To conclude this blogging experiment, I figured it would helpful to provide a summary of what I feel I have learned through this project.
Facebook: First off, throughout this past month I have began to acquire a strong dislike to this social networking site. This is not hugely related to the research I have been doing as a part of this class, but rather a growing frustration. I would love to cut myself off of facebook, but as I posted earlier, I feel as if I've been trapped into it. I would feel guilty because there are some people who I don't have contact with on a face-to-face level. Before I came to Briercrest I did the Kaleo program where I grew alongside 26 other students. Since the end of this program much of the contact I have with these dear ones is limited to Facebook because we are spread out across the Canada, North America, and now the World. My ties to these people would feel as if they'd been severed because outside of Facebook, there is not any easy avenue to communicate. Yes, emails still exist, as well as phone-calls, but long distance phone charges are expensive. Texting is also available, but there is only so much that can be communicated in a 150 character message. Maybe one day I'll be free of the chains of facebook. I'm just not ready quite yet.
Here at Briercrest I've observed that a rampant facebook addiction exists. Those who I have as part of my "friends" are constantly updating statuses, photos, and commenting. However this is a rising trend as the hours get later and the homework piles up. Sometimes I wonder if we would all be much more dedicated students if Facebook hadn't been invented. I'm sure though that something would exist in its place to eat up our time.
Blogging: This is my second blogging experience as during my time at Kaleo I was required to keep a ministry journal in the form of a blog. Blogging about computer related things has been, to be quite honest, not my favorite thing. I love to write, yet this love comes much easier when I am passionate about the subject. I'm sorry to admit that this is not case with this topic. I did find Amber Mac's helpful tips on blogging to be helpful as I am aware that I struggle with being concise. I also feel as if I have a problem with providing content that is engaging. Something to work on I guess.
Students Here at Briercrest: Students here at Briercrest are in no way different to the rest of the world regarding the use of social media. Many are glued to phones that now carry the capabilities of surfing the internet, making social media readily accessible. Twitter, blogging sites, the infamous Facebook, message boards within the school, online gaming, and email are all common avenues that are used within the student body for communicating. Just because we live in a "secluded" village, does not mean that we are not connected to the outside world.
Final Thoughts: Reading Amber Mac's book has increased my awareness of what social media actually is. There are now little things that I notice that I hadn't before. Previously, and still to an extent, I've considered myself to be somewhat computer-illiterate. Now, I know that when # signs show up repeatedly with run-on sentences in statuses, that such ramblings are likely linked to a twitter post. Amber writes to conclude her book, "Never before have we lived in a world where measuring traffic and interest has been so easy and exact." (222) In all reality, we literally have the world at our fingertips, which is a frightening, yet exciting concept. However does honestly worry me a little about the future state of our society. If we live in a world that is currently so connected, what will fifty years bring? Maybe in fifty years I will stumble across this blog and laugh. (Yes I would be 70 then, and probably long forgotten this assignment.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Future?
I came across this video on you-tube and found this guys insights very insightful. It is interesting to note the wide use of business and corporations use of social media in a way that almost over-powers the "common man." Combined with his ideologies are the clear and straightforward tactics that Amber Mac describes in detail in her book. Some people, such as this dude have a way of explaining complicated things such as, social media for instance that actually makes sense! Maybe it is also because I"m staring at his face and not just paragraphs on a page. Although I think that I may just keep this book around for a little while. I"m not planning on running a corporation or becoming involved in business, but as most people these days, I am connected to the internet and her tips and suggestions are helpful and insightful. Thank you Amber....and this guy:
Monday, February 14, 2011
A Short Rant.
This is not one of my regular posts.
It is just me stating- rather shouting; actually lets say screaming: "I HATE FACEBOOK."
1. Facebook is a death trap that eats up time.
2. Facebook is a death trap because it is almost inescapable. (For example, as ideal as quitting would be, it is almost an act of treachery in the sense that you're "cutting off contact from all these "friends" who couldn't get by without you. It's your last tie to them, in which you couldn't possibly be deprived of.)
3. Facebook is basically gossip.
4. It is a drug.
It is just me stating- rather shouting; actually lets say screaming: "I HATE FACEBOOK."
