Module Two ICQ Task

Description

Downloaded ICQ.
Found ICQ # for "Advanced Netstudies" and associated message.
Joined a chat group of students on WebCT chat to discuss chat services.

Concerns

I have used ICQ before and thought this task would be simple. Something I have learned about this unit is that it's unlike a book and paper type unit in that alot of technical stuff can go wrong eating up alot of my scheduled time.

Problems:
ICQ:
1/I couldn't download ICQ6 onto my (very old, Windows '98) computer. I downloaded ICQ2go but kept getting timed out when searching for "Advanced Netstudies" ICQ #.
Because of this and the actions I took to resolve it, it's put me even more behind than I was after the recent "big meltdown".

2/ICQ slowed things down on my pc. I'm sure it was a settings thing but i don't use it enough and am too busy to bother.

3/ ICQ stalled my computer whenever we tried to change users (we being my partner & I)

4/ I'm unable to get rid of ICQ toolbar even after uninstalling ICQ. I find it annoying to have to close it manually evertine a window opens.

WebCT: Firstly I couldn't join the chat room. I had done so on previous occasions but the rooms were empty. I'd forgotten that was before my computer was reformatted and I'd psossibly lost Java. Also WebCT looses earlier parts of the chat cycle.

Solution:
ICQ:
1/I upgraded my computer. I bought XP and installed extra memory and additional hard drive. It took some time to do but my computer isn't quite so draconian now.
Once this happened ICQ6 was downloaded and the task was a cinch.

2-4/I uninstalled ICQ as soon as the task was over. It's not something I can see myself using in the near future. I'm still unable to delete ICQ toolbar.

WebCT: I downloaded Java after seeing this suggestion on the unit DB (Thanks David...again) for solutions to access problems to chat rooms. I still got a "this applications digital signature has an error" but I continued anyway as I didn't want to be any later than I already was in joining and I accessed the room no problem.
As for the disappearing text in the chat, I initially attributed this to my digital signature problem but then others noticed it too. All I could do is start the task results below with an introduction and know to cut/paste or screen shot earlier next time.


Task Results

1.The quote for ICQ user #257853416 "Advanced Netstudies":
"This is the ICQ identity I use just for my 'advanced Internet use' students!"

2. Arrange with other students in the unit to meet up for a chat, using either ICQ, yahoo chat or webct chat. Talk about which chat service you prefer, and what forms of communication chat is most useful for.

Introduction

The beginning of this conversation was lost because it seems WebCT eats up earlier parts of the chat cycle. This is a problem because WebCT is used by students. Students require a record of their chats to best utilise the chat applet tool. That I'm explaining this rather than pasting the beginnings of the conversation is testament to that.

At the beginning of this chat cycle we were discussing favourite chat or message program.
....
Susanne Klippel>> trillian combines all theother IM's together
in one program so if you have an ICQ, msn and yahoo id like
I do you can use all three at once and beleive me it's been
a life saver during this course
Robyn Turnor>> That sounds like a good idea.
Natasha Adams>> that's one i have never tried
Irena-Mya>> sorry Susanne, whats an IM?
Kai Joldeski>> I love convenience, that sound terrific
Natasha Adams>> i might give it a go
Susanne Klippel>> instant messangers
Irena-Mya>> K..
Irena-Mya>> TA
Irena-Mya>> woops
Natasha Adams>> trillian, is it free?
Kai Joldeski>> I just scrolled up to the start of our conversation
and the very beginning isn't there,
Kai Joldeski>> I was just thinking about how we need to keep
this record for our blog
Irena-Mya>> cut and pasteKai??
Susanne Klippel>> your right you know I just tried the same thing
and I found that too
Irena-Mya>> paste it into the bog (an edited version)
maybe
Kai Joldeski>> yes, I mean't the first part has vanished
Kai Joldeski>> O well, something else to say about chatting in
the blog - the first part disappeared!
Irena-Mya>> (Kai) yeah..ok, well the conversation
is recorded maybe Cynthia can get a full cpy?
Susanne Klippel>> that's true
Susanne Klippel>> I hope that cynth can give us a copy causeI
need it for my blog as well
Irena-Mya>> so have u guys discussed what forms of
chat programs and IM's are best for what purpose?
Kai Joldeski>> and as I said before I don't like this version
of chat, you can't see who is typing and who's turn it is
next
Natasha Adams>> i lost it all too
Kai Joldeski>> it makes it difficult to follow the conversation
Irena-Mya>> I'll send u guys a copy from when I arrived
if you like?
Irena-Mya>> I've saved it
Robyn Turnor>> I took some screen shots earlier and that should
suffice. thanks
Irena-Mya>> cleva girl
Judy Pepin>> me too
Kai Joldeski>> I've still got half of it
Kai Joldeski>> I just took a paste
Kai Joldeski>> Irena-Mya to answer your question earlier
Susanne Klippel>> it wored hope that it's enough for the blog
Kai Joldeski>> we did talk about which chat we preferred
Kai Joldeski>> we all have different opinions (on what were the prefered IM & chat progs) as we all have
different needs
Judy Pepin>> seems if you navigate away from WebCT chat -- you
loose what's been said-- not liking WebCT chat.

...

(This too is a problem because if you want to check something on the curtin site while chatting, you loose the link to the chat room all together. There were many times we wanted to go back & check various things but didn't want to leave the room to do it! The dissapearance of the earlier chat also disrupted the flow of converstaion as each member discovered how much they had lost.)

