Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Week 13

Well we are finally at end an of my first semester....woot woot!! This course has been an interesting and I certainty feel smarter...which was my goal from this course. Studying has been good fun and reminded me of the dreaded end of year 12 exams...but reading over the lecture notes and text book I realised how much I did actually in fact know and remember.
This course has enlightened me about the history of technology and how these accomplishments have contributed to technology and life as we know it today. I had never heard of Charles Babbage until week 3 when Stephen gave us an introduction into his workings, such as the difference engine. How smart was Charles Babbage anyways? Like knowing how to make a new technology back in those days...he was defiantly a smart cookie!!
Although the lectures were on a Friday morning...and I may have struggled getting to them, looking back it was worth it.
Adam has been a fantastic help with studying for the exam, giving us the work sheet to work through has not only helped me with this course but given me ideas on how to study for my other subjects. While the handout did not consist of statements or facts, it rather asked us questions and brought up the major points brought up in lectures and the text book which acted as an indicator of what to study. I now feel confident for my exam and this is partly thanks to Adam...
All in all this course has been difficult to grasp at first, but realising that the concepts did in fact stay in my mind I found this subject interesting. I like challenging subjects as boring, easy subjects don't motivate me enough.
I enjoyed learning all concepts but found some of the movies rather confusing. Alphaville was a effort to sit through, as was primer, but existence was just gross. I understand they were all time travel movies with sci-fi elements but surely Deja-vu is a much more entertaining movie that has the same elements.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Week 11

Its week 11...How quickly has this term gone! well to be honest I am thrilled for the end of this semester...As next semester I will be studing courses that actully relate to what I want to do, that being public relations. So far this course has been informative but I cant wait for Introduction to Event Management next semester.
So I may be a little stressed about the exam as generally every friday morning Amie and I are slightly hung-over...who ever decided to make lectures at 9am on a friday should be shot...as if they dont know about thursday being uni night at parky! Anyways today we were required to go on Microsoft Excel and use some basic and advanced functions. These tasks involved putting simple information into the program, using that information to create a graph and using macros.
I have used excel before and i was familar with using the basic functions of the program. I recently used excel for a graph i designed for my psychology lab report, so I had no troubles doing that exercise.
Macro's on the other hand...well where to start...first of all I have never used these before and found them utterly confusing!! It didnt work and I may have given up! I generally dont have much patience for stupid things that dont work the way the say they will.
I hope I never actually need to use that 'macro' function or hear of it again.

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Week 10

Today we were playing around with Microsoft word and its many functions. We had to write up a job application letter and do all sorts of things to it. These included using the;
  • Bold, Italics, Underline and Bullets functions
  • Headers, Footers and Double Spacing
  • Track Changes and
  • Mail Merge

The majority of these function I was familiar with, however I did find it interesting to use the double spacing tool. I currently am doing a psychology course as an elective and all our assessments are to be double spaced...me being blonde went through my 1500 word lab report pressing the enter button to make it all double spaced. I will in future be using this fantastic double spacing tool.

The headers and footers function I have used before so wasn't anything exciting/challenging or new there. The same goes for using functions such as Bold and Italics. I constantly use these functions so am very familiar with them.

Track changes function I found confusing. I don't quiet understand the use of it, if I want to change a word I just delete it, I don't go to all the trouble to do track changes only for the computer to ask me if I want to accept or deny this change.

The last task involved mail merging...OK this was difficult for me to do! I completely understand why the tool exists and in a business it would be really handy and reduce alot of time. Maybe after using it a few more times I would understand it more but at the moment I found it difficult. The mail merging tool wasn't working properly though as when I would export the information it would come up with the same recipient and not make new copies with recipients from my list.

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Essay

Kristyn O’Reilly
S2625659
1501ART
Essay
Due date: 11/05/2007

It goes without saying that the introduction of the internet has affected day to day life. The internet is a vast computer network linking smaller computer networks worldwide. The internet includes commercial, educational, governmental, and other networks, all of which use the same set of communications protocols. (Online Dictionary, 2007, paragraph 1) Many businesses now use the internet to advertise their product or service. This is due to the massive growth in internet usage.Advertising is the act or practise of calling public attention to ones product, service, or need by paid announcements in newspapers and magazines, over radio or television, or on billboards, etc. (Online Dictionary, 2007, paragraph 2) The object of this essay is to analyse the effectiveness of advertising on the internet. This essay will look at the steady growth of the internet, advertising on the internet and consumer thoughts of internet adverts and their effectiveness.

