Tiffany Chiu - Student Blogger - Ryerson University - Bachelor of Interior Design
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what even is a CAMCORDER?
Although in todays society, very few people will actually record a video on a daily basis, I have to say that it has become a lot more convenient to do any type of video recording Whether it be with a digital camera, a DSLR, iPad or cellphone, it is extremely convenient to pull it out and start recording anytime and anywhere. Camcorders today are very compact and high quality (Visually ad audibly).
“A camcorder: is a portable electronic device for recording video and audio using a built-in recorder unit. It contains both a video camera and a video recorder in one unit.”
However, have you ever thought about the time before digital cameras, DSLRs, iPads or cellphones were invented? Way back then, when videographers start shooting videos, there were no such thing as mobile video. A video recorder would have large quad decks to record videos onto video tapes. Those video tapes were 2 inch wide. However, in the 70’s, these massive video recorders were noticeably smaller in size which resulted in videotapes reducing in size as well. Back in the day, when there were photoshoots or any kind of filming happening, it would be a a pretty big deal. You would have to drive a truck load of heavy equipment such as cameras, tripods, cables, etc.
It wasn’t until 1967 when Sony first introduced the first portable video system, the Portapak. Although the camera was chunky and heavy, it was light enough for a person to carry around. However, it needed to be operated by more than one person. Soon after, JVC and Panasonic introduced their own portable video system. The video recorders that Sony, JVC and Panasonic introduced revolutionized the video business in the world.
Ever since then, there have been many many variations and changes in the camcorder industry. A lot of things have been substituted and a lot has changed. Technology has improved so much that we can easily pull out our phones and start taking pictures or recording at our own time. The recording tools we have now a day are high quality, lightweight and very compact. We even have the function to save the videos on to a Cloud on the web or share it with friends instantly. Technology truly has improved and come a long way. I am sure in the next decade or so, we will continue to see changes due to modern technology.
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Camcorder
https://www.pddnet.com/blog/2014/08/history-camcorders
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camcorder
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Coding with Flappy Bird
Today, I will be showing you a way that can teach you how to make your own version of Flappy Bird. Using the website, code.org, I used the Flappy Bird exercise to learn how to “code”.
Flappy Bird was first introduced back in 2013. This application was a mobile game that was addicting and fun to play. It became a big hit game for anyone of all ages and everyone was playing it daily.
By using code.org, the exercises were fun, engaging and extremely simple to use. It was straight forward and is great way for children to interact with. This teaches basic computer programming skills with just a few click and drags of the mouse.
When doing the exercise, I had to complete a total of 10 levels to get a certificate. On the left side of the screen is the demo for Flappy Bird and on the right side, it was the modification workspace where you are allowed to click and drag blocks to create functioning controls. Behind each of the blocks is the coding part of the exercise. In order to move on to the next level, you just have to follow the flappy bird instructions. You can adjust each block’s setting to your liking. For example, you are able to change the scene of the game, or the pipes can be changed to laser beams. You can even change Flappy Bird to another character or object such as rocket ship or santa’s sleigh.
Over all, the experience with using code.org was straight forward and easy to learn. I admit that I had quite some fun with this exercise and if I had time, I would’ve definitely tried the other coding exercises like Frozen or Angry Bird. For a person who has never coded before, I think that this program is designed very well for not just children, but adults as well because of its simplicity and straight forwardness.
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struggling with studying?
Studying can often times be a pain in the butt. No body likes to study, in fact, everyone tries to stay away from studying until the very last minute. However, do some of you struggle with studying? Do you struggle with understanding concepts?
I know for a fact that I have a hard time even focusing on studying. I can say that I am not the type to sit down in front of a book and start studying. I always end up falling asleep or doing other things like browsing the web, watching movies, youtube, laundry, dishes …. basically anything else BUT studying.
However, I discovered a new a cool website that can allow me to study in a fun and interesting way. Quizlet, is an online tool that can allow us to study without having to sit in front of a book or notes. This website can help us study efficiently by sharing our study links with each other. All you have to do is sign up with your Gmail or Facebook, and you’re ready to go.
Quizlet is very straight forward and easy to use. It allows you to input your own terms and definitions into boxes and once you have completed it and hit “create”, it will automatically generate cue cards, matching tools, and many more, for you to use. You can enter as many terms you would like. You can also choose to make your study set visible to everyone or not. You also have an option to change the language and add image or audio into your study set. Honestly, when you open up a Quizlet page, you will be shocked as to how simple and straight forward it is for you to make your own study set.
