Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Week 2 Exercise

The digital media and communications technologies that I use on a daily basis would be my iPhone/iPod, Laptop, Nintendo DSi, digital camera, television, and my car radio. The tasks I manage through these media technological devices are taking photos, surfing the Internet, online shopping, doing homework, listening to music, playing games, watching videos and shows, and checking my finances.

The types of digital media involved are audio and video meaning multimedia, Internet, photos, maps, and games. These digital media devices provide a variety of functional values, including tasks and leisure time. For example, I can play games on my phone while waiting for my next class or waiting in line. When I'm lost or looking for a new place, I can use the maps on my phone to figure out where to go. I can take pictures in my phone or my digital camera when I go somewhere cool and want to remember that event. I can check my bank accounts on my phone while shopping to make sure how much money I have. I am able to check my social networks, like myspace and facebook, to keep in touch and see what's going on with friends. I can also check my e-mail quickly for any updates from school.

According to the reading, The Medium is The Message by Marshall McLuhan, our cultural context of media and our content medium are significantly different than those of our grandparents. During our grandparents time, they seemed to concentrate more on content of print media and what worked at the time. Our generation seems to ask for more content in our devices. We look for what works, but also what entertains us...we are always asking for more.