Last video and summary!

To end my blog post, I shall post a video of me attempting the keyboard. It is my first time attempting a song on the keyboard so hope you guys like it. The song I'm playing is called Arabesque, composed by Johann Friedrich Burgmuller. Pardon the bad video quality!


         

Summary of what I have learnt!

Week 1: For my first post, I wrote about the coach bunker being a useful tool to store your weapons and your valuables. I posted some pictures and a video to illustrate the usefulness of this coach. This taught me that technology goes in many forms. 

Week 2: As for this week, I compared the functions of using Facebook places and Foursquare as a location finder tool, and to see whether which application is better. I personally attempted both apps and concluded that both of them serve different markets somehow and none is better than the other. 

Week 3: I decided to post about how Spotify has brought music sharing to greater heights through its integration with Facebook. I have only started using this music service after seeing my friends using it, which shows that SNS do influence people to start using music services. Music sharing is even more connected as I get to know my friends' music tastes and to share my music with them as well!

Week 4: I posted on how convenient Qoo10 is for its online payment tools. Not only you can pay by cash in 7 eleven outlets or even through bank transfer, you can also pay through various credit card companies. After making payment, the website enables you to save your credit card details so that you need not retype each time you make a transaction.  

Week 5: I shared with you guys about useful e-learning tools, which is the Khan Academy. It allows users to browse through different subjects, and it is free of charge as long as you link through your google account, saving the hassle for users to register for an account in Khan. 

Week 6: I blogged about the use of Youtube as a good learning tool for our daily activities, from painting nail art designs to learning pretty hairstyles for different occasions to navigating through a zombie game. What more can you ask for?

Week 7: One of the most useful navigational and map tools is known as Google Earth, which allows users to browse through satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, galaxies and the ocean. It even allows you to go back to ancient countries and explore them in detail. I have heard of Google Earth from my friends, but did not really try it. So, trying this software personally enables me to know the world at my fingertips.

Week 8: I have learnt that cybercrime can be done in 3 methods, which are using the computer as an target, a weapon and as an accessory, to spread viruses, conduct fraud and illegal gambling and to steal confidential information respectively. Moreover, I have always thought that cybercrime must be done by professional, but in fact, most of these crimes are done by inexperienced teenagers. 

Week 9: I shared the usefulness of CNN IBN and Stomp to encourage citizen journalists to share interesting stories to the public. Thanks to Stomp, I actually get to know bizarre or ridiculous stories that some people attempt in public. Even though Stomp is more like a gossip magazine, it does increase my awareness of the happenings in Singapore. 

Week 10: I discussed about how Instagram is being used frequently by Russian politicians to promote themselves and to instill a positive image in the citizens' minds. Photos enables people to connect with each more closely, especially if the photos give off a heartwarming and comfortable image. It shows the power of Instagram to make full use of the photos for politicians to instill a positive image in the citizens.

Week 11: I mentioned the usefulness of having web 3.0 in out lives, and how JARVIS can be a potential technology in the market. Won't it be great if machines can carry out tasks at their free will?  

Basically, this sums up everything I have posted throughout my entire semester. This is actually my first time blogging so many things within 3 months so it may seem quite mundane. Hope you guys like it!

Future of the Internet

Right now, we are still using web 2.0 more often. But, people are gradually moving to web 3.0! Who knows in the future inventors may come up with technologies that are far more advanced than before. Let me give you a brief overview of web 3.0.

          

So, what is the difference between web 2.0 and web 3.0? While web 2.0 enabled users to edit and publish information to the web, and is able to make use of social media to enhance viewer interactions, web 3.0 illustrates the use of machines to generate raw data for users. This allows the computer to complete tasks efficiently and effectively. For instance, search engines are able to search of the actual individual uses interest without relying on the keywords only.

What I am doing now - blogging, is considered as a web 2.0 function as I have to create and alter the information myself. What if my computer can automatically blogs for me upon my commands? Wouldn't that be great? Let me show you a ted talk about web 3.0, the future of internet.

                         

It would be great if we could have web 3.0 technologies similar to the J.A.R.V.I.S system, also known as Just Another Rather Very Intelligent System. Seeing JARVIS often remind you of the Iron Man movie somehow. It is an artificial intelligence system that mimics human thoughts and is able to understand human speech. Furthermore, it has the voice recognition function and is able to help out domestic chores. With a command, JARVIS can perform up to the best of its ability.  Let me show you 2 teasers videos of JARVIS.