...
Irena-Mya>> ok, so can I ask about IM's
Irena-Mya>> what aspects did ppl like about their
fav IM?
Judy Pepin>> one benefit of discussion forums over chat is message
threading --
Susanne Klippel>> when I tried out the screen shot in word I
came back to this chat and still had everything there maybee
when the uni server saves the conversation it reloads for
all how have navigated away rom the site for that specific
time
Irena-Mya>> o it's easier to follow (Judy)?
Irena-Mya>> where as when entering a chat u only
get what is there when u arrive
Kai Joldeski>> I like msn - the layout (and not as annoying as
ICQ) like Judy said earlier
Judy Pepin>> IM is great at my office -- i work in IT support
and we can get answers from the gurus when we have clients
on the phone
Kai Joldeski>> I didn't like the look of mIRC also, with mIRC
I was chatting with strangers and with msn I choose whom
I put in my list
Natasha Adams>> we don't have the internet at work
Natasha Adams>> i agree with that kai
Irena-Mya>> good point Judy
Judy Pepin>> it's an internal IM
Natasha Adams>> i only chat to friens on msn
Judy Pepin>> not accessible to others outside our network
Irena-Mya>> yeah, one thing i found (& I found it
with newsgroups) is ppl use what they r familiar with
Kai Joldeski>> also on mIRC the ppl have strange names, I found
the whole experience strange
Irena-Mya>> & will move on to new stuff but stick
witht the old prog as well
Irena-Mya>> like an old friend
Kai Joldeski>> I mean nicknames
Susanne Klippel>> I agree with the comment about msn and mIRC
Irena-Mya>> but how do u meet new ppl?
Susanne Klippel>> it can be a problem
Irena-Mya>> if notin a real time prog?
Kai Joldeski>> I don't mean any offence about mIRC Mya
Irena-Mya>> no!!
Irena-Mya>> I have no shares in irc!! hehe
Irena-Mya>> it is a dinasour
Kai Joldeski>> Just my experiences
Irena-Mya>> I'm just promoting healthy debate :)
Kai Joldeski>> I meet new people face to face
Irena-Mya>> because IM's have the disadvantage of
not meeting new folks
Irena-Mya>> ok
Natasha Adams>> i have changed. i used mirc and ICQ until about
10 yrs ago. didn't use anything until about 18 months ago
and since then i've use aol, skype and msn
Kai Joldeski>> and converse with friends & class friends with
im
Susanne Klippel>> when you don't get out much like me meeting
new people is really hrd
Kai Joldeski>> when you're my age with 2 kids, you meet other
mothers with their kids
Irena-Mya>> thats an interesting point on "cyber-trust"
Irena-Mya>> u know...it's a hard thing to establish
Irena-Mya>> Maybe meeting new ppl online is a pretty
new thing in society
Kai Joldeski>> Mya, I would say that meeting ppl online is definitely
a new experience for our society
Irena-Mya>> so I guess IM's and DB are more widely
used than real time chat prog's
Kai Joldeski>> Trust is the BIGGEST issue for me
Natasha Adams>> i used to enjoy meeting new people on mirc and
other similar chat programs. for some reason now i just want
to talk to friends
Judy Pepin>> yes, when you can't look someone in the eyes --
how can you tell who they really are?
Natasha Adams>> i agree
Irena-Mya>> yes
Irena-Mya>> v true
Kai Joldeski>> Judy - you said it, that's how I feel. I get a
great indication from looking face to face
Irena-Mya>> but nowadays ppl marry (!!) online contacs
Irena-Mya>> so trust is there somewhere
Irena-Mya>> or niavity
Susanne Klippel>> good point
Judy Pepin>> I believe people are different online -- less shy
and caught up in appearances, but online relationships can
be dangerous for some
Susanne Klippel>> I find it hard to make new freinds but I am
very careful not to givout too much info online
Irena-Mya>> i think Australai is a little less trusting
with it than Europe
Irena-Mya>> maybe it's a distance thing
Irena-Mya>> so u should be Susanne
Natasha Adams>> i don't give out much info online
Judy Pepin>> agree sue -- that's why i'm wary of blogging online
..
Kai Joldeski>> Definitely never give out too much on line
Natasha Adams>> i don't mind blogging but don't put much personal
info
Irena-Mya>> so was everyone here familiar with MSN,
Mirc and ICQ before this unit?
Natasha Adams>> yes
Irena-Mya>> me too
Judy Pepin>> yes
Kai Joldeski>> what is your (all you guys) experience with webCT
chat, is this your first time?
Natasha Adams>> yes
Judy Pepin>> made me realise why i quit using ICQ
Irena-Mya>> I've been in here before but it's always
empty
Susanne Klippel>> I think that since this course started my contact
list is the longest it has been for some time
Susanne Klippel>> yeh me too
Irena-Mya>> I've voiced my views on it's limits already...dont
wanna make Curtin cross :p
Kai Joldeski>> I've never had so many online 'friends'
Irena-Mya>> Why Judy?
Judy Pepin>> because ICQ is too commercialised and obsessed with
dating ... it's annoying
Kai Joldeski>> I did not understand the fascination with blogging
at all, until I started this course and have a better understanding
Kai Joldeski>> I have to say that blogs open an opportunity for
ordinary people
Kai Joldeski>> to have an opinion, to be published
Kai Joldeski>> for like minds to get together
Susanne Klippel>> yeh this is the first time that I have tried
bloging as well
Irena-Mya>> sure (Judy)
Kai Joldeski>> Sorry to cut you off Judy
Irena-Mya>> I didn't either (Kai)
Irena-Mya>> I LOVE it now
Natasha Adams>> this is the first time i have tried blogging
too
Kai Joldeski>> Didn't mean too, that's why I don't like this
webCT chat
Irena-Mya>> my computer crashed recently and the
only info I could access was my blog
Judy Pepin>> cut me off? .... not sure what you mean ...
Irena-Mya>> Thats actually quite interesting Kia
Kai Joldeski>> Also blogging gives an ordinary person the opportunity
to be a journalist - without the qualifications
Irena-Mya>> I think there is a whole other "netiquette'
with chat programs
Irena-Mya>> interuption kinda doesn't exist
Kai Joldeski>> Judy - you were talking about ICQ and I started
on about blogs
Irena-Mya>> u know what I mean?
Irena-Mya>> it requires lots of fast reading and
processing
Judy Pepin>> anyway, gotta go make supper ... been great chatting
with everyone ... let's try it again sometime soon. send
me an ICQ message -- it will be active throughout this course,
only. my skype contact is judypepin. see ya
Kai Joldeski>> Tks for coming Judy...Kj
Natasha Adams>> cya judy
Kai Joldeski>> still going on about blogging - you can become
famous overnight - if you so desire without having to be
'discovered' by hollywood
Irena-Mya>> c u Judy
Kai Joldeski>> blogging opens up so many opportunites - I never
thought about until I started delving
Susanne Klippel>> cya Judy
Kai Joldeski>> I had such a negative idea about them when I first
heard about them
Natasha Adams>> i had no idea how to create a blog until i started
this course
Irena-Mya>> me niether
Kai Joldeski>> me too Tash, Mya
Susanne Klippel>> me neither
Irena-Mya>> I even put a pic in mine the other day
Irena-Mya>> so xciting
Susanne Klippel>> I have found that blogging is quite fun since
I started this couse
Natasha Adams>> i've had some problems with mine. i can't log
in to my blog anymore so I've had to start a new one
Irena-Mya>> Tash did u loose alot of stuff?
Natasha Adams>> only module 1
Kai Joldeski>> you can become famous overnight - if you so desired-
without having to be 'discovered' by hollywood just by your
blog
Natasha Adams>> luckily i had copied it all into work and saved
it there too
Irena-Mya>> ok wow!!
Kai Joldeski>> that's what I mean by opportunities Mya
Irena-Mya>> ok
Irena-Mya>> somehow I dont think my current blog's
gonna get me discovered hehe
Natasha Adams>> neither will mine!!!
Kai Joldeski>> nor mine
Susanne Klippel>> nor mine
Kai Joldeski>> but who wants the fame - give me the money any
day
Susanne Klippel>> hehehe
Irena-Mya>> I did decide to add more info to my personal
page the other day though (fav music, films, interests) after
looking at other folks blogs
Irena-Mya>> amen Kai
Kai Joldeski>> I just thought I have changed my opinion 100%
about blogs
...
(Here I asked about ppl'ss experience with newsgroups....didn't copy and paste fast enough so WebCT ate it. The following is re: Newsgroups)
...
Natasha Adams>> i have joined a yahoo group called 'pet dogs'
or something similar and i'm getting way too many e-mails
Irena-Mya>> coz I have the problem of not wanting
to pay lip service to a group the members obviously take
seriously but I have minimal interest in
Irena-Mya>> omg!!! I'm looking for a pet one too!!
Natasha Adams>> i joined the dog one cause i have dogs
Irena-Mya>> Thats about the only thing I could sicerely
contribute to
Irena-Mya> me too
Natasha Adams>> do u want me to find what it's called?
Susanne Klippel>> I fid that all the newsgroups that I have looked
at are being swamped by cigaret adds
Irena-Mya>> r u sure u dont mind??
Susanne Klippel>> yeh just reading
Irena-Mya>> yeah, true Sue
Natasha Adams>> not at all. i'll have a look. it's american and
most people are from america
Kai Joldeski>> what reader did you use Susanne?
Irena-Mya>> thankyou
Susanne Klippel>> thunderbird
Irena-Mya>> I foun alot of nutters in the ones I
looked in
Kai Joldeski>> Susanne - I haven't heard of thunderbird
Irena-Mya>> I found newzbot to be a nightmare
Kai Joldeski>> I just used Google's
Irena-Mya>> yep
Kai Joldeski>> Yes I looked at newzbot too - hated it
Irena-Mya > I've been getting thru them
Irena-Mya>> sooooo many nutters
Irena-Mya>> one was about
Susanne Klippel>> bigpond newsgroups
Irena-Mya>> MI5 following me
Kai Joldeski>> with newzbot, they could see my IP address, I
did not like it
Kai Joldeski>> I felt exposed
Irena-Mya>> I think newsgroups are like mirc, an
older style of communication
Irena-Mya>> sure
Susanne Klippel>> but the emai and newsgroup software program
that I Use is thunderbird
Kai Joldeski>> definitely agree with you there Mya
Irena-Mya>> I found the whole thing v frustrating
Kai Joldeski>> I have to check out thunderbird and trillion after
this
Irena-Mya>> and it's the nly task thats left unfinished
Irena-Mya>> me too!!
Natasha Adams>> mya, i found it through yahoo groups and it's
called 'Petdogs-L'
Irena-Mya>> Tash u really r my hero
Kai Joldeski>> I can't remember if I finished it or just left
it out of frustration
Kai Joldeski>> You can leave a task unfinished - just explain
yourself why...
Natasha Adams>> i just hope u can find it
Susanne Klippel>> the newsgroup task is the one that I'm having
touble with too
Natasha Adams>> u should be able to search for it somehow
Irena-Mya>> yeah, I read that post...made me feel
happy inside :)
Irena-Mya>> thanksyou Tash :)))
Natasha Adams>> i haven't posted yet but have received lots of
memos
Natasha Adams>> mya, if you go to yahoo groups and type petdogs-l
in the search it comes up. i just tried it
Irena-Mya>> x c lent :)

