Week 4 IDS 121

Wow! The final week in IDS 121! These last four weeks have been a giant learning experience and a “roller coaster ride.” I have learned so much about technologies and the online community. I was able to engage in discussion and document my learning throughout the course. This week I was able to view many project topics and participate in questions others had asked pertaining to their research topic. JENNIFER and other classmates asked questions to include in their research. That is great information to add. I asked if anyone has used or talked to someone that uses an AAC voice output device and had a few responses either asking more information about the topic or giving me resources. I found it a great way to see if people new about the topic or if anyone had any sources to research.

This week my focus was on research. I researched Alternative Augmentative Communication(AAC)  Devices that give a voice to those who are none verbal and/or have autism. I found that AAC devices range from high tech (computer voice output devices) to low tech (pencil grips). Throughout my research I looked at a main manufacture of high tech voice output devices, DynaVox. There website provided me with an abundance on the different styles of AAC computer technologies. I also found a bit of information on the basics of how they are used at home and school.

Since there were so many I chose to research four, the Dyna V+, DynaWrite, Eyemax, and the iPad when used with an application called Proloquo2 Go.  I learned how each of these devices worked.  Many use symbols/pictures to symbolize a word. You can click on these symbols to create sentences and have a conversation. This is very beneficial to those who are non verbal and/or have autism because the pictures are a clear way of describing the word. I found that many children with autism learn best from pictures! While researching I found a You Tube video of an adult who is non-verbal and special needs who is talking to a younger class that has special needs using her device. Here is the link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMv0s_5tKSU&feature=related). I also found an ABC video where they interview creator of Proloquo2 Go. They talked about the iPad and the application to turn it into a voice output AAC device (http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/conversation-ipad-voice-autistic-10499697).  Through my research I also found scholarly articles and books. I had trouble searching at first so I used a useful technology. I used online chat on the Milner Library site to talk to a librarian that helped me use the correct words to search with. That and the Research Textbook we learned about in week three helped me find useful information. I also found people sources very useful. I interviewed two people. One, a mother who has had experiences at home with her child using both the iPad Proloquo 2 Go and Dyna V+. Another, a teacher who had a student that used the DynaWrite. Both supplied me with great information and thoughts on AAC devices they had experience with.

Overall, this week has been fun because I was able to research something I am interested in. I find that it always makes things more excited when your heart is in the topic. This course truly showed me the advances and influences of technology and how there are entirely different communities separate from those in the “real world.”

Week 3 IDS 121 Class

I have to admit, this was a tough week for me to keep up on the readings, posts, lab notes, my own research and my summer job! I ended up making it through and learning very much! This week in IDS 121 we read articles on research, online courses, and e-zines.  The articles we read were “Predicting Learning From Asynchronous Online Discussions,” “Strands in the Web: Community-Building Strategies in Online Fanzines,” and “Examining Social Presence in Online Courses in Relation to Students’ Perceived Learning and Satisfaction.” We also explored an Online Research Method Textbook. The articles and textbook all related to research, online classes, which are a form of an online community. Two of the articles discuss a study done on Online Classes and how students learn online.

The first article I read this week was from “Predicting Learning From Asynchronous Online Discussions.”  This article was a dated article that “results indicated online discussions do improve perceived learning.” I found it to be predictable. The study was done when online classes were just forming. It occurred at one college with a small number of people. The study found that both face-to-face and computer-mediated discussion provided for a superior learning environment compared to just learning in a classroom. This article is similar to the second article I read about social presence in online courses. Both are dated and discuss online learning. A hypothesis from the second article states, “Students’ perceptions of social presence in online courses are a predictor of their perceived learning.” I agree because just as in a classroom you need social interactions to be successful. I agree with JOEL  when he stated, “I have been under the impression that it was a well known fact that people learn through interaction. Therefore, it does not take much to believe that if people do not perceive the educational medium to be interactive they will perceive learning in a positive correlation.”

The last article I read was “Strategies in Online Fanzines” that discusses communities and e-zines or online magazines. The article on Online Fanzines contained old information about e-zines that compared themselves to a home page, which allowed you to go from one link (URL) to another. These links attracted more followers, which created more online communities. I agree with the articles statement, “the presence in virtual space of people who share one’s interests helps individuals find a sense of belonging that might otherwise be missing in their lives.” E-zines give people an outlet in online communities. They are also a great source to research a project like the projects we are completing. SARAH posted weebly.com where you can find e-zines on your topic. I have not had a chance but am anxious to explore the site!

 This week I also began to research my project on Alternative Augmentative Communication Devices and how they help students with special needs communicate. Much of my week has been researching AAC devices. The articles I read made me think of how much the information we research has changed. From the dates they are given to the current dates research has changed drastically. The readings made me wonder how search engines have changed overtime and if proper ways of online researching have changed as well. I know in the past years I have been told to research many different ways from using questions, to sentences to words. I am glad the research method textbook was shown to us because it goes through the steps on how to research correctly. I agree with LA TOCHA when he states, “I feel this reading is the most beneficial because I can organize my thoughts for my research project.” It definitely will help my research processes!

