Today there is no school. I met up with my group mates and work on the Group Wiki assignment. Topic is "Discuss on the ethics of using Social Networking Services (SNS) as alibi for crimes". It is a whole class assignment, just that we had split up into 6 groups of 4. Work is divided equally among the 6 groups. 1 group on introduction, 4 groups on case studies and 1 group on positive and negative effects. My group is working on case study. After posting the case study, four of us are to write down our own reflections about the case study.
Blog Reflection: 1. Using your favourite metaphor, describe the most important lesson that you had learnt in your EIR journey. 2. Write a paragraph summarizing your findings on your research topic.
Reflection 1 Using your favourite metaphor, describe the most important lesson that you had learnt in your EIR journey.
My metaphor I am using is "bridge over troubled waters". It means "solution to a problem". I had learnt things which I did not know during this EIR journey. Things like the search strategy to enter in the search box which I did not know there is such strategy, the different search engines like Mamma.com and Google Scholar. Lastly, knowing the different evaluation criteria which will help me to know whether the website I had chosen is reliable, relevant and having enough information. Sometimes when I am searching something in Google, I could not get the correct search and ended up with wrong results or perhaps I have used wrong method of searching. Of course I do get correct search results sometimes. Using Google Search most of the time, my internet resources will be limited as normally it will give me websites or informative source. Through this EIR journey, I learnt these new things (search strategy, search engines evaluation criteria) which are like solutions to my problems. I learnt the correct method of researching for information. It helps me to save time.Besides that I am able to collect more reliable and relevant information of different internet resources from different types of search engines.
Reflection 2 Write a paragraph summarizing your findings on your research topic.
Eating disorders are serious emotional and physical problems that can have life-threatening effects on both females or males. It involves using food to deal with these problems. Some teenagers may know the existing problem just that they do not take it seriously, doing nothing to their health. Most of the teenagers are actually not aware about eating disorders and doing harm to their bodies with their mind focusing on looking good. The problem lies in their own interpretation of looking good and the method the teenagers used to achieve their desired weight. Therefore, it creates these three main types of eating disorders - Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binger Eating Disorder. I think that sometimes the teenager began this behaviour is also to try to fix other problems. They began doing one of the eating disorders as they felt terribly out of control either in their personal life or outside environment example having family problems, stress from schoolwork, social problems like being teased about their appearance. I think it is important to let teenagers or perhaps everyone to know how to keep fit in their body, correct their thinking and build up their low self esteem. Not just keep focusing on their looks and body image. Perfect body is not equal to skinny/thin body.
Lesson today was about Twitter. We were given a link on Twitter case study which talks about the good and bad of it. A short video on it as well. After that we were given Post-IT and to write about how Twitter has helped in my learning. Afterward we were being formed into 3 groups for discussion about Twitter. My group was on the downsides of Twitter. We are to present on our points and listen to what others have to say.
Blog reflection Briefly reflect on lessons learnt from this tutorial:
1. How has Twitter (micro-blogging) enhanced your learning of EIR? Compare this with your blogging experience using Blogspot.
2. How can you use Twitter and Blogspot for research purposes?
Reflection 1 How has Twitter (micro-blogging) enhanced your learning of EIR? Compare this with your blogging experience using Blogspot.
Twitter allows me to post instant messages of only 140 words to any of my friends who use it. It is like a online-sms. My friends and I can just simply post anything like thoughts, feelings, even information or video links. By doing so, we can keep track on how one another are currently doing or feeling. If links of information are posted, sometimes is not what we know, we actually get to learn new things by clicking on the link which direct us further.
At first I did not use Twitter despite hearing from my friends about it that it is now a trend. I started using because of EIR, was asked to sign up an account. I find that it is a good interaction among your friends, more towards the socializing and interacting part than sharing information. Normally when I log in, status updates are normally thoughts, feelings and random facts about my friends. I think that I will use Twitter more for checking updates of my friends rather than sharing information.
I feel that Blogspot is better than Twitter. I can express more about myself and post more things with images in Blogspot. I can simply edit my post easily in Blogspot whereas for Twitter I cannot edit but got to delete and re-type again. Besides that I can edit and add nice blog skins in Blogspot, making it as my own.
Reflection 2 How can you use Twitter and Blogspot for research purposes?