Conclusion

Through this task I revisited ICQ after many years of not using it. I found it had become redundant for me now. It's very teen based and caters to the desperate and dateless a bit too much. It was annoyed at the ever present ICQ toolbar.
The converstaion on WebCT with the other students was great. It was excellent to talk to everyone in real time. The most interesting thing was that I've not used a live chat prog. for learning purposes before. It can become confusing and loosing the earlier bits of the chat cycle really didn't help.

Over all outcome on chat/IM programs

MSN: Rated highly by almost everyone as easy to use and least intrusive in the pc environment.
mIRC & newsgroups: Seen as "older style" communications. They were frustrating to those who hadn't used them before because the format wasn't easy to understand on initial viewing and it took too long to learn how to use them. I personally like mIRC but I've used it for over 10 years and have established contacts and groups. It's true that it's not v user friendly as after all that time, I still dont know how to utilise mIRC to it's fullest potential.

ICQ: Rated very low with almost everyone. Comments ranged from too "romance" oriented, too fiddley. For me it interferes too much within the pc environment and I hate that ICQ assume it's wanted and place it in such a prominent place and make it so hard to remove.

Trilian: A new program many of us were unfamiliar with. It manages IM's and chat programs. I haven't used it yet.

Skype: Another new mention. I downloaded it expecting a newer mIRC style prog. but was disapointed. It definitely has it's uses. From the little time I've spent with it, it appears to be focused more on cheap phone calls than an IM or chat prog.

Module Two Newsgroups

Unit Work

Concept: Public Space and Regulations:

Key concept points:

• remember 'netiquette' when posting on newsgroups or posting anything anywhere. Keep abreast of regulations and updates on regulations and don't break them without good cause.



• Be mindful of the 'invisibility of difference'; by keeping communications simple and correctly formatted and not assuming all recipients of sent communications have the same technical spec's as you do the messages you send will be received with minimal change to them therefor will relay a clearer communication.



