Week 12 - Social & Ethical Issues

Lecture

This weeks lecture covered the social and ethical issues that are evident on the web. In looking into this aspect, I can be aware of the dangers on the web and what I can possibly do to protect myself from these dangers.
In addition, copyright, intellectual property and plagiarism was also covered.Copyright refers to the right to copy information found on the web. Copy right issues are mainly associated with music, images and video downloads.Intellectual property refers to an idea, a thought one may have created intellectually. This may be protected by copyright laws if one chooses to.Plagiarism is the duplication or copy of someone else’s work without acknowledgment of the work
Privacy is also another issue associated with web use. There are numerous programs on the web and computers to protect users from the dangers of the internet such as viruses and scams on the web. Although they are available Justine mentioned that the developments of these programs are always one step behind as they are usually based on past attacks instead of future. Viruses are one of the dangers on the internet and were also covered in the lecture. They can be activated on ones computer through email or downloads; for example ad-ware and spy-ware. There were a number of ways to effectively protect ones computer that were mentioned. For example:

• Install a firewall.
• Install anti virus software.
• Beware of attachments.
• Beware of spy ware.
• Do not give personal information out.
• Do not reply to SPAM.
• Use peer to peer software.
• Update anti virus weekly
• Scan all documents


Workshop

Our first task for this week was to access the website http://www.copyright.org.au/ and make a list of the information sheets relevant to us as undergraduates.

Quotes and explanations
If the information not yours then it must be acknowledged. All direct and indirect quotes ideas and explanations must be acknowledged to avoid copyright and plagiarism.

Databases
Information contained in Databases is the property of that database and the original author. If using information from a database, students must ensure they reference it correctly or obtain permission to use that information from the original author.

Libraries
There are a number of copyright laws in place when it comes to obtaining information from a library. These copyright laws relate to the following topics:

Literary works
Artistic works
Musical works
Dramatic works
Cinematographic works.

Libraries are able to make three copies of certain material and editions for study purposes.

Tables and forms
Like any document, tables and forms need to be referenced correctly or permission needs to be obtained from the author if a student wishes to use them in an assignment.

Copying and downloading from the Internet
Students must seek permission to download programs from the Internet and to copy information. Correct referencing techniques must be maintained to avoid penalties. Some down loadable material on the Internet may require permission to download.

Computer software
Copying of computer software is highly illegal and strict penalties apply for doing so. Students must ensure that the computer software they use is genuine if they wish to avoid penalties.

Above is a list of the information sheets I feel are relevant to students and undergraduates. By sticking to the guide lines outlined above an individual can ensure that information they use in an assignment does not get them into trouble with the copyright commission and lead to them having to suffer the penalties put in place by this organisation.

The second task for this week was to right a brief summary on the copyright case titled
US vs Sankus at http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/cybercrime/ipcases.html.

Us vs Sankus refers to a copyright case in which 28yr old John Sankus, Jr., of Philadelphia, who was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison, for conspiring to violate the criminal copyright laws as the leader of one of the oldest and largest international software piracy rings on the Internet.
He was the head of a software piracy group known as DrinkOrDie, which provided pirated items over the internet, such as the latest movies, games, software and applications.

Readings

Top 12 Ways to Protect Your Online Privacy

This website has list of tips to help one protect themself from the dangers of the internet. It discussed things such as not replying to SPAM, revealing your information to people you don’t know, being wary of sites that ask you for personal details etc. The tips are very helpful and should be taken into consideration when using the internet.

Ethics in Computing - Social Justice Issues
This site provided some links to information regarding privacy in the workplace.

Computer Viruses and the Internet

This reading provided a link to a PDF document detailing the history of computer viruses. Furthermore this document outlines the viruses and worms that users may be susceptible to on the internet. In addition it discusses the the development of the internet through history.

Brown & Michael's - Overview of Intellectual Property

This site provides some good information on how to protect your intellectual property. It main focus is on discussing Patents, Trademarks, Copyright and trade secrets. This site also explains the process one must go through to protect personal property.

Reading (URL) - Music, Copyright & The Internet

This reading provides a link to a site containing frequently asked questions about the copyright laws relating to the exchange of music on the Internet.


Email Attachments and Viruses

This site provides information about email attachments you should never open. It outlines what to look for when deciding if an email attachment has a virus. This site also reveals some of the effects viruses attached to emails can have on a PC and private information.

