The subject of technology within the airport seemed very interesting to me and affects a large amount of people as the idea of travel is so popular among people in the US. When looking at the technology needed and used to run an airport, it's unbelievable.
Think about having the ability to know where each and every plane is in the sky at all times. To have on a computer screen, the ability to see every plane that is currently airborne... Think of the responsibility... I just find it interesting how we so willingly get on a plane and get lifted up thousands of feet without too much hesitation... but why should we hesitate when we have the kind of communication technology available that we do.
Again, I look at the umbrella perspective:
Here we notice the hardware-the communication technology itself, being the computers and radars used to detect the airplanes' locations. Then the software-messages/content of the communication technology, being whatever is being discussed... in this case tower-to-plane communication and vice versa. Also, the organizational infrastructure, being those involved... and in this case anybody aboard a plane or within the airports. This can be considered with the enabling factor, which is the computer technology and radar scanner used that make this application of communication technology possible.
I am going on a trip over January for an entire month to Amsterdam and will be getting on a plane for over 10 hours. I wont give the plane-ride too much thought with the technology aspect, but I will know that there is a lot of technology carefully looking out for the safety of the plane I am on... pretty interesting...
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
#12) Advancements in broadcasting
When I think about broadcasting and advancements with television, i think about the ability to communicate with so many people at one time. I think, technologically speaking, we have come a long way with the development of television broadcasting.
I want to discuss how far we have come with the idea of notifying people of emergencies such as weather emergencies... So many times, I have been looking and talking about communication in negative ways, just because with this class we are trying to fully understand the negative and positive issues of communication technology. But on the positive side, the ability to warn people of certain emergencies and issues with the use of television and the internet have been a very helpful invention. So many horrible things could have happened in certain situations if we didn't have the ability to inform others and ourselves with the click of a few buttons.
We constantly surround ourselves with the news with the uses of television, internet, magazine articles, etc. I look at all this from the umbrella perspective. Here we notice the hardware-the communication technology itself, being those examples I just gave. Then the software-messages/content of the communication technology, being whatever is being discussed... in this case weather emergencies. Also, the organizational infrastructure, being those involved... and in this case anybody in the area of the storm. All this can be considered with the enabling factor, which is the internet, television, and printing abilities that make this application of communication technology possible.
I just thought that this was a subject that was interesting to look into and discuss as it greatly has and will continue to affect us every single day. It will just be interesting to see how it continues to change as communication technology becomes more advanced...
I want to discuss how far we have come with the idea of notifying people of emergencies such as weather emergencies... So many times, I have been looking and talking about communication in negative ways, just because with this class we are trying to fully understand the negative and positive issues of communication technology. But on the positive side, the ability to warn people of certain emergencies and issues with the use of television and the internet have been a very helpful invention. So many horrible things could have happened in certain situations if we didn't have the ability to inform others and ourselves with the click of a few buttons.
We constantly surround ourselves with the news with the uses of television, internet, magazine articles, etc. I look at all this from the umbrella perspective. Here we notice the hardware-the communication technology itself, being those examples I just gave. Then the software-messages/content of the communication technology, being whatever is being discussed... in this case weather emergencies. Also, the organizational infrastructure, being those involved... and in this case anybody in the area of the storm. All this can be considered with the enabling factor, which is the internet, television, and printing abilities that make this application of communication technology possible.
I just thought that this was a subject that was interesting to look into and discuss as it greatly has and will continue to affect us every single day. It will just be interesting to see how it continues to change as communication technology becomes more advanced...
#11) Online Churches....?
As of late, I have been reading more into the idea of an online church and the idea of having an online Christian community... if there is such a thing.
This website has "over 365 billion possibilities...what will God send you." The site will randomly send you a sermon to listen to, as well as you having the ability invite-a-friend, tithe, send prayer requests, receive a special salvation message, and many other things.
With sites like this one, all I feel like we are doing, is sending people away from Christianity and the understanding of what it means to be a Christian and a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. In my opinion, the only positive thing that can come out of an online "community" is itself a place where people can go online and discuss issues when they are not able to meet in person. I would then consider that a community but only if that community has some person-to-person contact within a period of time.
I look at this with a perspective of Jacques Ellul. Ellul talks about how he values the spoken word over the written one. The online church, otherwise seen as the image, "can be accurate or inaccurate but not true or false. Only words can be true or false. ...We run into trouble when we confuse image with truth." He goes on to talk about how the word instructs us about the image.
