business hours most communication is conducted through a mobile telephone, and after business hours most business people are still making appointments and sending and receiving data in text or image form (Anonymous. 1992).
The evolution of the mobile telephone and the continuous drive from consumers for the most up-to-date communication methods; has ensured that the mobile telephone market will continue to expand as technology improves. The last decade has seen this communication device push the boundaries of creativity and technological features and function.
New mobile telephone technology has seen high speed data transmission, colour videos, 3D images, games and wireless Internet come into being in the form of compact mobile telephones (Take, S. 2004). These devices allow users to ‘personalise’ them with backgrounds, ring-tones, layouts and icons; transforming them from a mobile telephone to a personal organiser (SMS.ac 2004).
After the breakthrough in mobile technology by Nokia, Motorola and Ericsson; the future of the ‘mobile phone’ is beyond imaginable. A personal banking function is a foreseeable development in mobile telephone technology; as mobile operators are aiming at becoming banking institutions in the future (SMS.ac 2004). The evolution of the mobile telephone has seen it grow from a basic and limited machine to a high-speed, functional device that is capable of almost anything in the technology realm (Take, S. 2004).
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Online Gaming
I've never been a big fan of online gaming but after the lecture I admit I was impressed. I've always thought of it as a time-wasting, no-social life attempt to have fun; but shown the detail and effects that are put into 3D gaming I can now see that there is more to it.
It is an art form, a job title, a creative outlet and somewhat fun - online games that allow you to communicate with others and enter into a 3D mystical world.
Online games have definitely changed from the past 'space invaders' to some of the new more impressive games that allow interaction and communication and creativity.
There is a slim to none chance that I will convert to being an 'online gamer' because I still prefer the outdoors and physical activity. However, I now understand the detail and time that goes into these games to create an individual touch for those playing. Its amazing what can now be called an 'online game'.
It is an art form, a job title, a creative outlet and somewhat fun - online games that allow you to communicate with others and enter into a 3D mystical world.
Online games have definitely changed from the past 'space invaders' to some of the new more impressive games that allow interaction and communication and creativity.
There is a slim to none chance that I will convert to being an 'online gamer' because I still prefer the outdoors and physical activity. However, I now understand the detail and time that goes into these games to create an individual touch for those playing. Its amazing what can now be called an 'online game'.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
You're all addicts!
My new discovery...
I'm going to take a stab in the dark and guess that bed sales have decreased and futon sales have increased. Kitchen table sales have dropped and office desks have boomed. Coffee shops/caffeine products have increased and coffee growers are now loaded...
The effects are all around... first it spreads in ripples then in waves.
Phrases like "do you have myspace?" "come hang at my place, habbo hotel suite 349" "have you buzzed me yet?" are replacing the former more traditional conversation lines.
It's an addiction. As the internet upgrades and improves; becomes more detailed and individual, the general public spends more time in a dark corner of their house staring at the computer screen.
Almost everything can be done online these days... and I mean everything!
Myspace and various other chat sites are global; the tiny details that allow you to create an 'online personality' means that you can sit down to chat and leave friends comments and before you know it 3 hours has passed.
Its an addiction. Myspace and the internet - its an affair and the majority of the public have heard about it or are involved.
You can fight or deny it... but sooner or later you are faced with "free membership, backgrounds, CHOOSE YOUR OWN PROFILE SONG, as many friends as you want, opportunity to secretly stalk your ex-girl/boyfriend"... apparently anything is possible these days!
If your reading this... chances are you've had or are having your 'fix'. You're addicted to this phenomenon... I guess then so am I.
I'm going to take a stab in the dark and guess that bed sales have decreased and futon sales have increased. Kitchen table sales have dropped and office desks have boomed. Coffee shops/caffeine products have increased and coffee growers are now loaded...
The effects are all around... first it spreads in ripples then in waves.
Phrases like "do you have myspace?" "come hang at my place, habbo hotel suite 349" "have you buzzed me yet?" are replacing the former more traditional conversation lines.