This week has been difficult changing from not very many readings to a few. It has been hard to get the desired posts in and to incorporate my topic with what we have discussed. Although it does have to do with technology, it is hard to find an online community about my topic. Maybe I have been looking in the wrong places! I am sure within the next couple days my research will be completed and I will find an interesting community.

IDS 121 Week 2

Week two in IDS 121 has been a week full of discussions about online communities and dating communities. I’ve viewed documentaries, scholarly articles, news articles and videos about these communities! The first article read, “The Anthropology of Online Communities” explains not only the history of but also the social, linguistic, and cyber identities of those involved. Although this article posed difficult vocabulary, I was able to grasp the meaning.  To further our knowledge and make online communities real we viewed the BBC News video which discussed the online dating community and its flaws. Scams of online dating come to light in this news video. It surprised me that someone would actually send money to a person they have not met face-to-face, wow! I agree with what I believe was the message of the news video, “be on your guard at all times.”  (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8704213/ns/technology_and_science-security/t/seduced-scams-online-lovers-often-duped/) This article found on the MSNBC site explains a scam involving people from Nigeria. Similar to the BBC News video, Nigerian scammers were becoming romantically involved online, only to steal money. I agree with ANTHONY when he states, “Dating scammers take advantage of the intrinsic human desire to be loved and feel appreciated for who we are, and the scammer can tailor their routine to ensnare that desire.” I think if you let your emotions get carried away the first few times you meet someone (in person or online) that can be a green flag for scammers. You can never be too safe when accessing any type of community online.

Furthering our learning on online dating, we read “Pew Internet Online Dating Article.” According to the article, 31% of adults say they know someone who has used an online dating service and 15% know someone in a long-term relationship. I personally know two people who were married by meeting on an online dating sight. They are perfect for each other. I also had a friend that went on many dates with a person online and it did not end up lasting, but was still considered an “online relationship.” I think it all depends who you are if your relationship will end up lasting. Similar to the Pew article we read “Does Online Dating Work?” What I found interesting about this article was the quote, “Web rapport can also lead to offline disappointment.” They discuss that the more two people talk online, the more likely they are to make up a “fantasy persona” and become disappointed when they meet in person. I feel this is a main reason online relationships fail. Another point this article discuses was the ability to alter your image online. My aunt used an online dating sight and met someone for coffee. This person had a great picture and ideal traits, but when she met him he looked nothing like the picture and his personality was quite opposite! With that said, altering your appearance is extremely easy online.  This article parallels the article “Down the Rabbit Hole.” This article relates Alice In Wonderland’s experience in a different world and how she alters herself to “fit in” to this extra small world through a mirror. A quote I like, and that relates to my “heavenly concept” of cyberspace (as I stated in discussion) is, “People have linked “cyberspace” to the world found through the mirror, the reality on the other side contrasted to the everyday physical world.” It ‘s like a “lost world” that holds so much. In the cyberspace online communities and dating communities are held and people often alter themselves in that “mirror” to fit in.

In continuance of the week in IDS 121 we watched “Online Dating A General Public Documentary.” The documentary did not surprise me when they discussed young adults uninterested in the dating world. What did surprise me was my aunt’s view. She stated that there were more young adults on the site because of technological illiteracy amongst middle age members. It could have been the dating site she used, E-harmony (http://www.eharmony.com/?cid=66103&aid=1001&kid=GOGs9Q3IPY7E&keyword=eHarmony&pcrid=11623425219&mt=e&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=eHarmony&utm_campaign=Brand+%5BeHarmony%5D+CTA+Site+Links_FCW_G66103) that may have indeed attracted the younger crowd. I was so caught up in the fact young people rarely used dating sites, I did not consider the other realistic side of online dating, technological illiteracy.

