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 * Lab 4**

Turkle mentions a number of fascinating points about technology and what it has essentially done to society. Her most interesting point was the fact that less and less people are able to be “alone” or independent. This is because we all seek approval from others whenever we post something in our status – doesn’t matter what it is. For example, I enjoyed David Zax’s article on Sherry Turkle. If I post this article on my Facebook profile, I am going to look for approval from SOMEONE on Facebook. I’m going to look for that little notification that says “So-and-so likes your link” – even though I know I like it myself already so what does it really matter if someone else likes it too? But that notification excites me and makes me happy knowing that there are other people that have the same taste as me. I’m not an insecure person at all. I never thought of myself as an individual who must seek approval from others in order to feel good about myself. But for some strange reason, I truly enjoy getting notifications such as the one stated above and perhaps if a psychyarchist were to delve deep into my subconscious mind, perhaps I truly feel as though I need approval. But don’t we all need it to some degree? Turkle goes on to say that our need for approval is thwarting creative thinking and she couldn’t be more right.

Not having internet or a cellphone can probably make you go crazy. Unfortunately, it’s the way our brains are wired. Technology, especially the Internet, has changed our way of thinking. It provides us with a multitude of information our brain cannot even process yet it’s so enthralling to us. I can’t even sit at my computer and watch a movie without having to click around, check my Facebook, read some blog etc. It’s sad but it’s true and it is the consequences of having my own computer since I was 10 years old. Without Internet, I almost feel like I don’t know what to do with myself now that I no longer have that excitement in my life where I can basically receive //anything// in my e-mail. I’ve gone on vacation for over a month with no internet and no cell phone and felt as though I was unplugged from the rest of the world. The only comfort I felt was the fact that my parents couldn’t reach me.


 * Lab 5 **

Saul Alinsky "rules for radicals" - []

Talk about one that inspires you.

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Rule 6: **“If your people aren’t having a ball doing it, there is something very wrong with the tactic.”**=====

This rule stood out from the others as it can undoubtedly be applied to a number of different areas in life. I strongly believe if you genuinely enjoy a certain activity, chances are you shall achieve desirable results with time and patience. That's not to say people who don't enjoy an activity will fail in it or achieve poor results. Children with a talent for playing an instrument are oftentimes placed in music lessons at an early age. They can be brilliant at playing an instrument but absolutely //hate// it.

People say you should find out what your passion in life is and discover or even create a career based on it. By loving your job, the activities - including the trivial or difficult tasks - will be much easier to perform. Obstacles posing a challenge will actually be exciting. If //everyone// (assuming we lived in a Utopian world) were to "have a ball" at work, there is no doubt that people would put their best effort forth and pitch their most creative ideas. The possibilities would be endless! Who knows how many //more// clever innovations we would conceive!

E-learning is becoming a more popular phenomenon as the years progress. Essentially, students are given the ability to learn a wide variety of things through the internet as oppose to the conventional school environment. It is a great way for students who do not have the means to travel to their school to still receive a reliable source of education. E-learning incorporates a number of different techniques such as web applications, podcasts and video conferencing to allow students to learn. This method of learning is extraordinary at cutting costs for students as well as allowing students to learn at their own pace while in their personal comfortable environment. However, the "school" experience isn't quite there which may in turn affect the quality of learning.
 * Lab 7**

Whether you favor e-learning or the classroom depends on what type of person you are. Personally, I think e-learning is great - at least for me. I'm not the type of person who enjoys sitting in class and listening to the teacher's lecture. For some strange reason, I thoroughly enjoy learning on my own, at my own pace. There's something about the challenge of teaching myself that really excites me. Sometimes I find a teacher is going too slow or too fast for me. When a teacher goes too fast, I get overwhelmed and worried. When a teacher goes too slow, I get bored. It is unlikely that a teacher will fit the learning pace of each and every student. Therefore, e-learning is great! It can still be interactive with video conferencing and discussion boards.

On the other hand, school gives you an incentive to finish a specific chapter or assignment. It teaches you how to be organized so you can finish a project before the deadline. Piano classes are similar. You can borrow a number of books from the library to learn how to play the piano. But it might take you 30 years because you're learning at your own pace. By taking piano classes, you know you have to finish a certain chapter of the piano book before your lesson. Also, you are paying for these classes. Therefore, often times you feel as though you have to put in more effort and "get your money's worth".

There's definitely positive and negative aspects to e-learning. Giving it a fair chance is crucial in understanding exactly if it is effective or not.


 * Lab 8**


 * Lab 10**

What are your views on deep packet inspection? Should it be allowed? If not, then how would you replace/ change it?

Deep packet inspection is a tool installed by several Canadian Internet Service Providers to observe users’ internet behaviour. This technology is quite useful for ISPs as it allows them to discover viruses, malicious code, SPAM and even illegal behaviour. Illegal behaviour includes anything from distribution of copyright material to possible terrorist threats. However, this technology also has its disadvantages for the end-users. Many argue that net neutrality should be imposed. This is because the technology gives ISPs the valuable information of what users’ are browsing on the internet, allowing targeted advertising. In addition, there are several concerns related to the topic of privacy. Because the government essentially has the ability to monitor what websites an individual visits, how frequently they visit that website, what they download etc., the idea that “Privacy is dead” certainly rings in ones ears.

On one hand, deep packet inspection can undoubtedly be considered comforting. It is comforting to know that those individuals who are into child pornography are most likely getting caught and arrested. If I was a parent, I would most likely be an advocate for deep packet inspection. So what if ISPs are monitoring what my children are doing on the internet? They better not be doing anything unlawful! On the other hand, who knows what kind of information ISPs are retaining! It is unsettling to say the least. And how can I even trust what my ISP is doing with that information? How can I trust anyone with that kind of information? This topic is very controversial. Personally, I’m leaning towards net neutrality. Being able to freely share information without the fear that a third-party is observing you is what the World Wide Web was supposed to resemble initially. Perhaps a happy medium should be imposed – whatever that may be. It is definitely a difficult task finding where to draw the line.