OLR: Exercise 2 – Topic 5

A social architech is someone who designs and delivers societies or groups. Most applicable to this subject would be the Web Social Architechs which help design, nurture and grow online communites.

Online Communities:

www.curse.com

Curse is an online gaming community which has many portals pertaining to different games of many different genres. It originally started out as a mod portal for the game World of Warcraft. This portal then grew as people congrigated together to discuss not only the mods but the game itself. It progressed into a news portal in addition to its original intent. The community is made up of gamers from all over the world.

Here is my WOW Character: http://my.curse.com/vee/characters/details/42388/ (note the website was having issues at the time of linking this)

www.secondlife.com

Having only spent a short period of time in second life It is designed as an entirley user driven world. It is similar to a web 2.0 website however it is contained within a 3d metaverse.

Objectives:

Curse:-

• Provide a central point for modification uploads
• Community and industry news
• Upload videos
• Participate in discussions regarding news updates and all aspects of user submitted content.

SL:-

• User driven virtual world
• Meet friends and form groups
• Start a business
• Live out your fantasy life.

Rules of Engagement:

Curse:-

• http://about.curse.com/terms-of-use/
• Fairly common rules for an online community.
• Fair play, no harrasment, no spamming.

SL:-

• http://secondlife.com/corporate/cs.php
• Combating intolerance
• Assult – combat only in designated areas

Unique Features:

Curse:-

• User driven content.
• Video uploads
• File uploads
• Myspace and blogger style functionality built into the website for each community member.

SL:-

• User driven content
• Voice chat
• Scripting language
• Real world to virtual world currency exchange
• Unique opportunities e.g. Second Life stock exchange

Behind curse gaming is a dedicated group of gamers who build and run the site. http://about.curse.com/ I believe they are social architects in their vision of an online modification community which has now expanded beyond belief.

Behind Second Life is developed by the company Linden Labs. (www.lindenlab.com)

Taken from their about page:

Linden Lab was founded in 1999 by Philip Rosedale to create a revolutionary new form of shared experience, where individuals jointly inhabit a 3D landscape and build the world around them. Today this experience, known as Second Life, has a rapidly growing population of Residents from over 200 countries around the globe, who are creating and inhabiting a virtual world of their own design.

From the world that has been created it is safe to say that Linden Labs are perhaps not Social Architects but provided the tools to thes that are.

OLR: Exercise 1 – Topic 5

Through out the many virtual worlds that I visit I tend to keep the same personality.

My current online identities are as follows:

World of Warcraft – Online Roleplaying game. – Guild leader, Class leader and Webmaster

Gaming forums – e.g. www.cursegaming.com I try and offer advice on technical issues and game issues. I try and help new people.

MOO – Part of this course! POD Group member and all round nice guy!

I keep these personalities the same as my Real Life one as I have many real world friends In them. The thing I have noticed is that online personalities allow people to be a bit more outgoing then they may be in real life. I tend to try and be helpful and caring to other people as well as good for a laugh. I try and keep any real life issues out of online personalities as this is a place of fun and friendship.

I aim to make my online personality bring out the good in me. Meeting new people and having fun are the main aims to me.

From what I have seen many people take advantage of an online identity to live out fantasies, and test out different aspects of their personality that they might be too shy to do in the real world. This can be both good and bad as it may hurt people but can be a great tool for allow people to grow and open up socially.

OLR: Exercise 3 – Topic 4

I would design and manage content for a blog these days by picking firstly the software to use that is commonly known and used by the community. An example of this is this blog which is based on the wordpress engine. The content would then be structured into different categories such as we have here.

The actual flesh of the content would come from myself citing sources of information and repsonding to the people that comment on my site. A blog is about talking to people, stating your opinions and backing them up. In one way it is like a conversation with the reader.
www.wordpress.com

This site uses the wordpress blogging software that I have decided to look into. This software is very easy to use for both the blogger and the person viewing the blog. The layout is in a logical order allowing users to specify categories  in order to find the content that one seeks easier. This software is more directed at the blogger rather then building an online community as we compare it to Kim’s writings. The software does have many plug ins called widgets that can be used to customise the blog and enhance the features that can be used on the site. For example it has a widget for the Meebo chat chat plug in (www.meebo.com).

