Our group decided to pursue chilhood obesity as a cause which needed to be addressed. As the health of Americans seems to suffer, it seems that children are also being affected. Obesity has become such a problem in our country, the first lady has decided to assist in fighting the issue personally. With fast food restaurants more popular than ever in this poor economy, people are seeing the detrimental affects of an insufficient diet.
Because of the horrific health problems that coincide with being highly overweight, we felt that the American people should be informed. If we associate obesity with not only weighing more than normal, but also what diseases and issues may result, the population may think twice about their diet or lack of exercise. Obesity is not an impossible task to fix, so by offering solutions and ways to get healthy, maybe we will make a difference.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Good and Bad Websites
http://www.bermuda-triangle.org/
This website is very disorganized and overwhelming to the viewer. There is no real consistency with design and there are too many objects and different colors. A lot of the fonts are inconsistent and some are completely illegible. There are a lot of links and information on the homepage, so there is no reason for a viewer to go further into the site.
http://mountaincityclub.org/one who
This website is very pleasing to the eye. Although it is for a private club, anyone can view the site and see beautiful photos of the location. It offers links to different areas of the site, which are layed out evenly and beautifully. The fonts and colors are very nice and the photographs make a person want to see more. The site has a very clean layout with consistency throughout, and an appealing approach to information about the business.
This website is very disorganized and overwhelming to the viewer. There is no real consistency with design and there are too many objects and different colors. A lot of the fonts are inconsistent and some are completely illegible. There are a lot of links and information on the homepage, so there is no reason for a viewer to go further into the site.
http://mountaincityclub.org/one who
This website is very pleasing to the eye. Although it is for a private club, anyone can view the site and see beautiful photos of the location. It offers links to different areas of the site, which are layed out evenly and beautifully. The fonts and colors are very nice and the photographs make a person want to see more. The site has a very clean layout with consistency throughout, and an appealing approach to information about the business.
Chapter 17
I found the content in Chapter 17 to be very informative and helpful to anyone hoping to learn more about websites. There were a lot of informative hints and explanations pertaining to areas of website design and structure. It made a lot of sense that a lot of aspects of website design are similar to regular print media. These similarities include things such as "fonts, line spacing, margins, colors, heading and subheadings" and other additions. However, there are many things found on websites which elevate them above mere print media. Items such as animation, sound and video clips, links, pop-up windows, etc. will not be found within a newspaper.
The information on how websites may be structured really gave the reader insight into a different area of what they are seeing. A person may not consider how intricate it is to develop a website, and seeing something such as the website map will show them what is truly involved. This also will help my classmates and I to understand what a website map conists of and how something may be compiled. The website design guidelines and check list were very helpful as well when considering what it takes to make a website. By having these lists to refer to, I feel as though we will be more prepared to take on this project.
The information on how websites may be structured really gave the reader insight into a different area of what they are seeing. A person may not consider how intricate it is to develop a website, and seeing something such as the website map will show them what is truly involved. This also will help my classmates and I to understand what a website map conists of and how something may be compiled. The website design guidelines and check list were very helpful as well when considering what it takes to make a website. By having these lists to refer to, I feel as though we will be more prepared to take on this project.
Monday, March 15, 2010
WikiTravel Golf Courses
Warwick, RI
===Golf===
*''' Seaview Country Club''' 150 Gray St., Phone: (401) 739-6311. This 9-Hole public course offers an enjoyable layout with holes that will cater to skills of any golfer. It will provide you with a challenge, yet allow you to concentrate on efficient shots.
*''' Warwick Country Club''' 394 Narragansett Bay Ave., Phone: (401) 737-9878. An 18-hole, private course which offers breath taking views of both Narragansett and East Greenwich Bay. It has a great facility complete with practice areas, multiple clay and hard top tennis courts, and a swimming pool.
*''' Valley Country Club''' 251 New London Ave., Phone: (401) 821-1115. Valley is a championship course with 18 breath-taking holes to challenge a golfer at any level. Although it is a private course, they are constantly offering deals for members to bring in people from the outside. A perfect mix of difficulty and ease, Valley will provide you with an incredibly enjoyable golf experience. Greens Fees M-F:18 holes- $50, 9-holes- $25 and Weekends/Holidays: 18-holes- $60, 9-holes $30.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Warwick_%28Rhode_Island%29#Do
West Warwick, RI
===Golf===
*''' Midville Country Club''' 100 Lombardi Lane, Phone: (401) 821-0324. Midville is a 9-Hole Public course with an open layout, allowing mistakes to be made. Perfect for a fun, relaxing day on the links. Greens Fees M-F:18 holes- $34.50, 9-holes- $23.50 and Weekends/Holidays: 18-holes- $38.50, 9-holes $24.50.
