Study tools

Introduction

  • 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.