• Threading is the process used by discussion groups/newsgroups/Usenet etc to arrange and organise postings into a 'flowing' format of subjects and responses so users can easily follow conversations.



• The perception of time in sending and replying to email and other forms of online communication are subjective. Because of this difference of time perception, rules are put in place to assist in managing these communications. The Internet makes available information at any time that suits the user.

Definitions

Flaming: act of deliberately posting hostile message via the Internet. (Flame wars)

Trolling: act of deliberately posting controversial messages on DB or newsgroups with the intent of starting an argument.

References for Public Space & Regulations

This is a really, really useful site for comprehensive understanding and joining of newsgroups. It has a step by step guide to joining a newsgroup, a comprehensive section on netiquette, a link for newsreader software (an alternative way to join newsgroups) and a troubleshooting section and a list of newsgroups. I found this link here; http://www.dmoz.org/Computers/Usenet/ It was on the unit task page for this task.

Newsgroups Task

Description

I used newzbot http://www.newzbot.com/ to search through the seemingly endless list of groups who's titles didn't tell me much. I found I was going through page after page after page after page after page after PAGE!!!!! of information about the group in order to get to the actual group to find it wasn't right for me. This was very frustrating, time consuming and confusing so I decided to go through google groups.
It took me two days to find a group I was vaguely interested in and had something real to contribute to.

I found this one; http://groups.google.com/group/Minds-Eye?lnk=gschg
It's called "Mind's Eye" - postings about individual thoughts on philosophy and theology.
I then realised replying to this newsgroup would take took too much time. The members of this group obviously take this newsgroup seriously and it's an interesting group but I cant dedicate the time I'd need to write a worthy post right now.

Instead I joined http://groups.google.com/group/rec.pets.dogs.behavior/topics?msg=subscribe
This is a newsgroup devoted to dog/pet behaviour. This is something I could talk about anytime :)

**I have now joined another group as the one mentioned above was very slow moving and hard to find (again). This one http://http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Petdogs-L/was given to me by another student (Natasha Adams - also a member) after I told her my troubles with this task. If two student joining the same group is a problem, Natasha Adams was there first and was kind enough to help me out so please dont punish her (or me) (but if you have to blame someone blame me) (not Natasha) (Thanks)

Concerns

My biggest concern at this late hour is my mental state. All this seemingly endless information on authors, countries of origin, servers, speed etc etc etc etc, it's left me muddled, cloth brained and v,v,v frustrated. Seriously though, I'm concerned about my lack of understanding of how to use things like newzbot. I checked the unit's DB and other students blog's where there was little indications that anyone was having the sort of trouble I was. I'm concerned I've missed some major point about newsgroups or am more lacking in computer skills than I originally thought. **

Problems:
1. My first problem was finding the link again after I joined the group.
2.The next problem was the getting around newsgroups. The amount of information available thru Newzbot on each group was mostly gibberish to me.
3. Finding a group was a task in itself. Pages and pages of info was very confusing. I felt ill equipped to really comprehend what I was seeing (and doing at times).
Choosing google groups simplified the group selection however, many of the groups I felt I had something to contribute to, once opened, had a lot of aggressive posts and infighting or just plain crazy postings. I'm sure my group choices that says something about me on some level!
4. I also had trouble finding a group I could actually contribute something valid to. Once I joined the group I thought I shared most interest in, I found it took too much time to reply- time I don't have.
5. I cant find my posts!! I think I know why this is though: I replied to what I thought were posts but now I think maybe they were actually replies to posts. So I replied to replies. To find my contributions now I'd have to go through each post and unthread them.

Solution:
1.I searched through the unit DB and other ppl blogs. There was a suggested solution to finding the link again involving putting it into a toolbar near the help section. I didn't understand this. I found the link again through trial and error and pasted it into favourites. It may not be an advanced method but it worked and didn't take all day to do.
2-4.I read a lot online (see ref's) to get some much needed clarity on this newsgroup thing. I technically understand what they are but am still lacking in really getting why people would want to go to so much trouble to discuss anything

a) in such detail, usually ending in a semi-argument,

b) when there seem to me to be more time efficient ways.

5. I will contribute a post in the coming days titled "Limping Dog Problem" so Cynthia can check that I have actually completed this task. It just takes quite some time to construct a posting that is respectful to the other members, adheres to the rules of the group and expresses my question or comment clearly-time I dont have. This assignment is already on 'extension time'...tick tock....

Evaluation

I may not fully understand the real value of newsgroups so I'm not certain my evaluation of this task is correct. Newsgroups seem to me, to be an older style of communication. Perhaps that's the best clue to understanding newsgroups. I assume ppl that use them are used to that format and comfortable with that. That in itself is a strength of the newsgroup.
For me, the newsgroups greatest weaknesses are that they take up so much time and things like Newzbot are user un- friendly. As a first time user, I had trouble getting an understanding of how to use them. There is also just so much to read. Most of the postings were at least 300 words. Not everyone writes economically (including me). Perhaps that's part of the appeal of newsgroups; the ability to express yourself fully. For ppl interested in detailed discussion and reading lots about a specific topic/s, newsgroups are the place to go.

Analysis

One of two things has happened in this task.
1) I am not computer savvy enough to really understand why ppl would use newsgroups and why newsgroups are so hard to use
or
2) Newsgroups are an older style of communication and the ppl who use them are used to them. Like all of us they like what we're comfortable with that's why they continue to use newsgroups. Secondly, it's designed for ppl who enjoy passionately communicating in depth and detail on a particular issue.

I personally dont have enough time in my day to search through that much information, nor do I have the knowledge to understand most of it just to get to a newgroup via something like newzbot. * On the issue of time consumption, quite a lot of time gets eaten up reading the posts. Now that I'm a member of this group and the topic interests me, I find I kinda get 'lost' in the group (maybe that too is part of its appeal) and an hour has flown by while I read through new posts and replies. I also find, as I mentioned above, that if I choose to reply or post a new thread I need at least half an hour to construct a 'good' contribution. Reading through all the postings and taking the time to sort through all the crazy ppl who have too much time on their hands and who are having in-group squabbles with other members is just too hard.
I also noticed that many of the groups that are academic in nature carry a large amount of pretty far fetched postings.....I might even call it the mad musings of some very unhappy ppl with too much time on their hands. I'm not being judgemental, it's a simple observation anyone with a modicum of sense would see. Perhaps I didn't look into enough groups or perhaps this is a 'google groups' thing, maybe it's because of the subjects I chose to look into (Psychology, philosophy, theology, art & literature).
I've definitley picked up the sort of skills that show themselves later on so I can't name them just yet...perhaps in future posts. I need to learn a lot more but quite honestly, if I never see another newsgroup again, I'll be happy.

