Internet + Information = Development & Change

This week we have looked at how the advancements in technology and communication have affected the way we live. The active use of the Internet has dramatically increased over the last ten years and along with this new technology comes a variety of new social media avenues that open up communication channels around the world.


The example discussed in class was the effective use of Twitter and how this form of new social media is allowing people to be informed, be connected and be heard.


Along with the introduction of new social media sites, the Internet has paved the way for other groups and individuals to inform (more so reveal) slices of information that are believed to be in the public’s interest. The classic example of this is Julian Assuange and the birth of Wikileaks.


In your next blog post I would like you to address and discuss the following prompts:

• How is the Internet used as a vehicle for change and exposing the truth?

• How do individuals / groups use Twitter and what are some recent examples where this social networking site has been effective? - Refer to Cornell Notes Summary

• Are Julian Assuange’s actions morally and ethically right for the world we live in? I want you to use examples (there are many) that support your argument.

Take a look at the Wikileaks website on the right hand side scroll bar and have a read of their mission statement.


The word count for this post is 400 – 450 words – however feel free to discuss this interesting issue in more detail.


If you were away for any of the sessions where we watched the clips relating to this post here they are for you to have a look:


Twitter Revolution:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW2oy9c5NiM&skipcontrinter=1


Julian Assuange 60 Minutes Interview:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzC9invn4Ko

This post is due to be posted up on your blog by Thursday 24th March

Wealth: The Widening Gap and Future Possibilities

This week's focus was looking specifically at how globalisation and poverty are linked. The inevitability of global progression or development in the world we live in means that some countries economically thrive and others tend to fall by the wayside.


Last session we looked the Grameen Bank Project and how this organisation works to reduce poverty in Bangladesh. The concepts of micro-finance, empowerment and creativity all combined to make a considerable change to the economical situation in this country.


The first section of this blog task involves you investigating an organisation that aims to overcome poverty.


You will need to include the following 

• the name and location of the organisation
• the main work done by the organisation
• examples of programs to reduce poverty

Some examples include:

• http://www.makepovertyhistory.com.au/
• http://www.careaustralia.org.au/
• http://solvepoverty.com/

The next section of the task involves you heading to the United Nations website and look at the stated Millenium Goals located on the right hand side bar:

http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/

Study each of the eight goals and rank them in your order of priority. You need to discuss what each goal aims to achieve and justify your ranking.

Also you need to use the website to find out what progress has been made by some of the developed countries. The big question that you need to discuss is what has Australia achieved over the last 10 years to address global poverty?

Your post needs to be at least 500 words and include all of the activities and observations to the questions outlined.

This post is due to be posted up on your blog by Thursday 17th March