Both Twitter and Blogspot can be used to shared information easily just by posting a link or an information with images respectively. Now Twitter is a trend. Almost every website has Twitter. I can easily follow on the website on Twitter if I want to know more information about it. Through Twitter I can also collect latest updates of anything about the website whereas through Blogspot I can collect updates of only specific topics based on what the user had posted.
10th Lesson Activity 2 & 3
Practical 8 & 9
"My Dream Holiday" -To search for multimedia websites (Tourism/travel related ones) that magically showcase the places of your Dream Holiday.
-Evaluate the website/s and identify the most important criteria you used to get information about your Dream Holiday.
Blog Reflection: Briefly reflect on lessons learnt from this practical:
1. Update your blog with magical pictures of your Dream Holiday destinations
2. Which evaluation criteria did you used to evaluate the multimedia websites for your dream holiday? Why?
3. Why did you choose to go to your Dream Holiday destination?
"My Dream Holiday" Reflection 1 Why did you choose to go to your Dream Holiday destination?
I choose to go Taiwan for my Dream Holiday destination. I always wanted to go Taiwan since my secondary school days. During secondary school days, I was crazy over Taiwanese boy group 5566 and girl group S.H.E. Besides that I love to watch Taiwanese variety shows and drama shows. Till now I still love to watch those shows, but not that crazy over the two groups now. A lot of Mandarin songs I listen to came from Taiwanese singers, somehow also influence me wanting to travel to Taiwan. I also heard that there are delicious food in Taiwan which makes me want to try them.Yum! =)
Reflection 2 Update your blog with magical pictures of your Dream Holiday destinations.
One part of Taiwan which I want to go is Hualien. Hualien County, facing the immense Pacific Ocean in the East and leaning against the grand Central Mountain Range in the West, is famous for its beautiful scenery. There are quite a number of National Parks in Hualien County. I have chosen these two parks (below).
Hualien County - National Park Tunnel of Nine Turns (Jiuqudong)
The tortuous cut by the river has produced a gorge of many curves, and the path of the highway that has been carved out of the cliff face here seems to be endless aeries of turns. Hence the name. A walk through of Tunnel of Nine Turns takes about 30minutes and gives access to enchanting scenes of the gorge, the river, stone strata, the tunnel itself and the surrounding vegetation. This is one of the most scenic parts of the gorge, and the best place to observe the gorge's ecology.
Shakadang (Mystery Valley) Trail
Shakadang Trail is also known as Mysterious Valley Trail. One of the most notable features of this trail is that it requires numerous river crossings. This trail is built along the river cliff so travelers can easily observe both the rock folds and plant ecosystem beside in the river valley. An excellent view of the emerald green waters of Shakadang Stream and the folded strata of marble that form its banks.
One can get themselves wet by either dipping their feet or swimming in the cool waters, it just provides infinite potential. Visitors can sun themselves on the boulders. For those looking to enjoy the tranquility of nature, continuing along the main trail probably offers greater potential. In May, it is the season when Tung tree flowers bloom, making the trail a pleasant flower hallway with flowers filling the air like snow flakes.
Another part of Taiwan I want to go is Taipei City. It is Taiwan's largest city as well as its economical, political and cultural center.
Taipei City - National Park Yangmingshan National Park
Yangmingshan National Park is located in the north of Beitou. It was called the Caoshan (Grass Mountain) during the Japanese Occupation of Taiwan because it is covered with grass and seldom visit. After World War II, the KMT government renamed the mountain Yangmingshan and built a park there.
Yangmingshan National Park is the only park in Taiwan that has volcanic geography and hot springs. It has unique volcanic terrain, a rich variety of forest vegetation, and an extensive network of hiking trails. The magnificent mountainous scenery and comfortable weather have made the park a perfect summer resort. Total area of the park is 125 hectares, designed in traditional Chinese style. The natural beauty of the part has won it the reputation as urban forest and the Taipei garden.
The park is characterized by a large clock made of flowers with a diameter of 22 feet. Water runs around the flower clock and music is played every hour. The clock is the characteristic of Yangming Park. Opposite the clock is a statute of late president Chiang Kai Shek; on both sides of the statue are the cypresses planted by president Chiang himself. The Xinhai Guangfu Building was completed in 1971, right in the center of the park. In addition, there is a statue of Wang Yang Ming, the famous Chinese scholar in the 17th century.