As the term is coming to an end, I decided to make my own study set with Quizlet. Click on the link below and try to answer the few questions that I have listed:
https://quizlet.com/_2syjib
It doesn’t take long to create a study set as long as you have lecture notes or the actual lecture slides with you. While creating the study cue cards, it actually helped me in remembering terms. This tool is really useful for anyone and it helps me learn in a more interactive way rather than just reading and memorizing and reading and memorizing and on and on and on.
So if you are someone like me, who have trouble focusing on studying, try using Quizlet. It is an awesome tool that 100% works. So what are you waiting for, give it a try !
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D-U-0-L-I-N-G-0
What is Duolingo? How does it work? What are the Pros and Cons?
In this blog today, I will be discussing the topic of Duolingo and answering the questions above.
So, What is Duolingo, you may ask?
Duolingo is an application that helps people learn different languages. There are a total of 23 languages that you can learn through 59 language courses. All you have to do is head over to https://www.duolingo.com/, open up a profile, and start learning. It’s as simple as that. And you know what? Duolingo comes in the form of an app which can be installed/downloaded on your phone, whether you’re an iPhone or Android user. What’s best of all is that this application is 100% free, no cost at all. And WHO DOESN”T LOVE FREE STUFF? You can benefit from this app without paying a single penny.
How does Duolingo work?
Once you’ve opened an account you will get a chance to choose language that you wish to learn. The language programs are broken up in to different modules. It starts off with a beginner level all the way to intermediate. It is necessary for you to complete one before moving onto the next. The app is designed to be fun and different than your typical classroom lessons. Throughout the modules, you will be asked to fill in the blanks, word match, multiple choice, type out the translations, and pronouncing the words out loud through the microphone on your phone or laptop. This app allows you to learn more than just the basic words. It teaches you plurals, conjugations, etc and you will also learn how to say simple phrases.
Pros:
App is free of charge
A different way of learning, makes it fun and exciting
Easy to follow, straight to the point
You find out if you are correct or incorrect instantly
Cons:
Limited language options (but i’m sure there will be more in the future)
Hard to understand the automated translator
All in all, I believe that Duolingo is a fun, easy, and exciting application that is great to use. This app is great and anyone of all ages can use it to learn, for FREE!! I can’t wait for this app to incorporate more language options. As of now, Duolingo is my go-to language learner. I definitely recommend this application to anyone who is interested in learning a new language without cost.
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Innovate + Hub ? What is it ?
Innovation Hubs? What are they? What kind of people use them? Where can I find one?
The blog today will discuss and answer all those questions.
Innovate: To introduce (something new) for or as if for the first time.
Let us start by defining what an innovation hub is. According to Ganesh Subramaniam on quora.com, “Innovation hubs are social communities or work space or research centers that provide subject-matter expertise on technology trends, knowledge and strategic innovation management, and industry-specific insights.” In simpler word, innovation hub is a place for teamwork, collaboration, creativity, experimentation and research. It is a place of learning, creating and innovating.
https://travel.jumia.com/blog/the-importance-of-innovation-hubs-in-africa-3296
Hubs are very different than your typical business offices. Hubs are used by entrepreneurs and those who want to start up a business. Hubs emphasize group work and is a less formal work space. Many hubs even have break rooms that includes foosball and pool tables; focusing on a more “fun” working environment.
There are many attributes of a innovation hub: communal and self-organizing. Often times, an innovation hub focus’ on group work because it allows inspiration and motivation within a group of people. Hubs are self-organizing meaning they are not bosses around by anyone. They are independent and is a startup business from scratch. They are able to constantly change and adapt to the communities needs.
http://recomhub.com/blog/httprecomhub-comblogwp-adminpost-new-php-38/
An example of an Innovation hub is the International Business Machines Corporation, IBM. It is an American company headquartered in New York. IBM is popular world wide with buildings in 170 countries. IBM has innovation centres in places such as Australia, Shanghai, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Italy, United Kingdom, and many others.
IBM recently opened up an innovation space for entrepreneurs and startups in Canada. In partner ship with Ontario Centres of Excellence and the Government of Ontario launched and IBM innovation space right here, in our very own, Toronto. This innovation space will provide capacity, networking, and infrastructure to help entrepreneurs, startups and developers incubate and innovate ideas. According to IBM, “Collaborative environments create a strong foundation for high value job creation by providing startups and developers with the expertise, resources and advanced technologies needed to grow their business and compete on a global scale.”
Here is a short video of an IBM innovation hub:
youtube
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM
https://www-356.ibm.com/partnerworld/wps/servlet/ContentHandler/isv_com_tsp_iic_resources_locations
https://www.ibm.com/news/ca/en/2016/09/21/b408173w47376h64.html
http://cii.oii.ox.ac.uk/2014/09/16/what-is-a-tech-innovation-hub-anyway/
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-definition-of-an-innovation-hub
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/innovate
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WHAT IS A MEME?