Most importantly are presentation. This software allows bloggers to pick a number of different styles and themes for use as you can see from my example I have chosen one that is different from the default one.

In comparison to Kims writings about 9 Design Strategies (Kim 2000a) and the three underlying principles (kim 2000b)

Lets look at these in greater detail starting with Kim 2000a

1. Blogger allows a section where the purpose of this blog can be detailed. This is known as the default About page where the blogger can give a speal about what the blog is about.

2. The technology of blogger is very easy to use and thus allows participation from all levels of experience.

3. Blogger does not allow participants to define themselves. It allows parrticipants to define themselves from their posts.

4. The community can be built to offer new participants help. However this blog does not come with a general discussion function such as a forum so people can only help new participants by responding to their comments.

5. Fostering leaders is more something designed around a more community focused site such as a forum. WordPress is more designed as a virtual soapbox for the owner of the site.

The blogging software does not really apply to the other design rules

The blogging software in comparison to the underlying principles does meet two of the three. The software does allow for expansion and growth into different directions. These are fueled by the customization of the software. In addition to this the software does have functionality for visitors to leave comments on the site as a means of discussion and providing feedback. The main downfall of this software is that it dosn’t allow users to take control and collaborate as with other online communities. As stated earlier this is more about being a soapbox for the person running the site.

Overall this software is fantastic for what it was intended to do. It provides a clean easy to use user interface an has many customisation options.

OLR: Exercise 2 – Topic 4

A) Discuss three ways of providing users with more control in an online community.

There are infinate ways to provide users with more control within communities they visit. These features would vary depending on the intentions of their use. For example tools could be developed to enable better user contribution. These controls would enable the user to feel like a bigger part of the community and as thus giving them a greater stake and percieved ownership of the community.

Tools could enhance such functionality as building their online persona through extra fields  their profile to allowing them their own blog. The current trend is to allow communities to be build and developed by their users. This web 2.0 phenomina that is currently sweeping the web allows users to submit and generate all forms of content from traditional text to rich multimedia uploads such as video.

Other tools of a more community focus could be deployed such as tools for karama enabling community members to police themselves. Also a rewards system that encourages interaction within the online community.

B) The rules are based around enabling people to contribute with each other, enable them to build the wealth of knowledge within the site and keep the rules simple.

C) Collaborative software systems with synchronous communications need to have a clear set of rules of engagement as they are operating within real time. The moderations need to be able to deal with issues as they arise on the fly. The need is still there within document sharing systems as inappropriate content can and will be submitted. The advantage of this is that these can be moderated much easier and sections of the document can be removed or hidden for review. Reporting of inappropriate activities can be made much easier and automation can be inplace e.g. If the document gets x number of bad marks against it, it is hidden from the public for review.

OLR: Exercise 1 – Topic 4

The community Dogzonline is a very unique niche where dog lovers can come together!

The site has alot of features including:

Rich content

A section for breeders

Forums

Calssifides

Market place

Links to external clubs

And a VIP card which gives you discounts to the merchants listed on the site.

 

Regular Events?

Some regular events for an online community such as this could be.. Doggy of the month, owner of the month. Drawing contests, and art contests.

 

OLR: Exercise 4 – Topic 2

place holder

[OLR] Exercise 4
How does this CSU policy [Policy for the Use of University Computing and Communication Facilities] reflect on the ideas in Kolko’s discursive citizenship and Cooper’s four ethical layers?

OLR: Exercise 3 – Topic 2

1. Briefly explain, in your own words, what you think of the ideas and solutions presented in Reading A by Dick Hardt. During his 15 minute talk he mentioned phishing, pharming, privacy invasion and identity theft. Give an example to support your explanation of each of those activities.

The presentation given regarding Identity 2.0 was very interesting to myself as not only am I a member of numerous online communities but I am also in the creation of them through my work as a web hosting provider. The ideas of verifying identities and allowing us to carry them over through numerous different sites would be a great way to ensure our identity is kept sacred and our own. Phishing is the act of sending out mass emails in the hope of catching someone giving up their legitimate account details, an example of this is the fake ebay and paypal emails that many of us recieve trying to trick us into giving over our account information .

2. In your own words (based on your reading of Readings B & C) describe what you understand by the term ‘state of presence‘ within an online community.