The last article we discussed, my focus for this week, is finding a ‘Soul Mate’ with Online Dating.” The article defines the ‘soul mate’ as “one of two persons compatible with each other in disposition, point of view, or sensitivity.” I was not surprised that many people our age (young adults) believed in a ‘soul mate.’ In regards to ‘soul mates’ I feel they differ from person to person. In the article they stated that conceptualization plays into a persons compatibility with someone. I feel that a person’s idea of a “soul mate” can differ due to this conceptualization. Through my discussion online I asked what my classmates perceptions were on ‘soul mates.’ ANTHONY stated, “I would most likely not be part of the 88% that believe there is one person "out there" specially destined to be my 'soul mate.' I personally believe that there are likely many people I could ultimately forge a stable, loving relationship with, given the right personality traits and character.” BILL’S idea is similar when he says, “The very idea of a soul mate implies to me that this would be an effortless relationship. However, a strong relationship I believe is built on the effort to make it work and find where the metaphorical paths of two people join and split.” To me, a ‘soul mate’ is not simply one person made for you effortlessly but what the both ANTHONY and BILL discussed. A ‘soul mate’ to me includes not only a connection, your conceptualization of a person, but also how well you can work things out, compromise, and communicate with one another. As you can see, people’s definitions indeed differ. This does not prove surprising since the concept of a ‘soul mate’ is abstract and can be construed in many ways.  Taking the idea of a ‘soul mate’ and online relationships is interesting. I feel like dating sites often act as if you’re shopping for a ‘soul mate.’ Sometimes that works for people, but I think it takes out the naturalness of the concept. With that in mind I asked my parents about their idea of a soul mate. They brought up a good point I brought up in discussion. Back in the 1960s it was more laid back, "simpler times" in the dating world. They met fewer people due to less technology. Finding the true definition of a 'soul mate' seemed likely. Now, there is more technology and ways of communicating/dating/meeting people. I feel this puts pressure on people to stand out online.  With such a large world of people to choose from, it is harder to find just one person you are compatible with or your ‘soul mate.’

In conclusion, this week has been full discussions on online dating communities and online communities. We have been learning, forming opinions, and asking questions about the abundance of information we have obtained. To be quite honest, I am now bored with this topic as I found myself having to repeat my thoughts in posts, in lab notes, and my blog. I look forward to something new and interesting, but not to the repetition involved! 

I have decided to do my project on learning styles. Not just learning styles in general, but online verse offline learning. 

Proof of Learning, Wk.1

What a week this has been for me in this IDS 121 class! I've viewed videos, read articles, and discussed. From the beginning there was much to absorb. "How Does the Brain Work" was an interesting video that used the concept of Magic to explain how our brain makes "choices" of what we actually "see." It was interesting to discover that our brain actually makes choices as to what it sees. This implies that our brains are sensitive to motions and can actually make "assumptions" of things before they happen. My favorite quote was "Magic is like cognitive juggling." Although our brains are the "ultimate computer," WATSON is the smartest machine on earth! He understands different meanings in context, he can analyze, learn from mistakes, and even problem solve. He does this by imitating humans! This makes me realize even more that the BRAIN is the human computer capable of making WATSON happen.
We read articles on college students and their writing" lives. This was a survey done on freshman at various universities. The contents surveyed included various lists of what was valued, most meaningful, and most used. The reading discussion blog was far more useful and entertaining! I felt Reputation Management/Digital Footprints to be more helpful. I agreed with much that was shared. It is a defining feature of online life to carefully monitor. Good discussions and comments stemmed from this article. Younger students do monitor better because they learn from the many experiences on their society of friends, teachers, parents, and community. Adults are least careful because they aren't as savvy, aren't targets of societal abuse, and just don't think it will happen to them. Many more adults are concerned about identity theft. The Benefits of Facebook also held my attention, but was a predictable survey. From the theories they tested, to the results that was gleaned, nothing was very surprising. This brought on the best discussions of the week however, as we commented on ideas from what is "friending" to having "friends" the meaning of friends vs "friends" and so on.

I'm taking a stab that my "focus" is to mean how I thought about thinking as I went through these articles. As I've stated before, this procedure is either way too abstract for me, or I'm way too concrete in my understanding of what this is to be, or become.  With that in mind, we all have different ways we learn, or learning styles. ( www.ldpride.netlearningstyles.MT.htm.) and (http://people.usd.rdu/~bwjames/tut/learning-htm.style/) I will proceed in my style or what I'm thinking is my style, beacuase that is all I can do at this point in time. My favorite part of the week was listening to Kevin Kelly. He was interesting in his factual epic account of the timeline of humanity with technology. His wordage was understandable, his history concrete, and his phrase-ology (?) kept me in the loop with the discussion boards.  When I felt stuck in the muddle of words, I would go back to my notes on Kelly. His quote, "humanity is our greatest invention," let me think about the creative, intellectual students we are, and how these blogs let us "talk," if even just to ourselves, about the things we can share in life. I found the bulk of blogs to be thoughts centered on social connecting, one form or another. The responses always came to this. Kelly states, " technology will always be an extension of life." This was the thread that held our discussions together. When JOEL asks if "we will become technologically illiterate as we grow older?" I answer not really. The increased knowledge of the technology we already know, coupled with the fact that we make those changes to correct our mistakes proves Kelly's idea that we constantly strive to organize trends in our society to make us better. I agree with KERI when she states that "we are a much more savvy generation.." not only in the ways we use technology, but also in our cultural ideas. As a society we have more freedoms, more choices, more opportunities that allow us to come up with more and more technological ideas.

Summing up, this week has been loaded with thought and work. To tell you where I am right know would be the proverbial needle/ haystack thing! I'm searching hard. I still am requesting a sample, or direction on a choice so that I know I'm on the right track.The only thing I can come up with is something about learning styles. I don't do well with abstract ideas, so it's got to be something concrete or factual.