Friday, 28 October 2011

How important is history to Digital Cultures?

Technology is always changing and as it does so, it is increasingly benefiting us. History has greatly influenced where we are today, not only has it positioned us in the state we are in, but it also allows us to grow with technology. It seems to us now, that there was no life before computers, but that is not the case. Long before there were digital computers, there were mechanical ones.

The earliest computers worked out mathematical sums and as apposed to being a piece of technology, they were instead women working out complex calculations. Furthermore, this reinforces the point that while men were seen to be the dominant ones, their involvement in technology was minimal. Anna Lovelace (10th December 1815-27th November 1852) is commonly known for her work on Charles Babbage’s early mechanical general-purpose computer, the analytical engine.

To conclude this post, it is important for us to be aware that the very first personal computer was developed by hobbyists in 1975 and the first microcomputer, the “Altair” was sold in kit form.

Friday, 21 October 2011

Why blog?

Blogger in general has a wide motivated range. The reasons behind me using a blog will differ to others dramatically. It is important to understand that Blogs today have developed hugely and are not just about me, as a journalist, writing and keeping track of events. We have the tools to comment on other people’s blogs as well as make direct links to our own Blogs. By linking different sites or blogs, it ultimately is a way to increase our personal views. This enables us to make reference to Blogs that relate to what we are doing. As young academics, writing a blog is easy and convenient to suit our life styles.

It has been noted that Blogs are focused on multiple subjects, but have an element of personal impacts. This differs from newspapers and allows us to influence our work in a way we desire. Being a young journalists blogging is easy and practical, it also suits my way of life. I am able to blog from my laptop as well as my phone. This brings me onto the subject of "Microblogging"..... Which is the posting of very short entries and, or updates on a blog or social networking site, typically via a mobile phone. The most common form of microblogging is with the commonly known social networking site Twitter. Twitter is free to use and allows anyone around the world to post an update of 140 letters. Simple? Very. Twitter is a new way of communicating, not only are you able to embed images and videos you also can present your update to a live stream. It is also possible for journalists to attach their twitter stream to their Blog, which allows readers to interact and have a constant update of news whenever they so desire.

Sunday, 16 October 2011

Why study digital cultures?


It is difficult to answer the question “Why study digital culture?” because ultimately there are many reasons as to why we should….. I'm to studying journalism and it is important to have an in depth understanding on different digital cultures and how they will impact our futures.

Technology has a huge impact on society and is in constant development. As our knowledge on this subject increases, so will our understanding as to why we should study such a subject. It is important for us to be aware of the changing culture so we are able to respond appropriately. The aim of the unit in general will provide us with "a critical introduction to the key views arising out of widespread adoptions of digital media forms". This furthermore will allow me to expand upon why I chose to study this unit of information and as I begin to reflect on my knowledge this will further become clear.

Digital Culture gives an in depth explanation as to how every arena of human experience is changing. In today's society, Digital Culture is part of our way of life. The different aspects of digital culture give us social responsibility.