NCT Blogg 8

Task 1
Complete the Exercises below, and then write a report in your blog about your experience doing the exercises; were there any problems ? what were your solutions? Did you find it too simple, or was it confusing? Can you see how this software might be useful to you?
Exercises: Word_Bold, Italics, Underline and Bullets, Headers, Footers and Double Spacing, Track Changes, Mail Merge; Excel_Entering and Presenting Data, Formulas

Both word and excel are very useful software applications in providing presentations in a professional style, sending bulk mail, documenting changes to legal contracts and many more forms of documents. Being able to use the applications allows the choice of formatting styles within the document and increases efficiencies. Solutions to problems that occur can be sourced from the help assistant icon. The directions to execute the exercises were easy to follow and would become second nature with constant use.

Task 2
What are the qualitative differences between the regular IM program and a 3D environment?
What is different about the kinds of socialising that happens in these spaces? Does the 3D aspect make much difference? In other words, are there things that are possible in one space that are not possible in the other? Could you think of where this sort of application might lead us?

IM is a text-based medium of communication in almost real-time with people who you know; like friends and family from your contacts list. The synchronicity of the communication between the users happens before your eyes. The communication is effective and efficient with immediate acknowledgement/reply. The cost is effective because it is free over the internet. Some IM features allow you to see the other person you are talking to, with web cams. Used as a medium for communication, IM has a social function and an entertaining function. IM is purposeful and simplistic as a form of communication.

In a 3D chatroom world, communication is not limed to who you know as in IM. Communication in 3D chatrooms develops between strangers. Games can be played in virtual worlds. 3D chartrooms can be used as a means of social active entertainment. The communication can be anonymous because, as a user, you can create an identity of choice either similar to your own or worlds apart, both in character and in how you communicate. The 3D chatrooms have more variables and more choices to consider than IM. The anonymity of the communication could lead to a person exhibiting uninhibited behaviour, both in a positive or a negative form. Children who visit chatrooms can become potential victims to sexual predators.