*''' West Warwick Country Club''' 335 Wakefield St., Phone: (401) 641-9546. This 9-hole private course will challenge you right from the start. With holes varying with narrow, slanting greens and fairways to straight-forward holes accompanied with two-tiered greens. This course will show you what you are truly made of. Greens Fees: $33
http://wikitravel.org/en/West_Warwick#Do
East Greenwich, RI
===Golf===
*''' East Greenwich Country Club''' 1646 Division Road, Phone: (401) 884-5656. This 9-Hole Public course offers rates which are affordable by golfers at any level. Not far from the highway, this course will enable you to get away for a little while on the course. Green Fees: 9 holes weekday: 18.00, 9 holes weekends: 22.00, Back 9 10.00, with cart- 9 holes: 15.00, with cart- back 9: 12.00, Twilight rate (after 5:00 PM): 13.00.
*''' Potowomut Golf Club''' 439 Ives Road, Phone: (401) 884-9773. This Private 18-Hole golf course will provide golfers with a challenging round of golf. Depending on which of the three tee boxes you play from, the course can become quite difficult. Lined with an extensive amount of trees and bunkers, you may find the enjoyable scenery to become a threat to your score. Wide fairways but many hazards, so make sure you keep the ball in play.
http://wikitravel.org/en/East_Greenwich_%28Rhode_Island%29#Do
Cranston, RI
===Golf===
*'''Alpine Country Club''' 251 Pippin Orchard Road, Phone: (401) 944-9760. Alpine is an 18-hole private golf course, which offers an enjoyable time for golfers of all skill level. With wide open fairways, there is some room for error, yet the amount of sand traps and trees make things more challenging. With a great practice facility and swimming pool/patio area, there’s fun for the whole family.
*''' Cranston Country Club''' 69 Burlingame Road, Phone: (401) 826-1683. Cranston Country Club is an 18-hole public course located in western Cranston, yet it feels like you’re in the middle of the country. With some difficult holes, this course offers golfers a chance to prove their talent. Complete with its well-known 8th Hole, Par-3 island green, Cranston is a great place to tee it up. Green Fees: WEEKEND 18 Holes: $45/ with Cart: $63, 9 Holes: $27/ with Cart: $36. WEEKDAYS: 18 Holes: $39/ with Cart: $57, 9 Holes: $27/ with Cart: $36. CART FEES- 18 Holes: $18 per player, 9 Holes: $9 per player, Pull Carts: $3.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Cranston#Golf
Providence, RI
===Golf===
*'''Triggs Memorial Golf Course ''' 1533 Chalkstone Ave., Phone: (401) 521-8460. Triggs is one of Rhode Island’s most well-known public golf courses. The golf course is located just minutes from downtown providence and offers views of the city from some of the more elevated points. It offers a nice middle ground between a championship course and an enjoyable public course. With affordable rates and great holes, it is definitely a course worth playing. Green Fees: Weekend /Weekdays: 18 Holes: $40, 9 Holes: $23. Cart Fees- 18 Holes: $18 per player, 9 Holes: $9 per player.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Providence#Do
Narragansett, RI
===Golf===
*'''Point Judith Country Club''' 150 Windermere Road, Phone: (401) 792-9770. Point Judith was founded in 1894 and was recognized by the USGA as one of the “First 100 Clubs in America”. It is a private, 18-hole golf course with beautiful, tree-lined fairways and an extensive amount of water hazards on the front nine. With paths made of sea shells, the course has a very island-like feel. Complete with multiple tennis courts, and expansive practice facilities, Point Judith is a great club to golf at while spending a relaxing afternoon with friends.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Narragansett#Do
Newport, RI
===Golf===
*'''Newport National Golf Club''' 324 Mitchell’s Lane, Phone: (401) 848-9690. Newport National is an 18-hole public course which offers great views and picturesque holes throughout. With paths made of sea shells, players may feel as though they are on a remote island. For a public course, Newport National offers a great location to play and enjoy a day on the links.