It's an addiction. As the internet upgrades and improves; becomes more detailed and individual, the general public spends more time in a dark corner of their house staring at the computer screen.
Almost everything can be done online these days... and I mean everything!
Myspace and various other chat sites are global; the tiny details that allow you to create an 'online personality' means that you can sit down to chat and leave friends comments and before you know it 3 hours has passed.
Its an addiction. Myspace and the internet - its an affair and the majority of the public have heard about it or are involved.
You can fight or deny it... but sooner or later you are faced with "free membership, backgrounds, CHOOSE YOUR OWN PROFILE SONG, as many friends as you want, opportunity to secretly stalk your ex-girl/boyfriend"... apparently anything is possible these days!
If your reading this... chances are you've had or are having your 'fix'. You're addicted to this phenomenon... I guess then so am I.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Essay
Yes... I have changed my mind again. It is something I do all the time - set on something than when you get comfortable with the idea - - - GONE totally change it.
So with the essay I decided to choose the 'Mobile Age' and discuss the evolution of the mobile phone. The features and details that are now sought after and how it has shaped society.
In every day life you would be blind and deaf not to notice that every 1.5 human being has a mobile phone glued to their ear, pocket or in an oversized handbag. This generation has a love for all things new, shiny, fast and expensive. It will either discuss the 'Mobile Generation': the generation with a great addicture to the mobile.
So with the essay I decided to choose the 'Mobile Age' and discuss the evolution of the mobile phone. The features and details that are now sought after and how it has shaped society.
In every day life you would be blind and deaf not to notice that every 1.5 human being has a mobile phone glued to their ear, pocket or in an oversized handbag. This generation has a love for all things new, shiny, fast and expensive. It will either discuss the 'Mobile Generation': the generation with a great addicture to the mobile.
3D worlds and socialising
3D worlds are 'it' at the moment; the tutorial task for week 8 was about this new technology - ActiveWorlds, IMVU and Habbo Hotel.
So I decided to check it out - but along the way I encountered some problems.
Habbo Hotel - extremely detailed new technology that requires alot of new software to actually use it. You need Shockwave, speedy internet and THEN you can play. You also have to pay real money for objects and furnishings for your virtual room.
In the Hotel you can move around to different areas and become friends with people, chat with others and even flirt online. Interesting. It's very virtual - chatting becomes socialising and hanging out getting to know people.
In Activeworlds you can shop online in the 3D reality world, build your own reality home and make new friends. (I must say firstly, it took a very long time to launch - gotta love technology!)
Wow when I got into it, I was impressed... I could walk around, visit schools, "learn to build!"
You can choose your own character and appearance to suit yourself.
3D worlds is incredible - it has taken online chatting to a new level. It does require a great deal of new software to load and run these programs but when you're inside the worlds; it's very easy to get lost in the personalities and places.
I'll continue this post abit later....
I'll check out IMVU as well!
So I decided to check it out - but along the way I encountered some problems.
Habbo Hotel - extremely detailed new technology that requires alot of new software to actually use it. You need Shockwave, speedy internet and THEN you can play. You also have to pay real money for objects and furnishings for your virtual room.
In the Hotel you can move around to different areas and become friends with people, chat with others and even flirt online. Interesting. It's very virtual - chatting becomes socialising and hanging out getting to know people.
In Activeworlds you can shop online in the 3D reality world, build your own reality home and make new friends. (I must say firstly, it took a very long time to launch - gotta love technology!)
Wow when I got into it, I was impressed... I could walk around, visit schools, "learn to build!"
You can choose your own character and appearance to suit yourself.
3D worlds is incredible - it has taken online chatting to a new level. It does require a great deal of new software to load and run these programs but when you're inside the worlds; it's very easy to get lost in the personalities and places.
I'll continue this post abit later....
I'll check out IMVU as well!
Friday, April 20, 2007
Technology and Adobe
I found this picture of a personal mobile device and edited the colours. I increased the brightness, the contrast in the colour and replaced the 'normal' nature colours with bright and extreme colours.
This is the original picture!