          


          

Companies have been trying to come up with technologies that promotes web 3.0. Now, smartphones can download the Iron man 3D interactive wallpaper app in which there will be a JARVIS system notifying users of incoming mail, weather reports and missed calls. I believe, there will be more of such apps to come and soon, most of out technologies are part of the web 3.0 family. 

For more details: http://diaryofanelearner.com/2013/04/10/web-2-0-vs-web-3-0-what-really-is-the-difference/

Impact of Instagram on Politics

Normally, politicians will promote their election campaigns and political events through Facebook & Twitter. However, in Russia, Instagram has become a important platform for them to promote their campaigns and political standing.

It is obvious to everyone that politicians' aim is to establish a good image to the people so as to get more votes in the upcoming elections. Instagram's ability to enhance photos make it a perfect tool for politicians to promote themselves. For instance, sharing photos depicting intimate moments of their family will enable citizens relate to them as friendly and casual. This shows a clear difference in relationship between private and public culture and a unique aestheticism of political life.

Instagram page of Russia Prime Minister Dmitry Demedvedev

Up to date, Russia's Prime Minister Dmitry Demedvedev have the most followers among politicians, around 259k. Other than posting photos of his work life, he also spends some time uploading photos of his personal life.

Some photos uploaded by Demedvedev

If you notice, you will realize that most of his photos are culturally diverse, from scenery to Chinese opera. I believe his photos all have some hidden meaning - the scenery photos are meant to showcase the beauty of Russia. Moreover, closer look depicts that his photos contain a lot of serious, patriotic messages: Pictures reveal him attending conferences, visiting Russia's landmarks, or commemorations on Russian wars.

Instagram profile of Ramzan Kadyrov

Russian politician Ramzan Kadyrov willingly showcase his private life to the people, and he is established as a family-loving and talented person. For instance, he uploaded photos and videos of his family as well as his hobbies.

He succeeded in appealing to the masses that he has talent in horse-riding and is portrayed as a loving husband and doting father. This has won him the support of the Putin people.

Pictures of Kadyrov 

The saying "A picture speaks a thousand words", is true indeed. Photos are the best tool for politicians to portray what they want to say and to illustrate a positive image. Mainly communicating to the people verbally is not enough. Sometimes, it is good to let citizens have a peek into your private life to be able to relate to you better.

Let me end my post with a video that illustrates how Kadyrov promotes his piloting skills on a mini aircraft. It was really well done in my opinion.



For more details: http://calvertjournal.com/comment/show/1390/instagram-russia-kadyrov-medvedev-sobchak

Citizen Journalism - The future of news reporting

I am going to introduce you guys 2 citizen journalism platforms that people normally use to access local news. 

CNN IBN, one of India-leading news channels, empowers people to fight back the traditional system and be part of the news gathering process. Equipped with a camera and some basic journalistic support, this provide citizens a chance to inform the world of compelling stories. IBN features news on many categories, from elections to sports such as football.

Below features a video of a news report by a citizen journalist recounting a shocking account of a tea-shop selling spurious alcohol right under the nose of a police station.

The second video illustrates a case in which a bridge was built at a very cheap cost in Balrampur district.

Other than CNN IBN, Stomp is also considered as a Asia's leading citizen-journalism website with user-generated material fueling its success. It also allows users to comment and debate about an issue. 

Citizens will post bizarre news about locals and post in the site. Below shows an example of a car being sprayed with paint by loan sharks. 

http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/singaporeseen/this-urban-jungle/citizen-journalism-awards-month-3-loan-sharks-decorate-car-to-threaten-homeowner

Stomp also has a facebook page that allow users to get updates from their news feed instantly. They can share news that they find amusing in their news feed as well. 

To encourage citizens to post more news, Stomp often give citizen journalism awards to interesting posts by having other users to vote for their news in Facebook.

These 2 platforms though targeting different markets, but, are essentially focusing on local news. CNN IBN is more engaging as it allows citizens to experience what is it like to be a reporter and have to them report on actual events. On the other hand, in Stomp, users can get to know any interesting local news almost instantly. Citizens are free to share videos of such news online. While CNN IBN concentrates on all aspects of news, especially local ones, Stomp acts more like a gossip magazine.   

