The Next New Thing

For a new media form not yet invented, I would suggest an implementation of a computerized, virtual fitness trainer.  This idea would be similar to the automation of call centers in the business world - you would not actually have to have a real human to train you.  Instead, you'd have a virtual trainer that would work with you to manage your health and fitness such that it is fit uniquely to you.  With people, time is money... but we're not dealing with people here are we?  Say good by to expensive trainers. 

Our Class Wiki - So Far

For the class wiki, I will be contributing to "New Media and Bullying".  

I plan to discuss:

- the gates new media opens to bullying, as well as how it differs from traditional bullying.
- specific instances of bullying in new media, and support them with documentaries on the subject matter. 
-  tragedies that have resulted from bullying via new media forms, specifically social networks
- address the psychological aspect of new media, and its effects on individuals (bullies, those who are bullied, and regular individuals and their use and effects.)

P2P File Sharing

File sharing is simple the exchange of files, multimedia, software, etc.  P2P is a file sharing method which is usually done over a peer to peer client network in which multiple computers can participate in the exchange and distribution of content. 

Some p2p file sharing application examples are:

-  BitTorrent *
- Kazaa
- Frostwire
- uTorrent

 BiTorrent is probably one of the fastest, and well-known p2p applications.  Unlike other p2p programs, BiTorrent breaks files into multiple pieces- uploading pieces of a file becomes much quicker, as opposed to uploading a whole file.  Down-loaders are expected to upload as well in order to avoid leaching. 

* The BitTorrent Effect by Clive Thompson, Wired, January 2005. http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.01/bittorrent.html

Privacy & Confidentiality

In New Media today, matters such as privacy and confidentiality are a top concern.  For example, one is never too sure how much should be kept visible online.  And how "invisible" is personal data?  It seems now, you not only have to worry about whats visibly posted, but also what is not visible to the public.  Facebook can serve as an example.  They are notorious for how frequently they change privacy controls.  Luckily though, Facebook has recently warned employers against asking for user passwords.  What?!  How employers could dare solicit passwords is beyond me.  Simply, in today's world, privacy is overrated, and possibly non-existant.

* http://www.ucsdguardian.org/home/item/25504-quick-takes-employers-asking-for-facebook-passwords

Advice to Baruch College

If I were to offer advice to Baruch, advice that would better Baruch in terms of New media, I would offer the folowing:

-  Design, and implement a WIKI that supports students from all departments, disciplines and courses, and classes to freely share course materials, notes, advice, etc.
- Internal social network functioning to unite students of similar interests and goals.  This could also support student organizational activities.
- Get rid of Blackboard!  Its way too unorganized, cluttered, and old.
-  Freely accessible knowledge base in which current Baruch students, alumni, professors, any one really, can contribute to any subject matter, career possibilities with in related matters, and "what you need to knows".