Final Post, Part 2

I am very excited to be finished with our group project, but now I find myself hoping we don't neglect it after class is finished. We worked hard on the site and put a lot of time into making it just right for PUC students. I think we should all pass the word around and have classmates and alumni join! :)

Thank you to Group 2 for working so hard, especially Carol and Patrice. It was fun to work on something I can really see a need for, a SNS at Purdue Calumet. I think any student we invite would find it relates to all things PUC, and it is user-friendly and really nice to look at too!

Happy Holidays to everyone!

I Am Not Afraid...The Final Post, Part I

When I chose this course I thought it sounded so different than the typical courses I have taken in the past four years. Imagining a class that centered around MySpace, Facebook, blogging, and online gaming was so refreshing because it was content that was both entertaining and educational. I want to be "in the know" regarding social networking and other areas of online, virtual worlds because that is the future.

My experience online consisted of searching on google (probably 10+ times daily), going on MySpace, Hotmail, PUC.edu, and occasionally playing simple online games, like Yahoo Spades. This class has introduced me to social bookmarking, which I knew nothing about, Flickr, "Second Life", and the terms "MUD", "MOO", and "MMORPG". I feel like I can legitamately say I am a digital native now.

I also enjoyed the discussion boards because we examined these virtual worlds for all of the purposes, not just entertainment. In particular, Facebook, MySpace, and role-playing games are used as networking sites to foster business relationships and help in training the military and pilots.

I felt our group project was very successful as well. It has not been officially "launched" yet, so I won't give it away, but I realized how simple it can be to create a virtual niche of my own through highly accessible (and free) websites.

My online role prior to this class was a participator. I would view other people's online photo albums, post replies to discussion boards, and use the basic features of MySpace and Facebook. During this class I learned not just to participate, but to create in online virtual worlds. Instead of viewing other's photos, I could compile my own album using Flickr. Or, I could create my very own blog on blogger.com, instead of just reading and commenting to other's blogs. I even help create something that will be valuable to many students long after this course is completed (group project).

I am not afraid of virtual worlds anymore. I used to feel overwhelmed and intimidated by anything other than simple researching, MySpace, email, or online card games. I now feel like I am part of the virtual world and will not be afraid to create new things online.

I am most satisfied with our group project. I felt it was a successful collaboration and something that will extend when this class is over. After we have posted our final projects, I will continue my final blog. I would first like to see the feedback from classmates. I learned a lot in this class, but mostly I have learned that there is a whole world of online tools out there for our entertainment and education, and I should not be afraid to explore these tools.

The "Typical" Gamer

I have been researching the "typical" gamer as far as demograpics, social standing, and life outside the virtual world. What do you consider the "typical" gamer.

It seems that in past decades we all were introduced to arcade games (Pac Man), and later game consoles (Nintendo), in which we played for fun, maybe a few hours a week. Once gaming became more complex and games more realistic, usage seemed to explode. It seems though, there was a time between Mario Brothers and Halo where the only people glued to video games were those that maybe had social issues. Now, this is coming from me, a girl who played Mario Brothers, but then has not been addicted to any video game since. So, I know this is just my opinion.

It seems like now, EVERYONE plays video games. If you are a 13-year old boy in Indiana, or a 40 year old businessman in New York, or a 27 year old mother, it doesn't matter, they all have a game (or games) of choice.

I guess my question is, "what is you idea of the typical gamer"? Is that idea the same as it was years ago? Do you think people with social anxieties, or outcasts rely on SNS, MMORPG, and MUDs to get the social interactions they lack from the real-world?

NeoPets

With the trouble I have been having with Second Life, I thought I would try something a little bit more simple. Since I am studying to be a teacher, I thought I could get away with joining the Neopets site, because I should be keeping in touch with what the young students are interested in, right?

The site is more complex than I first imagined, which is a good thing. It was very simple to set up the neopet, but there are many choices involved. It is nothing like Second Life in that way.

