Wednesday, 26 February 2014
OSI model
Our guest speakers, Steve Lovaas, talked about the OSI model and "Layer 8." So far, we've largely only talked about what happens between Layer 7 (the application) and Layer 8 (the player). What elements of Layers 6-8 have you been able to infer when participating in your virtual world? Think beyond the log-in screen (although that is important) since that is part of the GUI interface (Layer 7), into the 'guts' behind the game.
Steve Lovaas joined us on Skype for his guest lecture and I'm not sure if I was the only one who felt this way, but the connection in that Skype call was so flawless... I don't know if he had a higher resolution camera than usual or if it was the fact that he was on a projector, but my initial thought was "wow, I have never seen a Skype call so clear!" and it actually stayed that way--no technical difficulties, no lagging etc. etc. That's off topic but that was just what I initially thought about the whole lecture!
Moving on to the important things about his lecture, he spoke about the OSI model which I also read briefly about on wikipedia from readings that Jamie provided us. I am going to be honest that I was confused about the OSI model and did not fully understand Steve's lecture at some points because I was zoning out in class... 10 am is too early sometimes even with coffee in hand. But what I gathered from his drawing on his whiteboard is that although the OSI model only presents 7 layers, there is layer 8 which is the user/the player/yourself playing in your VW.
Since I can't really draw the OSI model myself, here is a photo from Google:
Steve Lovaas joined us on Skype for his guest lecture and I'm not sure if I was the only one who felt this way, but the connection in that Skype call was so flawless... I don't know if he had a higher resolution camera than usual or if it was the fact that he was on a projector, but my initial thought was "wow, I have never seen a Skype call so clear!" and it actually stayed that way--no technical difficulties, no lagging etc. etc. That's off topic but that was just what I initially thought about the whole lecture!
Moving on to the important things about his lecture, he spoke about the OSI model which I also read briefly about on wikipedia from readings that Jamie provided us. I am going to be honest that I was confused about the OSI model and did not fully understand Steve's lecture at some points because I was zoning out in class... 10 am is too early sometimes even with coffee in hand. But what I gathered from his drawing on his whiteboard is that although the OSI model only presents 7 layers, there is layer 8 which is the user/the player/yourself playing in your VW.
Since I can't really draw the OSI model myself, here is a photo from Google:
In participating in my VW, and mapping minecraft, I realized I've been applying the OSI layers into my gameplay. The presentation, application and user layers are mostly what we paid attention to while mapping our objects. Presentation layer is how we see ourselves in the game and how we control our avatar to translate the movements we want it to make accordingly. Application is pretty much minecraft and it creates the platform for us to connect with other users and finally, the user layer which is us, transmitting the messages that we receive from the game.
Monday, 17 February 2014
Free writing
So far I've been playing Minecraft for a month now and I think I'm getting used to it and appreciating it more. I have come a long way for sure since I first started playing and writing about Minecraft. I've been able to build a big house and territory with Mack on a server. Also I crafted myself an armor made out of iron.
As discussed in class, there is not just one way of seeking information in Virtual Worlds. There are also different tools and ways to seek information. The more I get used to Minecraft the more I am able to tell if there's going to be a mine here or there or what tools I'm going to need to craft certain things. One concept we've talked about in lecture is the linear info literacy development where it goes from seeking information to disseminating information. Especially when I am working with my other group members towards building something, we join our resources and creativity to build something and our information is shared amongst other Minecraft players.
Wednesday, 5 February 2014
Mass, Masspersonal and Personal Communication
Identify from your game an instance each of mass, interpersonal or mass personal communication. describe them and discuss how the format was (in)effective in communicating the message
An instance of mass communication is when I am on a server where other people are present and there messages like "Enjoy RisenKingdoms? Need Help? Find a bug? Contact a member of staff and let us know!" these messages are not particularly intended for anyone but they are sent for everyone to see. It is like what we discussed in class as "cultivation of reality"and relying on authoritative figures... It is always telling us that we can contact admin if we want to complain or suggest anything. Even people entering and leaving the server is broadcasted. It is effective especially for newer users like me because they can suggest things like auctions and things I don't even know existed. Also, mass personal communication is present where players use the chat function a mass communication platform to talk to one another. For example in the screencap below (both Mass and Masspersonal Communication are present) people in other worlds in the server are speaking to each other.
An instance of mass communication is when I am on a server where other people are present and there messages like "Enjoy RisenKingdoms? Need Help? Find a bug? Contact a member of staff and let us know!" these messages are not particularly intended for anyone but they are sent for everyone to see. It is like what we discussed in class as "cultivation of reality"and relying on authoritative figures... It is always telling us that we can contact admin if we want to complain or suggest anything. Even people entering and leaving the server is broadcasted. It is effective especially for newer users like me because they can suggest things like auctions and things I don't even know existed. Also, mass personal communication is present where players use the chat function a mass communication platform to talk to one another. For example in the screencap below (both Mass and Masspersonal Communication are present) people in other worlds in the server are speaking to each other.
My group decided to play together in a server today and it was actually a lot of fun! We didn't use the chat feature on the game itself because we were all together playing anyway but Sanjana unfortunately couldn't come so we had her on Skype. Here is a "family portrait" from my perspective. We played on a bunch of PVP worlds and it was nerve-racking and exciting at the same time. I'm growing to like the game more and more and I'm even starting to play it on my own time!
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About Me
- Nikka
- Born in '92. Annoyingly a morning person. Communications, Culture and Information Technology and Professional Writing double major. Always moving on.