•Natives & Immigrants
In our text, Introduction to Computer Literacy, it is stated in its definition of Globalization that, "No longer is there an "us and them," or "over here and over there." We are all living in the same world." And that "No longer is geographical boundaries or distance a factor that prevents communication. For example, a Web designer in India might be developing your company's new Web page as easily as a local high school kid down the street." (Bowles, 2010) That there was a time (and fairly recently) that the term "Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants" applied, delineating a definite separation of peoples via age demographic and intellectual capacity goes without saying. But, in light of the fact that Globalization and the "Flattening of the World" are rapidly erasing many conflicting differences between a vast array of demographics by fostering more convenient, faster and levels of communication, it stands to reason that this perceived wall between those who are already living in the increasingly global land of cyberspace and the ones who are moving here in droves from the imagined land of "unconnected and older" will eventually see complete eradication as Cyber-land continues to settle into its ever emerging role as the Great Global Melting Pot of the near future and beyond.
•Synchronous vs Asynchronous
In a synchronous learning environment, students "meet at the same time but in different locations. They learn by engaging with other students and the professor at the same time." (Bowles, 2010) In a situation such as this, students gain the advantage of being able to ask questions, socialize in an educational if not informal manner and reap the benefits a more "face to face" experience in their academic endeavors. Most people that I have ever spoken with would rather, than deal with a computer or recorded voice, interact with another human being that they can look in the eye, hear their living voice or even touch if the situation presents itself accordingly. In an asynchronous academic setting, students "there are no set times for everyone to gather together. There are weekly assignments and discussion board postings, but students do not have to be logged on at any specific time of the day." The advantage that asynchronous settings have over synchronous situations lies purely in its much higher level of convenience. Students, not constrained by a strict schedule, are free to work at a pace that suits them individually and are less likely to be influenced by the inevitable peer induced spirit of competition one way or another, that exist in traditional classroom settings.
•Flamin' Flamers
Flaming is "a term that describes an increasingly intense and vicious debate." (Bowles, 2010) Online, flaming matches can occur because of misinterpretations of the intent of written text, which is the chief means of communication between potential flaming participants. A single misconstrued word such as "Ridiculous!" could conceivably set someone on a vengeful path of retaliation likely to cause further reprisal in return and thus begins the vicious cycle of Flaming. A good way to head such misinterpretations off is the use of emoticons in text. The potentially offensive word, "Ridiculous!" thus becomes "Ridiculous!" ~:p, the "licks" emoticon alerting the reader that the intent of the epitaph is one of silliness, not malice. Another good way to head off potential flaming matches is to demand the use of respect and a liberal dose of common sense in posting at all times. Offensive language is just as effective in fomenting feelings of anger and discontent written down as it is spoken aloud so, no cursing, treat everyone with kindness and always remember that just because something you're writing might seem like the height of wit and humor to you, while you're writing it, doesn't necessarily mean that anyone reading it will interpret your writing exactly as you intend them to...