CCT205+-+Labs

CCT205 Labs

__Lab 1 - January 13, 2011__ - Is the iPad revolutionary? - Will it advance the gaming industry? - Is Facebook revolutionary? >
 * Notes**
 * Yes, because games which were otherwise unknown are now available to a number of consumers.
 * It goes beyond the iPhone, iPad, and iTouch.
 * Yes, because it has changed the way people communicate and how businesses advertise for example.
 * Question:** What "digital innovation" do you feel best deserves the title of "revolutionary" and why?
 * Answer: The idea of the iPad is not new and Apple does not nearly deserve the innovation credit given by the media; however, it is revolutionary. The "webpad" has been around before, plenty of ugly tablets pilled up on shelves in 2001. Obviously, the webpad has not been that successful and took out promising companies with the ill-fated idea that webpads are all about the vision that we would be addicted to online shopping while sitting on a toilet. Many may argue that the iPad is no different from a Macbook or a PC; however, it has definitely revolutionized the way many people go about their daily lives. What makes Steve Jobs so successful, according to Gladwell, is his talent to "watch, learn and perfect - swiftly and effectively" (Gruener, 2010). **

Everything from the iMac, Macbook, iPod and iPhone to the iPad, are all better versions of what has already been created before. Yes, Steve Jobs is accused for stealing obvious ideas and simply correcting the mistakes. However, in comparison to other tablets, the iPad is currently sold on the market at an affordable price, with wireless access, the use of mature technology, decent battery life, more advanced touch screens, and attractive content. The iPad deserves the title of "revolutionary" because consumers no longer turn to a digital camera to look at pictures, PC to access the internet, mp3 player to listen to music, or a hardcover book to read for example. A number of consumers solely depend on their iPad. With its different performing capabilities and apps, it continuously keeps the consumer intrigued and their lives simpler. The iPad has allowed those who are unfamiliar with how to use new technology, to be able to work the iPad and in turn other forms of technology without any complications or frustrations. Also, the lives of many consumers is organized within the iPad. It has changed the way they go about presenting business ideas or even school projects for example. The iPad has definitely diminished the use of a notepad and pen.

__Lab 2 - January 20, 2011__ - discussion about the App Store for Apple Computers: //reach & distribute//
 * Notes**


 * Question:** So what do you think about me (Mac App Store)?
 * Answer:** Similar to the way customers browse the App Store for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad applications, they can now purchase, download and install applications for their computer. I find that the Mac App Store is convenient, as it allows customers without other iOS devices to enjoy the same applications on their Apple computers. Other than the common apps previously installed on Macs, Apple computers do not provide any other sort of entertainment. This new store acts as a leveraging device. In my opinion customers would be more inclined to purchase a Mac computer. Even more so, the introduction to the Mac App Store, allows them to snag a piece of Mac application sales.

However, the Mac App Store has changed apps that have been previously let into the App Store. Apps are forced to change its name, remove certain references or adjust functionality to meet Apple's strict App Store demands. To hear, even more so that some applications are turned away simply because they do not offer anything valuable to the user is 'stupid', for lack of better terms. Yet, with any new product or store, there is bound to be many disadvantages associated with it. Of course the apps have certain restrictions such as the need for Macs seal approval, the inability to download a trial version of the app, etc. However, when apps are packaged and presented nicely, customers who barely enter the 'app world', will be excited to purchase them with one click of the button. The Mac App Store merely provides more exposure for its current apps. Essentially, the introduction of the Mac App Store, has now reached out to other users and new purchasers. They have expanded their business.

__Lab 3 - January 27, 2011__ - Dan Pink (on the midterm) - Play: "in work and in life, we all need to play"
 * Notes**
 * design, story, symphony, empathy, play, measure


 * Question:** Choose one, explain and discuss real-world example that demonstrates it
 * Answer:** //Play// is one of the six senses discussed by Dan Pink. It outlines the need to play within both work and life. Essentially, taking out the time to "play" for even 5 minutes, frees up the mind. When a person is frustrated or unable to think, its best to focus their attention on something that "let's the mind go", so to speak. A company, which is known for their fun, playful environment is Google. While Google is a well recognized company, it is further recognized for providing their employees with space to "play". This triggers the creative juices in ones mind. It is not only about what activities these employees take part in, but also the place that they work in. Google's offices are colourful, eco-friendly, and spacious. Simply, Dan Pink's, //Play,// is essential to getting work done. It helps relax and further make a person feel comfortable in their environment. While many companies do not facilitate the need to //play,// they lack the understanding of why it is actually important. At the end of the day it helps them be more productive and benefits the company as a whole.

__Lab 4 - February 3, 2011__
 * Question:** Respond to the "Alone Together" article.
 * Answer:** Today, the use of technology has become the solution to many problems. Turkle outlines this understanding in her book, //Alone Together//. Society openly embraces various types of technology; however, it is worried that it will eventually replace in person human interaction. I agree. Technology surrounds us, whether it be in work, school, or home for example. It is safe to presume that society favours both new forms of technology over physical contact. To illustrate, a number of social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter have become increasingly popular over the years. While it is easier for people to socialize through such mediums, it has become even easier to get in contact with others, advertise, organize events, etc., in comparison to the old fashion ways of sending a letter, visiting someone in person, and having a sit-down meeting (its opposite = conference meeting) for example.