I would want to try the hot springs in Taiwan. I heard that Taiwan is ranked among the world's top 15 hot spring sites, harboring a great variety of springs, including hot, cold, mud springs and seabed hot springs. The island can proudly regard itself as one of the regions with the highest concentration and greatest variety of hot springs in the world. I think it will be a waste if one does not try the hot springs in Taiwan.
Taipei City - Hot Spring
Beitou Hot Springs Region
Beitou hot spring is surrounded by Shamao Mountain, Datun Mountain and Qixing Mountain. It spreads the sulfur mist year round. The place is bestowed with abundant hot spring resources. It is called "the hot spring village". The major area for hot spring spa is Zhongshan Road, Guangming Road, Xinming Road and Quanyuan Road that surround " Beitou Hot Spring Park". The hot spring hotels in this area are larger and numerous. There are many selections no matter the public, individual pools or spa in hotels. Hot spring outlets here are mostly sulfur springs of white, green and iron. Temperature is in the range of 55 to 58 Celsius.
Taipei City - Scenery Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is Asia’s tallest skyscraper with 509 meters tall. Situated in Xinyi District near Taipei City Hall. It was designed by Taiwanese renowned architect Zu-Yuan Li. Taipei 101 is the landmark in Taipei City and was designed based on the Chinese lucky number 8. Comprising 101 floors, it has the world’s fastest elevators that can travel 9 floors in just 37 seconds (nearly 64.4km per hour). There is an indoor viewing area of Taipei City on the 89th floor, and an outdoor viewing area on the 91st floor.
It has a mass of shops on the lower floors, incorporating many top brands under the LVMH group, such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Celine, etc. The fourth floor houses The Page One bookstore from Singapore, with the highest roofed coffee house in Taipei and many fine restaurants.
Taipei City - Museum/Gallery/Memory National Palace Museum
Located in Taipei City, the National Palace Museum houses the world's largest collection of priceless Chinese art treasures, one which spans China's nearly 5,000-year history. Most of the museum's 620,000 art objects were part of Chinese imperial collection, which began over 1,000 years ago in the early Song Dynasty.
These priceless treasures include ancient Chinese paintings, archeological remains of bronze weapons, ceramics, jade, sculptures, books and other antiques. The National Palace Museum truly reflects the rich cultural heritage of Chinese civilization and ancient Chinese culture.
Night market is one of the distinctive feature of Taiwan. It is a must-visit spot for my Taiwan Travel. There are a few night markets in Taipei City. I have chosen this one (below).
Taipei City - Night Market Shilin Night Market
Shilin Night Market is one of the most popular and well-organized night market that allure visitors from all around the world to linger on.
At the Shilin Night Market, visitors are able to enjoy a wide array of local delicacies such as stinky tofu, bubble tea, fried chicken, oyster omelet, teppanyaki and many others. Various local snacks and flavors are exclusively sold in Shilin Night Market. Shilin Night Market has become a renowned place for great foods.
Also, visitors may enjoy shopping store to store and the large selection of clothes and accessories that they bargain for reasonable prices. It is a vivid place for social gatherings and a tourist spot for foreigners to appreciate the local cultures and delicacies.
Shopping in Taiwan is another thing which cannot be missed.
Taipei City - Shopping Area Ximending
Located in West Taipei, Ximending is one of the most popular tourist spots among locals and visitors from all over the world. Ximending features a wide array of fashion clothing and accessories in various styles including Japanese, Chinese and Western. It is similar to Shibuya in Japan, both are famed for a diversity of entertainments and activities that allure young people and young adults to visit. It is often a gathering site for young people and has always been considered the most fashionable and popular shopping place in Taiwan.
There are abundant department stores, shops, stalls and stores in Ximending including various CD shops, hair salons, Eslite Department Stores, movie theaters, Karaoke, etc. Also, do not miss the chance to appreciate a great cuisine tour that will allure your taste buds.
Being a hot spot in Taipei, a lot of celebrities choose to hold concerts and events at the Ximending Walking Street. Located near the Taipei Main Station with an ideal location, Ximending offers great convenience in transportation with MRT and buses. In conclusion, whether it is because of the stores or the distinctiveness of the people, Ximending is acknowledged the most fashionable and trendy area for young people in Taipei City.
