This project required time, effort, commitment and intense research in order to reach a quality of standard that I believe would be of value and merit to students, universities, academic’s and those interested in the topic.
But in order to reach this standard I learnt a lot about the research process that is required. This meant learning to be effective with new skills and planning of risk and time management in order to meet the projects deadline and ensure I moved through each process efficiently.
Moving forward from this, I think for future research projects a little less time will be spent on secondary research such as readings and more focus will be put into primary research methods to collect information.
Overall, this project has highlighted the importance of curiosity when needed to perform research. Because without this their won’t be the drive necessary to deliver quality research. Showcasing to me that for future research projects need to be of interest or provoke curiosity in order to get the best from oneself and create meaningful work.
The internet and technological devices have become increasingly relevant currently for students learning, with universities now presently shifted to a digital environment as a result of the on-going circumstances of the world. It has made devices such as laptops, phone, desktops and tablets essential to how student connect, engage and learn content online.
Thus my research topic is to assess what devices students use/prefer when learning online and attending classes and why?
This topic is both timely and relevant for all BCM212 students due to university students now going online for their learning instead of campus and also all students would have used either of the four devices mentioned above to engage on online classes or learning material atlas once therefore making it a topic of interest and value. It is through this research I am hoping to provide relevant and useful information and data about which devices students are choosing to connect and communicate with online, why and which one is the most beneficial to the students learning experience. For example are students basing their devices off factors such as:
timing
location
economic status (price)
Efficiency/ compatibility with software
I have also used sample twitter polls and questions to provide me with an sense that my topic would be of interest to my target audience enough from them to participate. It is from my two posts I am happy with the amount of interaction I received from students even though my latest post struggled for engagement I am confident it will still be of value to the students of bcm212.
Sample and question from my twitter feed
To ensure this project was worth doing I also researched for evidence, knowledge and data to provide me with the following scope on the topic.
With the website article ” Laptops vs tablets what’s the difference and which is best for students?” by ( Asursion, 2020) stating that for university students a laptop is better equipped to answer all the coursework needs. As laptops can do all the basic’s which a tablet struggles like build presentation, writing and storage space. Although students may simply buy and use a tablet due to its less expensive cost. This website article highlights the connection between which device is more beneficial for students yet why they may use a different device due to external factors.
( Christodoulou, 2020) explains through her online article ” Laptops vs phones: the learning difference” that people seek out their phone in times of stress and using their phone reduces their stress more than using their laptop, even when engaging in the same material. For example a student may choose to use their phone to connect with online material via travelling on public transport as it is more practical and stress free. Showcasing why students devices usage again might be due to external factors more than its benefit.
Again in another online article by CybersafeTT written by (Dhoray, 2020) recommends a guide to the most appropriate devices for students while learning online depending on the level of their education. For university students laptops was rated the highest based on the following skills of typing, editing, website research, online exams and technical challenges with the tablet ranked second and smartphone third. Despite the ranking favouring the use of laptops for university students Dhoray did express compassion and understood that sometimes for students the device is more about price and value then its benefit.
In my last source from the website article techguided (Hale, 2019) states that the difference between benefits for laptop and desktop when learning online was very marginal with students preference largely being decided through factors such as need for mobility, lifespan, issues, costs and upgrades. Although Hale admits the use of laptops is easier and more convenient students can still get by using desktop.
After researching such findings around my topic of what devices students use/prefer when learning online and attending classes and why. I am excited to continue my own research whilst still undergoing more pre-search to get a better variety of sources on the topic and consider other factors that may need to be questioned before beginning first-hand research.
References
Hale, B., 2019. Laptop vs Desktop: Which is Better ( Gaming, Work, & School). (Online) Tech Guided. Available at: <https://techguided.com/laptop-vs-desktop/> (Accessed 18 March 2021)
Dhoray, D., 2020. Smartphone, Tablet or Laptop, which is best for Online Learning / CybersafteTT / Protecting your online footprint. Available at: <https//cybersafett.com/best-device-for-online-learning/> (Accessed 18 March 2021)
With university presently shifting into an increasing more digital environment for students learning, due to the current circumstances of the world. I have found myself interested in the topic of which technological devices students are choosing to use for their online classes. Are students connecting via:
Phone
Laptop
Desktop
Tablet
As noted above my interest in this topic was sparked due to its current relevance with many modern university students who can no longer go on campus instead now going online for their learning. Within this topic I am curious to see if students are choosing to engage in their online classes via laptop or phone and why students are choosing these particular devices to communicate with their learning. Are students basing their devices based off:
timing
location
economic status (price)
Efficiency/ compatibility with software
Goal for my research
It is through this research I am hoping to provide relevant and useful information and data about which devices students are choosing to connect and communicate with their online classes, why and which one is most beneficial to the students online class experience. Aiming to help provide insights that highlight the effectiveness of certain technological device while in online classes to better help university students learn whilst online.