*'''Newport Country Club ''' 280 Harrison Ave., Phone: (401) 846-3701. Newport Country Club is one of the oldest and most beautiful courses throughout the state. With a mansion for the clubhouse, the facilities are second to none and one hole is more breath-taking than the next. It was the location for many professional golf tournaments including the U.S. Open, the Women’s U.S. Open, as well as the U.S. Amateur. In-State Summer Green Fees: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday after 1PM: $70, Friday and Saturday: $110, After 2PM: $80, Sunday before 1PM: $95. Out-of-State Summer Green Fees: Monday-Thursday: $125, Weekend and Holidays: $150.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Newport_%28Rhode_Island%29#Do
Exeter, RI
===Golf===
*'''Exeter Country Club''' 320 Ten Rod Road, Phone: (401) 295-8212. Exeter is an 18-hole public golf course with challenging tree-lined holes. Offering affordable rates for golfers wanting to experience a fun day at the links, Exeter will provide a fun time for all. Greens Fees: Mon – Thursday: $36.00/ with cart: $53, Fri-Sunday and Holidays: $41.00/ with cart: $58. 9-holes Mon-Thursday: $22, Weekends before 7:30: $26.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Exeter_%28Rhode_Island%29#Do
Barrington, RI
===Golf===
*'''Rhode Island Country Club''' 150 Nayatt Road, Phone: (401) 245-7370. Rhode Island Country Club is an 18-hole private course with challenging holes for golfers at any skills level. With many hazards and trees throughout the course, there are many places to get into danger. The last four holes border Narragansett Bay, so the end of the round is spent looking at breathtaking views of the bay. The site of four USGA championships, as well as CVS Charity Classic every year, professional golfers as well as the average golfer will be met with a great challenge.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Barrington_%28Rhode_Island%29#Do
===Golf===
*''' Seaview Country Club''' 150 Gray St., Phone: (401) 739-6311. This 9-Hole public course offers an enjoyable layout with holes that will cater to skills of any golfer. It will provide you with a challenge, yet allow you to concentrate on efficient shots.
*''' Warwick Country Club''' 394 Narragansett Bay Ave., Phone: (401) 737-9878. An 18-hole, private course which offers breath taking views of both Narragansett and East Greenwich Bay. It has a great facility complete with practice areas, multiple clay and hard top tennis courts, and a swimming pool.
*''' Valley Country Club''' 251 New London Ave., Phone: (401) 821-1115. Valley is a championship course with 18 breath-taking holes to challenge a golfer at any level. Although it is a private course, they are constantly offering deals for members to bring in people from the outside. A perfect mix of difficulty and ease, Valley will provide you with an incredibly enjoyable golf experience. Greens Fees M-F:18 holes- $50, 9-holes- $25 and Weekends/Holidays: 18-holes- $60, 9-holes $30.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Warwick_%28Rhode_Island%29#Do
West Warwick, RI
===Golf===
*''' Midville Country Club''' 100 Lombardi Lane, Phone: (401) 821-0324. Midville is a 9-Hole Public course with an open layout, allowing mistakes to be made. Perfect for a fun, relaxing day on the links. Greens Fees M-F:18 holes- $34.50, 9-holes- $23.50 and Weekends/Holidays: 18-holes- $38.50, 9-holes $24.50.
*''' West Warwick Country Club''' 335 Wakefield St., Phone: (401) 641-9546. This 9-hole private course will challenge you right from the start. With holes varying with narrow, slanting greens and fairways to straight-forward holes accompanied with two-tiered greens. This course will show you what you are truly made of. Greens Fees: $33
http://wikitravel.org/en/West_Warwick#Do
East Greenwich, RI
===Golf===
*''' East Greenwich Country Club''' 1646 Division Road, Phone: (401) 884-5656. This 9-Hole Public course offers rates which are affordable by golfers at any level. Not far from the highway, this course will enable you to get away for a little while on the course. Green Fees: 9 holes weekday: 18.00, 9 holes weekends: 22.00, Back 9 10.00, with cart- 9 holes: 15.00, with cart- back 9: 12.00, Twilight rate (after 5:00 PM): 13.00.