I just feel that in situations like this, where we are saying that it is okay to only attend an online church and skip the whole meaning of community, then we are sending incorrect messages as Christians. Community needs to be understood as a gathering where two or more people meet in person to discuss with one another. And as a church, as a body of Christ, we need to draw people into the church so that they can be warmly welcomed into a community of believers.
Ellul asks us a couple of question:
1. As media becomes more image oriented will it separate us further from truth, if so, what are the implications?
This website
With sites like this one, all I feel like we are doing, is sending people away from Christianity and the understanding of what it means to be a Christian and a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. In my opinion, the only positive thing that can come out of an online "community" is itself a place where people can go online and discuss issues when they are not able to meet in person. I would then consider that a community but only if that community has some person-to-person contact within a period of time.
I look at this with a perspective of Jacques Ellul. Ellul talks about how he values the spoken word over the written one. The online church, otherwise seen as the image, "can be accurate or inaccurate but not true or false. Only words can be true or false. ...We run into trouble when we confuse image with truth." He goes on to talk about how the word instructs us about the image.
1. As media becomes more image oriented will it separate us further from truth, if so, what are the implications?
2. What challenges does this present to us as Christians if seeing is believing becomes the norm?
I think this very important to think about to ourselves with media and the online church and what all the implications and challenges might be... especially as new communication technologies continue to become more advanced. Just something to think about...Thursday, November 15, 2007
#10) Why would future generations ever have to leave their home?
We have done such a great job creating so many new communication technologies, that we have created a world for the future that allows people to live their life online and away from the world. Email, Facebook, Ebay, Google, Online food services, Online stores/restaurants, online businesses, games like second life. We have created this culture that tells the rest of the world to stay in the comfortable safety of your home and we'll bring everything to you. Don't come out into the world, we'll bring the world to you.
We are setting ourselves up for failure. What is face-to-face communication? Pretty soon that will be the least efficient and most uncommon way of communicating with other people.
George Simmel discusses social distance and the idea of these new communication technologies having the ability to discourage the way we communicate. We are moving away from a world of communication with other people and into a world of complete online messaging.
These technologies are moving so rapidly. Why? Because there is a direct relationship between new communication technologies and the pace of life. Fast, fast, fast. As well as there being a direct relationship between new communication technologies convenience. Now, now, now. In our society, we live without the principle of patience. We live for ourselves and only ourselves. We are selfish, arrogant, and egotistical people who are falling farther away from the truth. We can't hear God's voice like we use to. It's not because He's not there, but it's because we're not listening.
Throw away these technologies.
Open your eyes, open your ears, open your heart.
God's watching. God's listening. God's knocking.
Not when things slow down, not later... but now! What are we waiting for?
We are setting ourselves up for failure. What is face-to-face communication? Pretty soon that will be the least efficient and most uncommon way of communicating with other people.
George Simmel discusses social distance and the idea of these new communication technologies having the ability to discourage the way we communicate. We are moving away from a world of communication with other people and into a world of complete online messaging.
These technologies are moving so rapidly. Why? Because there is a direct relationship between new communication technologies and the pace of life. Fast, fast, fast. As well as there being a direct relationship between new communication technologies convenience. Now, now, now. In our society, we live without the principle of patience. We live for ourselves and only ourselves. We are selfish, arrogant, and egotistical people who are falling farther away from the truth. We can't hear God's voice like we use to. It's not because He's not there, but it's because we're not listening.
Throw away these technologies.
Open your eyes, open your ears, open your heart.
God's watching. God's listening. God's knocking.
Not when things slow down, not later... but now! What are we waiting for?
#9) Internet, a bad thing ...a good thing ...or a great thing?
How can one call an idea like the internet a bad thing? But how can someone call an idea that enables people of all ages to receive pornography within seconds a good thing or even a great thing? What about illegal file sharing/downloading? How affective and efficient is the email system and what would the world be like without it after my generation has known nothing but an age of its existence? Could businesses function now days without the idea of websites and online advertising? Would some, like the music industry, want to? There are so many questions that attack one another on both sides of the spectrum. The internet is a bad thing, a good thing, and a great thing all at once.
1. What is the problem to which this technology is the solution?
2. Which people and what institutions might be most seriously harmed by a technological solution?
3. What new problems might be created because we have solved this problem?
4. What sort of people and institutions might acquire special economic and political power because of technological change?
Neil Postman asks these questions in order to get us to think.
To think if we really need these new communication technologies like the internet.