My first blog post for the bcm212 subject, where I found myself surprisingly a year and half through my degree in Media and Communication at the University of Wollongong, while still residing in Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Insights into the university experience
My initial expectation of university especially Wollongong was that is was going to be a busy and overwhelming due to its size and the number of people who attend. While at the beginning my exception was correct it subsided thanks to help and time on campus.
In comparison, after asking a non-university attending friend of their exception of the university experience described it as time consuming and commitment to a career. Giving me a good perspective of how the university experience is viewed from a member if the public.
The fourth of four blog posts and last of the series, will be from Stuff You Should Know podcast. Which is hosted by Josh Clarke, Charles Wayne Bryant and produced by Jerome Rowland. This episode from the ‘Stuff You Should Know’ podcast covers animal testing and if it is ethical.
Image found on Google Images and sourced from iHeartReadio
The use of animals for commercial research and scientific testing is a controversial and often forgotten topic amongst society. With each individual having differing stances and opinions. Although the advancement in humans as a species through using animals literally and figuratively as test pilots is undeniable.
But does that mean we have the right to test animals. Use the link below and listen to podcast and let me know in the comments if by listening it has changed your perceptions or confirmed your stance on the issue around animal testing.
Extra information on the Stuff You Should Know podcast
The purpose behind the Stuff You Should Know podcast by Josh Clarke and Chuck Bryant was to present listeners with interesting and fascinating topics from the world around us an attempt to drive listeners exploration and curiosity about the world.
The objective behind the animal testing episode was to highlight the ethically diverse topic to listeners in a non-judgmental and subjective light. Whilst also using the opportunity to provide greater information to viewers on what goes into animal testing and how the process works.
The third of four blog posts, will be episode #42 from the podcast VoxDevTalkshosted by Tim Phillips.This episode discusses the modern state of mental health and mental health in relation to poverty and if there is a link. With this being a must watch podcast due to mental health becoming such a present and multifaceted factor in todays modern world.
With the podcasts covering how those who experience poverty are more susceptible to mental illness’s such as depression and anxiety. However, it is debated that all people will experience some degree of mental illness regards of their economic situations.
Image found on Google Images Sourced from Apple Podcasts
Use the link below and listen to the podcast, and let me know in the comments if this has changed your perceptions around the causes of mental health and if peoples economic circumstance do contribute directly to it.
VoxDevTalks is actually an extension of VoxDev, which launched in 2017 is a collaboration between the centre for economic policy research, the international growth centre and the private enterprise development in low income countries program.
With the aim and reasoning for introducing the VoxDevTalks podcast series to provide insightful and expertise commentary, analysis and evidence on a wide range of economic issues and policies. So that listeners could understand these issues and policies in a more conversational, short and less complex demeanour.
If this podcast series has caught your eye other interesting episodes include:
The second of four blog posts, will be from the podcast On The Media hosted by Bob Garfield. With the episode discussing the impact that climate change played in Australia’s recent bushfires and how if untreated could lead to worse and more consistent fires for Australia in the future. The episode also discussed News Corps role in influencing Australia’s bushfire debate.
Image found on Google Images Sourced from Facebook
Due to the cause of the Australian bushfires being highly debated between climate change and arson due to the domination of conservative press in Australia largely owned by Rupert Murdoch neglecting the opinions of climate change experts. Making this podcast a must view for listeners of Australia to gain an opinion from an impartial American media organisation on the topic.
Listen to the podcast below, and let me know if this has reinforced or altered your perceptions on the cause of the Australian bushfires in the comments below.
On The Media: Podcast Audio (Australian Bushfires)
Extra information
Rupert Murdoch owns up to nearly two thirds (2/3) of the media consumed by Australians.
Bushfires caused an estimated burnt area of 18.6 million hectares.
Bob Garfield is now accompanied by Brooke Gladstone for the “On the Media” podcast series.
