Proof of Learning Report week 3

This week was rather reassuring considering our online forum for the class in general.  The findings in two of the readings suggested that students were rather in favor for the online classes.  The first study done, however, was not totally comparable to this class, because it was comprised of a “mixed mode” (meaning only part of the class was online).  Much more in-depth was the second study, done by Jennifer Richardson and Karen Swan.  The object of their study was social presence in online courses in relation to students’ perceived learning and satisfaction.  As a result of their findings, it was concluded that the more social presence a student observed, the more they perceived themselves to learn.  One thing that was held most favorable by these students consisted of the online discussions, similar to ours.

            After reading this article along with the initial one and seeing positive aspects found by actual studies, it’s rather reassuring considering our case.  I, too, agree that the online forum, although at times difficult to get used to, gives a student a much more diversified look at every day lessons.  This is done in part by the many different voices one reads throughout the discussions, and many more backgrounds are brought to the table. 

            Because we have constantly studied how the internet has changed anything from entertainment to dating, I have decided to study the online medium in relation to politics, specifically how campaigning has evolved (namely since 2004).  It is obvious by now that the internet has served as an opportunity to further pretty much any type of product, including political candidates and their particular agendas. 

Proof of Learning Report week 2

            This past week we have studied in discussed thoroughly the many benefits and detriments of online dating.  We had started off with a documentary that showcased a particular detrimental attribute to online dating, as it resulted in a large financial scam.  Another characteristic of the online dating that was retrieved was the general age trends that were consistent throughout the studies.  It was also important to note that most online daters did not have too high a level of optimism and were generally aware of the circumstances.

            As the week started out with the online scam documentary, half of me had felt sorry for the victim.  The other, perhaps better half, however, felt that it was more so her own fault.  To give the financial information that she had provided to somebody she had never met almost amazed me.  I believe it was rather naïve on her part to provide this particular information. At the same time, it is very unfortunate that yet again the internet makes it easier to attain this particular information for personal benefit.  Scams go on all the time in this day and age. 

            Another trend I believe we collectively noticed was the age group that utilized the dating services the most.  It was concluded in the studies that this consisted of older folk who perhaps had less time to gather in favorable social settings that can result in a type of relationship.  We can assess that the online dating services are not only beneficial to this group, but of those who have more unique personalities and characteristics.  After personally registering with one site (out of curiosity), I noticed questions that seemed rare but knew that these were deemed necessary by the service to make the best matches possible.  What turned me off was ultimately the fee to actually see pictures, in addition to realizing that I’m still in the most favorable social setting to attain a relationship. 

            Lastly, I thought the particular awareness of environment, demonstrated by an individual account presented in the pew study (Tuesday), was important.  This particular individual had said that despite one lady claiming she was a “striking blonde,” his expectations were not met, yet she was “a pretty good bowler.”  This optimism shows an important mindset that all should have in the online dating game: people are not what always what they say they are.  Ultimately it is up to the other party to make that decision for him/herself.  This is where online dating for those who have high hopes can become problematic.  However, it is generally useful, especially for those seeking a relationship who may not have the time nor means to do so.  In all cases, it is especially important to draw a line on the type of information to disclose.  After all, you never really know who is “seeking” you. 

Proof of Learning Report week 1

After the first week of this class I have found that the online forum is has progressed so much that it is considered to be the go-to medium of communication in many different contexts.  After reading the articles I have concluded that with this comes many benefits in terms of expanding both opportunity and production.  In today’s world geographic location is no longer an obstacle for both work and even some relationships. 

            In the Reputation Management article, it seemed that younger generations are more aware of the detriments of SNS.  Because of this, it was concluded from the data that the primary age demographic who of which is concerned with their online reputation, thus setting more privacy controls and more heavily monitoring their activity consisted of ages 18-29.  I believe this trend is important, for people of this age still have their future careers at stake.  These future career opportunities can wither with a bad online reputation, especially when one considers the employers’ tendency to review these particular reputations.  I myself had received a wake-up call as a result of an ISU student’s assignment.  In brief she played the role of a potential employer.  Her job was to assess her decision on hiring me on the basis of my online reputation, specifically via Facebook.  It turned out I was not to receive the job because of it.  I consider myself lucky that it happened now as opposed to when I actually am looking for a job. The disparity of online reputation management being observed more by the younger folk has to do with their particular activity.  One can agree that the older generations have “less to hide” than that of the younger generation and their particular “extracurricular activities.” 

            In closing, the online forum has given many opportunities, despite the detrimental possibilities explained above.  Social capital, for instance, can contribute to things such as better public health and lower crime rates, because of the ease of networking individuals and ideas (what social capital generally refers to).  Expanding networking opportunity, along with monitoring online reputation will arguably lead to a higher concentration of production in general.