State of presence in a online community refers to the persons immersion within the community. The active imagination and visualisations both within the community and within the mind place the participant into a mental state where they feel they are present within the situation that they are participating. The imagination plays an important part in the use of virtual worlds and communities even in todays modern visual 3d environments. The participant needs to enter a mental place to feel part of what they are participating in.

3. Do you agree with Heath’s ideas (Reading B)? Is the ability to “to imagine the self as other” the same as “role playing” or the “walkthrough” process in software engineering?

I agree with these ideas as the need for developers to put them self in another persons shoes are essential in making systems that meet the end users needs and expectations. The vivid use of imagination is essential in any design phase including that of social architect design.

How does this compare to Suler’s view on the psychology of avatars and graphical space?

I kept getting a 404 with this url.

OLR: Exercise 2 – Topic 2

My recorder had issues when setting up my avatar. As a result heres an example log from one of our lessons.

– Start log: Thursday, September 6, 2007 8:07:12 pm LC_MOO time –

 

Hopper says, “read it while I grab a snack…and ponder on how to do it…”

Bron[213] [to Ross]: did you read task 3, I didn’t think the blogs and wikis could be modified?

Simon[213] says, “i could only add comments when I changed and modify the main page.”

Ross says, “I think you can edit “public blogs” but wiki I know very little about”

Bron[213] says, “maybe the students ability to modify will be upgraded”

Bron[213] says, “I use wikis for work and once you are an author/writer you can add/modify etc.”

Hopper listens and hope for more…

Ross says, “perhaps we simply append to what already exists, I think this can be done”

Bron[213] says, “well if it is a ’sandbox’ we will need to be able to do more”

Ross [to Bron[213]]: does your experience mean you will ead our POD on this one….lol Bron[213]  smiles Ross says, “ead = lead”

Bron[213] says, “defn. give it a go”

Hopper grins.

Ross says, “there’s wiki in both “sandbox” and “moodle” do you think this adds to the confusion a little?”

Ian[213] says, “Hi Hopper: I have Omid ON MSN saying he’s in MOO but can see/connect to Bulga Fern Gully.  Was OKAY at Uni had this problem when at home during the week too …”

Ian[213] says, “(meant Can’t)”

Bron[213] [to Ian[213]]: I had the same problem as Omid earlier today…Java applets were failing DavidW[213] arrives from LC_MOO Welcome Lobby Simon[213] says, “get him to try updating java from www.java.com“

Ross says, “it can be blocked by firewalls…”

Bron[213] says, “my thoughts too simon..also what about security settings does that affect it?”

Hopper [to Ian[213]]: Okay.. I will be away next week until THU

                             __________

                            |          |

Hopper holds up a     SIGN: | Blogging |

                            |__________| Hopper says, “the MOODLE has the blog manu on the right side when you join the CSCW course, while Interact has the ittem as “Blogger” on the left of its screen layout.”

Bron[213] says, “ok”

Hopper says, “in MOODLE you can access your profile by clicking on your username among other things.”

Ross says, “do we use both or decide as a POD group”

Hopper says, “you can not only edit your profile, but see and make forum posts and blog entries… versatile.”

Hopper says, “Have you all used blogs before?”

Simon[213] says, “To some degree I have.”

Bron[213] says, “yes..don’t have one but have added comments etc..to other peoples”

Ian[213] says, “(Sidenote: Thanks all for your tips TO Omid … I’ve passed them on).”

Ross says, “no not me…ever”

Rizwan[213] arrives.

Rizwan[213] says, “hello everyone”

Rizwan[213] leaves for MOODLE_chat

Hopper [to rizwan']:

Ross says, “hi and bye Rizwan[213]“

Bron[213] [to Rizwan[213]]: hi

Bron[213] LOL

Hopper [to rizwan]: How much blog experiences have you?

Hopper sighs.

DavidW[213] says, “Hi, have I missed anything yet?”

Ross says, “Hi David, not a lot, Ken has posted POD task 3 and we are discussing this”

Rizwan[213] arrives.

Hopper says, “I know less about the Interact blogger or wiki as it is a sandxbox trial we are part… part am familiar with blogger.com… as you see in the POD task 3 extension work… and heaps of experience with CoreBLOG as I am a ZOPe fan.. to your delight/disgust.”

Hopper grins.

