Net 102: (Internet Studies, The Internet and Everyday Life). Assignment 3: Learning Conversations
Laura Herbert
Reflections
This document is comprised of my personal reflections as to how I have met the learning requisites for Net 102, I will also discuss in this paper a selection of chronological tutorial discussion topics posted to "Curtin University Black Board" (shown in this document as BB) and my interaction responses. When I first returned to study Open University was my personal choice having lost direction a number of years ago when I physically attended a local university only to become involved more with campus lifestyle than actual study. I have found studying online conducive to my family life which is fundamental in my continuation and buoyed with the support from tutors and other students I have maintained my objective. When I began, my aim was to demonstrate to myself that I have the capacity to achieve and learn new information and to show that I could utilise that knowledge in an informative and productive way. In hindsight, I have surpassed my own expectations in discovering my capability to learn from tutorial feedback and discovered an ability to write in an academic manner. I have come across one small flaw however on my road to educational success that is tantamount to this document, difficulty experienced in contributing to Curtin's BB Discussion topics over the course of the study period. As I re-read posts to utilise in the writing of this paper, realisation became clear that the majority of my writing is quite basic. I have selected five exerts to discuss in chronological order, eldest to the latest, that show my interaction with other students and my developing knowledge of subjects combined with my developing writing skills.
The first Group Discussion Topic that I contributed to, "Introduction: Studying the Internet: Subject: Discussion Starter" (app.1), shows simple analysis and diversity of the groups dynamic at the commencement of the course. My post demonstrates my initial thinking at the time of writing, eager to contribute but generalised in writing style while discussing my initial encounter with the Internet. I found that the Discussion Starter was an important process in introducing student's experiences and contribution towards the collective group in an online tutorial setting.
My second contribution had become more structured as I had initiated a thread discussion relating to Topic 1.1 I want my MP3's. The thread – http://cme.medscape.com/medscapetoday Accessed and viewed, Internet 14th September 2010, reviewed for discussion paper 5th November 2010.economy, community, power and identity, Topic 1.1: I want my MP3's (app, 2). "... Was it inspired or directionalised by the people that were around you at the time? ..." (Herbert, 2010). By initiating this thread, I was able to establish interaction with fellow students (app.2a) that included reference from the topic's required reading, Laughey: "Music Media in Young People's Everyday Lives". (Laughey, 2007) I would have to consider this early section one of my accomplishments and a definite improvement with my early learning direction.
Both appendices three and four are concerned with Topic 1.4: Health: What my doctor didn't tell me. (app. 3. app. 4) I have included two threads from this particular topic as they demonstrate not only my responses to other student's contributions to BB but also an ability (app,3a) to source information from outside of the course to contribute functionally to the written conversation. The main contexts of the conversations are in relation to the "Discuss" section concerning our experiences using resources online to seek medical information. I found this section quite interesting, as other students were able to point out different aspects of information from sites such as beyondblue.org that I had not seen. My reflection in this section written informally, does not formally mention of any of the Topic readings such as Gunther Eysenbach's, Medicine 2.0: Social Networking, Collaboration, Participation, Apomediation, and Openness, but does refer to his methodology of medical investigation utilising Web 2.0 tools. (Eysenbach,2008).
My final contributions from the BB Group Discussion Board, Topic 2.1 Power and Economy, Subject: Readings and Lectures (app,5) and Subject: Internet Access (app,5a) are my strongest displays of not only my ability to integrate the course work but also to engage with other students to build what has become rich topic streams. There had been range of discussions thought out the group but feel that my direction with this subject has become my most resourceful. I was able to draw upon Mansell's scholarly work Economy, Power and New Media. New Media & Society (Mansell,2004) putting forward my observations in an academic manner and as such contributing not only to the Readings and Lectures section (app.5) but also informatively Internet Access (app.5a).
I have found my progression though Net 102 Internet and Everyday Life encouraging. I feel that I have addressed the academic requirements of the course, improving on my weaknesses such as assignment writing and contribution towards the discussion board entries. I am proud that I have found my strengths in the ability to achieve not only quality work but also interaction with tutors, lecturers and fellow students.
Bibliography
Beyondblue (2010) http://beyondblue.org Accessed 19th September 2010, 5th November 2010 reviewed for discussion paper.
Eysenbach, G (2008, August 25). Medicine 2.0: Social Networking, Collaboration, Participation, Apomediation, and Openness. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 10(3). , Curtin University of
Technology e- reserve. Accessed 6th November 2010
Herbert,L (2010) Discussion Board Thread Detail: economy, community, power and identity. Accessed 5th November 2010
Laughey, D. (2007). Music Media in Young People's Everyday Lives. In Music, Sound and Multimedia: From the Live to the Virtual (pp. 172-187). , Curtin University of Technology e- reserve
Mansell, R. (2004). Political Economy, Power and New Media. New Media & Society, 6(1), 96-105, Curtin University of Technology e- reserve, Retrieved 15th October 2010.
