Marking ECE912 Livejournals

[jason]

I've been having some interesting thoughts while reading through the journals... I'm enjoying them a lot,though I'm shocked at how few students bothered to correct their writing problems in the selections handed in. I did deduct for spelling and grammar. But almost nothing at all.

Many students have made wonderful points and insights. That said, some have disturbed me. Some folks are upset by the idea of being creative online, writing online and communicating online. Everyone always agrees that doing things face to face is usually preferable. But most people are passive in the 'real world'. What is better: passive in the real world or creative online? Yes, perhaps creative in the real world is best, but that's not the question. Many people do not have creative opportunities in the physical world. Many people's creativity cannot be supported in the real world. Many people don't have friends withwhom they can share their creativity in the real world. Should they be left out? Personally, I write fiction in the real world, but I share it online. MY online friends are my 'real world' friends who are too far away at the moment.

My second point builds on this... why do you assume that there is one 'real world'? There is nothing in human experience that assumes this. And why do you assume that there is only one you? Experience is multiple. People change. The adult is: parent, child, worker, caregiver, lover, puritan, epicurian. The real world is: work, home, spiritual place, play space...

And much of the real world and real person is virtual... it is imaginary... what's wrong with this?

The question is, then, what does technology add or remove from all this?

Of course, diapers and cars and chairs are all technology. And you like them... so what's the problem?

Just my thoughts while reading...

And if you are reading this, why not comment... then I know you're being a good student :)

Further thoughts:
Every*thing* use in modern society were *new* technologies once. Why are they ok now? Will computers become an old technology that you don't think about any more? Like diapers?

Comments

in response

[lchapman.livejournal.com]

I think that it's not the idea of being creative on the computer rather the ways in which the computer and the virtual worlds are being used. I personally thought it was very disturbing that a person was able to be raped in one of the virtual worlds. There are enough rapes and other horrible acts that take place in this real world. I think being creative and making your own room is fine, to each there own. I really believe that's the point- we all have our opinions, concerns, questions, interests, about the MUDs (etc.) whether we've experienced them or choose not to is an individuals decision. These journals are our way of expressing the above mentioned ideas, they reflect our personalities, upbringing, our views. These opinions are just that personal opinions. People will do what they want and use computers the way they enjoy.

It's not to say computers do not help and provide beneficial uses for people, it does. But again it's the way it's used with young children. As an adult you are able to control what goes on in the virtual world, you can control who your friends are, what's being done and so forth. As young children you can never filter enough. Not every parent knows about and understands MUDs. I think the reflections are written by educators of young children not in a personal level. (these are all my own opinions)
Your second point....I believe there is only one real world and that there is only one real me. I haven't seen other wise :)

I don't believe computers will ever be forgotten like diapers because they are constantly in our faces. Computers are everywhere-diapers on the other hand are not :) lucky for us ;)

Lindsay

Re: in response

[complicittheory.livejournal.com]

In a sense the article was unfair. It talks about a dark event in an adult space. Yes, it was virtual. In real life you can have stores that are children's book stores and pornography shops. They are separated, and kids should not be allowed into pornography shops. The same goes for virtual spaces. As I mentioned in one of the classes, to access Amy Bruckman's Moosecrossing, everyone must get a letter to prove their age, and adults must go through a rigorous process. I have a different system to protect children which is surveillance of all non-student users.

In general, however, what I've noticed is that everything sooner or later becomes ubiquitous. Diapers are now a ubiquitous bit of technology, as is color TV and pushbutton phones. I remember when these were major new technologies. Microwave ovens! Gawd, 8track tapes!

Note that though there are not that many people playing muds/moos, the whole online roleplaying world is growing massively, via games like the Sims. But unlike the Sims, MOOs/Muds allowed for creativity. The Sims only allow you to fit into a pre-existing world. And that's saddening.

Thanks for your comments.