Mobile Phones in Society - Literature Review

Nokia say it’s all about “connecting people”. Vodafone ask, “How are you?” and tell us to “make the most of now”. Apple claim “touching is believing” Every company has “their message” burned into our minds regarding their phones and communication. “They sell it to you as freedom, but it actually means that you are contactable at any time of the day”, Harris 2007.

There is no doubt that the mobile phone has proved itself to most as a necessity of daily life in current times. Is it a good thing or a bad thing? Has the cell phone changed the way we communicate for good?

Ling, 2004 argues that the mobile phone is often treated as a mere social fad or a simple technical innovation but claims it has affected everything from our social and business coordination, to our safety and security in our day to day lives, that it has revolutionised teen freedom, communication and expression and examines the unexpected interaction between users and cell phones.

Recent studies made by Dr. Khurana 2009 claim that there is a significant body of evidence linking mobile phone use and brain tumours while recent studies from ‘Convergys’ claimed that children are becoming obsessed with mobile phones claiming 20% said their “lives would fall apart” without one. Then there’s the amusing anecdotes of “the cell refuseniks” that choose to ignore cell phones and a life without intrusion as reported in the New York Times by Cain Miller 2009, whom have spent their days devising alternate contact plans in order not to cave in to cellular technology.

Mobile phones have even been effective in playing an important role in catastrophes such as 9/11, Noll and Clarke 2003. The technology of mobile communication played a part in the organisation of the hijackers and their ease of planning through mobile devices. The NYPD, NYFD and other support group’s communication, all being “mobile” no doubt saving hundreds of lives. To the communication of loved ones trying to comfort each other through the unthinkable situation and circumstances.

Love it or hate it mobile technology has an effect on every moment of every day.

References:

Harris, I. 2007. ‘The Stubborn few holding out”. Guardian. [Internet] : http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2007/mar/19/news.mobilephones [20/10/09]

Ling, R. 2004. ‘The Mobile Connection”. Morgan Kaufmann Publishers.

Lean, G. 2009. “Mobile Phones More Dangerous than Smoking” Independent. [Internet]: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/mobile-phones-more-dangerous-than-smoking-802602.html [20/10/09]

Cain Miller, C. 2009. “The Cell Refuseniks, and Ever Shrinking Club”. New York Times [Internet]: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/23/technology/23cell.html?hp [23/10/09]

Clarke, P & Michael Noll, A. 2003. “Crisis Communications: Lessons from September 11^th”. Rowan & Littlefield.

Learning Skills Audit

VARK Questionnaire

VARK Questionnaire

My Scores:

V = 5 V = Visual

A = 3 A = Aural

R = 6 R = Read / Write

K = 4 K = Kinesthetic

The VARK Questionnaire asks a series of questions to evaluate what type of learner you are.

My results from the questionnaire reflect that there are elements from all aspects of learning that help me. I feel I try to understand the importance of all of them.

I am not surprised that I scored highest on Read/Write and Visual. I favour the process of repetition while I’m learning. I feel when I write things down over and over I take in more than when I am just listening to someone.

Often I have made decisions based on writing out the Pro’s and Con’s. Some of the bad decisions I have made in my life I made sporadically and without enough thought and clarity, which I feel visualising the problems gives me.

I would say that I am a little surprised from the test’s findings that I didn’t score higher in Kinesthetic. I find physical and practical involvement very important. Specifically in Computing the process of re-applying the methods is essential to learning for me.

My Scores in Aural were my lowest in the test. I guess I can see this to be true. I understand it to be the “listening” element. At times I have a short attention span and my tendency to write everything down often distracts me from giving my complete attention.

I feel I could try to improve on this by trying to listen wholly in lectures writing down key points. Take it in and try to comprehend it rather than trying to write down everything that is said so that I have it for later.

SWOT ANALYSIS

Strengths:

- Confident

- Organized

- Skilled

- Enthusiastic

- Experienced

- Hard Working

- Determined

- Creative

- Team Player

- Good Communicator

- Good Parent

Weaknesses:

- Nervous

- Insecure

- Maths

- Easily Frustrated

- Moan

- Sometimes Pessimistic

Opportunities:

- New Software

- New Enthusiasm

- Learning

- A New Start

- To obtain a Degree to provide a better pathway for the future

Threats:

- Family Life affecting work

- Money or Lack of

- The Younger People

Learning Line & Blog:

The Learning line below is a representation of Stephen Davidson’s experiences to date.

As a slightly more mature student it is a nice reminiscent trip down memory lane that represents the essence of an experienced, creative and cultured person.

Reflecting the achievements and major defining moments of his life experience whilst hopefully providing an underlying insight into a person trying to be a good parent and setting a positive example of someone willing to work hard to reach his goals.

Writing this blog will provide him with the ability to see the development of his writing, knowledge and skills throughout this new experience. Hopefully it will be a good indicator of progression and dedication and will be an interesting experiment to look back on three years from now and make him feel grateful for this opportunity.

Learning Line