Intro to NDM: MM56

1) Read the first two articles. Write one paragraph on each summing up the key aspects.

Page 10: Living and learning in a digital age.

The article was about how a group of researchers wanted to see the connection between the students use of media at home and school and how it affected their social lives, in terms of the way they learn and connect with their family and friends.  The article explored issues such as the way in which a ''school works'' and how they control/manage behaviour. The research indicated that schools try to make ''different kinds of people appear the same.'' This conclusion, although reinforcing some positive views on equality, could in fact lead to young people ''failing to recognise the inequalities'' which they sometimes see on a daily basis. Another key aspect that was researched was the way in which schools teach and use media. It was suggested that schools fail to educate students on: how media and produced, who controls them, and how its constructed to convey certain messages.  

Page 46: Periscope and the implications of live streaming.

Periscope is an app that was purchased by Twitter, before it was launched. It allows your Twitter followers to watch your live stream. The video stays up for 24 hours, and  can be a great way of keeping up with events as they happen. However there are some privacy concerns over this app e.g your videos could ''potentially be shared with third parties such as  search engines, developers and universities. Also the app allow anyone to track your location, which is a major concern, especially with younger users.There are also some piracy issues that arise when using the app e.g some people may record videos of their TV screens to let people watch a certain programme. However there are some positive aspects to the app, as it allows users to show the ''reality of their own lives''-this could benefit those who have been misrepresented in traditional mainstream media. 

2) Now read the A2 A* essay. Why do you think it was so successful? 

• The student used a suitable example
• They used statistics/ contextual research, and linked this back to her question
• They included both sides of the argument  
• Good application of media terminology and theory
• Good structure;easy to follow. 

3) Finally, answer this question in a well developed paragraph on your blog: How has digital media changed your life in the last 5 years (for positive or negative)?

It is definitely easier to share messages and videos faster now since the arrival of apps such as Snapchat and Instagram Live- this had definitely had an impact on the way we broadcast our daily lives. These apps and features often require locations- which I feel is one of the disadvantages of new technology.