Ross chuckles

DavidW[213] says, “ta Ross”

Hopper [to DavidW[213]]: no you can read the log on LR2 later and now read POD task 3 note…. to do soon.

Rizwan[213] says, “hello everyone”

Ross says, “hi Rizwan[213]“

Ross says, “I am a bit slow ….LR2??”

Ian[213] ian belatedly answers …

Ian[213] says, “I have used blogs somewhat but consider myself novice.”

Bron[213] says, “log recorder with past years conversations”

Hopper says, “oops… I have a local problem… knock at door… back in a moment.”

Ian[213] turns out hopper doesn’t live in a burrow afterall! Bron[213] says, “with ass.1 is this separate to pod task 1,2,etc..??”

Ross smiles

Bron[213] says, “could be an up market burrow with a door?”

Ross says, “like Rabit in the 100 acre wood”

Ian[213] says, “True1″

Bron[213] smiles

Hopper is too busy laughing to offer a reply!

Simon[213] says, “lol”

Ian[213] says, “Hey, Bron: my interpretation is that assign 1 comprises personal (OLR) and POD work.”

Hopper says, “yes I’m back”

Bron[213] [to Ian[213]]: ta..I thought as much Ross says, “and TOPIC exercises…..”

Bron[213] sigh

Ross says, “ditto”

Ian[213] says, “Hey, where are y’all posting your OLR entries?”

Hopper says, “so many to do …. aim to cover ALL topics and do 80%”

Ross [to Ian[213]]: in Zope

Hopper [to Ian[213]]: in a CoreBlog in ZOPE… or do we use the other tools?

Bron[213] says, “is there something I can do to not get bumped out of LC_Moo when I login to Moodle or Sakai?”

Hopper says, “previous studenst have asked to use their own blog tools… like blogger.com”

Ross says, “have wasted hours today building a cosmetically pleasing “web site”"

Hopper is open to suggestions as you take charge!

Ross says, “pen and paper”

Simon[213] says, “www.wordpress.com is another good one.“

Bron[213] [to Ian[213]]: I haven’t posted mine yet…I’ve created word document yet to be posted Hopper cheers loudly.

Hopper reckons Ross agrees with Simon,

Ross says, “there are some many good tools…..please no more…lol”

Ian[213] says, “I found it hard to ‘relate’ to the CoreBlog so sought alternative and when I came across wordpress I fell deeply in love.”

Hopper says, “A blog is a blog … even s a Word doc… just get to me for assessement…”

Ian[213] says, “We have established a very good relationship and we meet daily.”

Bron[213] [to Hopper]: so we don’t neccessarily have to use zope for our OLRs? We could use www.blogger.com or wordpress?

Ian[213] says, “(I;m still talking about WordPress BTW)”

Hopper says, “my favourite quote is from Ross….”

Bron[213] [to Ian[213]]: too much time??

Bron[213] smiles

Hopper [to bron]: Yes you tell me where it is…. but send a page to EASTS giving the URL.

Ross says, “how romantic”

                             ___________

                            |           |

Hopper holds up a     SIGN: | Extension |

                            |___________| Omid arrives.

Hopper says, “I think we have ubtil 14 September… but if you need more time… put a case by e-mail.”

Ian[213] Hurray! Welcome Omid!!:)

Hopper recons this is a valuable log to read later on Log Recorder 2.

Bron[213] says, “Omid did you have to reload www.java?”

Omid says, “hey Ian”

Omid says, “I did but it didn’t work”"

Hopper wonders where was he?

Omid says, “I just updated my firefox”

Bron[213] says, “aahhh firewalls?”

Hopper groans.

Omid says, “I was using firefox 1.5″

Hopper agrees with Bron

Ross [to Hopper]: the interaction and comment certainly beat today’smornings session Omid says, “but updated to firefox 2″”

Omid says, “Do I need to record this session Hop?”

Hopper  is glad Omid has 2.0.0.6 Firefox Bron[213] [to Omid]: someone will email their log to you Omid [to bron]: thanks Hopper [to Omid]: No just look at the log on Log Recorder 2 when we have finished.. as the log is only saved when we stop it.

Ian[213] says, “Omid: meantime, read “POD task 3″”

                             ______

                            |      |

Hopper holds up a     SIGN: | Wiki |

                            |______|

Hopper says, “if you came late…. read POD task 3 note… released today.”