*''' Potowomut Golf Club''' 439 Ives Road, Phone: (401) 884-9773. This Private 18-Hole golf course will provide golfers with a challenging round of golf. Depending on which of the three tee boxes you play from, the course can become quite difficult. Lined with an extensive amount of trees and bunkers, you may find the enjoyable scenery to become a threat to your score. Wide fairways but many hazards, so make sure you keep the ball in play.
http://wikitravel.org/en/East_Greenwich_%28Rhode_Island%29#Do
Cranston, RI
===Golf===
*'''Alpine Country Club''' 251 Pippin Orchard Road, Phone: (401) 944-9760. Alpine is an 18-hole private golf course, which offers an enjoyable time for golfers of all skill level. With wide open fairways, there is some room for error, yet the amount of sand traps and trees make things more challenging. With a great practice facility and swimming pool/patio area, there’s fun for the whole family.
*''' Cranston Country Club''' 69 Burlingame Road, Phone: (401) 826-1683. Cranston Country Club is an 18-hole public course located in western Cranston, yet it feels like you’re in the middle of the country. With some difficult holes, this course offers golfers a chance to prove their talent. Complete with its well-known 8th Hole, Par-3 island green, Cranston is a great place to tee it up. Green Fees: WEEKEND 18 Holes: $45/ with Cart: $63, 9 Holes: $27/ with Cart: $36. WEEKDAYS: 18 Holes: $39/ with Cart: $57, 9 Holes: $27/ with Cart: $36. CART FEES- 18 Holes: $18 per player, 9 Holes: $9 per player, Pull Carts: $3.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Cranston#Golf
Providence, RI
===Golf===
*'''Triggs Memorial Golf Course ''' 1533 Chalkstone Ave., Phone: (401) 521-8460. Triggs is one of Rhode Island’s most well-known public golf courses. The golf course is located just minutes from downtown providence and offers views of the city from some of the more elevated points. It offers a nice middle ground between a championship course and an enjoyable public course. With affordable rates and great holes, it is definitely a course worth playing. Green Fees: Weekend /Weekdays: 18 Holes: $40, 9 Holes: $23. Cart Fees- 18 Holes: $18 per player, 9 Holes: $9 per player.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Providence#Do
Narragansett, RI
===Golf===
*'''Point Judith Country Club''' 150 Windermere Road, Phone: (401) 792-9770. Point Judith was founded in 1894 and was recognized by the USGA as one of the “First 100 Clubs in America”. It is a private, 18-hole golf course with beautiful, tree-lined fairways and an extensive amount of water hazards on the front nine. With paths made of sea shells, the course has a very island-like feel. Complete with multiple tennis courts, and expansive practice facilities, Point Judith is a great club to golf at while spending a relaxing afternoon with friends.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Narragansett#Do
Newport, RI
===Golf===
*'''Newport National Golf Club''' 324 Mitchell’s Lane, Phone: (401) 848-9690. Newport National is an 18-hole public course which offers great views and picturesque holes throughout. With paths made of sea shells, players may feel as though they are on a remote island. For a public course, Newport National offers a great location to play and enjoy a day on the links.
*'''Newport Country Club ''' 280 Harrison Ave., Phone: (401) 846-3701. Newport Country Club is one of the oldest and most beautiful courses throughout the state. With a mansion for the clubhouse, the facilities are second to none and one hole is more breath-taking than the next. It was the location for many professional golf tournaments including the U.S. Open, the Women’s U.S. Open, as well as the U.S. Amateur. In-State Summer Green Fees: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday after 1PM: $70, Friday and Saturday: $110, After 2PM: $80, Sunday before 1PM: $95. Out-of-State Summer Green Fees: Monday-Thursday: $125, Weekend and Holidays: $150.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Newport_%28Rhode_Island%29#Do
Exeter, RI
===Golf===
*'''Exeter Country Club''' 320 Ten Rod Road, Phone: (401) 295-8212. Exeter is an 18-hole public golf course with challenging tree-lined holes. Offering affordable rates for golfers wanting to experience a fun day at the links, Exeter will provide a fun time for all. Greens Fees: Mon – Thursday: $36.00/ with cart: $53, Fri-Sunday and Holidays: $41.00/ with cart: $58. 9-holes Mon-Thursday: $22, Weekends before 7:30: $26.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Exeter_%28Rhode_Island%29#Do
Barrington, RI
===Golf===
*'''Rhode Island Country Club''' 150 Nayatt Road, Phone: (401) 245-7370. Rhode Island Country Club is an 18-hole private course with challenging holes for golfers at any skills level. With many hazards and trees throughout the course, there are many places to get into danger. The last four holes border Narragansett Bay, so the end of the round is spent looking at breathtaking views of the bay. The site of four USGA championships, as well as CVS Charity Classic every year, professional golfers as well as the average golfer will be met with a great challenge.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Barrington_%28Rhode_Island%29#Do
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Post-Write Questions
Alexandra King
PROJECT 1: ENTHUSIAST BLOG
POST WRITE
1)What is the topic and title of your blog? Why did you choose this topic and title?
