ICT iGCSE

New developments 2

Objectives

You should be able to describe the use of Internet developments such as: Web 2.0 blogs wikis digital media uploading websites social networking websites And other emerging technologies

Starter (10 mins)

Watch these videos about new technologies:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/fast_track/9380028.stm

Wikis

A wiki is a website that allows users to collaborate (work together) to create the content. The pages of a wiki can be edited by everyone (or those who have the password) so that different people can add to the page, edit things, fix errors, etc.

The most famous wiki is wikipedia - a user-created encyclopedia.

Wikis often automatically create automatic links between pages. E.g. if a wiki page exists called 'Camels' and you write the word 'camel', the word will become a link to the Camel page. This feature means that wikis are very useful for creating sites containing lots of connected information.

Wikis are used for

websites such as:Encyclopaedia (e.g. Wikipedia)

Help sites (e.g. The site for Ubuntu Linux)

Collaborative projects

The good and the bad:

Because many people can edit pages on a wiki, you have to be aware that the information you read may not be entirely accurate - sometimes people edit pages and write things that are wrong. Usually the errors are noticed and fixed by other wiki users, but not always.

How wikis work

Media Uploading Sites

There are many websites that allow users to create, upload and share their own media such as photos, music or video. Usually other users can rate or comment on the media that is uploaded leading to these sites often being referred to as 'Social Media' sites.

Video upload sites are especially popular. However the videos that are uploaded can sometimes contain offensive scenes (this is why YouTube is blocked in so many schools).

Photo-sharing sites

All media upload sites have rules about the type of media that you can upload - you have to either own the copyright to the image / music / video yourself, or have permission from the copyright owner.

Social Networks

A social network website is a site that allows user to connect with other users who are friends / relatives, or who share similar interests.

Social networking is used to:share information / pictures / files with

each other, send messages, chat, etc. Join groups/raise awareness/ make

public appealsConnect with co-workers/old friends etcFind old friends/relativesPlay gamesCreate publicity for a business/cause

For many people, social networking sites are the main method of communicating with friends online.

In fact social networks have surpassed e-mail as the main communication link for non-business Web users

Advantages

Lets you search for new and old friends Makes it less difficult when

communicating with strangers or |individuals you do not know

Makes it |simpler to join groups having corresponding likes and dislikes

Lets users to check students who are in the same class, living within the same location, or coming from the same academy

Disadvantages

Threat of viruses Hackers Spam and scams Waste of life Risk to your professional life Privacy & security of personal data Addiction Possible stalking