Universities integrate social medias and mobile devices into their academic teachings, creating a more technologically advanced learning environment

           More and more educational institutions are interconnecting social medias and mobile devices via Facebook, bloggers and other forms of mass media communication with their teaching styles, allowing their students to reap the benefits of technology in the classroom.  Per contra, many universities have discovered negative repercussions of these newly incorporated methods.  Only time will tell how this new era of technology will revolutionize education.

Higher education programs are combining contemporary digital teaching mediums with traditional teaching strategies in order to bridge the gap from informal to formal learning.

             

Combining the knowledge of tomorrow's
teachers with the already successful strategies
of their mentor teachers

            According to the Contemporary Issues In Technology and Teacher Education journal (CITE), in order to establish a connection between an informal means of communication such as bloggers and Facebook to formal means of education such as traditional classroom learning, it is crucial that those with pedagogical expertise act as ‘mentors’ for those currently in educational learning programs, who have been integrated with the digital world their whole lives. This unification will allow former teaching experts to advise teachers who are just entering the field how to integrate successful teaching into digital mediums. Various methods of this integration currently include video lectures, digital classrooms and online discussion groups.  The University of Maryland is currently integrating these teaching techniques into their schooling, co-pioneering with other universities this technological-education revolution.

           Scott Wible, associate professor of english and Director of the Professional Writing Program at the University of Maryland believes that the possibility of successfully integrating social medias into academic teachings is definitely realistic and is already occurring in many institutions of higher education:

Perks of digitalizing higher education programs include creating a universal medium of communication where a student has the ability to instantly consume, produce and share intellectual content

            Live video lectures act as a primary context for observing the tie between tomorrow’s teachers and their mentors. Younger, more technologically savvy teachers are more likely to obtain the knowledge required to use video as a medium for expressing informal language, whereas their mentors can teach them to integrate structure into these videos. This method of teaching is so revolutionary because it provides students with ‘mobile learning’ - the ability to learn material in any location.  Furthermore, this strategy gives students an advantage that had never before been offered: multiple viewings of material. When video lectures are uploaded to a course site, students can view the lecture as many times as they want, giving students complete control over their own learning pace.  Too often students attend class and leave with the same knowledge they entered the room with.  An aptitude for re-watching lessons gives students the option of listening to the lecture as many times as they need to until the information sticks in their minds. Ultimately, this method of teaching has the potential to make education more personal to the individual, revolutionizing the way students take in information.  However, this tactic remains an exception rather than a standard in the classroom.

           Digital classrooms and online discussion groups provide students with similar didactic capabilities such as convenience of content, but more importantly, the ability to consume, produce and share content among an entire class.  Calum Brannan, social media strategist says “the reason why social media has become so successful is because it is driven by the consumer. Just take a look at one of the most popular social media site on the planet: Facebook. It wasn’t started by a marketing director at a FTSE 100 company, it was started by a student who wanted to connect with his friends…” It is evident that this desire and ability to connect with individuals, groups, etc. provides users with instant ability to consume, produce and share their content, whether it is useless conversation or relevant views regarding political issues.  When students are able to relate these digital tools to academics, they are then able to learn from each other in a much simpler and more efficient way than ever possible in a classroom setting.

Drawbacks of digitalizing higher education: decline in professionally of students' academic writing, insufficient amount of tech. savvy teachers, unreliable sources and expensive funding

            Although there are numerous apparent benefits to the digitalization of the traditional classroom, there are also many drawbacks that may halt this revolution.  While a direct correlation may be debatable, one evident downside of digital writing is its association with a decline in decorum of students’ academic writing style.  When students communicate on social medias or text messaging they often use informal terminology, poor grammar, and fragmented ideas.  According to a study in 2009, "In a survey by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, 64 percent of US teens admitted that some form of texting has crept into their academic writing (Lenhart et al., 2008)".  Research shows that this lack of professionalism in relaxed settings has been observed to carry over to academic writings, although students may not realize it.  Two Maryland students were interviewed on whether or not they believed social media such as Facebook messaging and texting has had an effect on their academic writing styles - both explained that no such parallel existed in their writing:

listen to ‘Student claims digital writing has no effect on academic writing style ’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Student claims digital writing has no effect on academic writing style’ on Audioboo

            Wible explains that although a poor writing style in relation to grammar and sentence structure may be apparent, it is not the larger issue at hand.  The more serious issue with current students’ academic writing is “how do we move students from the shorter, more provocative statements they would make in a Facebook post or a text, how do we teach (students) to build on that and write more extended elaborate arguments.” Wible and other experts have shown concern for a decline in students’ argumentation development skills as well as their ability to convey ideas competently.

            A lack of tech-ready teachers presents a huge barrier to the furthering of this technology integration. The United States Department of Education addresses this issue via The Department of Education's Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology (PT3) grant program: “a growing challenge in modern education (is that) nearly all elementary and secondary schools are now "wired" to the Internet, but most teachers still feel uncomfortable using technology in their teaching.” If our educators are not educated in these new digital means which we are attempting to introduce, we can simply not expect to have any success with this transition.