The title of my blog is “What Drives You?” and it is all about the world of golf. I decided to write about golf, because I am very passionate about it and feel as though I could contribute to people’s interests. When considering what topic I should create a blog on, golf was definitely the first thing that came to mind. I am very knowledgeable on the subject, and feel it would be an interesting project.
2)Describe the organization of information in your blog.
I have incorporated news stories, videos and pictures which pertain to golf. I have been steadily posting new entries in which I talk about recent golfing news, or things that may interest golf enthusiasts or avid golfers. Most of the posts have been about new and recent activity throughout the golf community, so I feel people will be interested because of the relevance.
3)Describe the personality that you are putting forth in your blog and cite 3 places where this personality is at its strongest.
I feel as though my personality is pretty relaxed and fun while I write in my enthusiast blog. I enjoy golf and great deal and have a lot of fun with it, so I try and convey that in the content. In my “About Me”, you get a better sense of who I am and what I am trying to accomplish with my blog. In my first entry I feel as though I was really able to completely submerge myself in the writing, and I truly let my opinions show. Finally, I think that through the simple use of the green template, it does not detract from my content. Also, when I think of green I almost always associate that with a golf course, so I like how it correlates.
4)How would you describe your blogging style? Why did you choose this style?
My blogging style is pretty care-free and enjoyable to read. I feel as though a lot of people who are even remotely interested in golf will benefit from what I write, and it will catch their eye. It seems as though there is really no age restriction on golfers, so I made my content pretty universal in that regard. I do not take things too seriously with what I write, so I think people will really be able to relate with how I approach different topics.
5)How would you describe your design aesthetic? How does this aesthetic tie into your topic?
I like how the background of my blog is simpler with just the plain green, so it does not overload the reader with graphics. I decided to add a few golf related pictures, so right away the viewer can identify what the topic of the blog will be about. I like how my blog flows from the header to the pictures, then right to the posts. Also, if the reader wants to know more about me as the author, my “about me” is right next to the posts.
6)If you had more design knowledge, how might your aesthetic change? In other words, what would your ideal blog look like if you were more tech savvy and/or had more design tools to work with? What might you change and/or add?
If I was more knowledgeable with the design techniques, I feel as though my blog might be a little more interesting with cool links, and other gadgets which are golf related. I am not very familiar with doing intricate changes on the computer, so I feel as though my design is more simple and easy to access.
7)What about your blog works best? What needs the most work? Please explain both answers.
My blog is very straightforward and will be able to catch the eye of any golfer, because of its overall appeal. Also, I feel as though anyone could really relate being that I have experienced all levels of the golfing community. Women may be interested just because I am a female golfer, and men would be interested as well in the overall information contained in the blog. Although I like my blog and its straightforwardness, I think I could have developed it a lot more with different design mechanisms.
8)What was the best piece of feedback you got from your peers? Why was it helpful and how did you incorporate it (or not)?
One of the best pieces of feedback I got was from Patrick, when he mentioned a video I had seen a few months back. It was of Padraig Harrington as he teed off at a golf course in South Africa, on a Par-3 which was over 1,400 feet above the ground. I immediately remembered the video he was referring to, so I decided to incorporate that video in my blog.
9)If you had to describe blogging to someone who had never done it, how would you describe it? What sets writing in the electronic environment of a blog apart from other types of writing?
I would refer to it as sort of a journal online, in which people can write about anything that comes to their mind. It is very accessible through the use of any computer with internet access, and easy to navigate through. People can post different links and other multimedia resources such as sound clips and videos. I think that the ability to use these other types of media really sets blogging apart from other forms of writing. Also, it is so easy to get started and keep up with consistently, because as long as you have a few minutes to spare you can get right on a computer and contribute to your blog.