Week 11 - Building Knowledge

Lecture

This lecture discussed building knowledge and the steps from data to information to knowledge. Justine explained the differences between data, information and knowledge in relation to what they are and how they are developed from one another.Data can be described as purely facts. For example prices, exchange rates, or sports results.Information provides meaning to the data. For example the information found in books or on the web that have been developed through the data and have given meaning to inform the reader.Knowledge is the information that we own and understand. Once the data has been developed into information and consumed by the reader, it becomes their knowledge. Justine then discussed how to apply data, information and knowledge in our study.
The information and data is found when we do our research, compiling all statistics and fact to construct informationOnce we absorb the information, in understanding it we acquire knowledge to expand and discuss the information in a way that one understands it and in putting one’s own judgement and ideas to discussing the given topic.

Workshop

Definitions
Data: A fact or proposition.
Information: A collection of facts or data that relate to each other.
Knowledge: The sum or range of what had been discovered or learnt.

Collecting data and information translates to gaining knowledge on a particular topic.

Data=Information=Knowledge

Data, information, knowledge and study
Data, information and knowledge is the key to study success. Beg able to collect reliable data on a topic allows you to back up yours ideas, opinions and judgements with proven facts. With data comes information. Having credible information sources once again allows you to back up your ideas, opinions and judgements and proves to those around you you have thoroughly researched your topic. Knowledge is the result of researching good data and information. Having extensive knowledge on a particular topic demands respects and its the key to solving problems and forming conclusions.

Organisations which collect information for public viewing
Proquest 5000
cricinfo.com
wikipedia.org
britanica online
google.com

There are a number of reasons why organisations such as the ones mentioned above collect information for public viewing. The main reasons is for financial benefit as people are willing to pay money to acquire whatever information they need. organisations like Proquest 5000 collect mostly academic information which is likely to be accessed by students, teachers and other academics. Cricinfo.com on the other hand is a site dedicated to providing scores and stats on everything related to cricket. These organisations are very important in today's society. Almost any sort of information can be accessed through the organisations mentioned above. One of the greatest advantages of using these organisations as a source for information is that they are online and can be accessed at anytime and unlike books are updated regularly.

Readings

Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom
This website basically discusses the connections between data, information, knowledge and wisdom. It also goes into depth, explaining what each component is and how they are developed.

Information Literacy A tutorial on Information Literacy

This site provides information on the development, organisation and the application of knowledge. It demonstrates how to develop data and information into knowledge. For example, information and data must be organised before it can be fully understood.

Data, Information & Knowledge - Dr Jim Mullaney

Mullaney defines and presents the meaning of data, information and knowledge. He gives examples which outline the meaning of these terms. It explains how collected and analyse data produces knowledge that then can be used to form conclusions. This document gives a clear outline of these terms and encourages the reader to apply this information by asking questions about the reasons for collecting data.

Week 10 - Online Libraries & Databases

Lecture


This weeks lecture discussed online libraries and databases. It was explained to us why online libraries are useful and how they work. Some examples were shown to us such as electronic journals and books. In addition the advantages and disadvantages of online libraries were examined as well as copyright issues.
Online databases were then discussed in contrast. It was described to us what an online database was and their various forms such as email directories, maps and atlases and government information and statistics sites. Then as discussed with online libraries, some disadvantages and advantages of databases were covered. Online databases and online libraries were portrayed as very reliable mediums of finding authentic and credible information as the searches are filtered critically unlike search engines.



Workshop

Search by resource type eg. books, journals and websites. This is useful when looking for a specific resource and making sure the titles that are found are relevant.

Getting started at the library. This is good for students new to the library who wants to find out where to start.

The quick catalogue search feature is valuable to a user who wants to go directly to information in the catalogue.

The option to search past exam paper makes this available when it might necessarily not been thought of.

Journal Articles (Databases) provides a link to the ECU database home page, which contains databases filled with academic information on a variety topics

Websites provides a link to frequently used websites.

Library Resources by Faculty provides a link to the library sections dedicated to particular facilities at ECU such as business and law, education and arts etc.

Library Pod Casts. This provides links to pod casts available on the library catalogue.

Loans Services. This provides a link that enables one to manage their loans of library material.

Liberty. This information is to assist in making a search more efficient.

Who might use the MEDline plus interactive tutorials what may they get from it?

Younger students may find this information useful that other or those who are looking for a broad overview of health issues. The content isn't very in depth in context for for maybe those studying medicine as the information is described very much in Lamans terms which makes it very easy to understand. Therefore those looking for simplicity in descriptions of health issues and other information would find this very useful.

Readings

Week 9 - Using Search Engines

Lectures

Week nine’s lecture discusses using search engines, enabling us to research efficiently and effectively for study. It was described to us what a search engine was and then what a directory. A search engine is based on electronic functions; whereas a directory is filtered by humans. A variety of search engines were presented to us, for example yahoo.com, altavista.com and of course google.com. It was explained search engines generate information from the keywords we provide. Some problems that exist with search engines were also discussed, such as the results being too broad and not relevant to ones chosen topic and that there a too many results. A search engines construction was also revealed and we were shown the tools which make up a search engine's interface. The different ways to type queries were also discussed.