To have the ability to fight the bad, and find the good.
To help people, in my opinion, succeed in a world that has been devoured by technology, without the use of technology.
To live truthfully and in a way that God wants us to.
The internet has too many bad things, good things, and great things about it that would take me forever to tell and I still wouldn't get them all. It's just important that you use the internet and other communication technologies only in ways that would be pleasing to God and that you know when to stay away from the bad.
The internet.... it's about personal judgment. And with good personal judgment, the internet is a great thing.
1. What is the problem to which this technology is the solution?
2. Which people and what institutions might be most seriously harmed by a technological solution?
3. What new problems might be created because we have solved this problem?
4. What sort of people and institutions might acquire special economic and political power because of technological change?
Neil Postman asks these questions in order to get us to think.
To think if we really need these new communication technologies like the internet.
To have the ability to fight the bad, and find the good.
To help people, in my opinion, succeed in a world that has been devoured by technology, without the use of technology.
To live truthfully and in a way that God wants us to.
The internet has too many bad things, good things, and great things about it that would take me forever to tell and I still wouldn't get them all. It's just important that you use the internet and other communication technologies only in ways that would be pleasing to God and that you know when to stay away from the bad.
The internet.... it's about personal judgment. And with good personal judgment, the internet is a great thing.
#8) Video Game Technology
Video game technology has changed greatly since the beginning where the atari was introduced in 1972 until today with the invention of the playstation 3 which has high definition and blue-ray capabilities. But not everyone is ready to dig deep into this idea of blueray just yet. This really goes along with Roger's diffusion theory as we will be able to see in the near future who will be within the early majority, late majority, and who will continue to be resistant to change as laggards.
Video games have always been popular and coninue to be to this day because of the new communication technologies that are becoming more popular in demand, i.e: high definition. We also look at the invention of the Nintendo Wii and its new and different capabilities which has greatly changed the virtual entertainment world. The new wii controllers are motion-censored and can relay the motions you make with the controller onto the game screen, allowing for more physical gameplay. However, there are definitely pros and cons to this...
What are the pros? Well, many doctors see this as good therapy as it is getting teenagers of their butts and moving while playing the video games that are consuming these kids social lives. Instead of people staying seated in one position, the wii gives a new meaning to the words, interactive gaming.
You mean there are cons? Yes, as hard to believe with these incredibly new communication technological capabilities, we do recognize some issues that may occur from such a game type. With new war, violent, and shooting games being created for the wii, kids are now creating killing motions such as moving the gun towards someone's head and firing, or taking a sword and cutting someone to their death.
These new game systems are catching the eye of gamers all over the world, however, because of their unique abilities and graphics. We have come along way from the atari to the nintendo entertainment system until today with the Playstation 3, Xbox360, and the nintendo wii.
It's hard to know what to think myself, since I have played and continue to play video games my entire life. It does get my thinking though, when I look at Sochay's immuatble laws and see the inverse relationship between these new communication technologies and the ability to hear God's voice. After playing a video game for quite sometime, it gets me thinking what I could have done better with my time or how much I could have read in the bible during that time. It's scary to see how these new technologies have the ability to take over our spiritual lives.
It will be very interesting to see how video gaming will affect the future for our generation and future generations. Are these new communication technologies a good thing or a bad thing?
Video games have always been popular and coninue to be to this day because of the new communication technologies that are becoming more popular in demand, i.e: high definition. We also look at the invention of the Nintendo Wii and its new and different capabilities which has greatly changed the virtual entertainment world. The new wii controllers are motion-censored and can relay the motions you make with the controller onto the game screen, allowing for more physical gameplay. However, there are definitely pros and cons to this...
What are the pros? Well, many doctors see this as good therapy as it is getting teenagers of their butts and moving while playing the video games that are consuming these kids social lives. Instead of people staying seated in one position, the wii gives a new meaning to the words, interactive gaming.
You mean there are cons? Yes, as hard to believe with these incredibly new communication technological capabilities, we do recognize some issues that may occur from such a game type. With new war, violent, and shooting games being created for the wii, kids are now creating killing motions such as moving the gun towards someone's head and firing, or taking a sword and cutting someone to their death.
These new game systems are catching the eye of gamers all over the world, however, because of their unique abilities and graphics. We have come along way from the atari to the nintendo entertainment system until today with the Playstation 3, Xbox360, and the nintendo wii.
