The Internet Is a Fine Place for Women

Chuck Huff states, “the Internet has gotten a bad rap for being inhospitable to Women”. Although, I was not aware of this, it does not surprise me. Women have always had to overcome various challenges when they enter into a domain that is perceived to belong to men. A good example is in the workplace. Women have to contend with the same issues of not being taken seriously, sexually implicit comments, and sexual advances. These issues have gotten better with various laws or acts such as Sexual Harassment and equality in the workplace. Now it appears that these issues will have to be addressed in the virtual world.

I agree with Abbey’s comment, “While I don't condone, or like, advances made by men, they nonetheless are a part of life, cyber or otherwise, so to say that life is inhospitable to women as an absolute is a bit of a stretch.” It is a part of life and these issues should be addressed based on the degree of the infraction (flirting vs. inappropriate sexual advances).

Huff states that “the electronic utopia will not be coming to a web site near you.” To use the word utopia is somewhat idealistic and unrealistic, since we have not reached utopia in the real world why would we expect it in cyberspace.

The more I explore the Internet, I can relate to Huff’s position that the Internet is a fine place for Women. In today’s society there is so much hustle and bustle, and time is certainly not a commodity. Therefore, having access to the Internet to participate in on-line organizations, share ones concerns or ideas, and search for information is certainly good technology for women.




Huff, Chuck. "The Internet Is a Fine Place for Women." A Virtual Commonplace. Dec. 2007. Computers and Society. 5 Apr. 2007 -http://college.hmco.com/english/amore/demo/ch4_ r3.html-.

The Internet Is a Fine Place for Women

Chuck Huff states “the Internet has gotten a bad rap for being inhospitable to Women”. Although, I was not aware of this, it does not surprise me. Women have always had to overcome various challenges when they enter into a domain that is perceived to belong to men. A good example is in the workplace. Women have to contend with the same issues of not being taken seriously, sexually implicit comments, and sexual advances. These issues have gotten better with various laws or acts such as Sexual Harassment and equality in the workplace. Now it appears that these issues will have to be addressed in the virtual world.

I agree with Abbey’s comment “While I don't condone, or like, advances made by men, they nonetheless are a part of life, cyber or otherwise, so to say that life is inhospitable to women as an absolute is a bit of a stretch.” It is a part of life and these issues should be addressed based on the degree of the infraction (flirting vs. inappropriate sexual advances).

Huff states that “the electronic utopia will not be coming to a web site near you.” To use the word utopia is somewhat idealistic and unrealistic, since we have not reached utopia in the real world why would we expect it in cyberspace.

The more I explore the Internet, I can relate to Huff’s position that the Internet is a fine place for Women. In today’s society there is so much hustle and bustle, and time is certainly not a commodity. Therefore, having access to the Internet to participate in on-line organizations, share ones concerns or ideas, and search for information is certainly good technology for women.




Huff, Chuck. "The Internet IS a Fine Place for Women." A Virtual Commonplace. Dec. 2007. Computers and Society. 5 Apr. 2007 -http://college.hmco.com/english/amore/demo/ch4_ r3.html-.

Gender In Cyberspace

Many men that are interested in PCs definitely appear to have a different interest than women. Men become fascinated by the technology and spend countless hours trying to understand it or master it. However, many women like Deborah Tanner are just interested in knowing the basic. The question that we often ask is how do I get this technology to work effectively and efficiently for me in order to do what I need to do?

Deborah refers to herself as a pioneer; one of the first individuals that started the journey but, has no interest in going further. I can see where many women can be seen as pioneers because they on the quest to learn about the technology and then determine how it can be used to meet their purpose. However, unlike women many men will go beyond the pioneer phase.
As I read this article, I immediately thought of my cousin. He became so intrigue with the computer, he learned how to take it apart and rebuild it. This was without any formal training. When I asked him how he conquered his knowledge, he indicated that is was from spending many hours at the PC.

