Tutorial 3 and 4

Assuming that you have been appointed as the new CEO of YouTube, discuss in your groups answers to these questions :


1. What are the factors that lead to the extreme popularity of YouTube, especially with keen competition from other social network services like Wiki, Blogs and Facebook.

Personally, I feel that the reasons youtube is so popular is because...

1) Simple to use

Unlike other video sharing websites, youtube makes it simple for users to upload videos on to the internet with its simple and clear instructions.

2) Social networking

The second reason would have to be social networking. Youtube has become a means of social networking for those who want to share their work with others, get feedback or comments from viewers. Its service also gives people the ability to create, upload and share your videos with up to millions of people. This has become a means of social networking for people who want to engage in an environment that draws people together, meet new people or even as simple as wanting to share or read opinions.

3) Reliable viewing

Also, Youtube does not require the users to sign up or download any programs in order to use it. With this, it means that it allows people of whichever browser, OS or computer to be able to view it with ease without any problems. It also allow the users to easily embed their videos or videos they want to share with others, on their blogs or even on forums, allowing easy sharing.

Example:
In the past usually when someone sees a really funny tv show/commercial on tv, he can only share the experience by trying his best to describe the video out or try very hard to search the video on the net. However, with Youtube, you can easily share the video with others.

However, I feel that the reason Youtube is ahead of its competitors is that it gives people the chance for their '3 minutes of fame'. Unlike wikis, blogs and facebooks, which are mostly just text-based, Youtube provides more interactivity. Most of us would have thought about becoming famous, popular and appearing on tv. With Youtube, this is very much possible. It allows people to express themselves or showcase their talent.

2. The article discusses some downsides to YouTube. How would you deal with these issues?

In order to solve or crack down on the copyrights issue, I would have stricter rules regarding the copyright issues and have more moderators on hand to ensure that any videos that violate the rules are taken down as fast as possible. Users are also equally responsible and play an important role in this. By helping to report illegal videos, they can help to crack down on copyrights issue.

As for privacy, I would also set up stricter privacy rules, allowing only people or friends that the user trust to view his/her full profile. However, the users would also have to learn to protect themselves from the danger of the internet

3. What would be the future direction for YouTube?. Refer to the sections “Where is it going?” and “What are the implications for teaching and learning” for some ideas.

I would make sure that Youtube is able to continue evolving by keeping current with the latest technologies and trends. I would also try and incorporate more functions and features like Facebook, allowing more interactivity between the people.

As video-blogging or vlogging is getting more and more popular, maybe I can make Youtube the host or platform for people to vlog. (Eg, seemer to blogger, maybe I can have http://www.thisismyblog.ytvlog.com)


Reflection:

From this tutorial, I have learnt to apply evaluation of website criteria on the Youtube Case Study. This case study has made me think in depth on why certain websites (in this case, Youtube) are popular. By looking at this, I am able to understand more on why certain websites appeal to people and why certain websites fail to do so. Furthermore, it will also aid me if I decide to create a website, as it has made me aware that in order to create a successful website, there are many things to consider.

Practical 9

Wow this is the last practical for UIR!

In this practical we must...

Describe in a paragraph, the most important lesson that you had learnt in your UIR journey.

The most important lesson that I have learn in UIR is the searching techniques and the use of different types of search facilities. Previously, when searching for something, I would just do a basic search and end up having to dig through pages of results before finding what I am looking for. However, after learning the searching techniques such as using stems, wildcards, boolean operators etc, I am able to search for information on the net more effectively and efficiently. Before learning the use of different types of search facilities, the only search facility I would use is the search engine. However, I realise this was a grave mistake. Different search facilities are useful in different situations. For example, use a search engine or meta search engine to search for familiar topics and use a subject directory to search for an unfamiliar topic. By learning the pros and cons of each search facilities, I am now able to optimize my searches to obtain the best results.

Practical 8

Activity 2 – Individual & Group
Visit this website http://www.talkingcock.com/
Using the criteria for evaluating websites, comment and justify whether you think this website is sustainable.

Purpose
The purpose of talkingcock.com is to preserve and advance the authentic voice of Singaporeans and ultimately, building a community of Singaporeans with a sense of humour and who enjoy life in all its complexity.

Coverage
The website covers quite a huge range of topics, mostly the latest news and happenings in Singapore. There are also many specific columns talking about many different topics.
List of Topics:
News:
- Local News - International News - Politics - Business - Sports - The Arts - News in Brief
Columns:
- Alien Talent - Another Day In Paradise - Diary of the Dragon Prince - Art with Fatt - Dear Ah Beng - Travel with Auntie - Lim Peh Ka Li Kong - Louie Chin Ooh Lui - Poet's Corner - We, The Citizens - Interview

Authority
The website is not an authoritative source as it is mostly just articles that poke fun at local events and happenings written by a bunch of Singaporeans. The articles do not have any source of information and as the writers are anonymous, thus they have low credibility and authority.

Accuracy
The facts are not very accurate as it is mostly made up of personal opinions. Furthermore, as it is a website made to poke fun at local events and happenings, the writings contain a lot of Singlish and local dialects.

Currency
The information provided on the website is up-to-date and well-maintained. The website is updated regularly with new articles talking about the latest events and happenings.