It's hard to know what to think myself, since I have played and continue to play video games my entire life. It does get my thinking though, when I look at Sochay's immuatble laws and see the inverse relationship between these new communication technologies and the ability to hear God's voice. After playing a video game for quite sometime, it gets me thinking what I could have done better with my time or how much I could have read in the bible during that time. It's scary to see how these new technologies have the ability to take over our spiritual lives.
It will be very interesting to see how video gaming will affect the future for our generation and future generations. Are these new communication technologies a good thing or a bad thing?
Friday, October 26, 2007
#7) What's the news?
What is the news? I guess this is directed towards the youth in this world... Do you read the newspaper? Do you sit up at night with your parents and watch Dave Dahl or whoever the heck is talking about weather?... Do you really care? well, no.
I don't see why we would... but we should. I can't tell you the last time I sat down to read the paper or turned on the television and watched an entire news episode. Why?... because it's so boring. As young adults, we want action, we don't want stock information. Why watch ch.5 news when we can watch ESPN football games or TNT's movie of the night... What does the newspaper have to do with us and our own selfish desires? We don't care about the world do we? We don't want to know about the war efforts where men and women are giving their lives for us while we sit around watching football because we have the freedom to do so.
So, why is this? Well, it has to do with how society gives the news in a way that only attracts one generation. There needs to be a way to get the news across to all ages in ways that peak their interests the way that sports do, the way that t.v. shows do. There is so much variety with t.v shows that allow for many people to watch whatever they want. Talk shows are great because they are comical yet somewhat informative... but they never really cover serious issues. What if the news could reach out to multiple generations with a sense of comedy and relief? Why does the news always have to be so negative and full of bad news.
Nevertheless, it's important that we as part of a younger generation try to fill ourselves with as much worldly news as possible. It is very helpful for everyone if you know what is happening in the very state you reside, the very nation, the very continent, the world as we know it. Fill yourself with knowledge of you surroundings so that you don't only turn to news when terrorism attacks or tragedy strikes... what hypocrites are we if we have the nerve to say how sorry we are for victims in a war we know nothing about...
Read. Watch. Learn. Be a part of the world.
I don't see why we would... but we should. I can't tell you the last time I sat down to read the paper or turned on the television and watched an entire news episode. Why?... because it's so boring. As young adults, we want action, we don't want stock information. Why watch ch.5 news when we can watch ESPN football games or TNT's movie of the night... What does the newspaper have to do with us and our own selfish desires? We don't care about the world do we? We don't want to know about the war efforts where men and women are giving their lives for us while we sit around watching football because we have the freedom to do so.
So, why is this? Well, it has to do with how society gives the news in a way that only attracts one generation. There needs to be a way to get the news across to all ages in ways that peak their interests the way that sports do, the way that t.v. shows do. There is so much variety with t.v shows that allow for many people to watch whatever they want. Talk shows are great because they are comical yet somewhat informative... but they never really cover serious issues. What if the news could reach out to multiple generations with a sense of comedy and relief? Why does the news always have to be so negative and full of bad news.
Nevertheless, it's important that we as part of a younger generation try to fill ourselves with as much worldly news as possible. It is very helpful for everyone if you know what is happening in the very state you reside, the very nation, the very continent, the world as we know it. Fill yourself with knowledge of you surroundings so that you don't only turn to news when terrorism attacks or tragedy strikes... what hypocrites are we if we have the nerve to say how sorry we are for victims in a war we know nothing about...
Read. Watch. Learn. Be a part of the world.
#6) Convenience vs. Communication Effectiveness
Facebook, Myspace, Email, Instant messaging, text-messaging... All of these efficient communication technologies are so much quicker and easier than hand-writing a letter or calling someone on the phone. Why have we done away with actual voice-recognition communication or personal penmanship and reverted to these typed out misleading messages?
For me, if I wanted to contact someone out of state, the best way would be to call them. I am not saying that email is bad or sometimes not the best way to communicate. But usually, if I am trying to get a hold of someone out of state, then I probably haven't talked to them in a while... so why would I choose to type out a message that really can't explain emotions the way a phone-call can. It's very interesting to see how communication has greatly changed do to the creation of email.
So, what does it mean? How can we continue to use one of the greatest technological inventions, in my opinion, without losing deep meaning within communication? It is hard, that's for sure... But we need to understand that one can feel better about the conversation they are having with someone if they can hear the expression and the tone in his/her voice. I love to email, text-message, facebook message, and instant message because it's easy and efficient. However, I find it discouraging to hear when people only converse with others by those means. With so much communication technology out there in the world, it is easy to get caught up in it and forget about real effective communication.
