A2: Google V China - The dispute continues...

Google have postponed the release of two "Android" mobile phones in China - see the BBC article here...and the Guardian's perspective here!

The question is: When and how will this dispute end? And what will the consequences be - for Google, it's employees in China, the Chinese public and the Chinese government?

A2: Only Google Could Leave China

Article from Wired Magazine reflecting on and putting into context Google's announcement to not censor the search results of "google.cn" and the likely-hood that they will be forced to abandon a market of "340 million users"!

A2: Essay Reminder...

...don't forget your response to the following essay question is due in on Monday 18th January:

"As a medium video games offer an inherently active and addictive experience.  Because of this games such as Grand Theft Auto and Manhunt 2 pose a more significant threat to society than films such as Natural Born Killers and Base-Moi" To what extent do you agree with this statement? 

Should you have any questions or need support feel free to e-mail me!

Mr. M.

A2: More on Google, China & Censorship!

Here are some links to articles and opinion pieces from The Guardian and The Independent newspapers about Google's decision to enter into a stand off with the Chinese authroities over the censorship of their search engine and apparent hacking of google e-mail accounts.

Internet Censorship in China 

How internet giant Google turned on gatekeepers of China's Great Firewall 

China Google cyberattack part of spying campaign: experts 

Google prompts soul-searching in China 

Google acted on censorship amid China dissident fears 

Defiant China web users back Google

[Update!] Google, Yahoo, Adobe and who?

While I like many find China's level of regulation and censorship wrong in the extreme it does bring the "Internet Regulation Debate" right to the forefront of the news and our collective thinking - can the Internet continue to exist in its current form unregulated?

A2: Porn star Ron Jeremy says violent video games are "worse" than porn!

Read the article here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8453043.stm

A2: Homework - Censorship & China & Google!

Reminder - tomorrow's double is the last lesson on Media Regulation & Censorship. You will be moving onto Media & Collective Identity with Mr Ford next week.

Please make sure you read the rest of "Electronic Child Abuse" by David Buckingham from the book: Ill Effect, BARKER et al, 2001

Then read / re-read the Google Blog Post here: "A new approach to China" and answer the following questions:

• What issues / moral implications are raised by China’s “Internet Firewall”?
• What do you think about the Google Blog Post: “A new approach to China”?
• What links can you make between this form of censorship and the forms of censorship we have encountered in the unit so far?
• How would you feel as a British citizen if our government imposed similar censorship upon us?

You could also look at the following website (thanks Sehb / Sophie!): "Great Firewall of China".

You also need to read "Video Games" from the book Censored, MATTHEWS, 1994

See you tomorrow and well done to those of you who made in today, inspite of the snow!

Mr. M.

A2 (Year 13 - That's You!): Snow Day Work!

As school is cancelled again here is some work for you:

1. If you did not see this on Wednesday - please read this Guardian Article and make notes.
2. Read this article from www.education.com and this article from NewScientist and this one from mediawatch-uk - make notes.  I'm trying to offer a little perspective from the anti-media side of the fence.
3. Listen to the "classifying video games" podcast from the SBBFC website.
4. Finally, prepare (DO NOT write the essay - I wish to give your last essay back first!) a response to the following question:

"As a medium video games offer an inherently active and addictive experience.  Because of this games such as Grand Theft Auto and Manhunt 2 pose a more significant threat to society than films such as Natural Born Killers and Base-Moi" To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Make notes; draw primary and secondary evidence together; try to incorporate a balance of material from the work we have done on both film and video games.

Your coursework deadlines have been updated and are available 2 posts down or just click here!  If you have any issues you can e-mail or tweet me @media_at_ccc!

Enjoy the snow!

Mr. M.

AS (Year 12 - That's You!): Snow Day Work!

As school is cancelled again here is some work for you:

1. Please complete the "Waterloo Road" essay from the Long Road Media TV Drama Blog here!

2. Then complete the "Crime Drama Title Analysis" Task in Topic 4 on the VLE course here!

Your deadlines for your coursework have been updated see post below or click here! Should we not be back in on Friday - you could explore the other resources available on the VLE course and don't forget to work on your coursework blog!

If you have any issues you can e-mail me via blogger (click on "Email" in the contact box on my profile page); my school e-mail or you can tweet me @media_at_ccc

Enjoy the snow!
Mr. M.

AS / A2 Coursework Deadlines Update!

AS Coursework Deadlines:

Rough Cut: Friday 29th January

Final Cut: Thursday 25th February

Completed Blog / Evaluation: Monday 22nd March

These deadlines are also visible on the calendar/upcoming events blocks on the right of the VLE course!

A2 Coursework Deadlines:

Final Cut: Thursday 21st January

Ancillary Media Texts: Thursday 11th February

Completed Blog / Evaluation: Thursday 11th March

These deadlines are also visible on the calendar/upcoming events blocks on the right of the VLE course!

A2: Davina McCall: "Television is 'not good' for children"

Guardian Article - Wednesday 6th January 2010 - provides some interesting and related ideas about young peoples exposure to media.

Please read and make notes! - This is what we would have read / discussed in today's lesson, which is canceled due to the snow.

Mr. M.

A2: Extra Lesson With Mr. M. Every Wednesday Period 5 In Room 79.

There is now an extra media lesson every Wednesday P5 with Mr Michie.

This is not optional but a requirement to make sure that all A2 students achieve their full potential!

Mr. M.