Hopper passes the baton to Ian while he goes to fridge for a drink.

Omid says, “i’m just working on the 2nd pod”

Ian[213] ian coughs

Ross says, “Ahhh drinks sounds good”

Hopper says, “I’ll be back meanwhile Ian is running this class… BUT your turn may be next… after the break.”

Ian[213] says, “Yeah, Ian, over to you …”

Hopper loves to delegate.

Ian[213] says, “Holly! That IS me!”

Bron[213] says, “on youtube I found an instructional video on wikis it explained how they work clearly”

Omid says, “how far is my group with there pods?”

Ian[213] says, “So, class, can anybody state the fundamental difference between a Wiki and a Blog?”

Ross spills drink laughinmg

Simon[213] says, “the title!”

Bron[213] says, “one thing generally blogs belong to someone and wikis can have many authors/writers”

Hopper cheers loudly.

Ian[213] Hmmm, good, carry on …

Ian[213] Ian likes Bron’s thinking …

Simon[213] says, “Blog is like a personal diary where as a wiki is collaborative information pages”

Bron[213] says, “wikis are great for work groups…you can add agendas, minutes, etc..”

Ross [to Bron[213]]: if you could paste the link here to the youtube instructional video I’d e grateful Ian[213] Ian thinks Simon will go far …

Bron[213] [to Ross[213]]: I will have to dig around..I shall post it to the forum Ian[213] Good stuff class …

Ian[213] And with WIKI’s …

Ross [to Ian[213]]: you’re a natural

Ian[213] How is it that the Group manage to produce the final outcome?

Simon[213] says, “In what way?”

Bron[213] says, “it can be modified, edited by writers and viewers can comment”

Ian[213] says, “Group need to collaborate to produce the product … how do wiki’s facilitate that?”

Rizwan[213] says, “a blog is a online journal that allows the owner to post entries that are generally displayed in reverse chronological order and..”

Simon[213] says, “They allow multiple people to update and modify while allowing tacking of changes etc.”

Ian[213] says, “Ah, I see!”

Ian[213] says, “How else?”

Rizwan[213] says, “A wiki is a type of website that allows multiple users to collaboratively create and edit pages”

Simon[213] says, “There usually viewable on the web allowing an audience to see it.”

Bron[213] [to Ross{213]]: I think this link will take you to youtube video on wikis Bron[213] says, “http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dnL00TdmLY“

Hopper is ready to loosen the reins… (apology to horse industry…for the good metaphor) but he learning so much under Ian’s guidance.

Ross winks

Hopper says, “Ok I have had enough!”

Ian[213] says, “And so … is a wiki really a type of GroupWare? If so, what category does it fit in?”

Hopper is loosing his grip!

Ian[213] oops

Hopper [to Ian[213]]: can I ahve the baton back… please?

Hopper claps.

Ian[213] Ian hands back the class to Hopper.

Ian[213] ian bows

Hopper applauds Ian’s work at short notice.

                             ________________________

                            |                        |

Hopper holds up a     SIGN: | New format after break |

                            |________________________| Hopper says, “we shall take turns to lead the agenda… the dialogue is richer when we share control.”

Hopper says, “thanks to all for conributions on blog and wiki… and great questions, Ian”

                             _____________

                            |             |

Hopper holds up a     SIGN: | Report Time |

                            |_____________| Hopper says, “quick comment on how things are going with Assignment 1 etc from all.”

Rizwan[213] says, ” still working on it “

Bron[213] says, “Ross and I are getting through pod tasks ok, one pod member is a ghost student perhaps?”

DavidW[213] says, “Should be over half way tomorrow, just need to meet up with other memebers of POD hopefully tomorrow.”

Omid says, “I’m starting on the 2nd pod”"

Simon[213] says, “MAking progress. Matching schedules is proving to be the toughest part so far.”

Ross says, “I am finding it challenging as the Topic exercise have proven time consuming as well as setting up Zope, POD on track although our name of Tripod is misleading perhaps Duo”

Ian[213] Ian agrees with Simon

Omid says, “Not sure how far my group are with there pod”

Bron[213] smiles

DavidW[213] says, “Yeh found that same problem with scheduling in same time”

Ian[213] says, “Regarding the essay, drawing most info about the people from web, but is this okay?”