10)Has this project changed your ideas on blogs and blogging? If so, how and why? If not, why not?
This project has definitely changed my perspective on blogs and blogging, because before now I had never really done anything with blogging or seen of much of them at all. I realized how easy it is to use and how interesting and relevant many of them really are. I feel as though I will definitely continue with blogs, and think that it is a constantly growing media form. As I get older, I think that a lot more people I know will have blogs and we will be able to follow each other’s lives and accomplishments with more intricate detail than just Facebook. It is also an outlet where someone can convey ideas and allow their opinions to be seen and heard, so I think that it’s a great thing.
11)Remember, this incarnation of your blog is just the beginning. You’ll be working on it and improving it throughout the semester. With that in mind, is there a particular aspect of your blog that you want me to focus particularly closely on in terms of my feedback? If so, please expand.
I would like to expand a bit more on my blog’s technological aspects, such as adding some cool graphics or other designs. I have found golf templates online, but none that I really liked more than the simple green one. If I could just add other little things, I think the overall appearance of my blog will drastically improve.
PROJECT 1: ENTHUSIAST BLOG
POST WRITE
1)What is the topic and title of your blog? Why did you choose this topic and title?
The title of my blog is “What Drives You?” and it is all about the world of golf. I decided to write about golf, because I am very passionate about it and feel as though I could contribute to people’s interests. When considering what topic I should create a blog on, golf was definitely the first thing that came to mind. I am very knowledgeable on the subject, and feel it would be an interesting project.
2)Describe the organization of information in your blog.
I have incorporated news stories, videos and pictures which pertain to golf. I have been steadily posting new entries in which I talk about recent golfing news, or things that may interest golf enthusiasts or avid golfers. Most of the posts have been about new and recent activity throughout the golf community, so I feel people will be interested because of the relevance.
3)Describe the personality that you are putting forth in your blog and cite 3 places where this personality is at its strongest.
I feel as though my personality is pretty relaxed and fun while I write in my enthusiast blog. I enjoy golf and great deal and have a lot of fun with it, so I try and convey that in the content. In my “About Me”, you get a better sense of who I am and what I am trying to accomplish with my blog. In my first entry I feel as though I was really able to completely submerge myself in the writing, and I truly let my opinions show. Finally, I think that through the simple use of the green template, it does not detract from my content. Also, when I think of green I almost always associate that with a golf course, so I like how it correlates.
4)How would you describe your blogging style? Why did you choose this style?
My blogging style is pretty care-free and enjoyable to read. I feel as though a lot of people who are even remotely interested in golf will benefit from what I write, and it will catch their eye. It seems as though there is really no age restriction on golfers, so I made my content pretty universal in that regard. I do not take things too seriously with what I write, so I think people will really be able to relate with how I approach different topics.
5)How would you describe your design aesthetic? How does this aesthetic tie into your topic?
I like how the background of my blog is simpler with just the plain green, so it does not overload the reader with graphics. I decided to add a few golf related pictures, so right away the viewer can identify what the topic of the blog will be about. I like how my blog flows from the header to the pictures, then right to the posts. Also, if the reader wants to know more about me as the author, my “about me” is right next to the posts.
6)If you had more design knowledge, how might your aesthetic change? In other words, what would your ideal blog look like if you were more tech savvy and/or had more design tools to work with? What might you change and/or add?
If I was more knowledgeable with the design techniques, I feel as though my blog might be a little more interesting with cool links, and other gadgets which are golf related. I am not very familiar with doing intricate changes on the computer, so I feel as though my design is more simple and easy to access.
7)What about your blog works best? What needs the most work? Please explain both answers.
My blog is very straightforward and will be able to catch the eye of any golfer, because of its overall appeal. Also, I feel as though anyone could really relate being that I have experienced all levels of the golfing community. Women may be interested just because I am a female golfer, and men would be interested as well in the overall information contained in the blog. Although I like my blog and its straightforwardness, I think I could have developed it a lot more with different design mechanisms.
8)What was the best piece of feedback you got from your peers? Why was it helpful and how did you incorporate it (or not)?
One of the best pieces of feedback I got was from Patrick, when he mentioned a video I had seen a few months back. It was of Padraig Harrington as he teed off at a golf course in South Africa, on a Par-3 which was over 1,400 feet above the ground. I immediately remembered the video he was referring to, so I decided to incorporate that video in my blog.