Deborah mentioned in her article that she was fascinated with email and when she received emails she felt loved. Email is a method of communication thatis being used more in society today. Deborah stated in her article that Steve (co-worker)communicated more effectively via email. People use emails in many different ways. Some people use emails for business related purposes; while others use email for personal means. Although, emails have it s value, it can become a little insensitive. Today’s society expect for you respond to an email as soon as you receive it.
I believe there is a difference between men and women when it comes to cyberspace. As Deborah has stated in her article and from what I have experienced first hand many men definitely go beyond the pioneer phase.


Tannen, Deborah. "Gender Gap in Cyberspace." A Virtual Commonplace. 16 May 1994. Newsweek. 5 Apr. 2007 -http://college.hmco.com/english/amore/demo/ch4_r1.html-.

E-Learning in Today's Society

E-learning in Today’s Society


The objective of this research is to convey when e-learning is effective in a corporate setting. This research will look at trainer -led/facilitator led teaching and e-learning to determine what is most effective and when one method may be more effective. Listed below are a few articles that will be reviewed in the research.

The Chronicle addresses the successes and failures of e-learning in higher education.
The questioned asked was, has e-learning live up its potential. Is it able to deliver as well as a teacher-led/facilitator? What aspects of e-learning are effective and what are the pitfalls?

Quizzing and Feedback in Computer-Based and book-Based training for Workplace Safety and Health addresses fundamental issues regarding retention of information beyond a certain length of time (1 week to 1 month). It also addresses what training works best in various situations.

E-learning: The Future of Quality Training states that large organizations are looking for cost effective ways to train their employees .E-learning can be successfully integrated into the company’s structure to provide quality training to employees

E-learning makes the grades provides information on the value of e-learning and how it can help employers keep employees and also help make companies more competitive.

Comedy Central's "Colbert Report"

Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report”


The Colbert Report satire regarding Wikipedia is addressing that reality of Wikipedia. The fact that Wiki-reality can be determined by people that agree on a perspective even when it is not accurate is the point of his satire. Colbert states “Together we can create a reality that we can all agree on-the reality we just agreed on”. He states that when people go against the majority that they are crazy. After all, if the majority of people agree on something, then it must be true. He states “Convince the majority of the people that some factoid is true and then it becomes true”. Now all a person has to do is edit Wikipedia or add information. In so many words, Wikiality is what people agree to. It isn’t necessary correct. For instance the statement “If I want to say that (George Washington did not have slaves} that is my right”. We all know that George Washington had slaves. However, with Wikipedia an individual can make changes based on their belief and if people agreed with it, it became Wikiality.
In my viewpoint the satire regarding Wikiality is probably done on this political show because of the implication regarding reality. When you look at politics today there is a lot of implication as to what is true and what we should believe.

Wikipedia:About

WIKIPEDIA or Brittanica
What's the true fee?

Wikipedia, the mere fact that it is free, makes it worthwhile exploring. After-all, isn’t it just plain human nature to want things that are free? Also, doesn’t it just make good sense to use products that are free rather than pay a fee for it? In order to respond to those questions, we must consider what is the true cost? In other words, will the information be credible. Ian McGill stated “information should be "free" not like free as in beer but like without confinement or gates”.

The origin of Wikipedia has a noble aurora. A group of highly qualified contributors wanted to develop a free encyclopedia known as Nupedia. However, the project was moving very slow and Larry Sanger introduced the wiki format and the rest became history. Another feature that I find somewhat noble is it allows anyone to contribute or edit. However, the question is, how reliable is this source when it allows anyone to contribute as well as edit.

Although, the article stated that Wikipedia is just as reliable as Britannica encyclopedia, because of the processes that Wikipedia have in place in an attempt to ensure that the information is credible, I still have reservations in using Wikipedia. A good point was made in the article when it stated that the information should be validated by another source. It also stated, that “Users should be aware that not all articles are of encyclopedic quality from the start”. In other words, many articles go through a metamorphosis over a period of time until the article is considered balanced.