I just challenge people to take a look at the way they are using means of communication and see if they can create more opportunities to pick up that phone or pull out a piece of paper and a pen rather than to sit at a computer and type up a message that doesn't contain as much meaning. Ironic, though, isn't it?... that I am typing out a blog post on the ineffectiveness of communication based on the very means I am using to get my point across...
....that's something to think about...
For me, if I wanted to contact someone out of state, the best way would be to call them. I am not saying that email is bad or sometimes not the best way to communicate. But usually, if I am trying to get a hold of someone out of state, then I probably haven't talked to them in a while... so why would I choose to type out a message that really can't explain emotions the way a phone-call can. It's very interesting to see how communication has greatly changed do to the creation of email.
So, what does it mean? How can we continue to use one of the greatest technological inventions, in my opinion, without losing deep meaning within communication? It is hard, that's for sure... But we need to understand that one can feel better about the conversation they are having with someone if they can hear the expression and the tone in his/her voice. I love to email, text-message, facebook message, and instant message because it's easy and efficient. However, I find it discouraging to hear when people only converse with others by those means. With so much communication technology out there in the world, it is easy to get caught up in it and forget about real effective communication.
I just challenge people to take a look at the way they are using means of communication and see if they can create more opportunities to pick up that phone or pull out a piece of paper and a pen rather than to sit at a computer and type up a message that doesn't contain as much meaning. Ironic, though, isn't it?... that I am typing out a blog post on the ineffectiveness of communication based on the very means I am using to get my point across...
....that's something to think about...
Thursday, October 25, 2007
#5) Is image distorting reality?
Movies...movies...movies. Who doesn't enjoy action, romantic, sci-fi, and comedy films? Movies have become one of the biggest forms of entertainment in our society. I love movies of all kinds and just get wrapped up in the stories that are so beautifully orchestrated by the directors. If you don't get entirely caught up and lost in Lord of the Rings, then I personally think there is something wrong with you. There are movies out there that are meant to challenge the mind on higher levels of thinking. Some are just created for comedic relief that help people escape the demanding and quick pace of life. Some are even based on true stories or on actual events. And there are definitely some that are completely fiction. A lot of times it's hard to determine the meaning of a certain film and to be able to pick out parts in which you can apply to your own life. Basically, the point I am trying to make is that media is so image-oriented and is consistently growing at a rapid pace.
I am not saying by any means that movies can't be influential or have a deep meaning that really challenge people. There are definitely a lot of movies out there that do just such a thing. However, there are also movies made just to entertain and not to inform and it is a very important thing to be able to pick out truth and what I would say reality. According to Jacques Ellul, Image is related to reality (sight, space), and word is what is related to truth (hearing, times). He says, "Image can be accurate or inaccurate but not true or false." This is a very unique concept that can actually challenge one's faith, which is why we need to be aware of this.
These are two quotes by Jacques Ellul:
2) What challenges does this present to us as Christians if seeing is believing becomes the norm?
I am not saying by any means that movies can't be influential or have a deep meaning that really challenge people. There are definitely a lot of movies out there that do just such a thing. However, there are also movies made just to entertain and not to inform and it is a very important thing to be able to pick out truth and what I would say reality. According to Jacques Ellul, Image is related to reality (sight, space), and word is what is related to truth (hearing, times). He says, "Image can be accurate or inaccurate but not true or false." This is a very unique concept that can actually challenge one's faith, which is why we need to be aware of this.
These are two quotes by Jacques Ellul:
…sight and language determine two different kinds of thinking. Language, which is written, involves a long, careful process. My eyes follow the words one after the other, and thus a sequence of understandings are connected to each other. Thought develops according to the axis of this sequence of words. I receive knowledge progressively as the elements of what I am trying to understand link up in succession. Ideas are gradually laid bare as I follow the sentence. The sentence unfolds within a given time span, so that my knowledge necessarily takes the form of step-by-step reasoning. My knowledge progresses by following the curves of this language, assuming a certain continuity in the sentence and rationality in the relationship between words.
…images link themselves up to each other in a manner that is neither logical nor reasonable. We proceed by association of images and their successive changes. The aspects of an image that change in this process have to do exclusively with the spectacle in its present moment. They are never a logical sequence. … it is not the characteristics of electronic signals which have made the difference, but the manner in which images follow each other. When we think by means of images … each image is a totality, and the sequence progresses by fits and starts.