9)If you had to describe blogging to someone who had never done it, how would you describe it? What sets writing in the electronic environment of a blog apart from other types of writing?
I would refer to it as sort of a journal online, in which people can write about anything that comes to their mind. It is very accessible through the use of any computer with internet access, and easy to navigate through. People can post different links and other multimedia resources such as sound clips and videos. I think that the ability to use these other types of media really sets blogging apart from other forms of writing. Also, it is so easy to get started and keep up with consistently, because as long as you have a few minutes to spare you can get right on a computer and contribute to your blog.
10)Has this project changed your ideas on blogs and blogging? If so, how and why? If not, why not?
This project has definitely changed my perspective on blogs and blogging, because before now I had never really done anything with blogging or seen of much of them at all. I realized how easy it is to use and how interesting and relevant many of them really are. I feel as though I will definitely continue with blogs, and think that it is a constantly growing media form. As I get older, I think that a lot more people I know will have blogs and we will be able to follow each other’s lives and accomplishments with more intricate detail than just Facebook. It is also an outlet where someone can convey ideas and allow their opinions to be seen and heard, so I think that it’s a great thing.
11)Remember, this incarnation of your blog is just the beginning. You’ll be working on it and improving it throughout the semester. With that in mind, is there a particular aspect of your blog that you want me to focus particularly closely on in terms of my feedback? If so, please expand.
I would like to expand a bit more on my blog’s technological aspects, such as adding some cool graphics or other designs. I have found golf templates online, but none that I really liked more than the simple green one. If I could just add other little things, I think the overall appearance of my blog will drastically improve.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Information Ecologies
It was interesting to see how the world and exchange of information can be viewed between different groups. I really liked how Nardi and O'Day described this exchange of knowledge as Information Ecologies. It makes a great deal of sense, and helps to instill the notion that everyone is different and has their own part to play in the matter. When the idea surfaced as to why they chose the word "information" instead of community, they explain "Ecology suggests diversity in a way that community does not. Communities can be quite homogenous, or defined along a single dimension". This is important because people contribute such a different array of knowledge to the group. Everyone comes from a different place and thus they will approach similar topics with drasticly alternate thought processes.
Wikitravel is without a doubt a prime example of an information ecology. The site offers a place for people to collectively share their own knowledge regarding a location and its ammenities. No two people will have exactly the same perspective on something, so that truly offers a diverse view for all to see. The people offering their opinions nd experiences to the site allow for a varied and interesting collection of data.
An information ecology that I regularly participate in is here at URI, attending classes and lectures. There are many contributors to what goes into class on a daily basis, and I feel this allows the students to really get a broad perspective on what we are learning. Because two students do not have the same intelligence level, experience, or perspective on one subject, collectively we are able to learn from eachother and expand our horizon. The teacher also offers an extensive view of what we are learning, which enables us to educate ourselves further. I feel it is important to listen to the opinions of others, because you never know what you are going to learn from it.
Wikitravel is without a doubt a prime example of an information ecology. The site offers a place for people to collectively share their own knowledge regarding a location and its ammenities. No two people will have exactly the same perspective on something, so that truly offers a diverse view for all to see. The people offering their opinions nd experiences to the site allow for a varied and interesting collection of data.
An information ecology that I regularly participate in is here at URI, attending classes and lectures. There are many contributors to what goes into class on a daily basis, and I feel this allows the students to really get a broad perspective on what we are learning. Because two students do not have the same intelligence level, experience, or perspective on one subject, collectively we are able to learn from eachother and expand our horizon. The teacher also offers an extensive view of what we are learning, which enables us to educate ourselves further. I feel it is important to listen to the opinions of others, because you never know what you are going to learn from it.
Kress and Multimodality
I found the article by Gunther Kress qutie interesting, as it raise a few points I may have otherwise not considered. He discusses the manner in which people convey their messages through communication devices. He brought up a good point in the comparison of a newspaper in 1960, as opposed to one in our society today. Today, it seems we use a lot more pictures with supporting text, while back then text was more dominant in the papers. Also, through the example of the students in a science class, he was able to show how people may not be able to get their message across without a drawing. This is interesting, because although we may be trying to convey the same thoughts, there are numerous ways in which we can do so. Through the use of different media and text we are able to accurately communicate with others, whether one may be more appropriate or not.
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