My concern is generally when you look at various books/references such as the dictionary or encyclopedia, you consider them as the source of truth. You rarely consider cross referencing unless you have some former knowledge that would cause you to question the information. I must admit, if I were using the Britannica encyclopedia I would not necessarily cross reference the document with another source to validate or for support. I’m not justifying that this is best thing to do; and I believe that many other people may do the same.

I am in agreement with the librarian in the article Free Range Librarian. I want to keep my garden free of weeds. The best way that I know to do that is to make sure that my seeds are good.




Strenski, Ellen, comp. "The Wikipedia/Encyclopaedia Britannica Controversy." University of California, Irvine. 22 Mar. 2007 -http://compositioncafe.com/25950/wikicontroversy.html-.

Free Range Librarian

Wikipedia or encyclopedia how does one choose? Usually money helps us to make our decision. Wikipedia is so called free “the free-content encyclopedia” and supposedly fun for the user, whereas, there appears to be a fee to use the Britannica encyclopedia. In order to make a wise choice, one must understand what information is provided in each, because the integrity of the information is just as important as the cost.

In the reading Free Range Librarian the librarian saw herself as a gardener, weeding what does not belong in the garden and cultivating the grounds so that the blooms would flourish. She also used analogies that illustrated growth of mind from reading. She indicated, “with respect to information, let a thousand flowers bloom” and, “information is not a nasty-tasting medicine but a lily of the field”. That is why the resources that she recommended must have quality. It must be able to fit into the garden without causing weeds to grow (bad information or unreliable). The librarian stated some interesting points that raised the question as to whether the Wikipedia is just a credible as the Britannica encyclopedia? One question was, how can information that can be edited by anyone be trusted? Another comment made was that the Wikipedia was fast and fun which undermines quality and reflects the interest of the people creating the work. With that being said, it already raises the question of the reliability of the information.

The librarian also saw herself as a gatekeeper; someone that actively prevents people from accessing information. People rely on librarians to provide them with good information or at the very least, direction. Therefore, it is essential that the librarian can stand behind the resources that they support. However, Wikipedia’s tagline “anyone can edit” makes it difficult to support.

The role of the librarian has expanded over the years, as they no longer just need to know the Dewey Decimal system. Now they must be knowledgeable of world wide information in order to be able to help their users. As for me, I like to know that I can trust the information I use. Although, I know there may be some fallacy in the information, it still isn’t as subjective as it is with Wikipedia, since anyone can edit. And the individual editing the information will probably put their spin on the information. I guess you can call me “old fashion”, but I’ll stick with the encyclopedia for now.


Schneider, K. G. "Free Range Librarian." 22 Mar. 2007 -http://freerangelibrarian.com/archives/052905/wikipedia.php-.

New Mediaeval Aesthetic

The New Mediaeval Aesthetic is referring to the World Wide Web (WWW) or what is most commonly referred to as the Internet. In order to better understand the essence of aesthetic as it relates to this article, I found it necessary to confer with the Webster’s on-line dictionary. Normally when one thinks of aesthetic they think of art or beauty. However, Webster’s has a third definition that states… the use of technical devices in and around the work of art to differentiate its’ psychologically from reality. In my opinion this articles addresses how technology has advanced from early civilization or the medieval period unto where we are today with the Internet, and just like in the past, we are still dealing with some form of reality psychologically in regards to technology.
Zorach states the “digital culture is reflected –as in a glass darkly”. For many people including me there is a dim view of the digital culture. I only imagine this is because so many people have not been exposed to it, or dare to thread the path of technology. In addition, I am not sure if technology has been delivered in a manner that was user friendly so that it would encourage an individual to explore digital culture. At one time the Internet appeared to be geared to people that were savvy with technology. Now the Internet appears to be a tool that will be necessary in order to be able to communicate and perform more effectively in society.