Workshop

List four strategies that will help structure a good search.

1. Use unusual and or specific words to narrow down your search.

2. Use multiple search engines instead of sticking to one.

3. Include symbols such as quotation marks, plus and minus signs in your querie to specify what you are looking for. For example if you are researching jaguars in context of a cat, instead of typing just "jaguar" use "jaguar + cat".

4. Use as many words as you can to narrow down the search and to get exactly what you want in the search results.

Complete the online quiz found at Siteseen.co.uk and list the answers to the questions.

Answers

Inca
Violet
Birchard
Alfred Lord Tennyson
Sea shells
Maps
Giacomo Puccini
Volcano
Basenji
Hieronymus Bosch
Waterloo
Ant
Leo
Siam
Mushroom
Orangutan
Pluto
Benito
Lizard
Napolean Bonaparte

Discuss the strategies you used to locate answers to the quiz.

The main stradegy I had was to use quotation marks and plus signs to narrow down the querie. It was helpful as I could find the phrases I wanted next to a another phrase I wanted through putting one phrase in quotation marks and the other in quotation marks then connecting them through the plus sign. Othe than that, just typing in the keywords of the question worked out fine.

Readings


The Spiders Apprentice

This site assists with some of the difficulties faced when using online search engines. It covers the basics of research on search engines for beginners. It suggests that one should analyse what one is trying to look for specifically for typing any queries. For example for broad topics, directories would be useful because the results are more critically filtered. It also covers areas such as refining a search, explains the use of metadata and ranking, and discusses different types of search engines, which are useful and why.

Search Engine Watch Tutorial

Search Engine Watch Tutorial covers types of word searches such as Boolean searches, refined word searches, extending the range of returned results and the use of related terms when searching. Therefore giving the reader a better understanding in how to do an effective search.


Web Search Strategies

This article is a resource for search engine information and tips. This site explains the Free Visible Web, Free Invisible Web and paid databases in the context of analysing which one would be effective in which search situation. It explains when to use a search database and when to use a search engines and gives clear examples of each making the information provided clear and easy to understand. It discusses a range of techniques and hint in typing a query in a search engine. It also list useful tips such as trying to guess the name of a site, using several search tools and to read the search tip information given in the search engine help.

The History of the Internet: (Chap 4 – Search Engines)

This article demonstrates how the first search engine originated with Archie, which employed the use of spider searching, to the development of gopher in 1981. The article goes into detail of how the use of search engines has developed through time.

Week 8 - Evaluation & Authentication

Lecture

Week eight's lecture focused on analysing information on the net to determine whether the content is authentic and reliable. Due to the fact that the internet is open protocol, Justine emphasised that it is essential to create a research system which allows you to distinguish factual information from false information; for example a evaluative criteria. In creating a criteria will ensure that the information one obtains is reliable and relevant to their topic. Furthermore Justine discussed what to look for when decided whether a piece of information is reliable on not.

Workshop

Describe in your own words the strategies covered on the ICYouSee Critical Thinking website.

1) Make sure you are in the right place

When searching for information on the web, ask yourself if it the most efficient place to be searching. If finding what you are after would be quicker another way, then wasting time searching the web is unnecessary. Not all information can be found on the web. It may be easier to search a state library for example, for historical information which may to old to be found on the web.

2) When in doubt, doubt

Question any information found on the web and try to establish it's reliability before believing it. Check other sources to see how the site compares, consider whether there are any references for the site and check any links that are given.

3) Consider the source

Consider who is responsible for a site and what their qualifications are. Looking at the URL can give some information on the site such as a .gov; will mean it's more reliable than one on the same topic with a tilde (~) in it's domain name as these represent a personal site. Look to see if the creator of the site is contactable and always try to establish whether or not they are experts in the subject.

4) Know what's happening

Be aware of the hidden intent of some web pages. Sometimes bias is obvious but can also be well disguised. Look consciously as that a site may be trying to manipulate your opinion. Consider the sponsors for the site and if it is their intent to sell something rather than give factual information.

5) Look at details

Reflect on whether the site looks professional. Dose it contain spelling or grammatical errors? Is the site serious with an focus on content rather than extravagant graphics and has put more time into the look of the site rather than the reliability of information.

6) Distinguish Web pages from pages found on the Web

Know the difference between Web pages and pages found on the web. Always question information that you read as it may be written by an expert but still contain bias. News and magazine articles may be available online but not published especially for the web. Considering where information is from will be useful in establishing it's creator and their intent.

