Monday, October 29, 2007

Week Twelve- Social and Ethical Issues

Lecture Summary


Lecture twelve discusses the social and ethical issues involved with using your PC to explore and use the WWW. The problems begin with the Internet being an open entity which anyone can access and even publish materials on the WWW without the enforcement of standards. Some of the main problems involved with the net are: security; plagiarism; copyright and privacy issues. Users of the WWW are all at risk of these so if using information from the WWW it is important to always acknowledge others work to avoid copyright and plagiarism issues. Security is important as users are always at risk so it is important to familiarise ones self with the dangers and install programs to protect your PC and privacy.







Workshop Tasks-Week Twelve



1a. The first task was to visit the Australian copyright website and follow the links.



1b. Copyright List






  • Access to Copyright Material



  • Artworks Copyright



  • Australian Copyright Council



  • Craft workers Professional



  • Fashion Design and Costumes



  • Indigenous Artists



  • Internet: Copying and Downloading



  • Logos



  • Ownership of Copyright



  • Websites



2. The US v Sanka's case targeted 'warez groups' that were illegally releasing pirated digital copies of copyrighted works among the 'warez scene'.




3. My plan for security will be to familiarise myself with the latest viruses and install the latest antivirus software. I will change my passwords so they are harder to break and use all the privacy settings on my computer, when using email and facebook for example. I would use firewall as a precaution against possible hackers viruses and Trojans or malware which come disguised, and never give out or make any personal information available.



Readings- Week twelve





  • The Top Twelve reading lists the most important steps you can take to increase your privacy and protect yourself on the Internet. A valuable reading.


  • The Electronic Monitoring reading displays issues involved with using the WWW in the workplace and what employers can do.


  • The reading on Computer Viruses gives a history of the different computer virus's, how they work and the concern associated.


  • The Intellectual Property reading gives advise on how to protect you and your computer.


  • The Music and Copyright reading draws on the concerns associated with music available on the Internet and the issues associated with downloading music.


  • The Email Attachment Virus reading explains the danger of email attachment and why they should not be opened. It expresses the concerns associated with viruses and email attachments.


  • Overall the readings are very valuable and should be refered to when considering computer and personal safety.

Week Eleven- Building Knowledge

Lecture Summary






Lecture eleven looks at Data, information and Knowledge. Data is defined as being fact or proposition and has no judgement or intrinsic meaning or value. Information is defined as a group of facts that relate and are summative, rational and have meaning. Knowledge is defined as the sum of what has been learned anThe lecture d are judgemental, subjective and very valuable. Data can be sampled or measured and are of their own limited value. Information can be historical or records and establish trends in order to generate. Knowledge is justification from the data and information and is how are experiences are applied to information in order for it to make sense. The lecture surmises that data, information and knowledge are the lead up to understanding and wisdom.


Workshop Tasks- Week Eleven





1. Dictionary Definitions:








  • The Yahoo website defined data as:
    Factual information, especially information organized for analysis or used to reason or make decisions.




  • The google dictionary defined information as: Knowledge of specific events or situations that has been gathered or received by communication; intelligence or news.




  • Dictionary.com defined Knowledge as: the fact or state of knowing; the perception of fact or truth; clear and certain mental apprehension.




2. Create a line graph representing the relationship between data, information and knowledge.







Background Knowledge + New Knowledge




= Informed Decision Making




3. Understanding the relationship between data, information and knowledge can assist me as a student. Once data and information has been sourced i have to understand it for it to become knowledge. Once this information is knowledge, not just information, i have a full understanding which will maximise my learning as a university student.



4. Organisations that collect information from clients.







  • Doctors



  • Chiropractors



  • Census



  • News Researches/Polls



  • Governmental bodies



  • Centre link


  • Banks



They need to collect information to assess situations carefully as to make decisions accordingly, based on the information they have.




Readings -Week Eleven







  • The reading on Data, Information and knowledge describes what each is and gives a further understanding of the relationship between them and how they lead to understanding and wisdom.


  • The Information Literacy Reading is a tutorial on enhancing information literacy skills. It gives insight into information and how we must understand it for it to become knowledge.


  • The third reading provides definitions of data, information and knowledge and describes the importance of their relationships, and discusses the importance of asking questions to determine the value of information.

