Monday, December 16, 2013

Unintended Consequences of Technology -- Water Pumps in South Africa

Technology seems to be the answer to most world problems lately.  One must only look at the development of sub-Saharan Africa to see a myriad of examples.  From cell phones to new roads to water pumps, many international organizations are attempting to use technology to solve the perceived social or economic problems of indigenous people.

For example, in 2009 an organization formed to bring new and supposedly more easily operated and efficient water pumps to South Africa.  Previously, many of these communities had hand pumps that connected to wells for fresh water.  A wealthy business man saw these hand pumps as too labor intensive and, in a well-meaning move, he set out to replace these hand pumps with PlayPumps.  The rotating design was supposed to simulate a merry-go-round and enable the water to be pumped on the power or playing children.  Unfortunately, the project failed despite international support and a huge inflow of funding. 

Video:



Article on cell phones and health education:






###

Sources:

Literature:
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/13/the-benefits-of-mobile-health-on-hold/?_r=0

Images:
Kids on Pump -- http://www.inhabitots.com/play-pump-the-merry-go-round-water-pump/
Empty Pump -- http://www.bridgetopeaceproject.com/777EA_IOrg.html

Video:
PBS Frontline -- http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/southernafrica904/video_index.html

Monday, November 4, 2013

Feenberg on Marx and Weber

Draft/Outline:


*1 1/2 page double spaced.
**Remember to find images and links so support the goal of interactive content


  1. Outline my understanding of the literature/topic
    1. Specific to the question
    2. On the whole/across Feenberg writing
  2. Marx
    1. on capitalism
    2. Feenberg's shortcomings
  3. Weber
    1. on capitalism
    2. Feenberg's shortcomings
  4. My initial impressions
    1. agree
    2. disagree
    3. my own examples that help or hinder my understanding


  1. Feenberg talks about two critiques of modernity: conservative and progressive. What do these critiques address in our contemporary society? While elaborating your answer, please refer the readings.

  2. Feenberg argues that modern Critical Theory grows out of the work of two thinkers: Marx and Weber; he also states the shortcomings of the theories that were constructed by these two philosophers. Discuss how these two philosophers critiqued the capitalist rationality. and the shortcomings of their theories according to Feen.

  3. Feenberg quotes from Marcuse on page 168-169 and then asks "what [does it mean] that formal systems, such as law or technology, are generally available for applications biased to favor domination. Is there something about their very neutrality which opens them to such applications? What happened "originally": in the initial construction of the formal mode of abstraction that rendered it pliable in this particular way?" What is your answer to these questions? Think about our discussion on Marxism while answering to this question. Do you think formal systems of our society can be considered neutral? Why or why not?

  4. Why does Feenberg argue that "formal systems are intrinsically available as a power base" (p. 170)? What do you think Feenberg means by "power base"? And, why is he not in favor of formal abstraction? What does formal abstraction exclude? What is the major shortcoming of this methodological approach according to Feenberg?

Monday, September 16, 2013

Reflections of a career centered on Communications Theory

After more than ten years working in journalism, communication, and media relations, I am very familiar with the Shannon-Weaver Model of Communication, if not by definition, by practice.  In my work, a strong understanding of who the senders and receivers involved in communication are is crucial for success.  In newsrooms across the United States, producers and news directors talk about how to better serve their audience and make decisions about what messages should be sent through the airwaves or cable channels.  As technology enhanced, even greater discussions continued surrounding the most effective ways to communicate using some of the principals of visual literacy.  Television stations are continually trying out new graphics.

It should be noted however that message sending and receiving in news media has traditionally been conceived and executed as a very linear process in which the senders (news stations or newspapers) had explicit power over the tone and tenor of the message, as well as when and how the message was delivered to the consumers (receivers).  Once the viewers received the message, the process ended.  More recently recognition of the importance of the feedback loop has emerged in traditional media.  Brick and mortar TV stations and newspapers now have web sites and social media sites that enable and collect the receivers’ reactions and questions about news.  This transition has not been particularly easy for mass media.  In fact, the degree to which news outlets effectively leveraging these feedback channels varies greatly.  In the case of several local news stations that I work with, feedback from consumers is encouraged, but rarely used or referenced in short or long-term decision making.  On the opposite end of the spectrum, CNN has created a micro site that promotes viewer participation in the conversations surrounding prominent news, as well as promotes viewer collection and publication of news.  CNN’s iReport has been used heavily online; however it is not widely used in the Cable News Network’s broadcasts.

CNN's iReport web page.

More recently in my career path, I have worked in the field of media relations.  In general, in this role I function as the sender and members of the media function as the receiver.  In this dynamic, I do my very best to ensure the feedback loop is open and enhanced when possible.  It is true that as a public and media relations professional, I have a very clear understanding of what message I want to communicate to the reporters and editors and an idea on how that reporter should receive and re-articulate my persuasive messages.  However, I’ve found that I’m most successful at my job when members of the media can openly discuss their needs and expectations with me.  Through enhancing my availability and receptiveness to members of the media’s feedback, I can more effectively plan and subsequently deliver my message and meet their needs.  Though the Shannon-Weaver Model does not offer a time-element, it’s my experience that effectively executing the feedback loop lengthens the communication process.  When the sender becomes the receiver and vice versa, navigating the players’ fields of experience can add more noise to the process.

I should note that in the education and formation of professional journalists and public relations professionals, a hint of constructivism can be found.  It is not overt, but increasingly, teachers in post-secondary education specifically related to mass communication design their curriculum to center on hands-on, experiential training.  At the Greenlee School of Journalism, for example, students are required to research and write news stories on actual, timely events.  Further, there is a strong emphasis on student-run publications and the importance of internships.

Dr. Hargrave indicates that I don't do an adequate job of wrestling with the topic...

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Reflection Blog Assignment Instructions

Create a blog and provide the instructor and TA with access. Using guiding questions/directions provided in class, write a thoughtful reflection about the topic(s) presented in course readings and class discussion. 
Each reflection is worth 20 points. 

Reflections are due:
Sept. 16 (theoretical underpinnings of IT & related IT theory); 
Oct. 28 (critical theory & IT); 
Nov. 18 (emerging paradigms); & 
Dec. 16 (unintended consequences of IT).

Note: For the 1st reflection, please submit your blog address via the assignment link in Moodlerooms. For subsequent reflections, you do not need to submit anything via Moodlerooms; you will add your new reflections to your blog and the instructor will access each new entry after the due date.