Hopper reminds you… that your report to each other is more useful than a report to me… except fro assessment.

Hopper [to Ian[213]]: yes.. just be careful not to just copy and paste withot citing and your own commentary.

Bron[213] says, “couldn’t find that much in books either Ian”

Simon[213] says, “whats a book? “

Hopper says, “you all need your essays fro the wiki exercise in POD task 3.”

Ross chokes on drink this time

                             __________

                            |          |

Hopper holds up a     SIGN: | Epilogue |

                            |__________| Bron[213] [to Simon[213]]: wikis are proven to contain much inaccurate info. LOL don’t rely on them Ian[213] says, “Hop: there is a member of our group missing.”

Hopper [to Ian[213]]: just carry on with the task.

Simon[213] says, “We have been Hopper “

Hopper says, “my fvaourite quote so far is from Ross: … so many ways to skin a cat.”

Ross says, “Too many, am I Marter or Arther”

Ross says, “I am but a mere male too many option and multitasking are detrimental”

Omid [to Hopper]: how far should we be into our pods at this stage Hopper says, “so many chat, blog and wiki to choose… but that is what our study is about in our POD work… putting the theory of the 10 topics into action and evaluation.”

                             ____________

                            |            |

Hopper holds up a     SIGN: | Next class |

                            |____________| Hopper says, “this is the last day of MOO classes until THU 4 October 2007″

Hopper says, “we have the 3-week mid-session break for res schools and for you to cathc up al all subjects.”

Bron[213] says, “ok..uni break?”

DavidW[213] says, “that works out good as i will be OS next week for work”

Omid [to Hopper]: how far should we be with our pod work?

Simon[213]  needs a 3 week work break.

Bron[213] says, “need 3 weeks to catch up..”

Ross says, “needs a 3 week catch up”

Hopper says, “me too”

Hopper says, “see you then… I will be away on leave for 3 days next week Mon to Wed”

Hopper says, “so if need me .. be patient.”

Rizwan[213] says, ” see ya all”

DavidW[213] bye

Rizwan[213] says, “bye TC”

DavidW[213] (asleep) has disconnected.

Bron[213] waves and smiles

Bron[213] says, “ciao”

Hopper says, “bye and good luck with studies….”

Omid says, “bye champion”

Ross waves

Hopper says, “bye”

Rizwan[213] says, ” thanks Hop”

Hopper waves.

>> The red light on Bron’s log recorder goes out. The recorder in Bulga

>> FernGully has been turned off. <<

Ian[213] says, “Bye all!”

Rizwan[213] (asleep) has disconnected.

Hopper says, “thanks you all. the world is run by those who turn up..”

Bron[213] says, “bye Ian thanks for you leadership”

>> The red light on Ross’ 1st goes out. The recorder in Bulga FernGully

>> has been turned off. <<

Omid says, “lan”

Ian[213] says, “Simon, Omid: when shall we meet again?”

Bron[213] takes Bron’s log recorder.

Ross takes Ross’ 1st.

Hopper hugs Ian

Ross weeps openly

Bron[213]  says how cute\

Omid [to Ian[213]]: Ian How far you into your blog Simon[213] says, “when is good for you two? usually after 8 for me.”

Hopper says, “Ian did a great job on short notice… top stuff.”

Simon[213] says, “he did!”

Ian[213] Ian blushes

Hopper says, “I am off now…”

Ross (asleep) has disconnected.

Simon[213] says, “Thanks hopper. good nite”

Omid [to Ian[213]]: how you going with your blog?

Bron[213] says, “ciao Hopper see you on the 4th”

Ian[213] says, “Thanks Hopper, C ya!”

Omid says, “Take care hopper”

Simon[213] says, “have OLR stuff done in word so far Omid. Did you get the stuff we sent you from this weeks meeting?”

Hopper says, “bye Simon and Bron and Ian and Omid…”

>> The red light on Log Recorder 2 goes out. The recorder in Bulga

>> FernGully has been turned off. <<

Hopper (asleep) has disconnected.

