CCT300+Labs


 * Lab #1**


 * Computer Game Studies, Year One Article**

The article "Computer Game Studies, Year One" by Espen Aarseth analyzes the concept of modern day video gaming being related to academics. There are some theories that supposedly draw upon the act of gaming in general such s sociology, semiotics, or anthropology. It is certain that gaming can be in some way beneficial when learning new things. Some games have the ability for one to practice their coordination and listening skills that help them achieve knowledge both physically and mentally. Having the study of gaming as an academic discipline would allow the tactile aspect move to a more knowledgeable experience when playing where the player would learn new skills that would help develop their minds. However, I believe that it would depend on the type of game that is being played since some take little to no effort to play such as shooting games. Games that are adventurous or involve sports would be challenging where the player would have to practice continuously to learn the game. These types of skills would most definitely contribute to the study of gaming and how it affects people in general.

==== The term "genre" would most likely be defined as a classification of subjects into different categories. Each subject is said to have its own difference which is why we tend to create genres as a way of developing organization. Some examples would be films which are usually classified under; comedy, action, thriller, or romance as well as music which may be; pop, rock, or electronic. These are the types of genres we most likely accustomed to when we chose to define subjects. Over time however, the definition of genre has changed in many ways since the introduction of new technologies. "Digital genres" as some may know, would be the classification of new technologies that people use frequently on computer or mobile devices. The iPhone would be a prime example because it is a mobile device that would apply to the likes of many individuals where they are able to do more than just use it as phone. It allows users to do endless activities which would range from downloading music, videos, surfing the web or downloading many applications that may suit their interests. These applications and devices create new digital genres which expands the meaning of genre and how it many impact the new generation. In the article "Obama uses iPhone to win support", Obama uses new media like the iPhone to create an application which would allow users to support and vote for him during the election as well as keeping up to date with news, pictures, videos, or blogs that are relevant. This would be an innovative way to attract and gain new voters to support the rally as an efficient way of communicating across the nation and worldwide. In regards to "digital genres" this application however would seem quite controversial since it would have no specific classification. This could be applicable to all audiences who would have an interest in either politics, media, news, or just entertainment which makes the term "genre" in the digital world more of an open concept. ====


 * Lab #3:**

==Do you agree or disagree with McLuhan when he defines comics as an extension of photographic media? ==

I believe that comics may be defined as an extension of photographic media in regards to many perspectives. Comics in general are cartoon illustrations that tell a fictional story through sequential images with sometimes little to no text. They serve a purpose to communicate a message or moral in the story. They can also be long or short, which allows the reader to engage in the medium presented. In McLuhan's “// Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man //to” McLulan’s famous quote “The Medium is the Message” is said to be a very powerful way of showing how to understand and see the world. The medium in this case is said to be the comic or photograph in which it conveys a message to the reader. Like a photo album, it would also tell a story of a certain event or time period that is presented in real life images as memories. Therefore comics can also bee seen as an extension to photographs since they have the ability to tell a story by just using images that makes the imagination of the reader come to life and interpret the story through their own perspective.


 * Lab #5:**


 * Difference between advertising methods used in the real world and the virtual world. **

Advertising is method used by marketers in many creative ways for developing new material. Throughout many years, advertising has grown from using a variety of mediums such as print, radio, television, and now the web. Advertising in the "real world" would be the use of print and radio where the audience is able to physically see what is being advertised on paper as well as listening to what is being said about it. Virtual world advertising would be the use of television or the web where the audience is able to engage and interact with the ad digitally. There would be many visuals, animations, audio and sound effects incorporated through a digital ad where it may be accessible on computers, cellphones, or other portable media devices. Advertising in the virtual however would have many advantages compared to real world advertising. It would be more effective since it has many characteristics that would attract the audience. An example would be "Youtube" where many use the site to watch videos which may contain many advertisements that are even shown before searching for a video. Most advertisements on the web try to be relevant to the user since they are able to track the geographic location from which the user is accessing the web.

The only disadvantage is that not everyone uses this technology, like the older generation since real world advertising would be more accessible to them. Some of it's limitations in content would be geographic location, language, or expiration. Online advertising would apply to everyone since it is displayed world wide instead of being marketed to certain locations. It also stays longer on the web where it is constantly viewed. 2D Print ads can also be transformed into 3D where its more dynamic and attractive and may also be translated into different languages for users around the world. In the end, "real world" advertising would actually be declining since media seems to be more accessible and effective on the web. It would slowly make its way to the web where everyone would be more accustomed to it.