Problems really start to occur when we begin to confuse the ideas of image with that of truth.
If we look at the film, The DaVinci Code, as truth, then we are going to greatly confuse non-believers with what is actually true. The movie is a great fiction film, but that's all it is... it doesn't in any way explain our beliefs as Christians.
Jacques asks two questions for us :
1) As media becomes more image oriented will it separate us further from truth, if so, what are the implications?
2) What challenges does this present to us as Christians if seeing is believing becomes the norm?
These questions are not easily answered by any means, but we need to think about them so when a time comes in our lives when we need to answer it, we will know how to. I would say, that if we have a strong faith, then we shouldn't need to worry about images seperating us further from truth. However, we need to make sure that non-believers, who it is our job to minister to, know that truth and how to look past the images and to the word. 'Seeing is believing' becoming the norm would propse many problems as for it would take away the very thing that defines faith. I don't think that it will ever become the norm but it is not one thing to just let go. We need to make sure we are constantly growing in our faith... a good idea is to find people to stay accountable with.
Media really can challenge one's faith and we just need to make sure that we are ready for the situations placed in front of us and have the ability to answer difficult questions about it asked.
John 20:29: Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe
Thursday, October 4, 2007
#4) Got high def?
Communication technology is constantly being adapted and changed throughout society at all times. Television is one of those major changes. I know that through my lifetime I have seen television sets just get larger in diameter and smaller in depth... T.V.'s will be one of those continually developing technologies from beginning to end with not much time spent looking at what is now, but rather what is next.
I feel as though this subject greatly fits into Roger's theory of diffusion. With high definition it will take time for people to make that change over from their analog television sets to these much more expensive sets. It will be interesting to see how many people will hold back and be resistant as laggards or who will be very skeptical and cautious but give into pressure or economic necessity as part of the late majority. We are currently, in my opinion, still in the early majority phase of the high definition communication technology diffusion but will be changing more rapidly as we prepare for the big switch in just over a year. It will be very interesting to watch the statistics as time goes on..
As for right now, the public has begun to invest around three-quarters of a grand or more on television sets in order to get a more clear picture with many new and exciting features. High definition is so popular and most t.v.'s are being made with high-definition enabled. With these new high-definition sets where the resolution on them is superb, it helps viewers feel as though they are part of the action and actually sitting right on the court for a basketball game.
But how? How is the public suppose to see a new product and fork out enough money to buy it, knowing that a more advanced television is right around the corner... well, welcome to technology. I believe that communication has gone to almost all technologically-based means and will continue to grow as time goes on. I don't think that Marconi, Carey, Sawyer, or Belin (major contributors to the invention of the television) could have predicted how much of an impact their invention would have in the near future.
This entry was more of a thought to keep us thinking about the advancements in communication technology and how we are going to see so many more changes among the television and other means of communication technology throughout our lifetime. What's next?
I feel as though this subject greatly fits into Roger's theory of diffusion. With high definition it will take time for people to make that change over from their analog television sets to these much more expensive sets. It will be interesting to see how many people will hold back and be resistant as laggards or who will be very skeptical and cautious but give into pressure or economic necessity as part of the late majority. We are currently, in my opinion, still in the early majority phase of the high definition communication technology diffusion but will be changing more rapidly as we prepare for the big switch in just over a year. It will be very interesting to watch the statistics as time goes on..
As for right now, the public has begun to invest around three-quarters of a grand or more on television sets in order to get a more clear picture with many new and exciting features. High definition is so popular and most t.v.'s are being made with high-definition enabled. With these new high-definition sets where the resolution on them is superb, it helps viewers feel as though they are part of the action and actually sitting right on the court for a basketball game.
But how? How is the public suppose to see a new product and fork out enough money to buy it, knowing that a more advanced television is right around the corner... well, welcome to technology. I believe that communication has gone to almost all technologically-based means and will continue to grow as time goes on. I don't think that Marconi, Carey, Sawyer, or Belin (major contributors to the invention of the television) could have predicted how much of an impact their invention would have in the near future.
This entry was more of a thought to keep us thinking about the advancements in communication technology and how we are going to see so many more changes among the television and other means of communication technology throughout our lifetime. What's next?
God bless! ~JTL
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
#3) Understanding the 3 Immutable Laws of New Communication Technology
Before starting off, I want to take a look at a verse in the bible:
Matthew 6:19-21:
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Proverbs 4:10-13:
My child, listen to me and do as I say,
and you will have a long, good life.