– End log: Thursday, September 6, 2007 9:26:06 pm LC_MOO time –

OLR: Exercise 1 – Topic 2

From studies around the web self efficiacy is peoples beliefs about their own abilities to perform at a certain level of performance. Albert Bandura from Stanford University posted on the Emory University site http://www.des.emory.edu/mfp/BanEncy.html Defines Self-efficacy as

Perceived self-efficacy is defined as people’s beliefs about their capabilities to produce designated levels of performance that exercise influence over events that affect their lives. Self-efficacy beliefs determine how people feel, think, motivate themselves and behave. Such beliefs produce these diverse effects through four major processes. They include cognitive, motivational, affective and selection processes.

Spatial Reasoning is the ability to visualise ideas and relationships between objects. http://www.erasmatazz.com/library/JCGD_Volume_6/Spatial_Vs_Verbal.html defines spatial reasoning as

Spatial reasoning is a process of forming ideas through the spatial relationships between objects. Geometry is an example of spatial reasoning at work. Graphs present data in a format suitable for spatial reasoning.

Cognitive science is the study of the mind and intelligence. This can cover a number of different areas. Stanford University (http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/cognitive-science/) describes cognitive science as

Cognitive science is the interdisciplinary study of mind and intelligence, embracing philosophy, psychology, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, linguistics, and anthropology.

First published Mon Sep 23, 1996; substantive revision Mon Apr 30, 2007

Google Earth

Google earth is an excelent visual tool in allowing us to see the world at its multiple levels.  It allows us to explore the world at both a local and international level providing a multitude of information and resources such as borders, roads places of interest. It makes use of satelite imagery to provide a visual experience.

Visual Vs Social

I have found that the social cognition such as a forum or moo allows us to utilise our imaginations to the fullest. The visual cognition seems to dominate our sences making us a passenger to the experience where as the social aspects make us feel part of the experience in the driving seat.

MMORGPS

Massively multiplayer online roleplay games take into effect both visual and social cognition through the use of rich virtual 3d environments though story telling visual encounters and social interactions such as player interaction and guilds which allow people to come together and roleplay or develop their avatars to fit into the virtual world.

Second Life

Having spent some time exploring the world of second life I was actually quite interested in performing this task having seen it numerous times on the news such as CNN and BBC. My initial experience was that this virtual world was like Web 2.o on sterioids bringing me fleetingly back to the first time that I read Snowcrash. The world is a dynamic user driven world in 3d, Initially I found the controls to be cumbersom and not what I was used to from a MMORPG and other games that I have played. It is quite obvious from the first minutes of the potential of this place to be the next cutting edge online environment moving us from static webpages to dynamic content, to more recently user driven content to this full 3d metaverse.

The world has great potential for teaching and learning allowing people from all over the world to come together in a virtual campus where the use of multimedia is native to the world allowing streaming audio and video to be played. The world also includes its own scripting language to allow users to create interactive objects. More recently from reading their website voice chat has been added to the world allowing users to actually speak to each other.

This world allows people to act out their fantasies and develop their avatars to any level they wish from new clothing to completly changing their look of their avatar. I saw a DALEK!

OLR: Exercise 2 – Topic 3

Wireless technology: issues and opportunities for improved workflow

With the ever increasing availability of wireless devices from the standard laptop to new PDA and smartphones being wireless enabled there is an ever increasing opportunity for us to improve workflow.

I currently work as a desktop support engineer and having looked at my day to day work practices and procedures I could quite easily become more time efficient using a wireless device on campus. This could be through the use of Instant messaging, access to online resources and reference through wireless and being able to update support tickets in realtime and in situe would prove most useful. Cisco has a white paper (http://www.cisco.com/en/US/netsol/ns340/ns394/ns348/ns337/netbr0900aecd8050322c.html) regarding wireless application within the health care services. The article describes the main points for improving workflow as the following:

As these examples illustrate, location tracking of assets can save resources through three key business policy improvements:

• Healthcare organizations spend less time locating and collecting equipment within the facility.

• Improved utilization of assets under management reduces the need to order new equipment to compensate for poor utilization and availability.

• Staff can respond to patient needs more quickly because needed equipment is distributed more efficiently throughout the facility.

Wireless devices deployed through organisations can also pose a large security risk if they are not deployed, designed and implimented correctly. These unsecured wireless networks can allow literally any passer by can patch into the network.

Ultimately the workforce is moving towards more and more wireless devices enabling us access to realitme data and resources on the move. Enabling a much more mobile workforce allows for distributed and geographically diverse organisations.