1. Facebook is a death trap that eats up time.
2. Facebook is a death trap because it is almost inescapable. (For example, as ideal as quitting would be, it is almost an act of treachery in the sense that you're "cutting off contact from all these "friends" who couldn't get by without you. It's your last tie to them, in which you couldn't possibly be deprived of.)
3. Facebook is basically gossip.
4. It is a drug.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
1994: "Today": "What is the Internet, Anyway?"
I found this video on some website. It was so long ago that I can't ever remember its original source since I saved the link to my desktop. Well here it is...sometimes I find myself relating to the the confusion over the internet that these people express.
P.S: I hate Valentines Day.
P.S: I hate Valentines Day.
Some Inside Information
This weekend I had the chance to interview a student here at Briercrest, Matthew N. He shared with me some of his thoughts on social media, and the ways in which he uses it.
1. First, would you say that Social Media has changed/impacted your life?
“Yes. It certainly has. I take more photos and I have a greater tendancy to seek to connect constantly with other people or websites or social media outlets. It’s almost compulsive.”
2. Can you list the forms of Social Media that you regularly use?
“Facebook. Text messaging. Skype. Blackberry Messenger. Ex-Twitter. Tumblr. Blogger. Google Reader. Email!”
3. What would be your most frequented one and what do you use it for?
Text messaging and tumblr. (Tumblr is a blogging site)
4. Would you say that Social Media has affected your relationships/friendships?
"Yes. Not in a way as far as depth. But perhaps in making more opportunities for conection, more opportunities for keeping in touch; a blog is like reading someones journal."
Final Comments:
"Social media, especially Facebook, runs the risk of robbing the word friend of value, but creates the opportunity to share life with those who you are actually friends with."
1. First, would you say that Social Media has changed/impacted your life?
“Yes. It certainly has. I take more photos and I have a greater tendancy to seek to connect constantly with other people or websites or social media outlets. It’s almost compulsive.”
2. Can you list the forms of Social Media that you regularly use?
“Facebook. Text messaging. Skype. Blackberry Messenger. Ex-Twitter. Tumblr. Blogger. Google Reader. Email!”
3. What would be your most frequented one and what do you use it for?
Text messaging and tumblr. (Tumblr is a blogging site)
4. Would you say that Social Media has affected your relationships/friendships?
"Yes. Not in a way as far as depth. But perhaps in making more opportunities for conection, more opportunities for keeping in touch; a blog is like reading someones journal."
Final Comments:
"Social media, especially Facebook, runs the risk of robbing the word friend of value, but creates the opportunity to share life with those who you are actually friends with."
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Big Red: Part Two
In effort to find an insight scoop regarding the impact Big Red has on the students of Briercrest, I had a chance to have some of my questions answered by a fellow student.
I began by inquiring whether or not Big Red serves the purpose of connecting students here at Briercrest. Issues raised by this student included the general set-up of the site which reveals the controlled and monitored experience it create. Since full names are provided for all to see, those partaking in conversation could risk the tampering of their reputation if they chose to contribute to a controversial topic. Some suggestions for improvement included keeping some of the announcements exclusive to Big Red so that students would have an authentic reason to check the message boards. Issues were also raised about the formatting of the site including the inability to save unposted text, which would prove to be incredibly frustrating when lost. Little updates such as the use of fonts, images and videos would improve the experience and create a more professional feel. Despite the shortcomings of this form of social media, this student felt their general experience using Big Red to be positive as it provided the ground for friendship to be created as conversation ensued over common interests.
I spent some time browsing the internet to see if I could find any insight or tips for creating an online community that served its purpose with success. One website I stumbled across provided 10 reasons of why people do not engage in online discussions. Although all 10 may not be relevant to Big Red, the 9th one is. It suggests here: http://www.communityspark.com/10-reasons-why-people-arent-contributing-to-your-online-community/ that if people forget about the online interaction that takes place, then clearly they will not be contributing. Maybe Big Red does not reach its full potential because of this exact reason. Perhaps the school should think of more ways to get this web opportunity recognized within the student body.