I found this picture of numbers - like a fabric calculator and totally messed with the colours...
This is the original....Well that was fun.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Photoshop it!
I was reading the Tutorial task and came across the Adobe photoshopping one...
Awhile ago I took some photos with a friend and experimented with photoshop on some of the pics...
This one is was me in a drain pipe in Toowoomba, my home town (country accent). In this one I increased the colour contrast and lightened the areas where the sun hit.
I like to think I was quite a pro when I did this one - now it looks abit edgy and the colours stand out more.
The next photo was when I took 4 friends out on our boat. I had a water-proof camera so thought that taking a photo of us jumping off would be fun. The original photo was pretty boring so I made it black & white. It looks alot more artistic than in full-colour.
I did these ones not too long ago but I might have a play around in the next tute and see what I can do...
Monday, April 9, 2007
Brief rundown of my essay...
In my essay I'll be talking about the evolution of the computer....
Firstly I'll cover the ancient foundation - how it was used to decypher German messages and all that.
Secondly, I'll talk about the 2 leaders in the technology realm - Microsoft and Apple and I'll go over each of the empires' humble beginnings...
Thirdly, I'll talk about the impact the evolution of the computer has had on society.
And lastly, I might talk about future plans etc for the computer.
Shall be fun I say - I've been pretty ignorant to the evolution of the computer from the past so I think by doing this as my essay topic; I'll build a greater appreciation and understanding....
I hope.
Firstly I'll cover the ancient foundation - how it was used to decypher German messages and all that.
Secondly, I'll talk about the 2 leaders in the technology realm - Microsoft and Apple and I'll go over each of the empires' humble beginnings...
Thirdly, I'll talk about the impact the evolution of the computer has had on society.
And lastly, I might talk about future plans etc for the computer.
Shall be fun I say - I've been pretty ignorant to the evolution of the computer from the past so I think by doing this as my essay topic; I'll build a greater appreciation and understanding....
I hope.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Week 4 tute...
The Internet and its History...
I really didn't know too much about its history - I can just remember being allowed to open a Hotmail account and since that blessed night I'd be emailing all my little girly friends the weekly goss.
Its amazing to see what is possible with the internet now... in the 21st Century.
With one click 100,000,000 websites will list in front of you for one query, any question under the sun you have can be answered and you can even watched videos from around the world. This therefore will be the topic of my essay: the evolution of the Computer! (In my later blog I will list the 3 academic articles that relate to my topic.)
The Scavenger Hunt: (all found via Ask.com)
1. The weight of the world's biggest pumpkin is 1502 pounds to date.
Resource: http://www.bigpumpkins.com.au
2. Grant Hackett is contactable via his management:
International Quarterback Pty Ltd, Suite 9, 36 Agnes Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006
Telephone: (07) 3252 2311
Resource: http://www.celebrity-addresses.com
3. The giraffe's prehensile tongue, measures approximately 18 inches in length.
www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-giraffe.html
4. Ontology is a structured way of speaking to describe a concept or method.
http://magpie.ucalgary.ca/magpie/help/magpie_ontology_definition.html
5. 'Transfer' produced in 1966 was David Cronenberg's first full length feature film.
http://www.salon.com/people/bc/1999/11/30/cronenberg/
6. Hacker's Manifesto was originally written in 1986 by Loyd Blankenship
http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=550465
7. The entertainment industry decided to use '555' as the beginning digits for all phone numbers in America several years ago, because viewers were memorizing the phone numbers actors used and calling them. No actual phone numbers in the U.S. begin with '555'.
http://www.briomag.com/briomagazine/soulfood/A0005924.html
8. Taking a ferry is the cheapest form of travel from Crete to Rhodes.
http://www.athensguide.com/ferries.html
9. The Seeker's "I'll never find another you" was number 1 this week on the Australian Pop Chart in 1965.
http://www.onlineweb.com/theones/1965_1969.htm
10. The Black Assassins
http://www.griffith.edu.au/school/art/staff/stockwell.htm
Search engines....