I will teach you wisdom’s ways
and lead you in straight paths.
When you walk, you won’t be held back;
when you run, you won’t stumble.
Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go.
Guard them, for they are the key to life.
God Bless! ~JTL
Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
- The first law of immutable laws of new communication technology states, "There is a direct relationship between new communication technologies and the pace of life: fast, fast, fast!"
I love the way this law is so straight forward. Technology throughout our lifetime changes so rapidly that by the time we buy one thing, it's time to buy something similar, just more advanced. This direct relationship between new communication technologies and the pace of life is very quick. So many times, we move through life so quickly that we miss out on many relationships and opportunities to make a difference in one's life. I wish this didn't have to happen, but it's the way we are. Especially with all the opportunities for income in the United States, it makes purchasing these fun, but ultimately worthless materials so easy. I am by no means one to say that I am innocent of this action. I am a very materialistically-viewed person and absolutely love buying the latest DVD/CD/video game (system)/ipod/cell-phone/clothing apparel/etc. which often gets me thinking why? Why do I have such privileges in life to throw my money away on such garbage. It says in
Matthew 6:19-21:
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
- This runs right alongside law #2 which states, "There is a direct relationship between new communication technologies and convenience: now, now, now!
This one I love as well, as it parallels that previous law. Going along with materials in this world, this law shows how we (as greedy fools) want the latest communication technologies now! What I find so funny about this whole obsession of possessions is how much people love it... but at the same time, hate it. We see the wealthiest people in the world as some of the most unhappy people in the world. And yet, we fool ourselves into thinking if I just have this one more thing/if I just have a little more money, then we will somehow find happiness.... That has got to be the worst assumption EVER!!! Our happiness needs to be found in our faith in the Lord and in the life he gives us, the relationships he gives us, the basic essentials he provides us. Nothing else should matter in this world, for one day we will be leaving it and our precious valuables are not coming with us. Too bad...
- The third law states, "There is an inverse relationship between new communication technologies and our ability to hear God's voice: later, later, later! (when things slow down)
How sad is that? What does that tell us? Does a movie or a cell phone really deserve more attention from us than God? Obviously the answer is no, but why do we delay God and put our own desires first? I don't know because I am very good at it. I can't even begin to count how many times I put God on hold so that I could go do a self-pleasing activity. Now, am I saying that we need to be concentrated on our bibles or in prayer all the time instead of enjoying a film or a leisure activity...no! But what I am saying, is that in all we do we need to put God first and foremost so that our faith (which is the most important) can still flourish. We need to recognize the right time and the wrong time in our life to follow our own pleasures. However, we must always remain on the one-way straight and narrow path that God set before us in golden stone, so that we don't stray off course onto our own curvy dirt road with a dead end.
Proverbs 4:10-13:
My child, listen to me and do as I say,
and you will have a long, good life.
I will teach you wisdom’s ways
and lead you in straight paths.
When you walk, you won’t be held back;
when you run, you won’t stumble.
Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go.
Guard them, for they are the key to life.
God Bless! ~JTL
#2) Discouragement of the Perception of Intimacy
In many aspects in my life, I have often seen the perception of intimacy being discouraged in many regards. When trying to understand social distance, which is the perceived lack of intimacy between two or more individuals, I immediately think of the advancement in technology and the common uses of email, text-messaging, and Myspace/Facebook. These advancements in technology have proven to be a very efficient and useful tool of communication. However, many people do not see the serious implications that it has on one's behavior or the way it greatly affects relationships in negative ways.
We can better understand this by looking at George Simmel's theory of social distance, which is the perceived lack of intimacy between two or more individuals. It also talks about how these new types of communication technologies encourage or discourage the perception of intimacy in relationships. He uses ideas such as letter writing vs. phone calls vs. email vs. instant messaging vs. face to face and so on.
Communication varies dramatically among two individuals when comparing for example, a Facebook conversation to one that occurs face-to-face. We notice how it seems so much easier and efficient to use technology to communicate to another person via email, or ironically blogger; or some other way, but when studying how much time kids/youth/adults spend conveying messages online, it causes some serious psychological issues. With the continuing growth of technology, we can only guess that more advanced and efficient technological resources will be invented, thus perpetuating the never-ending cycle of indirect communication with another human being.
