So Now Goodbye

So here I am. The last post of this EIR blog. Quite a journey I'd say.

Learnt many things I thought I should have known by now. Like about meta search engines, the invisible web and even Boolean operators. I came into this module thinking there isn't much to learn about researching on the internet, and that it was as straightforward as going to Yahoo! Search and typing in keywords. Who ever knew there was so much more involved!

Through this module, I have learnt the processes involve when conducting an online search like forming a search query with the proper operators and specific keywords.

I had fun. Since most of the time, I had the excuse of being on the computer! But all in all, it was a fruitful journey which I don't regret taking!

Got To Be Certain

We are reaching the end of this module soon. Today we were told to compile our researches on Cyber-bullying onto our class' Wiki Page. I had to backtrack from my original research topic cause I wasn't doing anything similiar, but all is well.

I feel that the Wiki Page has both its pros and cons. Basically any sort of sharing of infomation is good, especially if it's for a good cause (like in this case, raising awareness), but with everyone going in at the same time, and editting the page, it may be pretty messy. Faridah countered my comment by saying we should appoint coordinators and leaders to ensure the neatness and flow of the Wiki Page, like the actual Wikipedia! So I guess that's iniative on our part.

Wiki Pages are good in a way that knowledge is shared freely and openly, however, not all the infomation can be trusted as it is open to anyone in the world to edit. Hence filtering the infomation is very important.

But it's not like I would completely leave out Wiki Pages when it comes to research, but I would search it first, so that I can verify the infomation I have collected when I do my actual search on search facilities.

Wow

Today Faridah showed us some inspirational videos on the one and only YouTube. And we were supposed to analyse YouTube as a website in groups and decide how it can be improved to be a better online service.

I mainly frequent YouTube for music videos, mashes and mixes. It is interesting to find out what sorts of music people are currently listening to and make my own judgement. Though illegal, song leaks of unreleased album can also be found! That means knowing of it existance even before the general public.

DJs also make audio videos with their latest mixes (a different version of a song) or mashes (the combination of 2 or more songs), and it nice to hear a twist to a familiar song. Even very rare and old songs can be found on YouTube, with such a huge member/source base I wonder what can't you find?

YouTube could also be used for various researches since people have started doing VBlogging (Video Blogging). You can find people giving commentaries on almost anything under the sun! From religious views to make-up tips, from childcare tips to DIY science projects!

I feel I would probably be crippled without YouTube, since I tend to spent most of my time there. Perhaps without it, I may finish my work faster without distractions!

Did It Again

Today was our second class test. I did quite ok, Faridah said my marks were pretty consistant. Which was reassuring to hear. I scored 12 and 14 upon 20 for the first and second test respectively. Or was it the other way around? But at least this tell me I have actually learnt something during the duration of this module.

O wells, I'm just glad there aren't anymore tests for this module!

Where The Wild Roses Grow

My dream holiday would actually be in a hussling and bussling city like New York or L.A.

Sure we may have a lot of that in Singapore, but to be place in the same situation but different location makes a lot of difference. I would really like to go and experience for myself. And of course get a feel of the nightlife in those cities!

Here's an interesting multimedia site I have found using my visual search engine, SearchMe:
http://www.concierge.com/travelguide/losangeles/

I feel for this evaluation of website, currency, authority and accuracy are all very important. Currency because I want to know the NOW of this country, not the yesterday. Authority and accuracy go hand in hand, as travel information should always be trusted, as being lost overseas whether literally or in translation is very nerve-wrecking and dangerous especially when you are a tourist.

Overall, the above website fulfils all the three criteria and is my top pick for an information website for travelling to L.A. Hopefully one day I may go there too!!