I created a little puppy named Jaxlee (a combination of my real puppies' names), and clicked around to explore. All of the characters are, ofo course, child-friendly, and the games are entertaining and can be addicting. I like the Ball Bounce game. There are some educational elements, but in my opinion, it is not meant to be an educational-site, more a fun site that incorporates a little bit of math, letters, and grammar. Though, having a virtual pet and taking care of them, as well as creating online friends, does help a student develop some character skills and communication skills, as well as helping them become more responsible.

I like this site because it does not feel as overwhelming as Second Life, but they are so completely different it really is not right to compare. I will continue exploring these sites. Any recommendations??

"Second Life" Attempt 2

This attempt was a little bit more successful, because I actually figured out how to do some things. I started in "Harvard's" Berkman Hall and began working on my appearance. At first it seemed overwhelming because there are so many options, but after 20 minutes I found myself sucked in to making my avatar my exact copy.

I didn't talk to anyone, but a fairy-looking person kept flying around me, I was too busy for her.

After a long time of going through the appearance options, it crashed again! So, I lost all that I had been doing...how frustrating! Does this happen often? Is it my computer?

Oh, well...I will try again later.

Second Life, Attempt 1

I just created my account on Second Life, and got to the little island, "Help Island". I read the Tutorial, which didn't really help at all. I have spent the first 5 minutes trying to Change Appearance, and cannot figure out how to do it. Then, I asked someone next to me. He just responded, "Hi".

A second later some big guy ran past and tackled me. I walked in a few circles trying to find the Appearance option, saw a very obese "woman" with a bikini and a mohawk, then Second Life crashed.

Not a great first experience. Can anyone give me some tips on how to get started? I want to go into the Change Appearance option. Thanks, Dana

Second Life

This is my "before" blog related to MMORPG's and Second Life-type of worlds. That means that right now I know nothing. I am going to have to dissect every piece of literature and link Professor Mabrito gave us to write our paper and learn more about these worlds. In a few weeks I will write another blog, hopefully as an expert on these virtual worlds.

Right now the only experience I have is watching my boyfriend play X-Box Live. In this "world" he has been able to play with friends and family that are far away keeping their relationship going by chatting and "bonding" through mutual Halo 3 infatuations. Also, the only time I have heard about Second Life was from an episode of The Office when Jim makes fun of Dwight for creating a character. To properly do this Jim creates his own character basically becoming part of his own joke. What I gather from this is these worlds must be somewhat intriguing and addicting once you get involved. Wish me luck!

The Creepy Side of MySpace

In a previous discussion board we were talking about how MySpace can be creepy, a tool for stalkers. Or, in a less creepy way, just a way for ANYONE to check up on your life and learn details about you. My boyfriend recently started an externship at the Lake County courthouse and he said yesterday he ran into this girl he knew in middle school. He had not talked to, or seen her in over 10 years. She came up to him and said, "Oh, Josh how are you...blah, blah.." and they talked for a minute, then she said, "Your dogs are so cute....you have a basset and a beagle right"...and she continued with all these details about him that she found on MySpace. He has pictures of our dogs on there. Anyway, he knows this girl so it is not like a scary thing, but it just shows you that you never know who is looking at your profile and what information they can use against you...or to find you.

Also, I have a friend who had a pretty bad break-up. She would go on MySpace and look at her ex's comments to see where he planned to hang out that weekend, then she would go there. It just creeps me out a bit. I have even been on MySpace pages of old classmates just clicking around and I sometimes feel like a snoop or something. Hmmm...isn't it strange that we have become so open and free with our personal life information in a time when identity theft and things like that are on the rise?!

Social Bookmarking??

I have read the articles they Professor Mabrito gave us, and looked around at delicious, but I still don't get it...what exactly is social bookmarking? Say I am reading an article about the election that really interests me, what do I do next? Does every website have an option to "Bookmark It"? Someone please explain this to me...I feel like an idiot. Can't you simply bookmark the page on your computer in favorites, or bookmarks? Is delicious, and other bookmarking sites, simply a way for you to show other people articles and things you thought were interesting? Hmmm....I'm confused.