Conclusion

I understand Usenet to be a system of newsgroups or 'forums' from all over the world, accesible via one server.
I can't see myself using a newsgroup except perhaps in a professional capacity...even then I'd look elsewhere for group discussions. * Ha!
If I did use a newsgroup again, I'd tick the 'send me emails' box to ensure I could find it easily once logged out the first time. I'd also choose a simple topic. Replying and posting in to my chosen newsgroup was a task in itself.

I understand the reason for this task. It forces a lot of info to be absorbed pretty quickly and I think it's also based in understanding the history of Internet communications. It is useful to understand what's and why's of newsgroups.
Like I said, I love a challenge but I'm glad this one is o. v. a !! * Again I say HA!

*NOTE: It's January 18th and I have still not completed this task even though I have moved on through to Module 4.

** I have finally joined and started contributing to petdogs-l. I made a few "netiquette" mistakes like copying too much of the post I was replying to and my posts may be a bit long but I'm more careful with replying withing the terms and rules and will be confident enough to post soon.

**The most halarious contradiction is that I am really enjoying this group!! After all my bitchin about newsgroups, I'm finding this newsgroup to be a great source of information and a great forum to share knowledge. The rules are fair, there are no loony's and there is a sense of community and common interest that I'm pleased to be part of. How funny. I wouldn't have believed I could enjoy a newsgroup!!

**Additions made after initial post are in red.

Module Two Unit Work

Concept: Lists, Newsgroups, Chat & Messaging

Key concept points

• Cyberspace is informationally created space


• Non-speech communication through text; audience and authors responsibility


• Privacy & Security

Important points in 'commanding' a list

• Always address your mail to the listserver not the list-this is a breach of 'netiquette'.


• Never add a subject title unless requested to by the listserver.


• Never include a signature in your message to the listserver or add two dashes -- this tells the listserver to ignore the signature.


• Use the help message to ensure you get the syntax exactly correct. Computers require an exact language.

The Big Meltdown of 07

Description

On Thursday my computer started duplicating files all by it's lil' self and finally went into a 'death mode' on Friday night. I lost alot of my psych unit material on 'word' including the first few drafts of an essay and all the references for it. Lets see how quickly I can catch up....I love a challenge : /

Concerns

The term 'concerns' is halarious in this context. The words I want to use aren't a good idea for a learning log. Many of them start with "F". I think I might have developed a twitch. I'm now however all turned around on the whole concept of blogs and their uses.


Analysis and Conclusion

The (OBVIOUS) lesson here is keep hard copies on CD or thumb drive thingy.

The more interesting lesson is my understanding of 'Blog's'! My blog entries were the only information I could access after my computer pooed itself. I never thought of blogs as a great tool for saving my work that I can access anywhere, anytime with one little address (no notes or memory stix or CD's). If I save my draft to blog it allows others to see it and possibly correct mistakes I've made plus it forces me to be clearer and tidier in my notes because it's posted. The downside is it's out there for all to see and I can live with that. I believe in transparency, I think privacy is something we over use as a society anyway.....

Blogging

Description:

Setting up my blog.

I've spent much of the last two weeks learning about then setting up my own blog. I had a little bit of a look at other blogger sites available but http://www.blogger.com/ was so self explanatory and simple to use I looked no further as time is limited.

I started my blog as a diary style log on an 'MS Word' doc separate from the work sheet mentioned in earlier postings in this blog.
At the end of each study session I logged everything I'd experienced into this word doc. To give the entries some form and order, I adapted some guide questions I found on a site posted on the unit DB by another NET11 student (Wayne) http://www.hull.ac.uk/php/cesagh/documents/LEARNINGLOG.doc.
Once I was confidant enough to post them, I cut/paste them into my blog. I used this "cut/pate-into-blog-from-log" exercise as an opportunity to overview the module. I combined my log notes and work sheet with any additional info I gained while over viewing the module material to make my final blog entries.

Concerns

Firstly, I felt very unsure about what to post. Secondly, I was uncertain about how to present the blog...what sort of 'style' to use and how much time to devote to developing a presentation style. Then I started worrying about sounding stupid, investing too little or too much time on my blog, how it would compare to others and how it would rate in the assessment.

Once I actually posted my first entry, I was relieved, tired and kinda pleased with myself. I've spent a bit of time on it and looked at other students blogs (I did this by posting "can I see your blog??" on the DB and got excellent responses. It seems most students are happy to share their bloggin' experience) I think my blog is shaping up nicely (for an advanced newbie). I had loads of crazy fun developing, contributing and prettying up (and down) my blog so far.

My overall concern was not publishing a "good blog".
Problem:
1. The first was not knowing when to commit my notes to the blog. I used my word doc. log daily and seemed unable to take the first step in posting it! I also worried about the dates I published my blog entries and the dates the work was done not correlating.
2. I hit a hiccup too by not posting actual uni related material I found it hard to start doing that "seamlessly" so it looked like a learning log not just a big mess with unrelated postings everywhere.
3. I had some major issues with changing the fonts, colours, templates etc. Once I started it changing background colours, font colours needed changing then the spacing went all wonky (I still have a spacing issue-that's why I'm not using bullets & numbering manually-that's where the spacing problems started).
Solution:
1. I decided to post something, anything, to get me started. Once I did that it got my groove flowing :) I finally chose to put a link to my NET11-learning-log-blog onto my initial blog. I may change this still. Once I started cutting and pasting from my word doc and editing it with other material, a system developed allowing me some structure in how to create my learning log blog. 2.In regards to the dates not correlating, like with so many things I worry about, it wasn't a problem once I actually did it. I put the date the work was done in the post heading. *I later changed this because I realised the dates I published posts was not important.
3. I plan to keep the look of the blog very simple. It's so tempting to make the blog reflective of my own character. I chose colours I like for the fonts and that's about it. I may change this as my skills increase.