I wouldn’t believe you if you told me you have never seen or heard of a meme before. However, some of you have probably seen one but didn’t know it was called meme. In any case, let me explain to you what a meme is. A meme is typically a “virally-transmitted cultural symbol or social idea”, according to “Lifewire". A meme can come in the form of an image, video, or text, that is copied, modified, and spread all over the web by us, internet users. Often times, a meme is a picture with a phrase that is either extremely hilarious or just something very “catchy”.
The word Meme was first introduced by Richard Dawkins in 1976 through his book, “The Selfish Gene”. The book attempted to describe the way cultural information spreads, however, when the internet became more prominent in our lives, Internet Memes were introduced. Internet Memes are a subset of the general meme concept, only difference is that it is on the web which can be easily passed on from one person to another faster and globally. Ever since then, internet memes have been surfacing everywhere on the web.
A popular meme that has been modified a billion times over the past few years is the Success Kid/ I Hate Sandcastle meme. This meme is an image of a baby at a beach with a smug facial expression. It has been used multiple times in image macros to designate either success or frustration.
In early January 2008, users on social networking sites like MySpace began using this image in their profiles and often had the phrase “I Hate Sandcastles”. In May 2008, the image was viral on an image hosting site Pyzam.com with a second child photoshopped in to the background. The response to this image went viral on humour sites for the following few months. In July 2011, the Success Kid was one of the most reposted memes that were on humour sites. The meme of this little boy garnered over 4000 likes on a Facebook fan page.
In February 2012, a British media company used a photoshopped, cropped out version of the kid on a billboard and this attracted a lot of attention.
Who would have imagined that a picture of a little boy could garner so much attention over the years and is still one of the top trending memes of 2016?! I have seen many positive/ hilarious memes with this picture and I can’t wait to see more. There are so many variations of this meme and I can guarantee you that memes will be in trend for the next few years, if not more.
http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/success-kid-i-hate-sandcastles
https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-a-meme-2483702
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/Internet-meme
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The Deep Web....
You may ask, what is the Deep Web?
Definition: The Deep web is anything a search engine cannot find.
And now you may be thinking… “what can google not find?” or “WHAT? I THOUGHT GOOGLE KNEW EVERYTHING” …. well, I'm sorry to break it to you, but common search engines like Google can’t search up or access everything on the web. A lot of the time, websites can simply be chosen to be omitted from search engines.
Search engines can only search 10% of what you can find on the internet. The rest of the 90% is considered the Deep Web. Many people use the deep web on a daily basis but don’t realize that they are using it. The deep web is anything that is past a login page requiring a password. For example, your email account would be considered deep web as it requires a login and can’t be searched up on the internet. Other examples of a deep web would be banking, social media accounts, private photos, and direct messaging. However, the deep web has more to it than just the basic password encryptions.
You can think of the web as an onion. The first layer would be the thin skin, which would resemble the 10% of search engines on the internet. However once you start peeling, you will find more and more layers until you get to the core, which will account for the remaining 90%, also known as the deep web or dark web. However, often times, many people get confused over the deep web and dark web. They are actually two distinct features of the web, but one thing for sure is that the information in the deep web and dark web cannot be indexed and is hard to keep track of.
Now, you may wonder, how do you get access to the deep web. It is actually quite simple.
The first thing you would have to do is to download “TOR”. TOR is downloaded to browse the web and host web sites anonymously. It conceals identities and traceable IP addresses and practically offers users complete anonymity.
But keep in mind that once you’ve entered the deep web via TOR, the inside web world will be more dangerous. The deep web is known as a active hub of financial fraud. It is also used by people who are searching for illegal substances such as drugs, criminal activity (such as hiring hit men), weapons, and cyber criminals looking to steal important files or financial information (such as, credit cards). However, that is leaning more towards the dark web as oppose to the deep web.
Just know that the deep web is just for browsing the internet and anything that a search engine cannot find. But be careful of which links you click on and which people you talk to on the web. It can get dangerous and it may lead you to an even deeper web, aka, the dark web, where illegal activities occur and even FBI cannot trace. So please please please, be careful while using the deep web.
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-history-of-deep-web
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-deep-web-and-how-do-you-access-it
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/deep-web-important-think/
https://brightplanet.com/2014/03/clearing-confusion-deep-web-vs-dark-web/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UOK7aRmUtw
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THE CLOUD? WHAT?
What is the Cloud?
The Cloud is ….. “a visible mass of condensed water vapor floating in the atmosphere, ….” JOKES. NOT THAT CLOUD.