Week Ten- Online Libraries and Databases

Lecture Summary



The lecture discusses online libraries and databases. Online libraries are very useful and accessible. They provide a large number of resources and provide up to date journals. Online libraries can be accessed at any time, and the electronic format makes it quick and easy to make notes and reference. Types of online Libraries include: journals; electronic books; music; artworks and repositories. Online Libraries do have limitations with some requiring a paid subscription to use. Referencing must be done correctly to avoid plagiarism and copyrights acknowledged. Online databases are a collection of data characterised by data fields. They are similar to online libraries and provide a search system which allows you to search through information. Types of online databases include: news and media; maps and weather and government information for example. The advantages of online databases include: current information; electronic format; comprehensive; available at any time and they are reachable. Disadvantages of online databases are: advertising; too much information, and they may be difficult to navigate. Both online libraries and databases are useful research tools that are generally up to date and provide valuable information.









Workshop Tasks- Week Ten




1. I have logged onto and searched the ECU online library.




2. Online Library functions










  • Reference Service- The librarians provide basic to specialised research services and offer a 24 hour email reference service.





  • The Liberty service provides modules designed to assist information searches.





  • The Multimedia Resources service provides tuition on computer multimedia.





  • The Document Delivery System allows student to request for loans of materials from other libraries to assist their research.





  • The Loans service allows students to loan materials from the library.





  • The ECU referencing guide is available to student online.





  • Podcasts are available to download.





  • Library Workshops and tours are available to student.





  • The Ask the Library provides three services to enable a quick response to student questions.





  • The Loans Desk staff are there to help students use the library.





3. I have visited the website provided.






4. I used the search engine to research Anemia (iron deficiency) and found lots of useful information.






5. I went through the massage therapy tutorial. The tutorials are informative and a good way to learn adopt health. I will definitely use the site again.






6. I think people interested in their health and people looking for information regarding health issues they might have would use the site. It seems credible so i think people would take some valuable information away.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Week Nine- Using Search Engines

Lecture Summary




This lecture looks at search engines and how to successfully use them to navigate our way trhroiugh the WWW. A search engine is a tool or programs which searches the internet providing a list of websites related to your search topic. It will provide a list of indexed sites sorted by keywords. Types of search engines commonly used are 'Google' and 'Yahoo'. The main problem with search engines is that they often return with huge lists of sites that can become unrelated to the chosen topic. It is therefore importand to use the search tips provided: enter specific keywords and phrases; use several keywords; use several search tools and think clearly about what you are searching to avoid wasting time. Search engines are an effective way of retieving information if used correctly.




Workshop Tasks- Week Nine




1. Stratergies to help structure a good search








  • Think carefully about what your searching for and use the appropriate search tool for your search.




  • Use the Web directory if your search is broad and a search engine if your search is more specifc.




  • Use specific keywords related to your search, and enter a phrase to be even more specific.




  • Always use letters as characters and numbers are often not understood by a search engines language program.




2. I have completed the quiz and included a screen shot.




Readings Week Nine






  • The Virtual salt reading gives advice on how to use search engines and things to consider before you search. It discusses the types of search tool being search engines and directories, and the negatives and benefits of the different ways to enter a search. A very useful reading.



  • The Spiders Apprentice reading is a tutorial on successfully using search engines to find the best possible results from your search. It explains the role of the two types of search tools and explains which is best to use for your particular search. An easy to use guide.



  • The Search Engine Watch reading is a helpful tool to ensure a successful search. The reading looks at all aspects of searching the WWW, and teaches basic and advanced tools for searching.



  • The History of the Internet reading discusses the history of the web and search engines, how we find information on the web, directories, search engines and library catalogues. Gives information on how to search the web.

Monday, October 22, 2007

Week Eight- Evaluation and Authentication

Lecture summary

Lecture eight looks at evaluating information quality of the WWW. Information quality relates to information that is "fit-for-use". IQ is relative as information that is useful for one purpose may not have attributes useful for another. The context of the WWW consists of open protocols and open architecture. Open protocols: information is exchanged quickly; anyone can access and display info on the WWW if they have a computer; information goes through a traditional filter to ensure there is some degree of IQ. Open architecture: there is no enforceable quality or classification control. Basically there is no control of: who publishes info on the WWW; why people publish information; and what is published on the WWW. As there is so much information available on the WWW it is important to use an evaluation process which should look at: authority; accuracy; objective; currency, and coverage, to determine whether the info is "fit-for-use" and reliable.


Tasks week eight

1. This reading has a number of strategies to consider when evaluating websites. These include:

-Content and Evaluation


  • What audience is the website appealing to?

  • Does the website have a purpose, and what does it contain?

  • Does it have current links that are complete?

  • Is the information accurate and of value?

