CCT205home


 * __CCT205 Labs__

Lab One:** The focus I would have for a ChangeCamp event would be geared towards the need of shelter for the homeless in our cities. Canada has one of the world's most harshest climates during Winter and something has to be done in order to accommodate the needy. Three weeks ago, I made a trip to the city of Toronto and as I walked to the streets I witnessed many with no roof over their heads - some even resorting to bus shelters or building crevices. The fact that I literally saw hundreds of people pass them without even so much a second glance was an unbelievable sight to see.

My campaign will help to put the spotlight on the homeless. We will help raise these issues to the forefront and help raise money in order to purchase essential items such as thick, warm blankets, soup cans, and accommodations at a place yet to be determined. Something needs to be done about this issue, for what makes the children in third world countries anymore different than people who have no place to call home here? ChangeCamp will promote a new change of thinking and will be the voice for the homeless.

ICTD: One Laptop Per Child is a neo-colonial trojan horse
 * Lab Two:**

I believe the quote from the ICTD in regards to the One Laptop per Child program is an accurate statement for many reasons. The term neocolonialism is defined by the Dictionary as "the use of economic, political, cultural, or other pressures to control or influence other countries". The ICTD is referring to these laptops as the neocolonial trojan horses that advanced countries deliver to third world countries and portray them to be helpful, educational tools.

However, as many are familiar with the tale of the Trojan Horse - nothing is what it seems. For those who are unfamiliar to the story, the horse was originally thought to be a trophy gift for the Trojans given by the Greeks to represent their victory in the war, but unbeknownst to the Trojans, Greek soldiers were situated inside the horse and a sneak attack was launched which inevitably made Greek claim the war victory. For comparison's sake, the third world countries are the Trojans who are given these laptops (which are the trojan horses), while the much more superior and advanced countries are the Greeks who deliver these laptops to the third world countries (The trojans).

The term "neocolonial trojan horse" is an accurate depiction to the situation because while these laptops might seem like a great idea (which is meant to bring new tools of learning to the third world countries) - looking at the bigger picture, these very laptops only help to destroy and disrupt cultures and the way of living for these third world countries (much like the Trojan horse's affect to the Trojans). These laptops unknowingly control and influence these third world countries by bringing in a new wave of technology which will provide an imbalance to their way of life. This technology will disrupt cultures for everyone will now rely on gathering information from the internet instead of doing it by physical means, art will now be done digitally through the laptop, communication will be done electronically etc. In short, these laptops become the medium and platform to which technology will be delivered - which will bring on negative effects to the third world countries cultures and way of life.

While the idea of giving laptops to third world countries might seem a grand one, I believe they bring much more than learning. They also disrupt and destroy the way of life.

iPad: revolutionary?
 * __Lab 3:__**

In my honest opinion, I believe the iPad is not revolutionary in the sense that it brings upon dramatic change but more so an improvement on the iTouch with the only difference being an enhanced screen. Looking at the device it is very similar to an iPod Touch in features, just with a much more bigger display. This in itself doesn't classify as 'revolutionary' - more like a much needed iTouch update! Everything from the home interface, to the apps. One of the Apple spokespersons even declared that apps from the iPhone and iTouch would be transferable and still function on the iTouch.

Watching the iPad demo, I can't help but think how underwhelming the device actually is. This maybe because I've been following all the rumours and all the hype every technology gizmo site was writing about in anticipation for the device's debut, and they've seem to have left out a ton of 'revolutionary' features. For one, no multi-tasking? No camera? No USB jacks? Come on Apple, this is essentially a very, VERY bare bones Macbook - only fueled by Apps.

Looking around Apple fansites, everyone seems to be disappointed by the iPad. This in itself shows that it did not live up to its 'revolutionary' label. While it is a sleek device, perfect for passing the time in coffee shops and or airports - the iPad is hardly the device that everyone was hyping it up to be. It lacks way too many features, and its function can be easily replaced with a Macbook Pro which can do almost everything the iPad can do. Hardly revolutionary.

Facebook, Twitter - Disconnected vs. Connected?
 * __Lab 4:__**

In my opinion, I believe that while the purpose of these sites is to make everyone feel connected with their peers - the exact opposite is happening. We as users become so reliant on these sites to communicate that we tend to prioritize communicating through these social network sites over live 1-1 communication. It's because these sites are very accessible, and much more hassle free than having to meet up with the person - and in this day of age we all lead very busy lives that its difficult to get a hold of one another. In this sense, we become disconnected to live communication. It is the exact same case with texting. Most people are more comfortable texting short messages to one another as opposed to calling them up. With technology, we have become disconnected with the real world - and more so connected to social network sites for communicating. With this reliance in technology, it becomes second nature us. Our facebook profiles are an extension of ourselves, so are our profiles on Twitter and every other social networking site.

Web 2.0
 * Lab 6:**

I believe that Facebook is a perfect example of web 2.0. Web 2.0 is defined by Wikipedia as 'web applications that facilitate interactive information sharing, interoperability and user-centered design.' Facebook facilitates interactive information sharing by giving its users the ability to fill out their profiles with their general interests, and information pertaining to themselves which can be accessed by their mutual friends on the site. Also, Facebook gives users the option to upload photo albums, videos and events which are all forms of interactive information. Users of Facebook are then involved in the healthy process that is attributed to web 2.0 which is interoperability - the ability to exchange and make use of information. Lastly, Facebook as a site is very user centred in that the site provides its users with different ways of expression either through photo albums, video creation, status updates and it is up to the user on how they want to express themselves.

The classroom: virtual vs. physical: In this day of age, the term classroom can be defined as a learning space not only confined to physical walls but now its limits have greatly expanded with the introduction of the internet. Many people around the world are now active participants of classroom spaces such as Wikispaces, Portal and Slate school servers. Therefore the term 'classroom' has achieved two meanings: the virtual and the physical. The physical classroom is much like what we were accustomed to during our elementary school days. We were confined to small spaces, desks and teachers whose job was to wake up early in the morning to educate their students. Interaction was done in a physical group setting and relied on our physical communication skills. Work was to be done physically as well requiring the students to write on paper, and their notebooks and to hand in their work through hard copies. This is much different than how things would be handed through the virtual classroom. In a virtual classroom setting, every participant/student would require the use of the computer for interaction. To interact, the student would require to push different keyboard buttons in order to communicate with the rest of the participants. Everything is done electronically. It is important to note that the virtual classroom space knows no limits and its participants can literally be from around the world. If one has access to a computer, they can be involved.
 * LAB 8:**