The internet is growing and expanding everyday. People are becoming more open to the internet and some have even said the net has become mainstream, a normal part of everyday life. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2006) 60% of Australian households have access to the internet. 65% of internet users claim to use the internet for personal reasons making this the most popular purpose, followed by work or business purposes. The Australian Bureau of Statistics also found the main reasons why some people that don’t use the internet are; 24% feel they have no use or need for it, 23% have a lack of interest and 19% felt costs are too high.The Internet has enabled consumers to become more involved in the business industry. The internet allows consumers to ‘gather pricing information, participate in product design, explore promotions, consummate sales, arrange delivery, and retrieve post-purchase support.’ (Korgaonkar & Wolin, 2002, page 191)The effectiveness of advertising on the internet is difficult to measure correctly, one could measure click through rates of adverts, or purchases made on the internet, but the results may not be due to online advertising. The results may be due to accidentally clicking onto an advert or chance. Web user’s perceptions are the best measure of efficiency. According to Korgaonkar and Wolin (2002) in their study of web usage, web users generally have positive perceptions of online advertisements. It has also been shown in a case study conducted by Illingworth, Williams and Burnett (2002) that large organisations have benefited from online advertising with an increase in membership, increased public awareness and increased enquires. In a study conducted by Previte (1999) it was found that ‘internet advertising promotes competition’ this highly benefits the consumer as prices may change due to this new found competition. New studies indicate that internet usage is at a major tipping point (Moore, 2001) which is a major advantage for online marketing, the more people that use the internet, the more advertising that is wide spread.

Often marketers use a technique of bundling, this involves advertising a range of products in one advertisement. This has proven successful in traditional types of advertising however, in internet advertising it has been shown that bundling should not be used as extensively. (Yuan, Caulkins, & Roehrig, 1998, page 678) This conclusion is due to consumers having a great deal of control over advertising exposure on the internet, as it is up to the consumer to seek additional commercial content. (Schlosser, Shavitt & Kanfer, 1999, page 35) Internet usage differs from developed and less developed countries. There are many reasons for this difference, these include economic development, cultural factors, individualism and uncertainty avoidance. (Hermeking, 2005, page 1) It therefore is important to use alternate advertising techniques in these areas.According to a study by Schlosser, Shavitt and Kanfer ‘internet advertising is perceived as informative but not entertaining, especially in comparison to advertising in general.’ Therefore the weakest aspect of internet advertising is its ability to deliver entertainment, which could encourage purchase.

Although it has been argued that internet advertising is ‘uninformative, unfocused and forgettable’ (Goldsmith & Lafferty, 2002, page 318), it would appear that several studies have proven this theory wrong. Statistics demonstrate that internet sales are increasing. In 2000 internet sales reached ’27.3 billion in the US’ (Korgaonkar & Wolin, 2002, page 192) If companies use the internet efficiently it can lead to a decrease on spending in the “main media advertising, direct mail, sponsorships and public relations’ (PR newswire, 2007) sectors. This decrease can lead to a more profitable organisation as trends indicate that the internet is a ‘low cost and high benefit solution to marketing and communications.’ The internet is a cost effective way to promote company awareness and market organisations. (Illingworth, Williams & Burnett, 2002, page 280) It has also been proven that internet adverts ‘increase loyalty and may be more effective in brand alliance than TV or print ads.’ (Korgaonkar & Wolin, 2002, page 192)

The internet has caused a major shift with technological advancements which has caused advertisement to move from paper-print to online. Advertising has, and continues to expanded and change as society changes this had lead to the internet becoming mainstream in our day to day lives. The effectiveness of online advertising is difficult to measure, just as the effectiveness of many types of advertising are. From the research conducted, it is obvious that internet advertising has an effect on consumers however, it is important to realise that successful marketing programs require a mix of all marketing elements, rather than just focusing on individual element, such as the internet.

References

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2006) ‘Household Use of Information Technology, Australia’www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@.nsf/lookupMF/ACC2D18CC958BC7BCA2568A9001393AE
Retrieved 18th April 2007

Goldsmith, R and Lafferty, B (2002) “ Consumer response to web sites and their influence on advertising effectiveness” Journal of Internet Research: Electronic Networking Applications and Policy, Vol 12, pages 318-328
Retrieved 17/04/07 from Emerald database

Hermeking, M (2005) “ Culture and Internet Consumption: Contributions from Cross-Cultural Marketing and Advertising Research” Journal of Computing-Mediated Communication Vol 11, page 0
Retreived 20th April 2007 from Blackwell Synergy database

Illingworth, L; Williams, D and Burnett, S (2002)‘The costs and benefits of the Internet as a marketing and communications tool: attitudes, perceptions and experiences within the non-profit environment sector in Scotland’
Retrieved 20th April 2007 from http://www.emeraldinsight.com/Insight/searchQuickOptions.do?hdBrowserId=-1397427434&searchTerm=the+costs+and+benefits+of+the+internet&dummy=&hdAction=button_search&hdPreviousBrowserId=-1397427434&lpSearchHistoryID=&shTab=

Korgaonkar, P and Wolin, L (2002) “Web usage, advertising, and shopping: relationship patterns” Journal of Internet Research: Electronic Networking Applications and Policy, Vol 12, No 2, pages 191-204
Retrieved 25th April 2007 from Emerald database

Moore, N (2007)’Online has finally gone Mainstream’ B & T Weekly 2nd February
Retrieved 26th April 2007 from Factiva database

Online Dictionaryͣ. “Advertising”, retrieved 26th April 2007, fromwww.dictionary.reference.com/browse/advertising

Online Dictionaryͣ. “Internet”, retrieved 26th April 2007, fromwww.dictionary.reference.com/browse/internet

Previte, J (1999)’Internet Advertising: An Assessment of Consumer Attitudes’pages 199-209
Retrieved 24th April 2007 fromhttp://www.cbpp.uaa.alaska.edu/afef/internet_advertising.htm


Schlosser, A; Shavitt, S and Kanfer, A (1999) “ Survey of Internet users attitudes towards internet advertising” Journal of Interactive Marketing, Vol 13, pages 34-54
Retrieved 17th April 2007 from ProQuest database.

