Ng,+Jennifer

=Reflections and Observations=

I remembered by the first time I stepped into Wikispaces, the space was already filled with people writing about many different topics. What I found most helpful were the notes pertaining to lectures that were taught in class (considering I did not have much time to study for that test!) It was really interesting to note how a little contribution from one person, can ball up into something bigger. More importantly was how people could actually come together and piece information for everyone to learn from.

=Contributions for Wikispaces=

I was really nervous regarding my first contribution to Wikispaces. Everyone had something to write about, and I was just plain lost! Most topics that I was interested in were already filled. My first attempt to contribute began with a small paragraph regarding how WiFi worked. I was really excited thinking that I have finally made a contribution. When within the next hour; I realized that my contribution got deleted. Honestly, I was a little disappointed; because it seemed as though my work was not of any good substance (I figured that was why that person deleted my work.) It was only when I read through the changed version and thought about this exercise thoroughly, I realized that it is not about making mistakes, which is why people change/delete your stuffs, but only because they are trying to improve the information that is being provided – for the better of mankind. Ever since, I have created two pages – “Jurisdiction” and “Hacking”. I was really excited when I noticed how the page grew and evolved after my contribution. I also made another small contribution regarding the “Digital Millennium Copyright Act”. I happened to chance upon the articles posted on “Current Issues”, and I was surprised that I actually found the articles interesting! Therefore, I myself posted two articles; one which I felt was of relevance to the class guest lecturer Michelle Levesque (on surveillance & security in information society) – “Cyberthieves Silently Copy Your Passwords as You Type” and the other in response to one posting made by another student – “Judge Lets BlackBerry Stay in Play for Now”.

=Suggestions for Improvements=

As someone has suggested, I certainly feel that it would benefits students if all classes could start a Wikispace from the beginning of each semester. It certainly does not have to be monitored by a teacher, but it would certainly benefit students to share information and at the same time learn from each another. Via the internet, learning no longer has to be an individual thing, instead now people can share their knowledge and help others in return. This way, everyone can benefit from the shared resources. I have to say, this was certainly a great learning experience for me! I certainly would encourage this assignemnt to continue throughout this class. Not only does it encourage teamwork, but it also shows how a little contribution can grow and benefit everyone who partakes in this space. I certainly hope this space will keep growing even after this assignment is over!