Deborah Stewart indicates in her blog “Looking to the past for clues to the future may seem to some as absurd, but if lessons are not learned from the past we tend to repeat them in the future”. I concur with Deborah. Although, the statement may seem elementary, it is profound. Not only do we repeat the same lesson, but progress is stifled.



Zorach, Rebecca E. "New Medieval Aesthetic”. Wired Magazine Online January 1994.
7 March 2007. http://www.wired.com/wired/archieve/2.01/mediaeval_pr.html

New Mediaeval Aesthetic

The New Mediaeval Aesthetic is referring to the World Wide Web (WWW) or what is most commonly referred to as the Internet. In order to better understand the essence of aesthetic as it relates to this article, I found it necessary to confer with the Webster’s on-line dictionary. Normally when one thinks of aesthetic they think of art or beauty. However, Webster’s has a third definition that states… the use of technical devices in and around the work of art to differentiate its’ psychologically from reality. In my opinion this articles addresses how technology has advanced from early civilization or the medieval period unto where we are today with the Internet, and just like in the past, we are still dealing with some form of reality psychologically in regards to technology.
Zorach states the “digital culture is reflected –as in a glass darkly”. For many people including me there is a dim view of the digital culture. I only imagine this is because so many people have not been exposed to it, or dare to thread the path of technology. In addition, I am not sure if technology has been delivered in a manner that was user friendly so that it would encourage an individual to explore digital culture. At one time the Internet appeared to be geared to people that were savvy with technology. Now the Internet appears to be a tool that will be necessary in order to be able to communicate and perform more effectively in society.

Deborah Stewart indicates in her blog “Looking to the past for clues to the future may seem to some as absurd, but if lessons are not learned from the past we tend to repeat them in the future”. I concur with Deborah. Although, the statement may seem elementary, it is profound. Not only do we repeat the same lesson, but progress is stifled.

Zorach, Rebecca E. "New Medieval Aesthetic”. Wired Magazine Online January 1994.
7 March 2007. http://www.wired.com/wired/archieve/2.01/mediaeval_pr.html

Marsha Hairston
March 9, 2007
Theory of Internet Writing


The Bellagio Declaration

A group of diverse people with various backgrounds (many prestigious) wanted to make a change on how “intellectual property” was protected.The Bellagio Declaration addressed concerns regarding “intellectual property” and the effects that it had or will have on the international community. The rapid expansion of technology and the Internet influenced the creation of the declaration. This was because they (Bellagio groupers) believed that information was the most important resources. The declaration stated, “In general, we favor increased recognition and protection of the public domain. We call on the international community to expand the public domain through expansive application of concepts of “fair use,” compulsory licensing, and narrower initial coverage of property rights in the first place. Read”http://www.case.edu/affil/sce/BellagioDec.html.
The intent, just like with Lessig was not to steal from the original creator or owner, however, they felt that there should be opportunity for individuals to expand on an idea or concept that was already established...
Bellagio’s groupers like Lessig believed that few people benefited from the copyright laws. Lessig stated in his book (see Free Culture), only 6% really benefited from the copyright laws and these were generally the people that had the money and or power to get Congress to influence the copyright laws. The Bellagio documents states, “In general, systems built around the author paradigm tend to obscure the importance of the “public domain,” the intellectual and cultural commons from which future works will be constructed (see SCE -- IPCA -- Bellagio Declaration).
In the conclusion of the Bellagio Declaration it states, “since existing author-focused regimes are blind to the interest of non-authorial producers as well as to the importance of the commons, the main exception to this expansion of the public domain should be in favor of those who have been excluded by the authorial biases of current law.”
What has been made very clear to me in the readings is, we must become more knowledgeable and skillful in regards to technology, as well as stay abreast of the issues. Failure to do so would be like “sleeping through a revolution”.