From personal experience, forgetting my cellphone at home or receiving weak internet connection drives me crazy! Without it, I feel disconnected from the world. I can not sit down to read a book or go through a magazine, without the urge of grabbing my cellphone, checking my email, browsing through blogs, and going on Facebook. Evidently, technology has taken over my life. Like many youth, I use technology as an organization device, contact tool, and entertainment system. This has increasingly eliminated the need for in-person interaction from my life.

Turkle shares a number of fascinating points about technology and the toll it has taken on society, such as the fact that less and less people are able to be "alone" or rather independent from the outside world. While Facebook allows to customize our profiles through updating status', uploading albums, and posting a new profile picture, we anxiously wait for a notification that a comment was made or the "like" button was pushed by so-and-so. Evidently, society constantly seeks for approval, but if YOU like it then what does it really matter what someone else thinks? In today's society, many people are held guilty for projecting their opinions, realities, likes/dislikes on other people and this results in the continuous need for approval by other people.

__Lab 5 - February 10, 2011__ **Answer:** "Alone Together" Sherry Turkle

I appreciate Sherry Turkle's position as she approaches social networking and technology from a social science perspective and not that of a "luddite" or someone who is against the wave of new technology that surrounds us. On the other hand Turkle tells us that this new technological "high" isn't an addition and that we don't need to be weaned off of it. I agree with her there. I think that though some people take technology as a representation of the entire world, we need to step back and instead enjoy the connection that this social networking has given us. Though it is true that we are seeking validation and completion through others praise or remarks, it keeps us connected. Turkle reminds us of this when she tells us that "We're raising a generation that has grown up with constant connection, and only knows how to be lonely when not connected." While this may be true the author also stresses that a type of "generative solitude" is necessary for us to be creative individuals with our own sovereign state of thinking, and not automatons driven by tweets and pokes.

I really enjoyed the author's use of "I share therefore I am", a take on Descartes "I think therefore I am", which shows the importance of the collective intelligence of the online community and the very fact that tweeting and facebooking and sharing our expressive selves that we in fact create our own identity to share with the world.

Lab 6 - February 17, 2011 - Privacy is hard to retain - Saul Alinsky: "Rules of Radicals" (use for group assignment)
 * Notes**


 * Question:** Discuss 1 of the 11 rules that inspire you
 * Answer: __Rule 1__ **- Power is not only what you have, but what an opponent thinks you have. If your organization is small, hide your numbers in the dark and raise a din that will make everyone think you have many more people than you do.

I think the first rule in Alinsky's Rules for Radicals is significant because I believe power is important whether or not you truly have it or not. To have power or to have people think that you have it is power in itself. I value this idea because I agree with it fully--you should always let your opponent think you have it all even if you don't. Let them overestimate you, frighten them and thus you will have more control over them. Also, it is important to hide your weaknesses. If you show your cards, the opponent can find ways to counter them. By being mysterious and making yourself appear powerful, you will be, even if you truly aren't. But nobody needs to know

__Lab 7 - March 3, 2011__
 * Question:** E-Learning vs. Physical Learning
 * Answer: ** Both e-learning and physical-space education have their merits. E-learning allows you to learn at your own pace, and usually costs less (if anything at all) because you don't have to pay for the upkeep of anything (except for your computer) or for the salaries of anyone except your professor or the webmaster. However, e-learning doesn't have the stability and routine that going to class everyday provides, and there probably won't be much face-to-face time between you and your classmates or your professor. It's kind of lonely that way.

On the other hand, traditional, real-world education provides all of those social pluses, but the system hasn't been updated in decades. Physical learning allows for one-on-one time, where the students can interact with their professors allowing for immediate feedback and improved understanding of concepts learned. Physical learning is also a system that has been proved to be best at creating graduates that are most successful in their chosen fields.

__ Lab 9 - March 18, 2011 __ **Question:** What will/Should Web 3.0 be about? **Answer:** In today's fast growing economy, technology has been making tremendous advancements; such as: Web 3.0. It is assumed that the newest generation of the Web will simplify the search for movies, restaurants, and food information for example. Instead of multiple searches, users might type a complex sentence or two in the Web 3.0 browser, and the Web would do the rest. For instance, you could type "I was to see a funny movie and then eat at a good Indian restaurant. What are my options?" The Web 3.0 browser will not only analyze your response but also search the Internet for all possible answers, and then organize the results for you.

That's not all. Many of these experts believe that the Web 3.0 browser will act like a personal assistant. As users search the Web, the browser learns what they are interested in. The more one uses the Web, the more their browser learns about them and the less specific they'll need to be with your questions. Eventually they might be able to ask their browser open questions like "where should I go for lunch?" Their browser would consult its records of what they like and dislike, take into account their current location and then suggest a list of restaurants.

In conclusion, Web 3.0 is another step toward future and it helps make life easier, faster and increases accesibility to resources. Evidently the essential goals of Web 3.0 is to achieve customization and personalization.