Obviously the internet is very effective and important to anyone and everyone, where you have the ability to buy & sell items/communicate with anyone/work for an online organization & earn money without having to step one foot outside your home. I fear that in the future we are looking at a world of almost complete technological dependence. With this age of technology, we begin to lose the idea of communication among beings, in which our future generations will miss out on the meaning of interpersonal communication effecting the way they act, react, behave, and understand the most important thing of existence: communication.
We can better understand this by looking at George Simmel's theory of social distance, which is the perceived lack of intimacy between two or more individuals. It also talks about how these new types of communication technologies encourage or discourage the perception of intimacy in relationships. He uses ideas such as letter writing vs. phone calls vs. email vs. instant messaging vs. face to face and so on.
Communication varies dramatically among two individuals when comparing for example, a Facebook conversation to one that occurs face-to-face. We notice how it seems so much easier and efficient to use technology to communicate to another person via email, or ironically blogger; or some other way, but when studying how much time kids/youth/adults spend conveying messages online, it causes some serious psychological issues. With the continuing growth of technology, we can only guess that more advanced and efficient technological resources will be invented, thus perpetuating the never-ending cycle of indirect communication with another human being.
Obviously the internet is very effective and important to anyone and everyone, where you have the ability to buy & sell items/communicate with anyone/work for an online organization & earn money without having to step one foot outside your home. I fear that in the future we are looking at a world of almost complete technological dependence. With this age of technology, we begin to lose the idea of communication among beings, in which our future generations will miss out on the meaning of interpersonal communication effecting the way they act, react, behave, and understand the most important thing of existence: communication.
God Bless! ~JTL
Friday, September 21, 2007
#1) Video Editing
In relation to communication technologies, I have had and will continue to have communication experiences all my life. I am a media communication major with emphasis in video production and a minor in film studies. Throughout my life I will be constantly surrounding myself in the latest technology and editing software on the market. I am constantly trying to involve myself in more communication surroundings that benefit my future and give me a greater sense of experience. Not only that, I just can't get enough of it... it's my great passion in life, and it's what I live for.
This summer I had a position at a church camp (Trout Lake Camps) where I was the Media Coordinator. This allowed me to get actively involved in a ministry where I was able to use my talents and make music videos, promotional videos, run sound equipment, and just put myself in an atmosphere in which I feel the most comfortable.
As of right now, at Bethel University, I am taking all communication and film classes. My classes are listed below:
Modern Mythmakers in Fiction and Film
Introduction to Film
Media Production
Perspectives of Human Communication
Communication, Technology, and Society
These classes are getting me well rounded in all the aspects of communication and film which keeps me interested and entertained throughout the semester. I guess the reason I made the choice to be a media communication major was to get involved in an industry of film-making. It is my dream to become an editor and director in L.A. Through my family, there is a connection in L.A. that may allow me to have an internship in the heart of L.A. dealing with animation and editing my junior year. Also, Bethel offers a unique L.A. film study abroad program where I would be able to go and take classes in Hollywood that are offered to give experience, yet continue to surround myself in a Christian environment.
Overall, I'm really excited to see what God is going to do in my life while using communication technology as a basis and giving me the opportunity to minister in an industry that is very much dominated by sin.
This summer I had a position at a church camp (Trout Lake Camps) where I was the Media Coordinator. This allowed me to get actively involved in a ministry where I was able to use my talents and make music videos, promotional videos, run sound equipment, and just put myself in an atmosphere in which I feel the most comfortable.
As of right now, at Bethel University, I am taking all communication and film classes. My classes are listed below:
Modern Mythmakers in Fiction and Film
Introduction to Film
Media Production
Perspectives of Human Communication
Communication, Technology, and Society
These classes are getting me well rounded in all the aspects of communication and film which keeps me interested and entertained throughout the semester. I guess the reason I made the choice to be a media communication major was to get involved in an industry of film-making. It is my dream to become an editor and director in L.A. Through my family, there is a connection in L.A. that may allow me to have an internship in the heart of L.A. dealing with animation and editing my junior year. Also, Bethel offers a unique L.A. film study abroad program where I would be able to go and take classes in Hollywood that are offered to give experience, yet continue to surround myself in a Christian environment.
Overall, I'm really excited to see what God is going to do in my life while using communication technology as a basis and giving me the opportunity to minister in an industry that is very much dominated by sin.
God Bless! ~JTL
Thursday, September 6, 2007
What do you want to learn about this semester with respect to Com. Tech.?
I want to lean more about the progression of communication and technology through time and understand why it changed so rapidly and how we can expect communication and technology to change in the near future.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)