It seems that Apple, Microsoft, and Google are shying away from rigid, structured operating systems as the future of their respective companies. Apple and Microsoft have essentially spelled out that their next version of their OS (Snow Leopard and 7) would be the last traditional OS they would offer. Both companies seem to be choosing …
One of my friends (Drew) has a fantastic blog that presents the critical issues of politics. The “Pseudo Body Politic” has the right balance of analysis, insight, and humor. Mainly, I’m jealous of his ability to write every day. So, I’ve been inspired by his work. Since the election is coming soon, I figured it …
First of all, the Association of Internet Researchers held a fantastic conference this year at the IT University of Copenhagen. The building is indeed an architectural work of art and is a beautiful complement to the learning that occurs in this institution. I feel that sharing what I’ve learned during the conference is my small …
It’s about 8 am, and I’m crossing my way thru the dark inside of the Easton Towne Center. My MacBook in one hand attempting to connect to the WiFi and the other hand used to open the door to the outside courtyard. I can hear the mass of humanity from 500 feet away. A line …
The last three months of the research process will be the virtual ethnography research method. I will talk to ten students from each of the universities based on the interview pool or if there is attrition in the pool, a new group of students from those who took the survey based on the selection protocol …
The first method that will be used for this triangulation study will be a survey designed to look at the overall superstructure that defines this online social network. This survey will be designed to observe the individual habits of first-year students with regards to their Facebook usage and the individual’s perception of status and self-worth …
The purpose of this proposal is to describe the focus of my dissertation, which will be observing incoming traditional first-year students to Midwestern universities, whose hometowns are small towns and see how those first-year students use Facebook as a coping mechanism. The paper will begin with an in-depth discussion of my research interest and a …
To expand on the themes of involvement and engagement, Arend (2004) looks at how technology not only presents more opportunities for student-faculty interactions but also how those interactions promote a deeper and richer understanding of the course material. However, there is very little additional research citing the effect of technology on the broader construct of …
For student development theory to fit into the context of this dissertation research project, it is crucial to focus on the academic environment as a web of interaction and, more importantly, as “webs of learning opportunities.” Benjamin et al. (2007) looked at the first weeks of the first year of college as the foundation of …
Virtual ethnography will begin at the end of the interview stage. I will randomly choose five Facebook users from each campus from those who participated in the interview process. I will send those selected an email explaining virtual ethnography and how I’m interested in the Facebook presence. I would further explain that no personal information …