Marsha Hairston
March 9, 2007
Theory of Internet Writing
Dr. Lisa Maruca and
Dr. Caroline Maun




Utopian Plagiarism, Hypertextuality, and Electronic Cultural Production


The authors attempt to cast plagiarism as a positive or constructive activity because they believe that plagiarism stimulates or promotes cultural enrichment and the expansion of ideas. Keeping this in mind, it appears that the authors are opposed to the confinements that copyright places on intellectual properties. In addition, it appears that the authors’ views are somewhat the same as Lessig’s regarding what should happen to “intellectual property” that enters into the public domain. The authors believe that the works should be available to all for their creative purposes. Lessig belief was somewhat the same as he did not want to lose history or stifle creativity.
The authors also implied that basically there are no true new thoughts, which in my opinion is reflected in this statement, “At present new conditions have emerged that once again make plagiarism an acceptable, even crucial strategy for textual production. This is the age of the recombinant, recombinant bodies, recombinant gender, recombinant texts, and recombinant culture” Click here.
The author states, “One of the main goals of the plagiarist is to restore the dynamic and unstable shift of meaning, by appropriating and recombining fragments of culture.” This statement is quite involved however, in my opinion to truly understand what this statement means, it is necessary to define recombinant. According to the on-line Merriam Webster dictionary,. the word recombinant means 1 : relating to or exhibiting genetic recombination 2 a : relating to or containing genetically engineered DNA b : produced by genetic engineering recombinant http://publication.nodel.org/Utopian-Plagiarism.


Source:http//www.critical-art.net.books/ted/ted5.pdf

Marsha Hairston
March 4, 2007
Theory of Internet Writing
Instructors: Dr. Lisa Maruca &
Dr. Caroline Maun

Conclusion, Afterwards


First let me say it would take a Philadelphia lawyer to completely understand what is happening in the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). Earlier Lessig spoke of “creative property”. Now Lessig introduces the concept of “intellectual property”. What is “intellectual property” and what are the issues surrounding “intellectual property in this technological age?

Lessig states in book “A sensible policy, in other words, could be a balance policy. For most of our history, both copyright and patent policies were balance in just his sense. But we as culture have lost this sense of balance. We have lost the critical eye that helps us see the difference between truth and extremism. A certain property fundamentalism having no connection to our tradition, now reigns in this culture—bizarrely, and with consequences more grave to spread of ideas and culture than almost any other single policy decision that we as a democracy will make.”

It is clear to me that there is an imbalance when comes to “Free Culture”. The balance lies with the individuals that have the money or power. Lessig illustrated this as he spoke on the drug company and the HIV epidemic in Africa. Although, it is in the power and ability of the Drug makers and government to make the drug more affordable to South Africa, they chose not to. What is also clear to me is that many people are in the dark and don’t understand the issues as it relate to “Free Culture”. After-all, technology is moving quicker than one could imagine, and keeping up with it is a challenge for the older population that have had limited exposure. However, we live in a technological society and in order not to cripple creativity or limit knowledge, we must promote free culture. We must ensure that the past is not lost and that we have the ability to constantly improve and enhance what was previously created. This does not mean not considering the creator. It simply means that we will not stifle progress.


Lawrence Lessig; Free Culure, Penguin Books, 2004

Marsha Hairston
March 4, 2007
Theory of Internet Writing
Instructors: Dr. Lisa Maruca &
Dr. Caroline Maun

Balances



Merriam Webster dictionary states balance is….. a steady position or condition to keep by balance …. something leftover. This chapter in my opinion is dealing with both. Balance to create or establish a process that will be fair for all parties intended. This would include the copyright owner as well as the individual that would like to expound or build upon the original product (book, film, etc.,). Lessig is dealing with the bureaucracy of copyright laws and how the copyright laws primarily benefit very few people. The people that benefit from the copyright laws are those whose products were very marketable. For products that were not as marketable they would not be in the public domain and these products would become lost. As stated in Lessig article “only 2% has work of any continuing commercial value. The copyright will not expire as long as congress is free to be bought to extend the term again.”

