Our Class Wiki - So Far

My contributions to our class wiki are just a few for now. I created a page to introduce myself and uploaded a picture with my introduction. I also contributed with an article on the current events section and add information on the health care section.

As of right now I’m doing research to contribute and add content on the P2P section and the education section.  I have found scholarly articles that provide interesting information on how new media fosters education. I need to analyze all the information to finally be able to add it to our class wiki

P2P File Sharing

File sharing is the new way to give and receive access to information in the digital world. It provides access to all kind of documents including audio, video, among others. By using file-sharing software people are able to share files that might be too big to email. The dark side of this software is that it creates an easier way for scofflaws to engage in piracy. File-sharing software provides a platform for pirates to share copyrighted material that harms authors by violating their copyrights.

P2P is a peer-to-peer network. It allows users in the same network to search for shared files on the computer of other peers. This software is good when it comes to networks in a company in which all computers are connected and workers are able to retrieve files from their co-workers computers. On the other hand, this software is becoming a common bad practice in which people swap illegal copies of songs, movies, or TV shows. An example of a P2P technology is BitTorrent, according to Brian Stelter on his article “Digital Pirates Winning Battle With Studios”, this technology allows users to search instead of download free copies of movies that still in theaters in a matter of minutes. Another example is RapidShare, a password protected site that allows users to upload and download big files. Thus, the site is password protected pirates find a way to get around. 

Privacy & Confidentiality

Issues of privacy and confidentiality are very much related with new media. For example, Facebook shares information with advertisement companies, which most users believe is a violation of privacy and confidentiality.

In new media information is shared all the time it is ideal that users make sure to adjust privacy settings all the time since they change often.

After all, giving up privacy has become the price we have to pay nowadays to get information. If users don't agree to terms they wont be able to access the web. It is a tradeoff in which every user gets to decide what is best. Some users believe is totally unethical others believe it doesn't hurt them at all.

Invasion of privacy is also involved with homeland security. After 9/11 government agencies are more involved in the web, they track for comments and people that might be involved with terrorism. In this case people are more willing to give information up in order to feel secure.

Advice to Baruch College

There are many ways to improve Baruch College by using new media. Some of them are:

Facebook: Baruch already has a Facebook page. But this page needs to be promoted. I’ve never heard of this page. It should almost be a requirement once students join the college. Once every student subscribes the page will get more content. It will improve our college because everybody will be able to know what’s going on in Baruch and become part of this amazing community.

Twitter: Students should get more involved and be motivated to follow Baruch on Twitter. Twitter is a great tool to spread information. Students will be able to get updates or follow up on current events.

Wiki: A wiki should be developed. Many new students are in need of information about Baruch. It will be nice to have a wiki page where students can add information to help other students. It would be almost like an orientation page that will give new students all kind of advise.

Blogs: A blog section would be an extension to The Ticker. It will improve Baruch’s writing and communication. 

Creativity and New Media


I always wanted to create my own hero. Here it is!!
I introduce to you My Hero: Joshua Blizzard Runner

I always wanted to have the power to run very fast like the speed of light since it is not humanly possible I created a hero that can do it. I created this hero by using lego's software. They have a hero factory in which you can create your own hero and play games with it. I was able to change his armor and select the colors. He is a runner! A blizzard Runner!! 

Creativity

New media allows users to have the power to create and develop new ideas to revolutionize the world.  In the past, people couldn't execute their innovate ideas due to a lack of technology. Nowadays, a variety of new technologies and software provide users the right tools to execute creative ideas. For instance, the article “Twitter Serves Up Ideas From Its Followers” by Claire Miller mentions how Lego started a site called DesignbyME where users can use Lego’s software to design their own models, which then are sold by Lego. The article also mentions that users create the majority of functions of twitter. In addition, new media allows users to interact with existing ideas. New programs that allow users to combine songs and modify the beats called mashups. Hence, new media does in fact fostered creativity by giving users the facility to design, innovate and create all kinds of things.

Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

Virtual worlds can be used to improve health. According to the article “'Naughty Auties' battle autism with virtual interaction”. A young guy who suffers from Asperger’s syndrome says that these virtual worlds let him have a second life in which he creates a comfort zone that can coax him out of his shell and helps him improve his communication skills.

Virtual worlds are also being used to innovate toys. The article “Toys with a Second Life” shows how th;is virtual worlds give life to toys. This webkinz are real stuffed animals that have a code so kids can activate them online to play with them. It is very creative and unique.

The good side of these worlds is that they give users an opportunity to socialize in a confortable way. The bad side is that privacy issues might be involved and children might be exposed to danger.

These worlds foster creativity because more people have the incentive to create ideas that bring real world situations into virtual worlds. In the future I totally see a whole new dimension of this virtual worlds. They will probably become more convenient and used in many other ways.