Evaluation

Of all the task work in this unit, this task, by far was an absolute blast. I enjoyed every lil' bit of it...even the frustration. It's delivers instant gratification-I could see the blog develop into something really useful for me the more I learned. The communication between students was very important for me in this task. Many students shared their blogs with me. This helped me enormously to get an idea of what a blog is and the different ways ppl experience learning.

Analysis

Overall, it's pretty safe to say, I have learned to blog and look forward to increasing my skills to one day post a rockin' advanced blog with pix and everything!!! This task gave me knowledge in so many different areas;
The most important thing I learned is that a "good" learning log is a log that helps me in my learning process; a record of my lessons, challenges, solutions and key points. If it means something to me, is clear and easy to understand I've done ok.

Things I've learned about Bloggin':

• Some of the best blogs came from ppl who had little experience in blogging.
• Once I started logging how and what I'd learned in a way that was useful to me many of my concerns about my blog being a "good one" disappeared..
• So many things I worry about are not as bad as I think they will be once I start them.
• Trying to complete my entry when I'm tired just creates more errors and takes longer

I also learned some cool little things that go into blog creation as I went along like html editing (still not crystal clear on that one but getting there) and adding links and pix. Simple stuff but 2 weeks ago it was worlds away. For example, I always assumed blog entries were like tattoo's once they're on, they stay as they are. False! This is makes my "word.doc' journal idea kinda redundant.

Conclusion

If I had to do it again, I'd use the blog as the journal and edit as I go along rather than my 'word.doc' journal. It seems quicker. I think I was too vulnerable in the beginning to expose my ruminations via blog but from now on I'm ditching the 'word doc." journal and going straight to blog. The older I get, the more I think 'privacy' is over used. I can respect the idea of being transparent and having nothing to hide. If I know ppl are going to potentially read my blog entries rather than keeping them to myself in a word doc, I try harder. If I make a mistake, it's more likely to get spotted & if I'm lucky commented on in a blog. If I do something silly that makes ppl laugh, I've contributed to the world of comedy! It's win/win all round :))

I know the 'top tips for new bloggers' is a little premature but I'm on the subject and it's all nice and fresh so I'll post it now.. It's definitely subject to change:

Top 5 tips for new bloggers

1. Keep It Simple
Find a blog site that provides clear, simple instructions on how to create a blog. You can always go for the more advanced sites later.

2. Information Gathering
Look at as many blogs as you can making notes of what you like about them and what you don’t so you can refer to this when you create your own.
Talk to people about their blogging experience and note any good sites/blogs they recommend.
Don’t feel silly asking for help and advice. It’s ok to be temporarily technically challenged.
* (I would get rid of this #2 and replace it with "know your audience")

2. Know your audience Now that you have some ideas of what kind of blog you would like to create, gather information on your readers. Know your audience. You have a limited time to grab (and hopefully hold) their attention so know who your readers are and prepare the blog for their enjoyment as well as your own - other wise, you're just writing to yourself. That's for diaries, not blog's.

3. Preparation
Plan your site: There is so much you can do with a blog that it's easy to get side tracked and get off-topic. This makes for a messy blog. Have a plan of what you want your blog to be, what sort of message it will send to it's readers. Choose a purpose or topic. Decide what sort of over-all look you want to achieve. This way you have a focus point to refer back to if you stray too far from the blogs original plan. * Will your blog be text only? Will you include images? Do you have the legal right to use those images? Is there any other possible copyright infringement in your content?

4. Explore Dont be afraid to click on and look into all the tools the blog offers. If you do this before you make enter alot of posts, you have less to loose if you make a mistake. * It may be useful to get a basic knowledge of html as some blog sites allow you more creative control if you know how to edit html.

5. Write well
Be aware of how you write *and who you're writing for. To write well is to use an economy of effective words to achieve the desired result. Reading well written material is a pleasure. Reading poorly written work is aggravating and tiring. * Well written material is spelled correctly, written simply but effectively and comes in small, easy to digest chunks.* Alot of readers will skim through your entries. It's useful to learn the basics of writing well to help you keep the readers interest and help express your self clearly. Keeping it simple is a good rule to follow.
Don’t post personal details about you or others.

*Additions after completing the unit are in red.

Module One Completed

Unit Work:
Concept: Client-Server Two Way Interaction

Key concept points:

• File Transfer Protocol differs from Hyper Text Terminal Protocol (the main protocol for the world wide web) because it is a two way transfer of data.
• ftp doesn't deliver - it fetches.
• ftp is a way of sharing material at the request of the user and the way "cyber space" is organised into publicly accessible, changeable regions.

References for Client-Server Two Way Interaction

http://itworld.com/
This is a journal style site. Lots of up to date news and topics page covers everything I can think of computer-wise.

Concept: Identity and Location

Key concept points:

• Identification and location are the basic foundations of the Internet. They are the fixed points at the beginning and end of all sent "packets" of data. Without these "fixed points" of ident. & location the Internet would not work.
• An understanding of identity and location within the virtual world can assist users in better, faster ways to navigate around the Internet.
• Identities and location exist in both the virtual and physical world. New identities and locations can indicate cultural developments.

References for Identity and Location

www.identityblog.com/stories/2004/12/09.thelaws.html

Author Kim Cameron.This article discusses the success and failure of digital identities. It's very high tech but has some very useful info on what identities are, how they work and their strengths and weaknesses. It also has a section on the "Laws of Identity". Kim Cameron is Chief Architect of Identity in the connected systems division at Microsoft.

http://www.kuro5hin.org/story/2005/9/29/31457/0519

This is a really interesting site offering info on how to locate the ident and location of your email sender. It's part of a DB style site. "Technology and Culture From the Trenches is it's sub heading. I love it. Warning: May contain "colourful" language. This is a great site over all and answers alot of not so high techy ppl's questions.

Module One Conclusion

I have gone over the module and filled in this log/blog accordingly. It's worked out to be a good way to do a module overview: Check my log notes with my module material and paste it all into this blog. I'm a little behind for a few reasons, the main one being assignment work for PSY unit. I'm still not juggling the two units as well as I should and will v soon....