-Source and Date


  • Is the authors name present?
  • Is the author credible and are qualifications provided?
  • Are dates provided showing when it was first produced and or updated?
  • Are the links current, and dated?
  • Does the site show a level of bias?

-Structure

  • Is correct grammar and spelling used?

  • Are the graphics used for purpose or decoration?

  • Are they relevant to the text?

  • Is the site usable for a wide range of people?


2. Website evaluation- American cultural history


Accuracy


  • The information appears to be reliable and error free. The spelling, grammar and format all appear to be correct, and all the link worked.

  • The site appears to be edited by the Kingwood College Library.

Authorship


  • The authors name is given (Susan Goodwin). The page is not signed but her email address is provided.

  • No qualification information regarding the author is provided so i am unable to tell if she is a reputable and reliable source.

  • The sponsor appears to be the Kingwood College Library, there email address is provided, as a link to view their site.

Purpose

  • The purpose of the site is to information the reader about the cultural history during the period 1960-1969 in America. It covers the areas of the arts, music, television, sport, literature, fashion and education.

  • There is no advertising on the site and it does not show a level of bias.


Detail and Design

  • The details and designs were created by Peggy Whitley.

  • The Design of the page reflects the 60's era. Whitley has used photographs and pictures depicting images relating to the different areas of content.

  • The design is suited to the site and does not take over or overwhelm.

Overall worth


The site is very informative and is a great insight into the era of the 60's.

It is a valuable website which goes into great detail of the American Cultural History of the sixties.

Website Evaluation- The Psychedelic Sixties

Accuracy

  • The website appears to have fairly accurate spelling and grammar and the information seems fairly reliable.

  • I cannot find the name of an editor who would verify the information.

Authorship

  • The website has a number of authors which are contactable via the University of Virginia.
  • The pages are not signed.
  • The sponsor appears toe be the University of Virginia.
  • The authors qualifications are not provided.

Purpose

  • The purpose of the website is to inform viewers about the political and social aspects of the sixties.

  • Links are provided to view significant materials produced during the sixties to give viewers further insight.

Detail and Design


  • Images have been sourced and included in the website to provide viewers with visuals to match the information.

  • The design is suited to the website and gives it a real sixties feel.

Overall Worth

The website is worthy of a look and provides valuable information on significant events that took place in the sixties. The site gives dates regarding publishing and updating which shows the information is relevant.











Week Seven- Using the WWW

Lecture Overview


This weeks lecture looks into the WWW: the difference between the net and the web; history of the web; what we use the web for; and how we access and use it. The net is a giant network of computers connected by cables. The WWW is one part of the Internet which is only available and accessible because of the net exists. Information available on the web are presented in forms such as documentation, programs and sound, for example. The web can be traced back to 1989, developed by Tim Burners-Lee to facilitate sharing research information. The WWW is a network of computers that use protocols such as Transmission control protocol ( TCP) and Internet protocol (IT) to communicate information. As the WWW is the visible part of the Internet it uses Hypertext transfer protocol(HTTP) and hypertext mark up language(HTML) to display and or exchange data between computers. Web browsers such as Internet explorer and FireFox allow users of the net to view and seek information on the WWW.







Workshop Tasks -Week Seven



1(b). The Haggishunt website has tried to appear authentic by providing a facts and encyclopedia page to make it seems real. The Molossia website has tried to appear authentic by displaying a country logo and a weather report.











Haggishunt Spoof Points




  • Use of satirical language


  • Update dates not provided


  • Authors name is not provided


  • No evidence of editing


  • Sponsorship not provided

  • Use of advertising



Molossia spoof points





  • Authors name is not given


  • Sponsors name is not provided


  • Use of Satirical language


  • No evidence of editing


  • Last updated dates not provided


2 (a). When i visit the Martin Luther King website i expect it to show biased information.



2 (b). The web address is .org which tells me it is an organisation that will be trying to sell me an idea.



3. When i first visited the website i thought it was a bit silly. It didn't seem to be very serious which encouraged me to be sceptical of the information in the site. Also the gangsta video which didn't work seemed a bit ridiculous.



4. The site has a lot of valued information which i wasn't expecting at first glance. Not all of it biased however the majority is. One of the links didn't work which was disappointing but overall it was an interesting site. I would be inclined to visit other sites as well to get another side of the story.


Readings-- Week Seven



  • The SearchEngine Watch reading provides valuable articles on effectively using search engines to obtain the best search results.

  • The A little History of the WWW reading gives an overview of the history and development of the Internet.

  • The History of the Internet Reading provides a look at the five main chapters discussing the major milestones and developments of the Internet.