Presentations-04/27/2010

Dan Anderson-Video games and communities
I am always amazed at the number of video gamers (Xbox live-20 million users). The notion we can play across digital mediums with anyone and anywhere is changing how we communicate. I like the approach that the enhancement in online environments is driven by sharing and the goings-on in the medium, not race or gender. I find it interesting that out of the gaming presentations, learning principles and networking online are correlated as positive. I hope more people realize that gaming is entrenched in learning and has endless potential to teach skills. I think his presentation is focused in Gee which is good. I think the opposition should be well defined as there are so many myths and connotations that are associated with gaming. All which are easy to gain permanency in peoples attitudes. I think Julie’s suggestion to elaborate on the theorists will help bolster the argument. Great presentation!

Mike Payne-Cyber crimes/real vs. virtual
I like that he started the class of with a practical example. I think it is out of the ordinary that cyber crime is thought of as worse than physical crime. It is not a correlation I am used to making. I thought the presentation was filled with a ton of facts and statistics but I had trouble with the so what? It is natural for people to be outraged by crime but it is everywhere. So what makes cyber crime worse? I think is probable to think if we move our lives to the electronic allure that crime will follow. I think it would be beneficial to take the personal experience out of the argument and focus on why this space is more significant than the other. I like some of the ideas he had on how to prevent theft and other crimes but how does that change us? Good presentation!

Lee Kidd-You Tube and perpetuating hate
I struggled somewhat with this concept as there were so many paths to chase. I agree with Maurice to on one thing, the project is trying to prove too much. I think there is an argument in all the research but again, taking personal conviction out of the argument and focusing on the facts of why You Tube is wrong for hate or political slander. I think he has a good foundation to build off of but there are too many issues that cloud the argument. With all the platforms for hate, You Tube is just another medium. I would ask why it grabs the spot light and what about the medium that makes it so significant? I also believe one can’t make people behave (hate mongers) but I think there is something to argument about the medium. Finally, as a big fan of the 1st amendment, that would be a good place for opposition. I like the idea of putting You Tube on trial as a matter of speech, and I think he has plenty of research to focus an argument on the medium being used for other than customary issues. Good job at fielding questions and taking some different perspectives. Good presentation!

Angel Almaraz-Bridging the digital divide through games
I like the concept of integrating learning into gaming through technology and making games more interactive. I think the argument is sound in Gee and using the critical learning, probing, and self-knowledge principals. The challenge is digital literacy and catching up to technology for some. But I find the proposal interesting in that traditional learning styles are so deep-rooted in the K1-12 system it will be interesting on how progressive schools are willing to be. She had great examples by First Lego League and how they promote math and science. I think the opposition should have a game designed for them so they can learn the benefits of gaming. I really liked the proposal and think the argument is strong!

Derrick Nelson-Bridging the gap-Mobile phone Technology
Derrick gave a fast and comprehensive presentation on mobile technology that makes one think. I like the idea that the technology breaks away from the tethered computer desktop and is revolutionizing information and communications. His argument is solid in McCann, Rheingold, and Carvin so I think he will have no trouble making a stand. I know he has a ton of research but is there statistics on how effective mobile technology is for closing the gap? So, great presentation and I learned a lot!

Kristen De La Rosa-Program Hope
I like the proposal on promoting-Access/ Knowledge, and safely on the internet. Also, I think it is a good point on how currently it is a masculine environment. I think Kristen laid out her strategies well and looks at literacy/learning to use tools/and acknowledges the lack of existing programs. It is great that it brings in field experts to learn presentations online and helps to bridge education/over sharing/ theft/ and resists cyber bullying. What a well thought out argument! Involving public schools/Parent nights/volunteer based/Raise public awareness is so needed! I think it faces huge hurdles at Kristen pointed out with the lack of volunteers/support/not available in every school/Access/no perfection in program/ and kids who slip through cracks. Great job!