Module One Internet Tools Task

Trace route

Tracing route to curtin.edu.au [134.7.179.53]...
hop
rtt
rtt
rtt

ip address
domain name

1
0
1
1

70.84.211.97
61.d3.5446.static.theplanet.com

2
0
0
0

70.84.160.162
vl2.dsr02.dllstx5.theplanet.com

3
126
0
0

70.85.127.109
po52.dsr02.dllstx3.theplanet.com

4
0
0
0

70.87.253.21
et3-1.ibr03.dllstx3.theplanet.com

5
0
0
0

157.238.225.5
xe-4-4.r03.dllstx09.us.bb.gin.ntt.net

6
37
0
0

129.250.2.153
ae-2.r20.dllstx09.us.bb.gin.ntt.net

7
7
10
8

129.250.3.130
as-0.r20.hstntx01.us.bb.gin.ntt.net

8
8
8
7

129.250.3.25
ae-0.r21.hstntx01.us.bb.gin.ntt.net

9
52
61
52

129.250.3.121
as-1.r21.lsanca03.us.bb.gin.ntt.net

10
52
52
52

129.250.3.159
p16-1-0-0.r02.lsanca03.us.bb.gin.ntt.net

11
49
49
49

198.172.90.102
p4-4-1-0.r02.lsanca03.us.ce.gin.ntt.net

12
205
201
201

202.158.194.153
so-3-2-0.bb1.b.syd.aarnet.net.au

13
217
216
213

202.158.194.33
so-2-0-0.bb1.a.mel.aarnet.net.au

14
224
236
226

202.158.194.17
so-2-0-0.bb1.a.adl.aarnet.net.au

15
252
248
253

202.158.194.5
so-0-1-0.bb1.a.per.aarnet.net.au

16
252
252
249

202.158.198.178
gigabitethernet0.er1.curtin.cpe.aarnet.net.au

17
252
249
254

202.158.198.186
gw1.er1.curtin.cpe.aarnet.net.au

18
254
254
254

134.7.16.46


19
254
254
252

134.7.248.65
te1-1.b309-sr.net.curtin.edu.au

20
254
254
254

134.7.179.53

Trace complete
-- end --

Ping

Pinging curtin.edu.au [134.7.179.53] with 32 bytes of data...
Results
count
ttl (hops)
rtt (ms)

from



1
112
247

134.7.179.53



2
112
249

134.7.179.53



3
112
249

134.7.179.53



4
112
247

134.7.179.53



5
112
252

134.7.179.53


Statistics
packets
sent
5


received
5
100%

lost
0
0%




times (ms)
min
247


avg
249


max
252

-- end --




Task Questions

IP # of the Hostname; Curtin.edu.au - 134.7.179.53
Number of hops- ???????? 20 or 112
Average time in m/s from tool site to Curtin server- 249ms

Description

I found the text on routers (http://www.howstuffworks.com/) quite fascinating..... Maybe it was the late hour. I suspect it’s because I actually understood it. I carried out the trace route task with some problems interpreting data not with the actual program download or usage.


Concerns

I have at least 2 answers to the question about hops at the end of the task.
Problem: I had trouble interpreting the data. I found the hostnames IP addy ok but the average in m/s wasn't clear at first and I still have two answers for the number of hops; i.e; 20 or 112.....


Analysis

I have use http://mirc.com/ a lot over the last 10 years and I’m familiar with the term 'ping' from there but understanding trace routes and finding MS-Prompt brings a whole new level of ping-knowledge. It's very useful to know how to do it for any site.

Via http://howstuffworks.com/, I tried out the MS DOS-Prompt command. I used it on howstuffworks.com. I believe it shows me the route my computer goes through to get to a site; i.e; the servers it travels through and the time it takes to do that. I think the term "my computer" in that last sentence needs some fleshing out. I also want to find the trace route for when I send email via outlook express. When I do, I'll post it.

Conclusion

My understanding of the applications for my new knowledge of trace routes and 'ping-ing' is;
a) if there was a problem with receiving/sending mail or files, the user can check the route the 'packets' of data have taken and the time it's taking these 'packets' to go through servers.
b) in a live real time chat relay program (like mirc), the user can check the time it's taking for their message to reach the host site. I often use the trivia channels on mirc and timing is essential to winning!!

In the context of concept #23; Human-Computer Interface, I think humans are used to a certain 'flow' and timing in conversations.Because we are not face to face with the other user/s we rely on their responses and (to a lesser degree) the time it takes them to respond to make our judgement on and form our opinions about the other user/s. Delayed responses can hinder our progress in creating meaningful contact with other users.

Module One Unit Work

Description

On initial read through for any of the unit work I've started take notes on the requirements (like concepts; essay questions, task requirements) and saving them onto a ‘rough drafts’ page (word doc). I also add to this any other key reference material from web sites or examples of formatting etc. I then start the module, task, essay or assessment work on that same ‘rough drafts’ page so I have all the relevant info saved on the top of that same page to refer back to. Later I edit this page and cut/paste it into this blog.

Evaluation / Conclusion

This system helps me remember the main points and keep focused on the concept, task, assessment or essay question. All the key information is at the top of this page so I don’t stray from the point and add non-relevant information (It's a 'thing' I do. It has cost me on previous essays) or on trying to find the bit I need to refer to. The later always leads me to distraction.

Concept: Human-Computer Interface

Key concept points:

• Communication via the internet can, at least initially, appear to feel the same with another human being or a with a machine.


• The ready acceptance of computers/machines into our daily lives.... "cyber-trust"
  

This brought up interesting food for thought fo me about "cyber-trust"; i.e: With our ever increasing use and reliance on internet communications, how do we develop a system of trust within a "cyber-community"?

References for Human-Computer Interface

http://captcha.net/
This site offers a free download of "CAPTCHA" which runs a variety of tests to tell computers apart from humans. CAPTCHA helps prevent spamming, worms, protects site registration, keeps online polls fair (one vote per user) etc.

Luis von Ahn, Manuel Blum and John Langford. Telling Humans and Computers Apart Automatically. In Communications of the ACM. This pdf file article profiles CATPCHA but, in that also talks about the history of artificial intelligence, the programmers of AI and the effect of AI on the unknowing user.Luis Von Ahn is a graduate student from the Department of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University, U.S.A. Manuel Blum is the "Bruce Nelson" Proffessor at Carnegie Mellon. Jahn Langford is a research associate for Toyota Technological Institute in Chicago.

