Effective Internet Research (EIR): July 2012

*~Just 1 more step to a magical experience~*

Just outside iExperience, the site we are to visit......

1. Which features/facilities are more interesting to you? Why?

Two exhibits which I like the most are the Internet Protocol (IP) TV and the Next Gen(eration) Classroom.

*~Huge screen + fantastic visuals + Internet = Best thing ever~*

The IPTV allows a number of benefits:

Has ultra high-speed bandwidth
Option to browse the Internet while watching TV with extremely crisp images
Able to operate up to 7 home automation devices (E.g. lamps, blinds, lights) with smart battery switches using 1 setup box which makes it convenient
Possible to integrate with hospitals (E.g. watching the same TV program with the patient, having tele-conversations with the patient as well as the doctor) which makes taking care of the patients much easier

*~Classroom of the Future~*

*~Computer Desk Type 1~*

*~Computer Desk Type 2~*

The Next Gen Classroom has desk-like computers which aids the learning of students. These computer desks make use of touch screens which can accomodate up to 4 persons and is useful for group activities. It interests me because the exhibit makes me realise that technology has improved a lot from the past and is being weaved into education to make the learning experiences of students much more fun and engaging. The video below shows us using the computer desks:

2. Compare this site visit e-learning activity with attending physical EIR classes in TP.

When attending classes, we mostly get feed with information and usually absorb them without giving much appreciation. However for the site visit, we need to actively participate and explore so that we take advantage of the opportunity to learn new things. Due to this enthusiasm which we need to have during the site visit, we learn to better appreciate the things which we have learnt, not only during the site visit but also during lessons.

For e-learning activities, it usually means doing quizzes for attendance grades. But this e-learning is different being a learning trip and has kept e-learning activites both fresh and interesting.

3. Briefly describe ONE ethical issue covered in EIR lecture notes 11 & 12.

One ethical issue is security in terms of the Internet where there are concerns that security flaws can lead to theft of important user information and details such as credit card numbers.

4. Comment on how this ethical issue can be applied to the exhibits that you see, hear and experience at iExperience. Use examples from iExperience to explain.

Internet security can be applied to the IPTV and Near Field Communication (NFC) exhibits.

*~Tour guide demonstrating the IPTV's functions~*

The IPTV allows Internet access and this makes it no different than any other desktop PCs or laptops out there which can do the same thing. Thus, it is vulnerable to having important user information being stolen by hackers if payments are made through the IPTV when making online purchases.

*~Near Field Communication (NFC) Exhibit~*

The NFC exhibit features a "Next Gen" method of making purchases in the supermarket where the price tags of products can be scanned with your smartphone by using the smartphone like an EZ-Link card to tap on the price tags. The information of the products including the cost then appears on the smartphone and payment can be made later on as well as stating whether you want to deliver it to your home or workplace. This makes important user information such as credit card number and addresses of home or the workplace to be vulnerable to hackers which could be misused and have those actions traced back to the user instead of the hacker.

*~Tour guide demonstrating NFC with a scene at the supermarket~*

*~Checking out some recipes using NFC~*

*~Select credit card for payment~*

*~Enter the address for product delivery~*

*~Select date for delivery~*

*~Select time for delivery~*

5. Suggest how the issue can be handled and what can be done in future.

I think this issue lies more with the consumers than the organisations who come up with these technologies. It would definitely be good if the organisations can come up with a good solution in the near future to handle the issue with Internet security on top of current technology such as using fingerprint identification softwares and authentication keys. The best thing to do as of now is to take up precautionary measures to prevent facing this issue. If you must make an online payment for a product, the best solution is to find an authoritative and trustworthy site in order to better secure your personal information or else it is better to just stick to the old fashion way of shopping - going down to the store yourself!