I really didn't know too much about its history - I can just remember being allowed to open a Hotmail account and since that blessed night I'd be emailing all my little girly friends the weekly goss.
Its amazing to see what is possible with the internet now... in the 21st Century.
With one click 100,000,000 websites will list in front of you for one query, any question under the sun you have can be answered and you can even watched videos from around the world. This therefore will be the topic of my essay: the evolution of the Computer! (In my later blog I will list the 3 academic articles that relate to my topic.)
The Scavenger Hunt: (all found via Ask.com)
1. The weight of the world's biggest pumpkin is 1502 pounds to date.
Resource: http://www.bigpumpkins.com.au
2. Grant Hackett is contactable via his management:
International Quarterback Pty Ltd, Suite 9, 36 Agnes Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006
Telephone: (07) 3252 2311
Resource: http://www.celebrity-addresses.com
3. The giraffe's prehensile tongue, measures approximately 18 inches in length.
www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-giraffe.html
4. Ontology is a structured way of speaking to describe a concept or method.
http://magpie.ucalgary.ca/magpie/help/magpie_ontology_definition.html
5. 'Transfer' produced in 1966 was David Cronenberg's first full length feature film.
http://www.salon.com/people/bc/1999/11/30/cronenberg/
6. Hacker's Manifesto was originally written in 1986 by Loyd Blankenship
http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=550465
7. The entertainment industry decided to use '555' as the beginning digits for all phone numbers in America several years ago, because viewers were memorizing the phone numbers actors used and calling them. No actual phone numbers in the U.S. begin with '555'.
http://www.briomag.com/briomagazine/soulfood/A0005924.html
8. Taking a ferry is the cheapest form of travel from Crete to Rhodes.
http://www.athensguide.com/ferries.html
9. The Seeker's "I'll never find another you" was number 1 this week on the Australian Pop Chart in 1965.
http://www.onlineweb.com/theones/1965_1969.htm
10. The Black Assassins
http://www.griffith.edu.au/school/art/staff/stockwell.htm
Search engines....
- Search engines maintain databases of websites and use software programs to collect information asked for by the user.
- They rank the information retrieved based on the relevancy to the search terms used, frequency of keywords on a search page, popularity of site listed in relation to search terms, etc.
- Sites listed at the top of search results indicate that they have the higher frequency of keywords on the page, the site is highly popular, the site is a sponsor of the search engine, etc.
- Ask.com and Google are my favourite search engines. Google compiles information from everywhere and anywhere and allows a broader search. Whereas, Ask.com allows specific questions to be answered. Both search engines are effective and useful in different ways.
- Search Engines in current news stories:
- "Google omits controversial news stories in China" (http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn6426)
- "Is Google too powerful?" (http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_15/b4029001.htm)
- "Ask.com becoming the search engine that could (http://news.com.com/Ask.com+becoming+the+search+engine+that+could/2100-1038_3-6132473.html)
- "AltaVista to climb new heights with IPO" (http://news.com.com/AltaVista+to+climb+new+heights+with+IPO/2100-1040_3-265557.html)
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Week 3 tute....
An evolved species....
Since its birth the computer has evolved in many ways - obviously the level of technology has increased and improved, the use of the computer and the physical appearance have both changed.
The 'Bombe' was the first working computer developed by Alan Turing in 1912 and was used to break secret German 'Enigma' codes. This breakthrough machine was put to the test by assessing whether or not a judge could determine between the human and the computer doing the work. The 'Bombe' was large in size, quite loud and required many hours of decyphering and recording messages. Almost a century later in the 'technology age', with Turin's amazing contraption in a museum; we can sit in front of a stylish compact machine and with a few clicks of the mouse have all of our personal files, business programs and stored data organised and easily accessable.
Big players in this field Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak combined forces in around 1980 to home-make PCs... their garage based idea named 'Apple' slowly but surely became one of the largest empires in the technology world. Beginning with software development and hardware production; Apple and its competitor Microsoft are now multi-million dollar companies.
Computers have evolved from the humble box with knobs and buttons to portable, compact technology devices capable of playing music, videos, wireless communication and storing huge amounts of data in organised filing systems.