The Cloud is “a network of servers, and each server has a different function. Some servers use computing power to run applications” according to mashable.com .
The most important thing you should know is that the Cloud is not a physical thing. The cloud is a storage that typically stores all your information, online posts, and documents. It is a “buzzword” that suggests that you can access the files from anywhere and at anytime. However, the Cloud is a physical infrastructure, with many computers stores in a massive warehouse. It has connections all over the world, which suggest that a lot of people can access and use the cloud.
Do you ever wonder where our data goes when we are reading emails or watching youtube on our laptop? Its not a common thing to think about, so don’t feel bad if you don't know. I will take a few seconds to explain it to you.
Whenever you use social media to update your status, when you tweet someone or even when you’re reading something from a particular webpage, it is saved and recorded in the form of metadata that is sent to the cloud. The metadata typically becomes your office secretary and your messenger boy. It takes notes and remembers what you looked at and what time you went online, and then it is being sent away by “the messenger boy” to the cloud.
According to Mashable, the cloud can store about 1 Exabyte. Now, you may ask, what is an exabyte? “Exabyte of memory can hold the same amount of data as 4.2 million Macbook Pro hard drives”.
The cloud can back up and save your files as well as sharing and collaborating with others.
Some examples that are connected to the cloud are OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud, and many more. Some drives require a fee while some are completely free to use as long as you sign up for an account. Don’t think that these clouds have infinite memory space. Some has more memory space as compared to others. For example, Google Drive offers 15GB of free storage space, while iCloud offers 5GB free space but will have to pay for more storage space after that.
So i must say that there are definitely pros and cons as to which drive to use. I suggest to use google drive if you are using it to store big files or if you’re using it to collaborate on a project with others. The cloud can offer easy access to files and more storage as compared to your typical USB stick. It is also more convenient as you don’t have to scramble around to look for your usb. You can easily save your files onto the drive with an easy click of a button and you won’t be scare of losing your files.
As technology is getting better day by day, I believe that The Cloud is one of the best inventions over time. It is used on a daily basis by students, business men and women, and professors. I personally use google drive every day for school work but at the same time, as an Apple user, I use iCloud very often as well.
To finish up, let me ask you. Do you use any sort of Cloud ? If not, then I suggest you open up one right now!
http://mashable.com/2013/08/26/what-is-the-cloud/#kJCYlbAh1kqw
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What divide are you talking about? What do you mean who’s missing?
’Internet’: “A vast computer network linking smaller computer networks worldwide (usually preceded by the). The Internet includes commercial, educational, governmental, and other networks, all of which use the same set of communications protocols.”
‘User’: “An individual who has access to the Internet at home. This indicator does not record use, or frequency of use, but only access. In order to have access, the hardware equipment must be in working conditions, … the individual household member must have access to it at any time (there must be no barriers preventing the individual from using the Internet).” (Internet Live Stats)
Now, let me ask you…can you take a guess of what percentage of the world is connected to the internet?
According to Internet Live Stats, “Around 40% of the world population has an internet connection today"
And do you know which region consumes the most internet?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Internet_usage#/media/File:InternetPenetrationWorldMap.svg
Out of the billions of people using the internet daily, 48.4% of the population are from Asia. Thats nearly half of the people using the internet!!! Next comes North and South America, followed by Europe.
Have you ever thought of how you would pass a day without internet? Probably not, right?
The internet is so commonly used around the world that no one really thinks about the word itself. It has come to the point in life where many of us cannot survive without it. We are so grateful for having good internet connection in our lives but we often don't think about those who don't have access to the internet.
So what is a digital divide? It is basically the gap between those who have internet access and those who do not.
When we think of digital divide, we automatically think of those in third world countries. But what if I told you there were more than just one type of divide?
The top four Digital Divide:
#1 Developed world vs Developing world
#2 Young vs. Elderly
#3 Remote Communities vs. Central Communities
#4 The Government
The most obvious digital divide that comes to many of our minds is the divide between the developed and the developing countries. However the divide is also happening in our own neighbourhoods as well.
Developed vs Developing
We are living in a worry free environment where we get everything and have everything. But have you ever thought of those who don’t have three meals a day, who don’t sleep in a proper bed, and those who don’t have a proper shower? Yes. That’s correct. I’m talking about the third world, developing countries. Phones, television, computer, are all things that those living in the third world country has never thought about having. They can’t even afford to have three meals day. This is where the gap occurs. It is easier to be connected to the internet in a developed country, where poverty isn’t very common, as compared to the impoverished countries.
