Dan started us off this week, talking about the correlation between video games and virtual communities. He pointed out the notable correlation between learning principles of video and the rapid growth of virtual communities, and he plans to argue that learning principles are enhanced online and this may account for the increased number of users on say Xbox live. He is doing this by pulling together principles from James Paul Gee and statistics of online gaming. I think you have a lot of great information, and I like how you are pointing out the correlation between the two, not stating that learning principles ARE the reason for growth of virtual communities within gaming.
Lee talked about how YouTube has revolutionized political activism and has contributed to the perpetuation of hate. It is a way for citizens to participate and promote political awareness, but YouTube can also diminish the voice of activism. I think you provided a lot of information, and it would be beneficial to narrow it down. What is one thing that YouTube is doing for the culture, and why is that is important? I think a less generalized, more specific argument would be something to think about.
Mike argued that crimes are worse in the virtual than they are in the real, through the amount of avenues crimes can happen and the larger number of crimes accessibly through cyberspace. At the end you stated that we need to invest more time and money to protect ourselves against cybercrimes because they are growing exponentially and have the potential to be more dangerous than real life crimes. I think it would be interesting for you to look at why cybercrimes are increasing..
Angel argued that in order to bridge the digital divide, students need to be active in their learning, which can be accomplished by applying the concepts of video games. Gamers are active problem solvers and learn through trial and error. By combining principles from James Gee and different examples of active learning, I think you will have a great paper.
Derek talked about how the cell phone can help gap the digital divide. Phones are cutting out the middle man and use of mobile devices is increasing. Great info, great topic.
Kristin had the great idea to start project HOPE. This program would educate students on how to safely use the internet and share information. I think this is an awesome idea and has the potential to greatly reduce the amount of cyberbullying cases. Great work!
Brent argued that online activities change us. Very true. We are doing things online that we would not dare do in our physical spaces. You brought up a lot of great examples to back up your thesis. I think your thesis is very true, but is it too broad? What if you focused on one particular way in which we change because of technology or mobile devices? We are more willing to put ourselves out there? Unconventional behaviors are now a norm? I dunno… just an idea.
Cynthia showed us how cyberspace gives underrepresented groups more choices about representation that are not available through traditional media. I know you ran out of time, but it looks like you have a lot of great examples to back up your argument. I think you have good information and a great topic. I’m assuming you will also be using Nakamura to back you up as well??
Neil showed how smart phones are helping narrow the access portion of the digital divide. And this is a good thing! You have great info and a way to disprove the opposition. Nothing else to add.
Josh ended by talking about how internet activism is now necessary for physical activism in the real world. It can communicate info to a larger audience, and mobile devices are just as useful as computer in doing so. We see the evidence of your statement in the Obama campaign and in relief efforts such as those of Hurricane Katrina and the Earthquake in Haiti. I think, as was brought up in class, it is important to somehow tie in text messaging. Other than that, great work.
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