Accessibility
The website is easily accessible, no log-ins or registration required and all the information accessible are free. However, the forums would require one to register before posting.

Presentation and Arrangement
Although the layout of the website might look a little old-fashion, the information are all well presented with clear formatting and presented/arranged logically. It is also consistent in its presentation and layout. There is a search engine within the site and the topics are all listed by their categories at the left hand side of the website, allowing one to look for relevant information easily.

Usability
The website has a simple layout with clear headings which makes it user-friendly and allows for easy navigation.

Overall
Overall, I think that although the website might not be highly reliable, it is sustainable. The humorous style of writing and the way it voices out the general population's concerns and thoughts makes it popular among the people. Besides, the website is also well-maintained and up-to-date.

3. How would you react to this website if you were :
Singapore’s Prime Minister
A Singaporean
A Foreigner working / studying in Singapore

If I am the Singapore's Prime Minister, I would take the website lightly instead of offensively as it is merely a satirical humour website that is not defamatory in any way. The articles are also all clearly stated to be purely fictitous and humourous. However, I would also look at this website to see the general concerns and feelings of the public as the website is in a way, voicing out for the general public regarding current events and happenings.

If I am a Singaporean(which I am), I would laugh at the contents of the website, as it is closely related to me and what is happening around me.

If I am a foreigner/student working in Singapore, I would feel that many Singaporeans are unsatisfied living in Singapore. I would also think that the government in Singapore is incompetent with so many complains about it. However, I would find Singaporeans to be humorous and have a sense of humour as they are able to poke fun at themselves and their society.


Reflection:

This practical has help to reinforce my understanding of evaluating websites as the practical is similar to Practical 6a&b.

The games have also help to reinforce my understanding of evaluating websites.

Question 3 of the practical has helped me learn to look at a controversial website from different viewpoints and how different groups of people would react to it. This would definitely help me when I create my own website. When creating a website, it is not only for my own viewing, therefore, I need to learn to put myself in the shoes of the different types of readers and consider how other people would react to it and ensure that I would not offend anybody and be more sensitive with the content.

Practical 6a & b

Practical 6a&b

The following is based on http://alcoholism.about.com/

Purpose Are the aims of the website clearly stated? The aims of the website is quite clearly stated in the title and headings.

Coverage What is the coverage of the site? Is it comprehensive? What subject areas and materials are covered? Are there any pointers to further information that enhance the coverage of the site? Are the links to other sites useful? The coverage of this website is to educate people about alcoholism. The website covers a wide range of topics such as the 'effects of alcohol', 'symptoms/diagnosis' and 'treatment/rehab'. It also includes all the latest news regarding alcoholism. The website also include an option to subscribe to its newsletter and sponsored links to alcoholism treatments. The links to external websites are not really useful as they are mostly just advertisements.

Authority Is this an authoritative source? Are there any reviews about this site or has it been included in any gateways or virtual libraries? The website is an authoritative source. It is a part of The New York Times Company which is a highly reputable mass media resource hence the source of information and resources are clearly stated. The author has years of research and experience in this field and can be contacted through email.

Accuracy Are the facts accurate? Does it use research as a basis? Is there political, ideological, or biasness in the source? Is it a factual site or one that contains an opinion? Are the references stated clearly? Is it free from grammatical, spelling and typographical errors? The facts are accurate as the content of the article are all reviewed by a team of board certified physicians and certified health professionals from leading institutions. There are no political, ideological or biasness detected in the articles and the sources and references of the articles are also stated clearly at the end of the article.

Currency Is the information up-to-date? Is it well-maintained? The information on the website is quite up-to-date and well-maintained. The 'Alcoholism Blog' and the 'Alcohol and Drug Abuse in the News' is updated daily. However, some of the articles such as 'Types of Alcohol Problems' was last updated in Nov 2007.

Accessibility Is the site easily accessible? Does it require registration and log-ins? Are all the information accessible for FREE? The website is easily accessible, no log-ins or registration required and all the information accessible are free. However, the forums would require one to register before posting.

Presentation and Arrangement Is the information well presented and arranged? Is the information clearly, consistently and logically presented and arranged? Are there any features such as site map, an index or a search facility? How effective are the search features in helping users to find information? The information are all well presented with clear formatting and presented/arranged logically. It is also consistent in its presentation and layout. There is a search engine within the site and the topics are all listed by their categories, allowing one to look for relevant information easily.

Usability Is it easy to use and navigate around? Are there user support facilities? The website has a simple layout with clear headings which makes it user-friendly and allows for easy navigation.

Overall What is your overall impression of the quality of the website? My overall impression of the quality of the website is quite good. The website is easy to navigate and search for information. All the information are also presented clearly and very accurate. However, some of the articles are not updated regularly, which might result in the information being outdated.

Reflections:

From this practical, I have learnt how to accurately evaluate a website and the importance of it. Previously, I didn't even know there were so many things to consider when evaluating a website. Evaluating a website is very useful, especially when researching as by knowing important things such as the authority, accuracy and currency of the website, I am able to tell if the information is reliable and up-to-date. Also, by knowing the coverage, I can easily determine the content of the website. Therefore, the knowledge of evaluating websites has definitely helped me a lot, especially in researching.