Copyright
From the copyright chaos attachment, I have learned that copyright exists for any original work that has been recorded or documented in some way. However, one cannot be allowed to claim copyright over facts, materials in the public domain, or even government material. On the other hand, copyright laws can be bent through the fair use clause which allows educators to disseminate copyrighted material for educative purposes; this also applies to journalistic intentions. From the websites, I learned that one can violate copyright laws when one reproduces work even if it is not done for commercial purposes. Also, the presence or absence of the copyright warning does not negate the fact that all original works are copyrighted. Even public postings fall here.
Ubiquitous computing
Ubiquitous computing is indeed the third wave in computing. However, it has the potential to alter how education is facilitated. If used well, then it could translate into better student engagement, greater motivation, and even social development. The most important aspect is not giving every individual a computing device but making sure that their learning outcomes are made more effective through their right application.
Netiquette on sites
A learned a lot about netiquette from the websites. First, I learned that there is an unwritten code for internet users across the board. Here, one must try to figure out prevailing rules in a group before engaging in contributions. It is also imperative to mind one’s language and to avoid sending another person’s personal information.
In terms of computer ethics, it is imperative to avoid utilizing unapproved software; this is why it is called illegal software. Even though computers make previously timid individuals courageous enough to engage in misdeeds, it is a must to avoid stealing, interfering, or bearing false witness against someone on the internet.
MENSA test
To me, the MENSA test appears to be an interesting one but it is really of no practical use. I did not enjoy filling it because I had a hard time figuring out some of the answers. I soon realized that the test is best done by a native westerner. English speakers from other parts of the world like me tend to have a difficult time relating what this test is asking with what one has encountered before. Some of the questions in the game test one’s analytical skills but nothing further than that. I found it difficult to find any practical applications of the test in real life. When completing the test, I had to look for solutions from friends and the internet. It was surprising to find lots of MENSA-help websites that either has similar tests or that have support groups that can help with the solutions. Nonetheless, it did challenge me because I realized that there was so much I still had to learn.
In learning where to learn, I realized that there are several sources of material for how people can learn about computing. However, I tend to be inclined towards experimentation. In other words, I prefer playing with software and utilizing the help feature to explain to me what some of the things in it mean. I think my learning style is more active than passive so I prefer to get my hands on the material. Online tutorials are also a great place for me but I usually come to this after hitting a dead wall with my experimentation.
Electronic portfolio
Doing an electronic portfolio is a systematic process that I had not seriously gone over. The major advantage of making an electronic portfolio for myself is that I could customize it and make it represent who I truly was. On the other hand, I found that it was difficult to apply it anywhere after that because it was rather ambiguous. In terms of making an electronic portfolio for educators, I found that I was more formal and I knew what needed to be added. On the flip side, I found that educators tend to be selective of the material that they require from it. Also, ample explanations needed to be made on all artifacts and additions.
When making the electronic portfolio for students I was at ease because I did not think that they would overly scrutinize my work. Its major disadvantage was that some students may not understand the relevance of sections in the portfolio. Nonetheless, after taking a look at the materials, I found that one must know why one is making the portfolio in the first place. This means having a clear cut purpose. Doing so would play a huge role in determining the audience, the expected outcomes, and even the resources that one will utilize to make them. Furthermore, I found that the most disorganized portfolios are those which do not explain why artifacts have been placed or do not expound on the details found therein.