Module One FTP Task

Description

Found WC FTP no problem and read through the beginners guide while I downloaded the ftp client via http://www.ipswitch.com/

My Concerns

Because there is so much to learn about the Internet's uses and how to navigate around it, I get a little overwhelmed and impatient with my lack of knowledge. I want to know more!! Now!!! I know from my own learning history the areas of application for new knowledge aren't always clear early on until they are put in context and/or coupled with other knowledge.

Analysis

This was a very cool, instantly gratifying exercise. I'm surprised and pleased it went without incident. So far as I understand, the ftp client is a way of transferring files through varying degree’s of security set by the user. I can think of applications in the community services sector for quick transferal of confidential files. Ftp clients serve as a way to browse and select files from other computers at the users discretion.

Conclusion

I'll now read up on applications of the ftp client as I dont feel I have a good grasp on this. It would have served me better to have done this before completing the task.

According to the readme. file:
CAPITALIZATION matters!!!!

Module One Unit Work & Telnet Task

Concept: The Persistence Of History & Internet Origins

Key Focus Points

• Understanding the origins of Internet development helps explain and put into context the its current manifestation.

References for: Persistence Of History & Internet Origins

www.isoc.org/internethistory
This is the "Internet Societies" home page. It documents the origins of the Internet. It introduces some of the key people and thinking behind what the Internet has become.

http://www.blogger.com/www.w3.org/history.html
This is the website of Tim Berners-Lee, Director of the World Wide Web consortium, senior researcher at MIT's CSAIL (computer science and artificial intelligence lab) and a professor in computer science. Most notable to this concept though is his development, in 1989, of the world wide web, an Internet based hypermedia initiative for global information sharing (In other words, a protocol that lets you link up to other sites on the Internet). Explains the origins and people & events leading to the development of www, TCP/IP, html, DNS.

www.walthowe.com.navnet/history
This is a cool site that incorporates detailed history of the Internet with cool stories and explanations. It has a great link called the "Internet Learning Tree" that defines terms and explains concepts, including a glossary. Walt Howe is a consultant and training specialist based in the U.S and is co-author of "Internet Basics" (1993 with Steve Lambert). He's a member of the above mentioned ISOC and SLA (Special Libraries Assoc.). It's perhaps a little basic for an advanced user but right where I'm at :)

Telnet Exercise

Description

Followed the directions in the curriculum and had little difficulty. Read the new users guide for ftp client.

Concerns

Nothing major at this point. I have alot of reading and I'm perhaps not as thorough as I should be.

Problem: I had trouble locating 'Windows Telnet' suggested in the assessment. In all the excitement to get this task underway, I missed the link

http://www.ftpplanet.com/download.html for downloading the ftp client so I put the name into the search engine instead. It found a variety of confusing pages like 'Windows Product Documentation'. I ended up finding the exact same client (I think) ZOC/Pro4 through the exact same site; http://www.blogger.com/www.ipswitch.com with the help of an online friend.

Solution: Grow some patience!!!!!! I know better, I was just over-enthused.

Evaluation

I need to read the tasks twice. In the end that will save me the time it takes to fix my mistakes and avoid silly errors. I'm assuming that, being the first task, I was a little "excited" and got ahead of myself. At least I know this particular over site wont happen again. The actual task itself went very well, without incident.

Analysis

I dont have a strong understanding of the applications of an ftp client. Ok, so it's useful for browsing catalogues (like libraries, inventories, stock supplies). Perhaps, in community services, it could be used to browse DOCS legal files or government legislation? I feel I need to expand my understanding of where I would use this knowledge in real life.

Conclusion

As I've mentioned before, often the application of new knowledge comes later when put in a certain context &/or coupled with other knowledge. I have started a list in the back of my unit workbook titled "?'s". The further application of ftp clients is now in it.

Copy of email for Telnet task;

From

Sent
Thursday, November 29, 2007 11:41 am
To
http://www.blogger.com/irena-mya.kielkiewicz@curtin.student.edu.au
Cc

Bcc

Subject
Email from DEAKIN UNI LIB
telnet ass ex You searched for the AUTHOR: bennahum 2 AUTHORS found, with 2 entries; AUTHORS 1-2 are: 1 Bennahum David A 1936 ................................. 1 entry 2 Bennahum Ninotchka .................................... 1 entry

NET11 Orientation

Description:

I've started NET11 by reading the info in the order which it came: i.e: the letter and hand book, orientation, intro, assessment details, then quickly over module work (paid more attention to module one), then the postings from the unit instructor. I then spent time getting a feel around "cyber uni". I posted my intro and replied to the welcome from the instructor.


My Concerns:

Being able to keep up as my knowledge of advanced Internet usage is sadly limited. The biggest assessment (an annotated biblio) is the most daunting exercise in the module.
Will there be enough interaction between myself and other students and the instructor?

Problems: I'm not sure if by replying to the instructors welcome posting on the discussion board also covered the request for an intro mentioned in the beginning of module one.

Solutions:: I did both and covered all bases. I'm following the lesson of "read the question carefully and do exactly as it asks".

Evaluation:

So far it's all pretty self explanatory. I like that it is "concept' based. The Internet has become so integral and even essential to so many ppl so quickly, learning about it's "heart" and it's "whys" is very relevant for me in the community service sector. Especially working with adolescents. It's a big part of their world, now and as adults. I hope there is enough "how to" explanatory material for those of us that are temporarily 'advanced Internet challenged'. It's difficult for me at this point to find any weaknesses in the unit as it's all very new.

Analysis:

I've located the unit instructor and the number for the help desk at Curtin. I've posted (both) my intros and I'm into Module One. The Curtin website itself is easy to use. No problems there. I need to focus on the concept boxes mentioned by the instructor. Because the psych units are heavy on essay work I found a site called http://refworks.com/ while reading over the annotated biblio info links that might help me with structure and format. It allegedly insures my work is APA formatted.

Conclusion:

I have a good system by which to collect and absorb information. I make up "work sheets" for each "section" of a module and leave space for my own "mullings", links, references etc. Now that I know to focus on the concept boxes I will use these as a "heading" for each work sheet. I'll make a start on collecting references for the annotated biblio immediately.