The problem with the copyright law is that old books will get lost because there is no way to determine who owns the copyright. Therefore, in this technological society where more and more people are using technology these books will become books of the past. In addition, as Lessig points out, the creativity will be lost. In addition, the opportunity to expand on a concept or idea will be diminished as no-one will have access to the books.
Lessig states 94% of the films and books published between 1923 and 1946 will not be available because there is no way to find out the owner.

Lessig proposed that in an effort to establish some balance, copyright owners should pay a small fee after the copyright has been in effect for 50 years. This proposal would require copyright owners to pay a small fee to register their work. If they did not pay the fee the work would be pass to the public domain.



Lessig, Lawrence: Free Culture, Penguin Press, 2004

Who Owns Culture? Authorship and Property Online (pt.3)

Marsha Hairston
Theory of Internet Writing
February 25, 2007
Dr. Lisa Maruca &
Dr. Caroline Maun


Free Culture
Puzzles



Puzzles or puzzling are the issues surrounding copyright laws, or what is “fair use” in this advance technological society. Protecting the right of the original creator and the individual that wants to build on the creation, seems to be very complex. Determining who is entitled to monetary gains as well as getting permission from the creator or owner of the product, seems quite challenging also.

The issue of file sharing has become increasingly complicated over the years. Lessig states that p2p file sharing is like ‘chimera”. Chimera is when an identical twin has two sets of DNA. This is somewhat puzzling. Lessig raises a question as to what laws or rule should govern file sharing or chimera? Determining whether a lawsuit should be filed when an individual shares a file with someone seems somewhat harsh. There are two schools of thought regarding file sharing, one is to legalize it and the other is to treat it like a felony. As Lessig pointed out in his writing, to make it zero tolerance would cause many innocent people to unknowingly become criminals, as well as hinder their creativity.

The issues surrounding “property”, “fair use”, who is entitled to what, getting permission from the originator before building on the creator’s idea, and file sharing is very convoluted. So much so, it is easy to understand how one could unknowingly be at risk of violating the law. Unfortunately, as innocent as the violation seems, it can cost an individual a lot, such as the case with the twelve (12) year old girl and the seventy-one (71) year old man.




Lawrence Lessig; Fair Use

Marsha Hairston
The Theory of Internet Writing
February 22, 2007
Instructor: Dr. Lisa Maracu
& Dr. Caroline Maun


Free Culture
Property



Lessig states “A copyright is a kind of property. It can be owned and sold, the law protects it from theft.” Although, the concept of copyrights being viewed as a kind of property is new to me, it is clear to me why. When I think of property, I think of ownership or possession.

The copyright law has changed tremendously since 1790 and it is largely attributed to the advancement in technology. The copyright law first protected the right to make copies and now in this technological age the law regulates many things such as various forms of media and inventions. Lessig states the regulation of copyright will have an impact on creativity in its effort to protect the owner of the product or creation.

Lessig quotes Thomas Jefferson, “He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine; receives light without darkening mine.” What this quote means to me is, we learn from other people’s ideas, and what we learn we practice in some form, and this does not take way from the individual from whom we got the idea.

In the movie the pursuit of happyness, which was inspired by a true story about the struggles of a man named Christopher Gardner, Christopher would quote passage from the Thomas Jefferson regarding the “pursuit of happiness”. Christopher stated that Thomas Jefferson put in Declaration of Independence “the pursuit of happiness” because Jefferson knew that it would be something people would always be trying to obtain. This illustrates that Christopher is indirectly receiving instruction from Jefferson’s idea and further supports that it does not take anything away from Thomas Jefferson or what he intended.


Lessig states, “The property right that is copyright is no longer the balance right that it was, or was intended to be.” And “The opportunity to create and transform becomes weakened in a world in which creation requires permission and creativity requires permission and creativity must check with a lawyer”. Things regarding copyrights and patents are becoming very complicated as well as sophisticated. It even appears to me that we are in much more threat of plagiarizing (of course innocently) than before.