Medscape, (1994-2010) LLC
Appendices(app.1) Introduction: Studying the Internet:
Author: Laura Herbert
Posted date: Monday, August 30, 2010 11:38:04 AM WST
Last modified date: Monday, August 30, 2010 11:46:11 AM WST
Author: Tim Holland - tutor
Date: Monday, August 30, 2010 7:03:07 AM WST
Subject: Discussion Starter
"Our first discussion question is:
How does your experience of the Internet compare with others? For instance: how did you first encounter, hear or read about it; when and how did you first 'go online' and what did you think of it; how do you use it nowadays; do you think of it as different or part of your everyday life?
Just post your ideas and experiences - it is always interesting to see how diverse we are as a group when we respond to this question.
As we find out more and more about the Internet in our everyday lives, we might be surprised at the differences between us, so I will reveal the extent of my web presence (or we shadow) in a later post. Tim"
Hi all.
I first started utilising the internet way back in the middle of the 90's when I went and studied a couple of courses at my local university. One of my younger brothers was interested and had commenced study (computer science) and I thought that I could also "give it a whirl" as I had been working in the fitness industry since my late teens and needed a change. I would have to say that back then it was a huge mistake (make that massive distraction) as I found the chat rooms (the old version of ICQ) more interesting than my actual university studies and sans to say I failed the course I was studying and found out that I had a singular addictive personality for the internet.
Nowadays even thought the internet is an interesting and useful tool in my life, it is not the be all and end all as I really do value face to face contact with people and actually going out and about. I do however rely on the net and www for communication with relatives overseas, selling and buying items on eBay and banking. Which when I surmise means that it really is part of my everyday life and would feel slightly disconnected if it wasn't around. Perplexing isn't it.
(app.2) Topic 1.1: I want my mp3's
Thread – economy, community, power and identity
Author: Laura Herbert
Posted date: Sunday, September 5, 2010 3:47:07 PM WST
Last modified date: Sunday, September 5, 2010 3:47:07 PM WST
"At what age did you discover music? Was it inspired or directionalised by the people that were around you at the time? Do you now share your iPod playlist with others and if so, how much has it changed over the years?
I'm asking this question in relation to the podcast: I want my MP'3s. As I have noticed over the years that my relationship with music has certainly altered, that my consumption has become more personal and internalised since my use of an iPod. Me and my music against the world. Laura"
(app.2a)
Author: Andrew W
Posted date: Wednesday, September 8, 2010 10:09:11 AM WST
Last modified date: Wednesday, September 8, 2010 10:09:11 AM WST
"Hi Laura,
Some good questions posed. For me, I listened to music casually until the early 80s when a friend introduced me to Pink Floyd's The Wall. This changed my listening of music from singles to complete albums, thus making music more of an experience for the senses.
Initially, I resisted the move over to iPods and the concept of iTunes. Sadly, now, I am addicted to both and much poorer for it!! The ability to sample music on iTunes reintroduced the concept of buying single songs again, however, I remain an album person. My music tastes, however, have been forever changed by the internet and the vast array of information and media available, connecting you with the various genres and individual bands. I listen to different playlists depending on the circumstances. The portability simply allows the same music to be played irrespective of location, and this is, in my view, a wonderful thing. Andrew"
Author: Laura Herbert
Posted date: Thursday, September 9, 2010 3:45:41 PM WST
Last modified date: Thursday, September 9, 2010 3:45:41 PM WSTHi Andrew, would you consider the factor that the "age" of the person is relevant in purchasing a full album of songs? As economically the older the person the affluent they seem to be.
Author: Leah J
Posted date: Sunday, September 12, 2010 11:31:45 PM WST
Last modified date: Sunday, September 12, 2010 11:31:45 PM WST
"Radio: big time flicker
Nightclub: time to head to the bar/bathroom
Elevator: ahhh trapped!
But I guess after those 7 exposures that were explained in the futurehitdna.com article, i'll be hooked like everyone else as long as the music is in my taste sphere of course :). Leah"
Author: Andrew W
Posted date: Thursday, September 9, 2010 6:03:23 PM WST
Last modified date: Thursday, September 9, 2010 6:03:23 PM WST
"Potentially this may be an influence. It could also be as Laughey (2007) describes as the difference between the intensive and casual listener. I tended to listen to albums for a more complete music experience, rather than "compilation" listening. Having said that...I love the playlists now as well, probably because I can select my own compilations. There were always several songs on the "Best Hits..." CDs that were decidedly irritating. Andrew"
(app.3) Topic 1.4: Health: What my doctor didn't tell me
Author: Charmaine S
Date: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 2:45:44 AM WST
Subject: RE: Health Online
"I have used the Internet for many ailments for both myself and my pets. Being a stage two "cyberchondriac" is a little alarming, though it has been useful at times, for my health care providers and veterinarians.