I began by inquiring whether or not Big Red serves the purpose of connecting students here at Briercrest. Issues raised by this student included the general set-up of the site which reveals the controlled and monitored experience it create. Since full names are provided for all to see, those partaking in conversation could risk the tampering of their reputation if they chose to contribute to a controversial topic. Some suggestions for improvement included keeping some of the announcements exclusive to Big Red so that students would have an authentic reason to check the message boards. Issues were also raised about the formatting of the site including the inability to save unposted text, which would prove to be incredibly frustrating when lost. Little updates such as the use of fonts, images and videos would improve the experience and create a more professional feel. Despite the shortcomings of this form of social media, this student felt their general experience using Big Red to be positive as it provided the ground for friendship to be created as conversation ensued over common interests.
I spent some time browsing the internet to see if I could find any insight or tips for creating an online community that served its purpose with success. One website I stumbled across provided 10 reasons of why people do not engage in online discussions. Although all 10 may not be relevant to Big Red, the 9th one is. It suggests here: http://www.communityspark.com/10-reasons-why-people-arent-contributing-to-your-online-community/ that if people forget about the online interaction that takes place, then clearly they will not be contributing. Maybe Big Red does not reach its full potential because of this exact reason. Perhaps the school should think of more ways to get this web opportunity recognized within the student body.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
More on Social Media
Since I am still waiting on the responses of a few fellow students regarding the use of Big Red, I will continue that topic at a later time.
Today I've decided to explore a few of the different avenues of social media that are used by students at Briercrest.
First, I will look at the use of blogs. In her book, Power Friending, Amber Mac writes that "Blogging initially defined what social media...was all about"(127). As I am currently attempting to keep a blog for this class, I found her tips and ideas helpful. I've realized that academic writing and internet-blog style writing are two very different styles. It is apparent that I definitely lean farther towards the academic writing side of things, which may be why I'm finding this blog task to be somewhat daunting. I really would much rather write a paper, yet maybe it will be rewarding to become more familiar with different ways of using words. It's worth a try anyways.
Some helpful tips she included that I feel I should work on incorporating include:
Here at Briercrest students appear to use blogs to A) complete assignments for computer class, B) writing as a student blogger, or C) to update family and friends of the daily going-ons around campus and life.
Next, Skype. Amber Mac doesn't include much on the topic of skype, but I know that it is in common use among students. It is often the main vessel of communication between students and faraway family and friends. It is also one of the easiest ways to communicate between students; which could include a quick question about homework, making plans for the day, or just conversation when the limited hours of open dorms have ended.
Twitter. I have never been too fond of twitter. I tried to use it for a bit, but could never think of anything clever to say that would compare with the wit and tact that others were tweeting with. So I quit. I don't think I even remember my account information. That is why I do not know much about the tweeting habits of students here at Briercrest. Except for those who link their tweets to Facebook, which is something that Mac suggests to do in order to most effectively utilize both social media streams.
Until Next Post...possibly tomorrow.
Today I've decided to explore a few of the different avenues of social media that are used by students at Briercrest.
First, I will look at the use of blogs. In her book, Power Friending, Amber Mac writes that "Blogging initially defined what social media...was all about"(127). As I am currently attempting to keep a blog for this class, I found her tips and ideas helpful. I've realized that academic writing and internet-blog style writing are two very different styles. It is apparent that I definitely lean farther towards the academic writing side of things, which may be why I'm finding this blog task to be somewhat daunting. I really would much rather write a paper, yet maybe it will be rewarding to become more familiar with different ways of using words. It's worth a try anyways.
Some helpful tips she included that I feel I should work on incorporating include:
- Use bullet points or numbered lists to easily organize information
- Being concise leads to success
- Accurate and clear titles (titles have always given me grief even in the world of Academia)
Here at Briercrest students appear to use blogs to A) complete assignments for computer class, B) writing as a student blogger, or C) to update family and friends of the daily going-ons around campus and life.
Next, Skype. Amber Mac doesn't include much on the topic of skype, but I know that it is in common use among students. It is often the main vessel of communication between students and faraway family and friends. It is also one of the easiest ways to communicate between students; which could include a quick question about homework, making plans for the day, or just conversation when the limited hours of open dorms have ended.
Twitter. I have never been too fond of twitter. I tried to use it for a bit, but could never think of anything clever to say that would compare with the wit and tact that others were tweeting with. So I quit. I don't think I even remember my account information. That is why I do not know much about the tweeting habits of students here at Briercrest. Except for those who link their tweets to Facebook, which is something that Mac suggests to do in order to most effectively utilize both social media streams.
Until Next Post...possibly tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)