[1]
[1] Free Culture; Lawrence Lessig,

Marsha Hairston
Internet Writing-Theory and Practice
February 16, 2007
Dr, Lisa Maruca
Dr. Caroline Maun


Who Owns Culture? Authorship and Property Online (pt. 1)

Lawrence Lessig, Free Culture raises the issue of who owns culture? Lessig states, “Free Culture is a balance between anarchy and control. The opposite of a free culture is a permission culture. A culture in which creators get to create only with permission of the powerful or the creators of the past”.[1]

It is clear to me from Lessig’s writing that the issue of how much right does the creator have in being creative, when the creation could be based on the foundation of another creator’s work. The theory of evolution comes to mind on how something can evolve and become greater or different. But what is important to note is there was a beginning. This beginning is what sparked new ideas. Although, it is important to protect the right of the creator, we must be careful not to stifle the creative energy of an individual that would like to expand the creator’s creation. Also as pointed out by Lessig, individuals that are not creators, or directly or indirectly involved in the creation have rights too. This was conveyed in the story about the invention of airplane by the Wright brothers and Causby a farmer who wanted to stop airplanes from flying over his land because his chickens were being killed.

The invention of the airplane raised the issue of do airplanes have the right to fly over land owner’s property without permission. Also, the question was raised who owned the airways or the territory in the sky. The Supreme Court ruled in 1945 in favor of technology. Airplanes had the right to fly over land owners’ property without obtaining permission. This was a loss for the farmers.

Technology is rapidly changing and evolving. The rapid change is most likely the results of building off of a concept from the past. Should permission be required to protect the creator or should an individual have the right to build or expand on another creator’s property is difficult and complex question for me to answer.




[1] Lessig, Lawrence; Free Culture

GAM3R 7H3ORY

The Cave (TM) , is a video game where gamers spends a great deal of time playing video games and the real world becomes more of the second world. The name or title The Cave (TM) is interesting, because to me it is stating that the gamer is secluded in his own world. The gamer's world is dim without much light, with exception of what he receives from the video game. And his contact is limited with the real world because he has developed contacts inside the The Cave (TM). In the reading it also stated that when the gamer takes a break from The Cave (TM), and returns to the real world that the light and people are often bothersome.

In the reading "005" it states that "The real world appears as a video arcadia divided into many and varied games. Work is a rat race. Politics is a horse race. The economy is a casino." Based on the perception of the real world, it is easy to understand why one would want to stay hibernated in The Cave (TM).

Again, as with many of the video games, The Cave (TM) seems to entice many individuals to spend countless hours in the virtual world. In general, most of the "second world" games seem to have the same affect on people. That is, people take on a role or character that is is typically different from their own, and they become very entangled in their new role as well as "second world". It doesn't matter if it is the game of Second Life, WoW, Arcaneum, or Surviving Halo.

Wark, McKenzie, GAM3R 7h30ry

What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy

In the excerpt from James Paul Gee, What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy, he states that video games are effective in helping children to learn. Additionally video games help to develop character such as strength, dexterity, intelligence and so forth.

This reading shared a slightly different perspective from most of the other readings regarding gaming, because it seems to address the benefits of learning from playing video games . Most other games tend to focus on the ability to join the "second world" and play a character or become a character that you would not be in the "real world", or to posess things that you wouldn't normally possess. Although, James Paul Gee does state in his article that part of the learning experience is the ability to be able to switch characters and act out that character while demonstrating or executing various skills, the main theme is learning.

I found this reading quite insightful, because often it is stated that the younger generation that grew up with the computer, and played video games, posess various skills that the older generation does not. This is truly apparent in the workplace when you observe the older generation such as the "Baby Boomer" compared to "Generation X". The older generation (not all) tend to shy away from computers and video games while the younger generation embraces the computer.