            Another concern experts have brought attention to is the unreliable sources that result from tools such as the online discussion group content sharing.  The issue with these sites and pages is that because anyone has access to page edits and content additions, often times their information can be artificial. Wikipedia serves as one prevalent example.  Wikipedia’s lack of credibility often widens the parallel between online content sharing and its academic approval.

Social Media Protection Laws Created, Maryland Takes Initiative

With the combined help of the Maryland State Legislators, The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services employee Robert Collins, the state of Maryland passed the nation’s first bill banning employers from asking their employees and applicants for social media passwords. Six other states have begun to follow this standard of ethics, proposing similar bills that prohibit employers from accessing private social networking accounts.

Employers Crossing the Boundary of Ethics in order to Further Evaluate Their Employees

When it comes to defining ethics, we tend to all agree on general topics such as stealing and lying, but there are more complex ideas which have been brought into topic as a result of our late technological advancements.  In the past, when we heard the phrase “right to privacy” the thoughts provoked mainly dealt with homes and mail and other tangible properties.  In today’s day and age, we are forced to protect digital property such as emails and online profiles.  Unfortunately, the enforcer of ethical issues is the law and they are often given very difficult issues such as the meaning of public record and public information.  The argument is often made that if you do not have privacy settings on these online profiles, there are no illegalities to be argued when an employer accesses your accounts.  It is only when they force someone to give up their accounts due to privacy settings that the line of ethics has been breached.

137 million Facebook users, the vast majority do utilize privacy settings, many of which still claim to have faced privacy issues, one of whom was Robert Collins.  When Collins’ employer demanded he give up his account passwords in order to pass a reinstatement interview, Collins felt “violated”.  Leaving their employee with the choice of his privacy or his livelihood, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services not only violated the privacy of Collins, but also his friends, family, and anyone else who could be accessed from the account, crossing an ethical boundary of a right to privacy.  As a result, Collins notified the ACLU, and with the help of state legislators a bill was passed which deems it illegal for employers to require personal social networking accounts.

           

Its ironic really, that we claim our social media privacy is lacking yet we constantly update our personal “statuses” for the world to see.  And perhaps this fine line of ethical privacies that we claim to be violated is being violated, but we are not helping our own cause.  According to consumer reports “almost 13 million Facebook users said they had never set, or didn’t know about Facebook’s privacy tools. “ How can Americans expect their employers to not check out their Facebook or Twitter pages if they allow for anyone with Internet access to do so? 

There are Additional Methods to Protect Your Social Networking Accounts From Unwanted Eyes

In an interview with CNN, computer expert Peter Vogel explained that when Facebook makes updates to its Privacy settings, which it often does, they tend to receive a negative response from consumers. However, Vogel claims that the majority of consumers choose to never read Facebook’s privacy policies.  

This consumer ignorance is responsible for many of the controversial privacy issues, including employer invasiveness.  How can we make the argument that we our rights out being violated if we accept the terms and conditions of a networking website without even glancing at them?  In addition to reading the privacy settings, which these networks provide, there are other ways to ensure your online image is the one that you would want employers to see.  According to Forbes Magazine, Googling oneself may be a good start.  Completing a background check of yourself beforehand will make you aware of all possible issues.  According to Forbes magazine, Facebook has made recent changes to its privacy settings, making it easier to find people you are searching for.  Make sure you do not have any unwanted pictures of yourself as well as any other aspects of your profile that may be considered unprofessional.

Ethical Standards Pose Controversy

It is clear that these issues are beginning to be solved but there are simply too many complications to set a standard.  We must take on our responsibility and protect ourselves and our digital information.  “After all, your online privacy should be up to you, not the state you live in or your employer.” -  American Civil Liberties Union

Primetime Television Audiences Prove to be Less Loyal Than In The Past

More programs are gaining viewers through “on demand” type mediums

            Although it may be a mass generalization, its evidence is incontrovertible: The American individual has been, and remains focused on succeeding in his or her profession, whether it be in regards to income, fame, or happiness.  Often times, this requires oneself to work long hours, creating a conflict in maintaining a consistent schedule, moreover affecting one's ability to tune into a favorite television program.  As a result, many households have elected to view their programs via the Internet, programs such as Netflix and Hulu, as well as technologies such as Tevo, which give the consumer the ability to record a show and watch it later. 

           

There is a clear correlation between an increase in technology and a decrease in primetime viewing

            Since its premier in 2009, Modern Family has sky rocketed to the top, receiving an Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series in addition to becoming ABC’s primetime show. However, since 2009 many new technologies have become extremely more accessible to household viewers; the Xbox now allows for an instant connection to Netflix, a medium that instantly streams television shows.  It is no coincidence that the increasing convenience of television has simultaneously transpired with a decrease in primetime ratings.  
            An interesting statistic that cannot be overlooked is the steady rate of the SHARE of primetime programs.  The SHARE is the percent of those households using their television and are tuned in to a specific program, station or network at a specific time.  Although Modern Family’s ratings have fallen to 5.5, the programs SHARE has remained 15 - food for thought.