VCARIOUS Travel Site

I was having a hard time finding a site that looked like it would be any fun to critique. So many of them looked like MySpace rip-offs, so plain and boring. One, phusebox, only has about 2,400 members. So, I saw http://www.vcarious.com/, a site about traveling and it looks really cool. I am going to check it out and I will let you guys know what I find. Is anyone else using this site?

Social Networking Goes Professional

I had not heard of Sermo.com, most likely because I am not a physician, but it is amazing to me this idea was not utilized 10 years ago. We are all familiar with conference calls and things like that, but the ability to post your medical questions and concerns on a safe, reliable, and reputable site for other physicians to share can absolutely change medicine. Doctors would not even have to be in the same continent, let alone affiliated in some way to be able to communicate and commiserate with other physicians.

In the article they discuss the eye cancer patient who was diagnosed with the help of his physician and others over the social network, Sermo.com. Imagine how many other patients, especially cancer patients, can be helped from these sites. It is the sharing of information, and collaboration, that are crucial in the medical field, so I think this site maybe one of the most important on the internet.

I do have to say, I would like for physicians to have to register in some way that proves they are a medical doctor and shows some credentials.

"Facebook is Marketing Your Brands"-New York Times Article

*Read the article at http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/07/technology/07adco.html

We have been discussing the many uses of Facebook and someone mentioned that they bought a dress online and after purchasing found the option to post their dress online to show friends and promote the website.

I have seen the personalized advertisements on MySpace and Facebook (offers to buy Purdue apparel, etc.), but I had not realized the advertising was coming from our activity outside Facebook. The article says Facebook calls it "social advertising" and really, I think its ingenious!

I know there are privacy issues and it all seems a bit creepy, but it is just another way the internet and these social websites are linking all facets of our lives together. Many of our "friends" are not living in close proximity, so it is feasible that I would want to purchase a dress online, post it on Facebook, and get my friend's opinions. I guess you could always send them an email picture, but let' just go with it.

With this personalized "social advertising" I have been sent coupons, sale alerts, and updated newsletters for many of the things I actually do care about and purchase often. How annoying is it when you get tens of emails for products and services that have nothing to do with you...maybe if they are atleast catered to your personal preferences, some advantages will come out of it.

How Did Facebook Become So Popular?

I was one of the last people in my family and friends to get a cell phone, a laptop, and to sign up for MySpace because I was content without those things...until I got them. I knew once I had a cell phone I would never be able to live without it. So, when I finally went on MySpace to check it out I found that so, so many people I know, or have known were already members. I found out through word-of-mouth, then joined to be part of something many of my friends and family were part of.

As Facebook started at Harvard and then began spreading around campus, then to other campuses, then to business, and finally to the public, word-of-mouth carried it. If your best friend and your sister are both talking about this "Facebook" site, it makes you want to check it out.

Facebook has personal and business uses that define Web 2.0 and none of us want to be left out of the loop, so we join. Once you joing you begin to reap the benefits and you then pass the word to friends and colleagues.

"Facebook Faceoff"

The "Facebook Faceoff" article was an example of how cyber-bullying can be detrimental to someone's personal and professional life.

Some of our classmates have said that it is just exaggerated by the media and parents (cyber-bullying), and I agree that happens, but more and more cases like this are being presented.

I do believe in freedom of speech, but what can we do about situations like "Rachel's" at Syracuse. This T.A was humilated on campus and her career path changed because 5 girls bad-mouthed and bullied her online. We can't say that is no big deal, or typical "playground bullying".

In elementary schools these things do occur, but when it enters into a public forum and threatens your job and reputation, there has to be some legal protection.