It is safe to say that computers will never stay the same - they will upgrade, improve and be altered until we have the fastest, most reliable and personal computers in every home.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Communication Technology...
I am personally not one to spend hours in front of the computer; but my frequent use of it for assignments, research or to keep in touch with friends, has built a greater appreciation for it. This appreciation grew into a realisation that without it, my everyday life would not run as smoothly as it does and my routine tasks would not be so convenient as they are today, thanks to the help of technology.
The development of society lead to a growth in the communication/technology realm. Many began to realise that there were ways to improve everyday life with convenience, entertainment and a greater link with the wider world.
A few key theories stand out from the study of Media Theory, Marshall McLuhan and Edward Herman and Noam Chomsky. McLuhan's theory, published in 1964, explored the effects of media throughout society. This theory studied the different media effects on physical senses. I believe this theory has formed a foundation of media development by using these elements to maximise the affects on the minds and responses of the audience.
An outake of Edward Herman and Noam Chomsky's 'The Propaganda Model' developed in the 1980s described their opinion on how the Return of Maximum effects has shaped how technology has been developed to target the audience in a specific way. "
We noted that the five factors involved -- ownership, advertising, sourcing, flak, and anticommunist ideology -- work as "filters" through which information must pass, and that individually and often in additive fashion they help shape media choices." (The Propaganda Model Revisited; Edward S. Herman, Monthly Review, July, 1996)
This is my first year at Griffith and my second tutorial in New Communication Technologies. At first I wondered why I am in this subject... but slowly and surely my assumptions and expectations are challenged. I now realise that the past theories and foundations of communication technology research are vital to the growth and progress for future ventures and development.
The development of society lead to a growth in the communication/technology realm. Many began to realise that there were ways to improve everyday life with convenience, entertainment and a greater link with the wider world.
A few key theories stand out from the study of Media Theory, Marshall McLuhan and Edward Herman and Noam Chomsky. McLuhan's theory, published in 1964, explored the effects of media throughout society. This theory studied the different media effects on physical senses. I believe this theory has formed a foundation of media development by using these elements to maximise the affects on the minds and responses of the audience.
An outake of Edward Herman and Noam Chomsky's 'The Propaganda Model' developed in the 1980s described their opinion on how the Return of Maximum effects has shaped how technology has been developed to target the audience in a specific way. "
We noted that the five factors involved -- ownership, advertising, sourcing, flak, and anticommunist ideology -- work as "filters" through which information must pass, and that individually and often in additive fashion they help shape media choices." (The Propaganda Model Revisited; Edward S. Herman, Monthly Review, July, 1996)
This is my first year at Griffith and my second tutorial in New Communication Technologies. At first I wondered why I am in this subject... but slowly and surely my assumptions and expectations are challenged. I now realise that the past theories and foundations of communication technology research are vital to the growth and progress for future ventures and development.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Something about Tiffanie...
So sometime between December - January, Paul and Leanne Beasley combined forces to bring a child into the world. 9 months later Tiffanie Alice Beasley was born. I have 2 older brothers Bruce and Roger and an older sister Samara. She is basically my twin (separated 2 years in the womb) and what they say about twins stealing and sharing is basically true in the traits we ended up with. Samara got the brains and I got... well we're still figuring out the 'gift' I scored at birth. I originally resided in Toowoomba, yes I do know that it means "Swampland" in Aborigine... but no, I did not grow up as on a marsh. Then in the destined year of 2006 my family decided to leave the green pastures of Toowoomba and move to the sunny shores of the Gold Coast. It was then I reaslied there was more outside 'the womb' that had to be explored and left my super cool friends whom I repeatedly cherish, and packed for the big smoke. So me in a metaphorical nutshell; I don't enjoy long walks on the beach or roast dinners by the fire... but I do enjoy music (playing guitar in particular), singing and roadtrips or anything random with quality people. Uni is a step in the 'life-track' I'm taking on... I don't know where I want to go in life but I do know I want to go everywhere.
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