This reading also help me to be more objective regarding gaming. I can truly relate to the statement that playing video games help to build dexterity as well as other skills. Learning is essential in ones growth and gaming may be effective in helping many individuals to learn.



Gee, James Paul, What Video Games have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy

Marsha Hairston
February 1, 2007
Internet Writing-Theory and Practice
Instructors: Dr Lisa Maruca and Caroline Maun

WORLD OF WARCRAFT

by

Soul Kerfuffle

Gaming, should an individual’s time be spent in cyberspace playing games although the games may be strategic when we are faced with so many issues in the real world today. The writer presents some interesting perspectives on why he chose to play games via the “Web”, versus playing a computer game or video and his rational as to why he felt the time spent was of value to him. Computer games and video games were not stimulating for the writer so therefore we would quit, often without finishing the game. Friends introduced the writer to the game World of Warcraft (WoW). The writer stated that the game of WoW gave him an opportunity to use the skills and knowledge that we had acquired through his college education and experience to help make the guild (comprised of four people) work better. This is true with many games that we play whether it is a computer game, video, or a cardboard game. As I reflect on his statements, I can see how games sharpened our skills whether they are good or bad. I considered the children today as they play games via Xbox, Play Station, and VSmile. Their skills are much sharper when they are introduced to the computer compared to someone that has never maneuvered a mouse or keyboard. The writer states that he sharpened his skills as they related to clear communication and how to lead the people in his guild. The strategic nature of the game also help him to use more compassion, execute tough love, and balance. It was also a form or entertainment as he enjoyed it.

A few readers responded to his article and challenged the fact that the writer sought fulfillment in resolving issues in the virtual community opposed to the real community. As I reflect on the reader’s comment, I considered the affects that many video games have on children and youth play in the virtual community have impact on our children and youth and influence how they react in the real world.

Both the writer and readers have the valid viewpoints. As for me cyberspace means outer space and it still hard for me digest the concept of spending so much time on the web no matter what the reason. But I realize that if I am going to be around awhile and hope that I am, that I need to get adjusted to the virtual community in cyberspace.

Marsha Hairston
February 1, 2007
Internet Writing-Theory and Practice
Instructors: Dr Lisa Maruca and Caroline Maun

WORLD OF WARCRAFT

by

Soul Kerfuffle

Gaming, should an individual’s time be spent in cyberspace playing games although the games may be strategic when we are faced with so many issues in the real world today. The writer presents some interesting perspectives on why he chose to play games via the “Web”, versus playing a computer game or video and his rational as to why he felt the time spent was of value to him. Computer games and video games were not stimulating for the writer so therefore we would quit, often without finishing the game. Friends introduced the writer to the game World of Warcraft (WoW). The writer stated that the game of WoW gave him an opportunity to use the skills and knowledge that we had acquired through his college education and experience to help make the guild (comprised of four people) work better. This is true with many games that we play whether it is a computer game, video, or a cardboard game. As I reflect on his statements, I can see how games sharpened our skills whether they are good or bad. I considered the children today as they play games via Xbox, Play Station, and VSmile. Their skills are much sharper when they are introduced to the computer compared to someone that has never maneuvered a mouse or keyboard. The writer states that he sharpened his skills as they related to clear communication and how to lead the people in his guild. The strategic nature of the game also help him to use more compassion, execute tough love, and balance. It was also a form or entertainment as he enjoyed it.

A few readers responded to his article and challenged the fact that the writer sought fulfillment in resolving issues in the virtual community opposed to the real community. As I reflect on the reader’s comment, I considered the affects that many video games that children and youth play in the virtual community have impact on our children and youth and influence how they react in the real world.

Both the writer and readers have the valid viewpoints. As for me cyberspace means outer space and it still hard for me digest the concept of spending so much time on the web no matter what the reason. But I realize that if I am going to be around awhile and hope that I am, that I need to get adjusted to the virtual community in cyberspace.