My sister is a vet and she encounters a lot of pet owners who give "online diagnoses" when examining her patients. Some of it is completely off base and can hinder her patient diagnosis and after care.
While I do love to look up and see if I can determine what is wrong with me, it seems only for minor medical attention or how others deal with the common cold and maybe how to stretch out a sore muscle or what to do when you sprain something. It's not like I'm going to perform a tracheotomy or open heart surgery or decide I need to go on chemotherapy for the lump in my throat. I definitely make sure any serious issues are address forthwith with the trained professionals.
Information can be dangerous in the wrong hands... Charmaine"
(app.3a)
Author: Laura Herbert
Posted date: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 12:16:15 PM WST
Last modified date: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 12:16:15 PM WST
"I have to agree with you Charmaine, a little bit of information in the wrong hands goes (unfortunately) a long long way. Self diagnosis (even for a doctor) is crazy.
I have to admit that I have been on line to follow up what my doctor has told me, as sometimes the www information is a lot clearer than what he has talked about, but even reading that type of information can make a person worse (what did Tim call it "cyberchondriac") by default. Having worked in the fitness industry for many years and working with people who were rehabilitating from injury and illness I have made use of some medical web sites. One in particular (which is also a learning site) is http://www.medscape.com/ It allowed me to (without picking the client's brain, so many questions, so much personal intrusion.) hear what the client had to say but then go and verify it.
Cyberchondriac: do they bulk bill via Medicare if this is a legitimate psychosis?"
(app.4) Topic 1.4: Health, what my doctor didn't tell me.
Subject RE: Health Questionnaires – Good or Bad?
Author: Grant B
Date: Thursday, September 16, 2010 11:43:13 AM WST
Subject: Health Questionaires - Good or Bad?
"I was watching a British medical TV show last night and one of the segments discussed Adult Autism. The host stated he completed an 'online Autism test', which caught my attention as I could see a relation to the health module we are studying. The Autism-Spectrum Quotient or "AQ test" is available at the link http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aqtest.html Also, a more local site is the Australian Depression website, Beyond Blue, which also has several online questionnaires relating to 'symptoms of depression' http://www.beyondblue.org.au/ Do you feel these types of questionnaires are helpful or more potentially harmful? By the way, here is the fine print at the base of the website "The information presented on this website is general and not a substitute for professional advice. Refer to the beyondblue Website Terms of Use. The information is current at the time it was published. beyondblue regularly reviews this information. beyondblue expressly disclaims any and all liability for any loss or damage (whether direct, indirect or consequential, including in negligence) suffered or incurred by any person relying on this information including as a result of any omission, inadequacy, insufficiency or inaccuracy in its content."
Is it expected a person potentially suffering mental illness will read the fine print? Grant"
Author: Laura Herbert
Posted date: Monday, September 20, 2010 6:23:55 AM WST
Last modified date: Monday, September 20, 2010 6:23:55 AM WST
Hi Grant, interesting that you mention Beyondblue, I investigated that site last night and like yourself discovered the questionnaire. I feel that even thought the site has great potential and is extremely useful to those already suffering from pre diagnosed depressive disorders there is a problem with that questionnaire in that it is asking you to self diagnose your symptoms. As we all know self diagnosis is opening up a whole can of worms for the lay person, from what I can gather with observation, it can send a person either to a doctor with imagined symptoms and receive un necessary medications which in itself causes problems (e.g. Lindsey Lowan in the news for receiving the wrong meds) or cause a person to withdraw from actual required help thus they become secretive and the problem steamrolls putting pressure on family and friends.
I am probably with the rest of the reading world and don't necessarily read the fine print on everything. Two reasons, the first is that it's usually so small it's hard to read and it's bypassed and the other is the majority of disclaimers usually disclaim all liability for information. (Why give the information in the first place then?)
Author: Tim D
Posted date: Tuesday, September 21, 2010 2:18:10 PM WST
Last modified date: Tuesday, September 21, 2010 2:18:10 PM WST
"Hi Laura
Self diagnosis is encouraged by Doctors. Women are constantly reminded to check their breasts and even if they think their symptoms are imagined, those women are encouraged to seek medical attention. I would also like to think medications are not dispensed based on patient's self diagnosis, but that doctors treat their patients concerns with dignity.