Cybercrime

Have you ever wondered what cybercrime is? Most of us are puzzled about what it is. Well, there are 3 definitions to it:

1. The computer as a target - attacking the computers of others (spreading viruses is an example).
2. The computer as a weapon - using a computer to commit "traditional crime" that we see in the physical world (such as fraud or illegal gambling).
3. The computer as an accessory - using a computer as a "fancy filing cabinet" to store illegal or stolen information.

Lately, most of the masterminds are teenagers and children. In fact, they need not to be highly skilled in order to hack your account; hacking tools are readily available on the web and once downloaded, even amateur users can hack your account in no time. 

Furthermore, teenagers start sharing their hacking tools and tips to other hackers, which makes hacking seem like a child's play, without considering that it is actually illegal. 

For more details: http://www.cybercitizenship.org/crime/crime.html 

I will be showing you a Ted talk that illustrates the 3 main types of online attacks

Though this video is quite long but it's really useful, do watch the entire video!

Cybercrime has also gone to mobile now! Watch the video and see how a simple app can make your smartphone into an espionage tool in the hands of criminals - record conversations, steal text messages, hack your accounts and spy on your private meetings. 

Given that hackers have so many tools and methods to hack into our accounts and endanger our privacy. What can we do to prevent them from happening? I shall list some of the intervention methods!

1. Use anti-virus software

2. Block unknown friend requests from social media sites

3. Have different email accounts - one for shopping info, another one for bank account details and so on

4. Ignore pop-ups

5. Two-step verification

6. Only shop online on secured sites

7. Don't click on unknown links

8. Don't store card details on websites

9. Different sites, different passwords

10. Lock down your Facebook account

For more details: http://www.mumbaimirror.com/mumbai/others/12-ways-to-protect-yourself-from-cyber-crime/articleshow/20025280.cms 

I will end my post with a video to enhance awareness on Cybercrime

Google Earth - The epitome of satellite imaging

I have always thought of Google Earth as a very useful internet tool for users to browse satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, galaxies and the ocean. Let me give you a walk-through on how to use this application!

Google Earth can be explored in 3 ways: The web, Mobile & your PC. 

I will using Google Earth on my desktop to guide you guys on how to use it. There are several features that the app provides!

After downloading the application, it looks like this!

Tips on how to use the app

1. Google Earth allows you to click on a country and explore pictures of their landmarks

There will be a search box for you to type in the location you want to explore, and the app gives you a satellite view. As you click on the red icon, it gives you an overview of the location!

2. But as you zoom in, the map gives you a street view of the interior of the mall

3. Google Earth allows you to explore space, planets, stars and constellations nearby 

4. The '3D Buildings' layer in Google Earth allows you to view 3D models of buildings, monuments, bridges, towers, fountains, museums, homes, etc. 

5. What makes this app so amazing is due to its ability to bring you back to Ancient Rome and have you experience what is it like in the past!  

6. Google Earth enables you to explore the moon as well!

7. Lastly, it allows you to explore the deep ocean!

With Google Earth, you need not travel to see these amazing places. I highly recommend you all to download it as it is free and interactive!

The use of Youtube as a useful learning tool

Traditionally, when the internet is still not available to others, people relied on lectures and workshops in which the trainer must be present. With the invention of the internet in the 1990s, people made use of online platforms to guide in learning. Videos not only serve educational purposes, it also teaches things that can be applied to daily activities. 

Let me put some videos as examples

This video illustrates a tutorial on Spring Braided Flower Hair

If you are interested in nail art, Youtube contains many tutorials contributed by many users, ranging from beginners to advanced techniques

If you are interested in PC games and don't know which are fun, feel free to watch the game-play tutorials and have the gist of it before trying it out! I would recommend Outlast if you guys are interested in psychological horror games. 

If you are not sure of which phone to get or want to know the functionality of a particular model without reading the manual. Youtube provides such videos as well!

The above video showcases a Pepsi commercial, which was really hilarious!

The video features the founder of project V.O.I.C.E, Sarah Kay, who teaches us the concept of not rushing through life!

Sometimes, users post videos of funny commercials or events for pleasure purposes. Or, posting inspirational videos to motivate people. Such videos are normally used as examples in class presentations to educate the class on specific topics. 

There are many other things that we can learn from Youtube alone! It has become a useful learning platform for users, which will continue to upgrade its tools for the better.