Digital Native...An Employment Requirement

After I transferred back to PUC this January I began searching for a part-time job...something "professional". On each application and interview my "computer skills" or "computer literacy" came into play. Employers today want to know that they are hiring someone who will, at least, be able to send an email. I started working for Standard Bank as a teller and I am surprised, almost on a daily basis, at how computer ILLiterate many of my co-workers are. The oldest employee in the office is 47, but I am still the go-to person when someone needs to add an attachment to an email in Outlook. I imagine that by the time our children head into the workforce they will all be digital natives, so computer literacy will just be assumed. My question is, TODAY, do you think that 2 candidates, equal in everyway will be judged on their computer skills? Will one person be chosen over the other because they are more keen with the workings of all the Web 2.0 features, sites, software, etc.?

"Cyber-Bullying"-September 2

With MySpace, Facebook, and even instant messaging cyber-bullying has become a big problem for school-aged kids. In my Education class we talked about how to handle bullies in the classroom, but that can be the easy part. My professor said that cyber-bullying is actually on its way to becoming illegal.
For all the good that can come out of social networks (making new friends, connecting with old friends, business contacts, sharing pictures, etc...), it also creates a forum for abuse, and sometimes kids will log on with nicknames so their bullying cannot be traced. If any of you are parents, or have younger siblings, have you had any experiences with cyber-bullying? I know my sister, who is in high school, has seen this first hand. It makes me happy MySpace was not around when I was in high school!

ENGL 396 C...Not, 389

A classmate just let me know I labeled my Blog with the wrong class number...oops. Does anyone know how to fix that? Thank You.

Social Media: MySpace and Facebook

MySpace and Facebook came about after I was out of high school, and for that I feel very lucky. My sister is a sophomore at Crown Point High School and I have seen some negative issues arise out of these social networks.
First, it becomes an arena for students to bully each other, bad mouth each other, and generally just be "mean" to each other. My sister had a boyfriend, and apparently another girl at school liked this boy as well. She went on MySpace and cussed and bad-mouthed by 15-year old sister for the whole school to read. In high school we were all the victims of, or the "spreaders" of gossip and rumors, but these social networks have brought it to a whole different level.
Second, I see young girls posting pictures of themselves as if they are ready for a night out with Paris Hilton. Although they have the option to make their page "Private", there are still issues of disgusting online predators. It is hard for teachers and parents to control this media because all the children need is internet access and they can get into their MySpace account...it doesn't have to be at home or school. In addition, I have a nephew, who at age 13 insisted he was entitled to have a MySpace page. After his father said "No" and made him cancel it, he created a new account under a nickname.
Finally, the last issue I have with social media usage by young students is the fact that it can degrade their character without them even realizing it. As an adult, I realize after graduation when I go to elementary schools to apply for a teaching position, I probably should not have a MySpace page with pictures of myself drunk floating around space. Younger students may not understand that pictures and videos can last forever. Even at 16 years old you should think about future employers (as 16 year olds get jobs too). We need to remind children that these are all public medias, regardless if you have a "Private" profile or not.

Carol Williams Blog

Our classmate Carol Williams wrote about how she "is not a big fan of blogging" and I felt the same way up until recently. I was annoyed with people who talked about blogging, celebrities that wrote a bunch of nonsense that we shouldn't even care about, and even the word "BLOG". But, now I do see that it is kind of amazing we are all able to speak our minds in such a global way...let alone in our communities. Also, I hate when I get a phone call from a friend or family member and they say, "I have been trying to call you all day!" Sometimes, aren't we aloud to turn the phone off, or screen our calls, like the "old days". Why is it necessary to be completely in-touch 24-7. I want to be left alone sometimes. But, again, I can't imagine life without cell phones, email, or INTERNET! And, I have been that person yelling at my family, "Why didn't you answer my calls!" So, I guess we just have to get used to it because to me, it is worth all the trouble it causes to be so connected.

August 27, 2008

Hello. I am still not very sure if I am in the right place. I have not found any blogs from classmates, so if anyone finds me, please send me some direction here. Just to be clear, this is where we are to post our more formal reflections and class discussions, correct? Then, we can discuss in Facebook as well. I want to make sure I am keeping up with the class, so I appreciate any help. Thank you, Dana

ENGL 396C

Writing in Virtual Worlds

This is my first entry into the Blog for English 396 with Professor Mabrito.

Dana Meyers