Novak,+Mike


 * Contributions:**

Throughout the process of this wikispaces building assignment, I initially decided to explore the topic of instant messaging and the way its widespread use altered our society. However, as time progressed, I found that others had started to extensively contribute to that topic with not much room for improvement. In turn, I decided to explore the topic of Online Dating, which has grown parallel to the advent of instant messaging and the widespread popularity of the Internet. I believe that both of these features of the World Wide Web have greatly influenced each other’s rapid development.

Throughout my research it had occurred to me that McLuhan’s technologically deterministic protocol could be widely seen in both of these topics. A tool created by society had further influenced society itself, and the way it operates. Society desiring better and faster means of communication developed a tool - the Internet. The Internet, in combination with the human desire to create relationships with other individuals, brought on the development of instant messaging. Instant messaging joined with the human desire for closer socialization and romance ignited the spark for online dating. In turn, online dating services gave rise to a new way of individuals developing relationships with others and will continue to greatly influence the methods by which individuals will seek to initiate social and romantic relationships.

Throughout the time of this wiki construction, I also contributed content to spaces such as Podcasting, Instant Messaging, and the Table of Contents, and the Class Study Notes section. My participation in this project included; starting stubs, adding content, changing the appearance of sections, as well as correcting the spelling and grammar mistakes when needed.


 * Reflections and observations:**

Not having much background in Wiki and wiki building, I found this to be a very interesting project. It was interesting how effective it can be when a collaborative attempt is made to build a knowledge base. I found this especially useful when preparing for the mid-term test, where we as a community of students, without the premise of a direct reward, have joined together to build a body of knowledge that would help us all study for the test. The pooling of people’s knowledge and ideas builds for further knowledge. My opinion is that this wiki was much more useful and interesting for me to use then WebCT. I think WebCT should be updated to support and wikis and students encouraged in building them.


 * Suggestions:**

Though I enjoyed this experiment, I believe that Wikispaces would be much easier to use if one didn’t need to be online to build it. Most of my contribution toward the end of this project was conducted from various remote countries over my reading week and my holiday, where Internet access is still scarce and expensive. This gave me the insight into how difficult it must be for individuals in these countries to contribute their knowledge to similar spaces. Shall we say, I learned much about the other side of the spectrum of the digital divide? It would have been much easier if one could build or edit a wiki topic “in-house”, the same as a web page, with links, pictures and content, and then was able to submit it when ready. Adding links to parts of the wikis live, was very time consuming and difficult when not connected with a high-speed connection. Other then that, I would love to see every class have one.