Those with basic cable continue to uphold primetime ratings

            Even though there are many technologies available for consumer access to next-level television viewing, basic cable remains the most acquired means of viewing.  As a result, vital information is aired to the public through basic cable: Presidential debates, breaking news, government codes, weather warnings.  Furthermore, these are the viewers who consistently tune in to programs aired on primetime television, simply because they have no other means of watching them.  In closing, those television viewers who access their programs via basic cable are the majority of viewers boosting ratings.

Digital Rights Management: Impossible or Improbable

What role does digital rights management play in our society?

            According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, almost 89 percent of households in the country own at least one personal computer, nearly 50 percent of which have high speed Internet.  This means that about 140 million people in the country have access to websites and software that provide illegal downloads, whether it is music, movies, or any other form of entertainment. The purpose of Digital Rights Management (DMR) is to create a “digital lock” on these files, just as people lock up their tangible belongings - to keep out those who want to steal them.  It is very clear how this task is extremely difficult and requires tons of time and effort to halt. On a larger scale, DRM’s failure is indirectly responsible for decreases or changes in the value of the music industry itself, as well as directly responsible for the falls of sales such as compact disks.

How does Digital Rights Management fight copyright issues?

            For starters, DMR supporters need to overcome obstacles such as CD burners, illegal websites, and peer-to-peer sites such as Bearshare.  One of the strongest tactics in use by the government to protect copyright laws is the installation of a spyware-like software in new CDs, which is nearly impossible to remove from your computer.  The software prevents the files on the disk from being copied, ultimately preventing the CD’s owner from illegally distributing its content.  There are lots of other methods and investigations that take place on a day-to-day basis, but we are far from an honest crowd of consumers.

Does Digital Rights Management affect you personally?

            DRM is responsible for protecting the rights of the music and the artist.  This means that unless you are an artist or a downloader of illegal music content, you will not be personally, directly affected.  However, for those of you who are illegally downloading, the effects may be more serious than you think.  Recently, a student at Boston University was investigated and charged with violating copy right laws via illegal music downloads, and was charged a 670 thousand dollar fine. There are tons of other repercussions that may occur due to illegal activity, making it simply not worth saving your 99 cents. 

            

Simply Famous

            Aspiring musicians are always looking for their big break, their “leap to fame”, if you will. Truth is, most won’t ever find it. But every year there are a select few who breakout and become almost instantly famous. Those few who do find huge success in the modern music entertainment industry, just how do they do it? (Before I give you the secret to stardom, let me reassure you it is in no way a shortcut, and even less so a secret) That being said, more and more often we are seeing breakout careers ignite directly from the World Wide Web.

            In 2007, thoughtful mother, Pattie Mallette filmed her son’s music performances and posted them on Youtube for out of town friends and family members to see.  Shortly after, these Youtube videos became extremely popular and received tons of recognition, eventually leading to the young Canadian pop singer’s flight out to Atlanta, Georgia where he had the opportunity to consult with hip-hop superstar, Usher, leading to his first record deal. After a few hit singles passed, and a few short years, he was nominated for “Best New Artist” at the 2010 Grammy Awards. We all know this stupendous story as the life of Justin Bieber, renowned singer, songwriter, musician, producer, entrepreneur, investor, and most recently, actor.            

            

            It is not uncommon these days to see a musician’s success originate from Youtube.  Tons of free websites allow you to instantly upload music files for the world to listen to for free, such as Youtube, Soundcloud and Facebook to name a few. These sites generate millions of page views per day, producing loads of opportunities for a musician’s work to be noticed.  But not all success stories are as immediate as Bieber’s.  These sites create a mass medium for the musician to share music content with the public.  However, there are other aspects of the social medias, which young musicians cannot neglect.  Musicians must also communicate with their followers.  These websites along with Twitter and personal blogs provide the musician with an opportunity to receive feedback from their listeners. This is crucial in appealing to your fan base and keeping them around.

            Sophomore student at the University of Miami and aspiring musician, Adam Grossman has digitally set himself up for success.  Creating a Twitter account, Facebook page, and Soundcloud profile, he has put himself out there.  When asked if he would offer his songs for free download on a public blog, Grossman responded “Definitely.  Asking someone to pay money for my music, for something they may have never heard is just ridiculous.  Today, more people stream music than own music, making it hard to get people to download songs as is.” Grossman continued “Once the artist has built up a fan base that they feel is large enough, maybe they can move to profitable services, such as Spotify, Pandora, and iTunes.”

            There will always be those who manage to bypass the universal, digital-system, but what is clear is that more and more often we are hearing of talent being discovered online.  Social medias have taken over the way society thinks and works.  It is affecting more professions everyday and the music industry is experiencing this first-hand.

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