Evaluation

American Cultural History: 1960 - 1969

Accuracy

The site has been created by the Kingwood College Library which gives an indication that the information should be of an academic type. The site also contains a number of links to other sites all which appear to be academic as well as references at the end of each section. Furthermore the site was last updated in December 2006 which means that the information should be current.

Purpose

Thew purpose of this site is stated early on in the text, this being “to help the user gain a broad understanding and appreciation for the culture and history of the 1960s”. This statement indicates that this site only wants to provide information which will enable the reader to gain a “broad understanding and appreciation for the culture and history of the 1960s”. The word “broad” indicates that the content should be objective and not biased.

Authorship

The author of this site appears to be the Kingwood College Library so the information should be academic. To further confirm the authenticity of this site all the information referred to comes from an academic background.

Detail and design

This site is detailed with current and relevant information. There are no errors with in the text and all links work correctly. The design of the site is of high standard and easy to navigate.

Overall worth

This site provides very authentic information as it has a credible author. The site doesn’t seem portray bias and would allow a reader to find suitable information on gaining a broad understanding and appreciation for the culture and history of the 1960s. I would recommend this site as a good resource.

Week 7 - Using the WWW

Lecture

Week seven's lecture discussed using the World Wide Web. Initially, Justine covered a comparison between the internet and the net . I learnt that the web is merely a system that is based through the internet to provide information such as documents, sounds and videos; whereas the internet is a framework consisting of computers, cables and a series of connections. In addition it was explained that the World Wide Web is a system of computers around the world which have been stored with accessible information.
Protocols of the web were also discussed, such as HTTP as well as domains .com , .net and .edu which helped to understand what kind of information we would expect to find on a website with certain domains. A variety of different web browsers were shown to us, such as Netscape and Internet Explorer and a list of quick key shortcuts for us to use while on the net to help us work a little more efficiently.

Workshop

After reviewing the sites http://haggishunt.scotsman.com/ and http://www.molossia.org/ I concluded that although these two sites appear to be authentic they are however fake, websites designed to generate interest but not be taken seriously. There were a number of things about these websites which brought me to this conclusion.

• Both sites appear to authentic however additional research suggests that the information contained in these sites is in fact false and not relevant to anything in today's world.
• The site haggishunt.scotsman.com talks about a creature similar to a platypus however additional research proves that no such creature exists.
• Huggishunt.scotsman.com contains a significant amount of advertising which could suggest that the site has only been set up for financial benefit.
• Both sites claim to be 'official' however their construction and the information contained within them do not represent an official website.

Martin Luther King website My first thoughts
Before accessing this site http://www.martinlutherking.org/ I expected to find a site which focused on the life and achievements of Martin Luther King. The web address indicated that the site had been established by some organisation of which I assumed was working to continue the good work of the great man. At no stage did I expect the website to be at all critical of Martin Luther King.

My first impression
My first impression of this website was that it was very dark and gloomy. In the middle of the page was a video clip labelled The Brothas' Be Peaceful In Da' Hood which showed Negro people fighting each other. I thought it very strange that a clip of this sort would be featured in a website dedicated to Martin Luther King. Furthermore the writing in the website was very derogatory with quotes such as "Why the King Holiday Should be Repealed". I also thought this to be very strange and it was then that I began to realise that perhaps this site had been set up to condemn Martin Luther King.

My assessment of this site
After spending some time studying this website and reading the articles within it i have come to the conclusion that this site has been established to denounce Martin Luther King. It is possible that this website was created by an organisation such as the ku klux clan who are a racist organisation against Negro’s. Personally i disagree with the views of this particular website as I believe Martin Luther King was a great man who fought for justice and equality between all races.

Readings


History of the WWW
This reading provides a time line of the history of the web from 1945 to 1995. It contains many interesting facts on the origins of the web and its advancements over the years.

History of the World-wide Web
This reading provides a history of the Internet as well as a history on search engines

Week 6 - End Note

Lecture

This week was all about Endnote, a helpful program for referencing our assessments. The program was defined as a databse that can be used as a reference manager or a bibliography make. Also discussed was the 2 ways that Endnote could be used, as a standalone program or being used through MS Word "cite as you write".

We were taught how it works what it does and the different applications with the program.

Justine also gave us a demonstration on how End Note worked.

Workshop

We were given a few references to put into end note and create our own library.

I had to open a new reference and plug in all the details about the reference eg. Author, year of publish, pages etc.In doing this Endnote automatically references the information in the style and source you choose.The hardest part about this was that i wasn't sure about what kind of source it was, but I guess the main purpose of this workshop was to just introduce us to Endnote and how to use it.