Discussion about the physical setup of the classroom, inquiring about the presence of cinder block walls.
Presentation Schedule
Overview of Schedule
Presentations will start next week.
Randomized order for the presentation:
Tuesday, the 9th
Thursday, the 11th
Tuesday, the 16th
Students should check the schedule for their names and report conflicts as soon as possible.
Presentation Guidelines
Each student has 8 minutes to present.
First two days: 7 students present, 6 students on the last day.
Importance of attendance: missing class or conflict may result in rescheduling.
Presentations are considered 1% of the total grade and need to be submitted immediately to be factored into grading.
Submission Requirements
All presentations must be submitted on Canvas before the required deadlines.
The grading rubric is straightforward and outlined on Canvas.
Technical Logistics
Accessing Presentation Materials
Presentations can be accessed from various platforms:
Desktop PC in the remote account
Cloud services like Google Drive
Files can also be brought using flash drives or other portable media.
Equipment
Students need to ensure a secure way to display their files or videos during the presentation.
Technical support and resources will be available during presentations.
Rhetorical Strategies Assignment
Assignment Overview
Identify two rhetorical strategies used in a selected piece of media.
Explain the significance of chosen strategies and their effectiveness.
Details of Rhetorical Strategies
Rhetorical Strategy 1: Identify, give an example, and analyze its usage in the text.
Rhetorical Strategy 2: Similarly, identify, provide an example, and analyze its usage.
Provide context for the media within its genre,
Discuss its significance in relation to similar works.
Examples for Contextualization
Contextualizing examples may include how a pop song aligns with other pop songs in the genre or discussing the importance of a film in cinematic history (e.g., Citizen Kane's impact in 1941).
Grading Points
Total of 50 points awarded for the assignment.
Rubric details are available in Canvas.
Questions & Clarifications
Students were encouraged to ask questions about the assignment or clarify any doubts.
The assignment PDF will be made available later.
Class Schedule Overview
Three classes remaining dedicated to student presentations.
Presentations will serve to discuss wider cultural or thematic issues related to media.
Discussion on Internet Evolution
Internet Infrastructure and Updates
Analogy of the New York City subway system in relation to the Internet's complexity.
The challenge of updating critical infrastructure without disrupting service.
Context of Internet Development
Internet technology was mostly defined by the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The technology developed then cannot be easily transformed without impacting users.
The Internet, like roadways, is subjected to growth patterns that are unpredictable over time.
Providing Access and Companies’ Decisions
Companies choose infrastructure based on profitability (e.g. Verizon in densely populated vs rural areas).
The implications for rural communities without adequate Internet service are highlighted as a significant social equity issue.
Ethical and Philosophical Implications
Internet as a Utility
The necessity of accessing the Internet in contemporary society likened to utilities such as water or power.
Increased demand for Internet access as a right for all citizens, irrespective of location.
Role of Government and Corporations
Discussion on the public-private partnership model in addressing Internet access issues.
The complexities involved in managing Internet as a public resource through collaboration between government and corporations.
Debating Ownership and Control
Investigating who controls Internet access and the inherent incentives within corporations to steer decisions based on profit motives.
Review of white spaces where companies opted not to invest in high-speed networks.
Case Studies on Internet Use
Remote Learning During the Pandemic
Issues in remote learning due to poor infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Real-life implications of lacking access to high-speed Internet mirrored against basic utility access.
Evolution of the Web
Historical Context of Web Iterations
Web 1.0: Static pages focused on content delivery, similar to traditional media formats (TV/radio).
Web 2.0: Interactive, user-generated content, where participation in the Internet surged (e.g., Social Media).
Technical Integration and Development
Importance of HTML, JavaScript, AJAX in establishing a dynamic interaction on the web.
User experience metamorphosing from passive consumption to active contribution, leading to personal customization of digital spaces.
Blockchain and Web 3.0
Emerging Concepts and Technology
Introduction of blockchain as a method to decentralize control over the Internet.
Critique and skepticism of Web 3.0 and its reliance on promises of data autonomy and decentralization, questioning whether it genuinely addresses the issues raised in Web 2.0.
Cryptocurrency Overview
Definition and debate surrounding cryptocurrency's validity and reliability compared to conventional currency systems, outlining volatility issues.
Ethical Questions Surrounding Data and Corporations
Discussion of potential regulation and ethical considerations tied to the proliferation of decentralized currencies and organizations.
Future of Web 3.0
Theoretical Applications of Web 3.0
Explore the philosophy behind Web 3.0 in aiming for a more democratic version of the Internet devoid of monopolistic control.
Focus on the practical implications of implementing decentralized finance mechanisms and ensuring the user data privacy.
Speculative Nature of Web 3.0
Critics raise concerns about the practicality and security of transitioning to this proposed decentralized network.
The ongoing debate regarding whether Web 3.0 will truly herald a systemic change or if it perpetuates existing inequalities under a different guise.
Conclusion
Call to Action
Students encouraged to engage with these systemic questions regarding online platforms' control, decentralized finance, and the evolving Internet landscape.
Reflection on how individual consumer behavior plays an essential role in shaping future digital realities.
Importance of questioning motives behind technology and data collection as a part of ethical digital citizenship.