cct205+LAB+ASSIGNMENTS

LAB ASSIGNMENT 1: 21st JANUARY 2010

One of the key aims of ‘change camp’ events is to work towards the betterment of society and humanity. If I were to hold a change camp event, I would like to put my focus on ‘increasing awareness of the benefits of sport for fitness in the corporate world’. My reason for this is because in the corporate world, the levels of stress, requirement of social skills, determination, strategic planning, etc increase. Sport is an effective way of achieving such elements to improve ones performance in the corporate field. My focus lies in the corporate world also because of the fact that after higher education, regard of health is taken lightly. Further, many offices try to avoid this by placing gyms in their offices. However, it still disregards the benefits of playing sport such as a mode of recuperation for the brain and elements such as social skills and determination. Whilst in the gym, even though one may burn calories and stay fit, it does not allow the mind to shift from the stress and one may continue to think of work even while running on a treadmill. Sport helps to think outside of the office. It helps one to focus on the game and how to ‘win’ or ‘score’ the next point, thus shifting the focus of the brain to another topic. Therefore, my change camp focus would lie on helping corporate communities in building awareness of sport and its benefits it can gain for the corporate community.

LAB ASSIGNMENT 2: 21st JANUARY 2010

//**INFORMATION COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY FOR DEVELOPMENT "ONE LAPTOP PER CHILD IS A NEO-COLONIAL TROJAN HORSE PROJECT"**//

The metaphor of the Trojan Horse clearly describes the common view of a project such as the One laptop per child project. The reason for this is because, if we look at the perspective of the 'trojan horse' or the 'trojan war', it reflects the desire of the Greeks to take over the city of Troy. There is a constant hunger for power by powerful countries. With our history in mind, many assume that initiatives like this are often to increase influence in developing countries. Whilst this may be true, we must also realize that we are in a world of modern technology and influence. Information Communication Technologies can in fact be an incredible way of moving ahead in today's world for developing countries.

Therefore, I disagree that the project is a neo-colonialism horse. I believe that it can have many benefits and can help bring the upcoming generation at the same par of the upcoming generations in developed countries. It can help the world advance together, and can also create better relations if many countries are at the same level. This can have continuing effects of having good international relations and can increase and improve economic, political and social relations and conditions for many developing countries. Therefore, in conclusion, whilst I disagree with the statement and believe it can have many benefits, I also believe that without any limitations of influence and intervening of other developed countries, it can result in negative consequences of a 'neo-colonialism trojan war'.

LAB ASSIGNMENT 3: 28TH JANUARY 2010
 * //IS THE 'IPAD' REVOLUTIONARY?

When thinking of the term 'revolutionary' one instantly thinks of something that is radical and that results in change. Apple is by far the most advanced and intelligent software creator there has ever been. The inventions that they have created are beyond one's thinking and imagination and they have gone further than any other software company in the world. Their inventions from ipods to macbooks and imacs are simply ingenious. However, when thinking of the Ipad, I do not agree that this is a revolutionary product.

While the product shows originality in this particular form of an e-reader, the Ipad has not resulted in great change. The Itouch or Iphone is similar in the sense that is a touch screen, one can view movies and videos and any form of an e-text. I feel that the Ipad is simply an Itouch in a larger size with simply more clarity in their applications. There are ways of doing the same functions on a computer. However, what is truly amazing about this product is the idea and how such a small instrument can function in this way. Apple is known for their creations in such forms. Therefore, I do not agree that this is revolutionary, however, Apple has continued to show expertise in this field and has proved the world once again to be far ahead and advanced than the rest of the world. The Ipad is an extremely efficient device, just not revolutionary.

LAB ASSIGNMENT 4: 4TH FEBRUARY 2010 //**CONNECTED AND DISCONNECTED?

Online social networks have its advantages and disadvantages. A network site like Facebook is one with endless examples to show how it has its advantages. I have lived away from home for the last 7 years of my life and facebook is one way that I can maintain contact with friends from all over the world. Further, Facebook has increased its scope in its ways of online advocacy. For example, I can raise awareness of an issue that I am concerned about by forming a group on facebook and having people join it if they wish to discuss. Besides this, facebook allows me to view many fan pages as well and this gives me the opportunity to see what people understand and how I may share common interests with them. Therefore, in one sense I do agree that we are connected in a global sense and it is bringing people from every part of the world together on this one social network.

Whilst I agree with this with the majority of my view, I do not completely feel that this also 'disconnects' us. The only way it does disconnect us is that we lose conventional, traditional ways of being connected within a network. However, other than that I find such networks very beneficial and has connected the world in such a way that it is possible to to never actually 'lose touch', or, gain awareness without spending money on something that should be an interest of awareness to everybody. Therefore, I believe we are more connected.

LAB ASSIGNMENT 5: 11TH FEBRUARY 2010 "If you have something that you don't want anyone to know, maybe you shouldn't be doing it in the first place."

This statement can be debated over in many different views. Whatever there is in the world today, there is a reason for its existence. Trying to search a controversial topic on a search engine should not be something that my name gets 'flagged' as it may be seen as a suspicious. Further, with new technology I can access private information such as various accounts with communities, universities, banks, etc and this is should remain private. However, if there is a constant watch on everything that goes on, the concept of privacy is lost.

The issue arises if someone goes too far where they may expose too much. For example facebook profiles or myspace profiles. This can often lead a user into trouble for exposing too much. Further, at times, for our own safety it is best we have the survelliance that exists in todays world and therefore, whilst we should respect the privacy on the internet, I think many people are taking advantage of how far ahead we are but how much we can exploit because of it. Therefore, this statement can be agreed and disagreed upon.

Lab Assignment 6: 25th February 2010: http://vcn.bc.ca/citizens-handbook/rules.html

Rule: Whenever possible, go outside the experience of an opponent. Here you want to cause confusion, fear, and retreat.

I agree with this rule because there must be this drive to outlast the opponent in any field of competition or task. I feel by truly using the experience you have to go outside of the experience of the opponent, they tend to feel disoriented and demotivated.

This demotivation and disorientaiton changes their ways of acting upon the situation, which puts the advantage to you.

**Lab Assignment 7: 4th March Identify something that you think best demonstrates the web 2.0 and explain why ?**

An example of something that demonstrates Web 2.0, besides Facebook or twitter, is also Myspace. The reason I think this network stands out is because of the common interest of Music that it shares with its members. Most of the famous musicians, djs or other talented artists have accounts on Myspace. This allows fans and other people who have an interest in this field and the person's music to have a look, learn more about them, find out the latest events, latest songs, etc through this network.

Further, it allows you to find artists similar to your taste of music because of how one page can lead to similar genres. Another benefit of this networking is that it can also link to artists that are not as well known, but have similar music of ones interest. This also benefits the artists in increasing their scope of fans and recognition.

Therefore, sites like Myspace, facebook or twitter demonstrate web 2.0 as they have participation, engagement, opinions from the public and is accessible easily.