As for Lindsay Lohan, hmmm .... no comment. Tim"
Posted date: Tuesday, September 21, 2010 2:43:31 PM WST
Last modified date: Tuesday, September 21, 2010 2:43:31 PM WST
"Oh, and by the way, did you take the test ... I did and found it hard to answer the questions objectively knowing what answer an autistic person may be expected to give. I got a score of 20.0012343212134445, and because I'm not autistic, we can round that down to 20! Tim"
(app.5) Topic 2.1: Power and Economy
Subject: Readings and Lectures
Author: Katrina C
Posted date: Friday, October 15, 2010 5:37:03 AM WST
Last modified date: Friday, October 15, 2010 5:37:03 AM WST
Subject: RE: Readings and Lectures
"The article "Political economy, power and new media" was a little bit of a letdown. Whenever it was starting to get into economy and power, the author would end it with "needs more research in this area." But towards to end when they get into Open Source software was interesting. In my opinion, Open Source has the potential to reduce the cost of software for consumers. I personally have used Joomla! and Wordpress which are both open source platforms giving users the ability to create their own CMS websites, with unlimited possibilities of what they want to put in their sites. I work on a Mac platform and have downloaded a many open source software for FTP, Direct Mailing, DVD burning etc and Firefox for internet browsing. http://www.opensourcemac.org/ Open Source is becoming the powerhouse of the internet where many people are already using these softwares to help their businesses and personal life. To add to this article it would have been good if they touched on the phenomenon of Apps and the future of the Smartphone and Apps. I feel as more and more people adopt the new technology (as the price comes down more people will adopt it) the popularity of Apps will grow and business' will not just have to have web presence, but an App as well. Katrina"
Author: Laura Herbert
Posted date: Friday, October 15, 2010 1:02:04 PM WST
Last modified date: Friday, October 15, 2010 1:02:04 PM WST
Laura: "In the article "Political economy, power and new media", it was interesting to note that the internet is affected by economy, "The rate of entry of new dot coms is now being tempered by disaffected investors and by a general downturn in the rate of investment in digital technologies." (pg.96). I am assuming from the readings and research that we have done for the course that the internet is a business (a very big multi dimensional conglomerate) and as such economic down turn and upswing create discord across the broad financial foundation platform. The article was a little frustrating in respect (and I agree with Katrina on this) that whenever it looked like the author was getting into more depth on subjects such as economy or new and old media innovation, the matter was left unresolved with "we need comparable empirical Studies" or "more research is needed". What I found quite interesting in the conclusion is the summation of "the way that power is embedded in new media practices and influences how people's lives are being mediated by new media". Quite ponderous that it seems a reality now that people live their lives by new media, phones - twitter/Facebook, internet cafes and the like, so why shouldn't the large corporations utilise that factor and economise on it. Laura"
(app.5a)
Author: Laura Herbert
Posted date: Monday, October 18, 2010 4:47:50 AM WST
Last modified date: Monday, October 18, 2010 4:47:50 AM WST
Subject: RE: Internet Access
Power operates in many ways on the Internet; let's take one example, that of Internet access, to discuss power (no more than half a page).
We are invited to discuss the possible limits to Internet access this week with these 3 questions to focus on:
1.Are there limits to when, what (sites), how much, and where you access the Internet?
There are always going to be limits to everything on the internet. Access is highly dependent on an internet provider e.g. Bigpond, Dodo and others and what plans are available and cost/affordability. Areas throughout Australia have different levels and different means of access i.e. wifi, wireless, satellite, cable. Tasmania for example now has broad coverage of ADSL2, although only in major centres of population. We are lucky in Australia to not have major government censorship to internet sites; personally, I believe it is a parent's responsibility to control what's viewed at home.
2.How can you transgress those limits and what are the possible consequences?
Location: Using the parental censorship as an example, one house hold's level of what is deemed acceptable viewing is not always the same as other households. Children may view what I as a parent consider explicit or high violence on a website such as YouTube at someone else's residence. The consequence. Child not allowed back to the house without discussion with supervising adults over viewing content.
3.Is it possible to lose your access and what are the ways this might happen?
Yes of course it is possible to lose access to the internet for example i.e. non payment of internet access account, power outage, change of residence to area that does not have coverage, court order stating probable incarceration if found using internet access.
Consider the access of people in other places and positions after you have thought about your own access. Does access vary?
I reside in Tasmania. We have varying degrees of internet capability and providers. The government spent a great deal of money laying internet cables in the high population areas that provide ADSL2 access speed. Albeit from conversations with Bigpond call centre employees ADSL2 speed is dependent on how close to the telephone exchange "box" your residence actually is.
Note: Minor spelling mistakes, grammar and simple formatting corrected for continuity of this document.