 * Lab #6:**

The web is considered a powerful tool that is used deliberately by many today. It has grown from the standard web 3.0 to an interactive 4.0 that is an extension bringing endless possibilities and most of all accessibility. The new web has potential to become available almost anywhere and anytime when at home or on the go. New media devices are being to developed that are able to access the web such as Smartphone’s, iPod’s, PDA’s etc. These features allow the web to create a whole new experience of browsing.

The web now offers improved graphics and animations as well as automatic smart browsing where it would determine what you are searching for when you input information. Social networking has also become very popular on the web that is one of the main reasons people use the web. By using these social networks such as Facebook, Myspace, or Twitter people depend on them to communicate with other by simply bogging, messaging, or posting personal content for others to see deliberately on the web. I find that web 3.0 has now allowed or us to do more anytime or anywhere, which has become a primary source of communicating.


 * Lab #7:**

[|Put Social Media To Work For You - Article]
In regards to the article above, social networking is believed to be the most popular and useful methods of gaining publicity in today’s society. Everyday, more people are depending on the Internet to obtain popularity by using many social networking websites such as Facebook, Twitter, or Youtube. People use these websites constantly worldwide to post information about their lives or what they have found on the web. As people post new material, they are constantly viewed and shared amongst others where sometimes it may spread and become viral depending on how interesting it is to many. Once something is posted, the work is done on its own as the title of the article analyzed states.

The best way to determine how content on the web has grown would be measured by the amount of views, downloads, tweets, or like’s, that the content gains on the web through the use of web enabled technology at any time. A great example of this phenomenon would be celebrities that are rising in fame becuase they constantly being monitored by their fans through social networking sites. In this case they would always be followed and update the public about their lives. A recent article about celebrities states that **“Lady Gaga”** has surpassed **“Justin Bieber”** by gaining over a billion views on Youtube for her [|“Bad Romance music video”.]

This would be a major accomplishment for an artist that has only been in the music industry for such a short period of time in comparison to other popular celebrities. She is also said to be the most followed living person on Twitter and have the most fans on Facebook. That makes her the most popular celebrity ever known worldwide. The obvious reason for this cause would the use of social networking on the web. In the end, statistics will determine how much popularity of an individual or content posted on the web, which makes the web the most powerful tool used in today’s generation.


 * Reference:**

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**Lab #9:**

**Truthiness**
In regards to the article, “truthiness” can be defined as the intuitive feeling a person has about something. It is a gut feeling where something is believed to be right based someone’s instinct perception. I believe that this type of word really reflects the certainty at a different level since most people can relate to it. An article that defines the word suggests, “ Colbert had intended to use it as a criticism of the constant appeals to emotion used by many American politicians. He also pointed out that facts seemed to matter less and less in the United States, citing this as a disturbing trend.” I believe that it has set a good example for many people to liberate themselves when speaking about their thoughts. It’s best to speak the truth than to not speak at all in some cases where a sense of doubt and uncertainty may be created. Most people even act upon the concept of truthiness when arguing about something that may seem logical to them. As mentioned in the article, it is amazing how far this concept has risen where people are now taking initiative to make a difference when speaking publicly.

Source: []

**Lab #10:**


 * Transparency and Functionality **

I decided to compare Google vs. Yahoo in regards to their layout and source of information.

Google has a simple interface that contains the logo along with a smart search engine that allows users to type in what they are searching for on the web. This search engine is able to predict what your search may be by listing words or phrases that may be relevant. On the left hand side there is a button that has news, images, maps, g-mail, and more useful applications. The Google news, however displays fast and up-the minute news that is currently happening around the world. I personally do not resort to Google news for current information, but it is a great way to keep up to date with the world instantly.

The Yahoo homepage however has a different interface that is loaded with many accessible applications and information for users. It has up to the minute news where the user is able to view images, videos, and other current information instantly. It also contains a smart search engine that predicts what the user is searching for on the web based on words or phrases they may input. It then determines other words or phrases that may be relevant in regards to their initial search. I personally do not use Yahoo to search for media on the web consistently, but it is a useful tool that allows users to multitask when accessing their homepage.


 * Major Online Sources:**

Google vs. Yahoo.