’Small business + Web = Increased Local Sales! Internet marketing isn’t just for global business; new Small Business Mavericks site introduces small and mid-sized businesses to internet tricks and techniques’ (2007) PR Newswire, 30 January
Retrieved 26/04/07 from Factiva database

Yuan, Y; Caulkins, J and Roehrig, S (1998) “The relationship between advertising and content provision on the internet” European Journal of Marketing, Vol 32, No.7/8, pages 677-678
Retrieved 24th April 2007 from Emerald database

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Week 6

Today our task involved us using photoshop to alter images so they could resemble the topic chosen. This task was fun, interesting, and challenging at the same time.













I found a picture of a group of people and using photoshop I merged me and my friend Rikki into the picture. While this picture may look odd as Rikki and I are dressed up, I feel this picture represents popular as me and my friend Rikki look popular with the group of nerds following us haha


















I found this picture of a horse. Using photoshop I drew a curly, pig like tail on the horse and added the header 'news flash' I feel this picture represents news worthy as horses don't have pig like tails and its funny.
















I found this picture of a kangaroo. Using photoshop I wrote 'Aussie' in green on the animal and added an Australian flag into the back round. I chose a kangaroo to represent Australia as it is an Australian animal that is widely recognised as such.

















I found this picture of a famous actor. Using photoshop I changed the picture so it appears to be taken in a blue shading. I also found a header that says 'hot' and added into the picture.
I feel this picture represents celebrity as Chad is a hot celebrity...there really isn't much more I need to say

















I found a picture of a popular mobile phone. Using photoshop I altered the colour of the phone to a blue shading. I feel this picture represents communication as I use my mobile every day to communicate with my family and friends.






















I found two pictures of a group of girls for this image topic. Using photoshop i merged 1 group image into the other to make the group look like it had more people in it. To me this picture represents friends as there is nothing better than getting all your friends together and taking a photo to capture the memory.




























I found a picture a small group of kids. i then found some games that are widely recognised. Using photoshop i merged these games into the picture so it appeared that the kids were going to use the games. To me this picture represents games...i think it is pretty self explanatory...monopoly and Xbox...they are games.

Week 8

Today we have been asked to compare 3D messengers with traditional instant messenger programs. I looked at Active Worlds which is a 3D chat environment. We had to choose a nickname and then I was put into a video game like screen where I could walk around and talk to people, I could also swim and give some physical gestures such as waving. I was able read what other people were saying as little speech boxes were above their characters heads.

This was the first time I have ever used a chat room that is like a 3D computer game. I found it interesting and intriguing. Its really a different experience when compared to traditional messengers.

Traditional messenger is only word focused and isn't as visual. Although you have a nickname and can have a display picture, you don't get to walk around and explore the environment. You also cant see other peoples conversations.
MSN is a commonly used form of socialising, but it is a more one-on-one conversations, as you chose the particular person you wish to speak to and employ into a more private conversation as other people cant see your conversation.

The Internet has many forms of interaction and this new form of 3D realities is just another advancement in technology. It makes you wonder what will come next, as the possibilities seem to be endless.

This task reminded me of the lecture on Virtual Reality. Virtual worlds are becoming more and more popular as the internet expands and grows. Virtual Reality is an extention of out imagination that has been made possible with thanks to....the internet!

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Week 5

Today we were asked to find some photo's from external sources and post them on our web blog. We were given 6 topics and instructed to find pictures that resembled that topic to us. We were also asked to write why these pictures represented that topic to us, as each individual will have different perceptions.

















This represents friends because these are my girls from Melbourne. I've known these girls since the start of high school. Sarah on the other hand ( the one in the pink/black) I've known since I was 5...we lived next door to each other and have many stupid/embarrassing memories together. I miss these girls heaps and that's why I chose this photo to represent my friends.



















This picture represents the news as it is a newspaper. I rarely have time to watch the news on TV so I generally catch up on the 'latest' in our daily newspaper.























This picture represents 'high tech' as i find them hard to use. I recently bought a laptop and am finding it difficult to operate. A perfect example would be not using a mouse...using that little mouse pad thing with my fingers...like I said its high tech and difficult to use.




















This picture represents summer, as like most people that live in the sunny coast, I spend the majority of the summer on the beach. This picture also reminds me of going to the beach in Melbourne with my friends...good times.

















This picture represents unconventional as my understanding of unconventional is for something to be out of the ordinary and i think you wouldn't see a toilet on a bike everyday. I also find this picture odd and funny.



















This picture represents 'uni life' as these are my awesomely fun and exciting uni girls...Uni isn't all about study or hard work its also about the social side and making friendships that may last for that night....or a life time. This picture was also taken at the uni beach party event so I feel it definitely represents my uni life.