Reflection 3 Which evaluation criteria did you used to evaluate the multimedia websites for your dream holiday? Why? The website I had chosen: http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/
Purpose: Are the aims of the website clearly stated?
Yes, the aims of the website is clearly stated. Since it is a tourism website, its aims is to promote and advertise Taiwan to attract tourists. Besides that, at the top of the web page, there is a link called "Tourism Bureau". It is the Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communication, Republic of China (Taiwan) - Executive Information System. Under Tourism Policy, they have their yearly policy. 2010 Tourism Policy: Implementation of "Project Vanguard for Excellence in Tourism" and advancement toward the goals of "development of international tourism, enhancement of domestic travel quality, and increased foreign-exchange revenues" to bring Taiwan¡¦s new tourism allure to the attention of the world.
Coverage: What is the coverage of the site? Is it comprehensive? What subject areas and materials are covered? Are there any pointers to further information that enhance the coverage of the site? Are the links to other sites useful?
The website is comprehensive. It covers almost anything about Taiwan - the introduction, gourmet, culture & heritage, offshore islands, ecotourism, hot sprints, rail tours, loahs, night markets, travel suggestions and accommodations. It has a column in the middles of the main page, stating the current news, events and conventions and exhibitions. At the right hand side of the web page, there are two maps. One is showing where is Taiwan and the other is about the different areas of Taiwan.
There are pointers to further information that enhance the coverage of the site. Links which covers on attractions, transportation, tour operators, travel information and practical living information. There are also external links to other websites at the bottom of the web page. They are either websites of accommodation, specific parts of Taiwan or attractions. These links to other sites are actually useful.
Authority: Is this an authoritative source? Are there any reviews about this site or has it been included in any gateways or virtual libraries?
This is an authoritative source. This website is a government website as it is managed by the Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Republic of China (Taiwan). Linking to the Tourism Bureau web, there are profiles of the Director - General and other two deputy Director - General, stating their educational background and past experiences. Therefore I can trust that the information given is reliable and relevant.
Accuracy: Are the facts accurate? Is it a factual site or one that contains an opinion? Is it free from grammatical, spelling and typographical errors?
The facts are accurate. It is a factual site since it is a tourism website which is suppose to promote and provide information about Taiwan to attract tourists in. There are not only facts but also provide images for users to view. It is free from grammatical, spelling and typographical errors as it is managed by the Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Republic of China (Taiwan), a government web.
Currency: Is the information up-to-date? Is it well-maintained?
Yes, the information is up-to-date and well-maintained. At the top of the web, there is a link to weather forecasts and it displays the weather conditions of Taiwan today, tonight and tomorrow. The news and events in the web are of current dates too. At the bottom of the web, it states copyright 2010.
Accessibility: Is the site easily accessible? Does it require registration and log-ins? Are all the information accessible for FREE?
The site is easily accessible as it does not require registration and log-ins. Furthermore, it can be easily searched in Google Search. The website actually appears on the first page of Google Search and place as the first search result when the search query "Taiwan Travel" is entered.
Presentation and Arrangement: Is the information well presented and arranged? Are there any features such as site map, an index or a search facility? How effective are the search features in helping users to find information?
The information is well presented and arranged. They are neatly organized under links and tabs with main subjects and sub-topics. There are features such as site map and search facility which is on top of the website. Having the site map will strengthen the browsing convenience of the user. Having the search facility, the user will get directed to a list of links which relate to the keyword the user had input.
Usability: Is it easy to use and navigate around? Are there user support facilities?
It is easy to use and navigate around. There are quick links to popular tours and hot spots. Short description about accommodation, food and beverages, shopping and recreation, each with a link to bring you to more information about it. At the bottom of the web page, there are external links to other Taiwan tourism web. On the both left and right sides are links to the introduction of Taiwan and the attractions - scenic spots, food, shopping and more.
Overall: What is your overall impression of the quality of the website?
I think that this website is user-friendly. It is well-planned and organized which makes the users easy to navigate around. The information is also clearly and logically presented. The colours used in the website is pleasing to the users for viewing as well.