This episode takes an in-depth look at the benefits and negatives to medicalising cannabis with Joe and Dr Hart siding with the belief that is should be medicalised which in contrast to Alex who is opposed to it and instead explores and explains the negative elements of medicalising cannabis.
This podcast is a must watch, as it provides listener’s with informed, accurate and altering views on this complex issue that will either reinforce or change your perceptions on the topic.
Watch the episode below to gain a greater understanding on the topic from the debate and let me know if its changed your perceptions surrounding the issue in the comments below.
Joe Rogan Podcast: Episode #1246 – Pot debate.
Extra information on Joe Rogan’s Podcast
Why is the podcast so popular?
Due to Joe Rogan’s high profiling from entertainment jobs such as MMA commentating which enabled him to have a large fan bans in comparisons to other small start up podcasts. Although despite his connects Rogan decided to grow his show organically putting majority of his time into content. But perhaps the biggest contributing factor to his success is that his fan base care about his guest opinions, making them more likely to tune in.
Does Joe Rogan’s large fan base make his podcast mainstream media?
With podcasts long holding the tag of independent media, Joe himself prides his podcasts on being uninfluenced. But does his large following make his podcast mainstream when discussing topics that have equal reach of large news corporations. Also with Rogan now recently signing to become exclusive to Spotify what does that mean to the shows independent content?.
Perceptions Podcasts is a four post blog series that aims to share different and informative opinions for listeners on important and controversial topics. Which strives to make all listeners reinforce or question their perceptions and ideologies around the topics discussed on the podcasts. This post blog series aims to showcase the benefits of using this medium and exposes listeners to podcasts they haven’t listen to before.
The series will consist of four different podcasts tackling four different issues. The blog series will cost of:
Joe Rogans Podcast #1246 – Alex Berenson & Dr Michael Hart Issue: Debate on medicalising Cannabis This is the longest podcast of the series. But one of the most interesting for listeners. With the podcasts having equal perspectives on being both for and against the issue of medicalising cannabis. Making it an unsubjective and educational listen for viewers. Length: 2hr 48 minutes Industries of the topic: Health/ Medicine
On the Media – Issue: Climate Change, The Australian Fires & News Corp This episode takes an interesting look into Australia’s Murdoch dominant media and how it played it’s role in the recent Australia bushfires and as a result majority of Australians were grossly mislead about the starting of the fires. Length: 18 minutes Industries of the topic : Environment/ Media
VoxDev Talks #42 – Issue: Poverty and Depression is there a link? This podcast series takes a look into mental health and poverty to explore if there is a direct link between the two. This series is great for listeners as it simplifies the complex around tricky economic concepts. Length: 18 minutes Industries of the topic: Economic/ Health
Stuff You should Know – Issue : Animal Testing This podcast episode discusses an often forgotten but highly controversial topic of animal testing. With many individuals having differing ethical viewpoints and principles. This is a great episode for listeners who want to know more about animal testing and what is invovled. Length: 51 minutes Industries of topic: Science/environment
Why these blog’s
I have chosen the above four blog posts due to their differing topics, yet still being uniquely controversial with my reasoning behind this being to challenge the listeners on their own perceptions of these topics.
I decide to also pick four different podcasts that vary in length to add diversity and excitement whilst also to try and potential show listeners to podcasts platforms and series they may not have listened to before.
I Look forward to sharing this series with you all and hearing your views and opinions in the comments. Below is a quick and simple guide for beginners entering the podcast realm.
Tips for podcast beginners
If your new to the medium of podcasting and are unsure of how to use them on your phone. The below tips are helpful for those just beginning their podcasting journey.
Step 1. Download a (free) podcast app to your mobile device.
Step 2. Search for shows
Step 3. Subscribe (most podcast apps will have this option on the main screen)
Step 4. Listen
In regards to step 4, podcasts are generally consumed in times of partial focus where people need some form of mental stimulation while they are engaged in less stimulating tasks. A few popular examples include:
During exercise (Gym , Running, Etc.)
Commuting (Car, Train or Bus.)
During chores (Dishes, Mowing the law).
Why to start listening
There are many reason to start listening to podcasts. With some favoured reasons being:
Its mostly Free entertainment
Provide great education opportunities while filling in time
Portable (can be listen to anywhere)
Conversational (Great for people during this time of lockdown and lessening of social interaction)
I hope the above tips help your podcasting experience.
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