Young People vs. Elderly
How many of your grandparents each have their own cellphone? Not very many eh? In today’s society, there is a big gap between younger generations versus older generations. The digital divide occurs here. We, the younger generation, are surrounded by technology ever since the day we were born. It has become something we can’t live without. We have more leisure time to spend on learning technology.
Older generation, yes they probably do use technology at home, and yes they probably know how to use the internet, but my point is that they are not constantly using these devices 24/7. They grew up without technology and they have already been used to that kind of lifestyle.
Younger generation will always be demanding for new technology and it'll just make the divide between the young and older generation even bigger.
Remote Communities vs Central Communities
Those who live in the same country, doesn’t necessarily mean that they all have connection to technology. Some parts of a country don’t receive internet signals or cellphone connection as well as other places. The rural and the urban. Those living in the city no doubt has the fastest and best internet one could ask for. However some living far off from the city, where its just the one house on a deserted street may not have the best access to technology. This is where the divide happens. They will have less connection to the “world” as compared to those living with good connection in the city.
Government
Often time the government can play a huge role on the digital divide. In some countries, the government will block or sensor certain websites so that users can’t access it. For example, in China, popular social media sites such as, youtube, Facebook, twitter, etc, are all blocked. This has caused a huge gap within the country. The people living in China are missing from the social media web and the government is responsible for this. The users in China cannot communicate via social media on the web.
So how can we fix this gap?
There are currently many international non-profit organizations that aim to bridge the digital divide. They offer high-quality, pre-owned computers to developing and emerging countries.
I believe that with so many organizations working hard to bridge the gap, I can only see a positive result with bridging the gap. The power of technology is increasing day by day and everyone will soon to see the importance of it and the whole world will have a chance to enjoy the internet. Soon enough, the world will no longer have a digital divide.
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/internet
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/digital-divide
http://www.digitaltrends.com/gadgets/get-old-tune-out-is-technology-leaving-the-elderly-in-the-dust/
http://close-the-gap.org/discover-us/mission/
http://www.internetlivestats.com/internet-users/#definitions
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Do you understand and practice good netiquette?
What is Netiquette? Netiquette is the customary code of how we communicate on the internet.
The internet has become one of the most important asset of everyones lives. What is the first thing you do when you open your eyes in the morning? Check your social media. What do you do when you’re on your lunch break? Check your social media. What do you do when you’re taking public transit? Check your social media. What do you do before you close yours eyes to sleep? Check your social media. It is safe to say that the internet has already taken over majority of our lives.
Often times, the internet is used for browsing. Let me ask you, would you consider social media a form of communication? Majority of the time the internet is used for communicating with friends, family, business, and even strangers. Just so we’re on the same page, I'm not talking of the basic “directive” communication method such as email and Facebook chat. Im talking about the in-directive communicating methods such as tweeting, posting an Instagram picture, leaving comments on someones picture or status updates, and even text messages are all examples of in-directive communication. Some are communicating online without even knowing. Anything that you type or post is a form of communicating with the online world.
Now, to get to the main point, do you believe that you practice good netiquette? Try to think back to how you act when responding to a comment on Facebook or what you caption when you’re posting a picture on Instagram. Do you think you act with etiquette? You can decide after I explain to you a few simple golden rules on how to act when online.
The first and foremost important rule to remember is to hold back on personal abuse. Don’t abuse your power and verbally attack someone or threaten them when you’re in a disagreement. It won’t help the cause.
Second rule is to not spam. Spamming can get annoying and is unnecessary. Sending large attachments, virus warning and forwarding junk email are all things you should avoid doing.
Another tip you should be aware of is the way you type. Some people tend to type in all caps and that can be misinterpreted as shouting. If the conversation you are having with the opposite side is serious or if it is a formal email, try to refrain from typing in all caps. It will give the impression that you are shouting or angry.
The last rule you should adhere to is to avoid using any offensive language such as swearing. Cursing is offensive to anyone no matter what the context is. You may not mind cursing, however the people you are chatting with on social media may be tremendously offended by it. It is best to be pleasant and polite when you are talking.
After reading all that, think about yourself, where do you stand when it comes to netiquette? Do you practice good netiquette? Are you the type to curse, talk back, judge, interrupt, or spam? Or do you try to make yourself look good and act polite?
To conclude, I believe that it is extremely important to understand that the virtual world is no different than the real world. Treat others the way you would like to be treated, as if you were talking to the person in real life. Act according to how you would have conversation to someone in person.
So let me ask you again, do you practice good netiquette?
https://get-susan.com/2013/09/do-you-practice-good-netiquette/
http://learning.colostate.edu/guides/guide.cfm?guideid=4
http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/guides/about-netiquette
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