Final Blog

I have learned that computers and technology are not as accessible to other people as it has been to me and a lot of other women I know.  There are many obstacles that women have to over come in this world and stereotypes about a woman's lack of interest in computers and technology is one of those obstacles.  Also, I learned that the internet can have a positive and a negative effect on woman and their advances in equal rights.

Presentations

Amy's presentation of her final project was very educational and stimulating.  I thought taking what we learned in the class and bringing it to the general public was a great way to see a new perspective of the topic.  I thought it was a smart tatic to interview more men than women since the statistic is about women.  The video is also nice because it shows the information in a fun and friendly manor.

Caterina Fake

Digital Divide II

Many Americans are unaware of the digital divide.  We are so consumed with our own lives we stop to take the time to look at other's.  Many Americans don't have the same technology options as our Women's Studies class does.  All of us have the ability to access a computer for free and we have classes at St Cloud State that can help us advance our technological abilities.  Many others do not have this luxury.

Women are less likely to be technology savvy then men because of old standards.  Men are seen as more inclined to video games, computers, and advanced technology items while women are not thought about twice when it comes to those items.  Since technological items are expensive and an important thing to buy then men are usually seen as in control of those items because they are traditionally seen as in control of the money.

Out of all the people online women are more likely to rule the social networking websites.  As in everyday activities women have already been seen as more interested in gossiping and in other people's lives.  Because of this it is simple to think women are the rulers of the social network as well.  Old societal standards have created a rutt for women in the technology field that we will eventually get out of.  Many women have been working hard and have been noticed by the public and we will only move forward from there.

Life Resources

National Geographic Photography:

I have always loved this website. National Geographic photos are the reason I got into photography. I find the photos on this website to be extremely inspirational. Also they have tips from their expert photographers. Each of their photographers have their own bio page which helps other photographers get a feel of their background and training.

Assignment 2/2

Assignment 2/2

FAFSA PP

Shirin Neshat

Presentation

International Feminist Websites

The F-Word:
The first website starts off with an "in your face" title that is a cute pun.  It also has more to offer than a good smile.  Just to name a few...it has many helpful resources and organizations to contact, it also offers a blog for you to share your thoughts of different articles on their website, and they also have a convient list of events!

International Women's Day:
Many people may not know why March 8th is special but to women and men all over the world it is.  I just learned this March 8th what made this day so special, it is internationally known as International Women's Day.  Now, the website for this specific day is quite informational and is the one I used when trying to learn more about March 8th.  As a first time user I found it to be an attractive and informative website.

Rip

Interview with Nadine Moawad

Lebanon's lack of availability for safe internet access for women is stimulating.  I have not thought a lot about the issue of access of the internet in other countries, let alone if the places where internet access is available is safe for women users or not.  I also have not thought about whether the internet itself is a safe tool for women and men to be using to gain information.  As Nadine Moawad said their are many sites that are available that share negative messages with us.  Another compelling statement she makes is the relationship between the lack of censorship and the progression on women's rights in Lebanon.  I never would have thought the lack of censorship would create a positive impact on this movement!  Class also is an issue when trying to use the internet.  In Lebanon the internet is very expensive and very slow so many can not afford it so their options are public places which are inexpensive but are not the best environments. Nadine's video interview is very helpful when trying to see how other women are affected by the internent and it helps open up my eyes to the things I take for granted.

Link to Interview:
Interview with Nadine Moawad

Class and Gender Impact Youth Internet Use

This article is quite similar to the article about the uses of Facebook.  The main difference is the age at which they are studying.  This article's study group is the youth of Sweden primarily 4-15 year olds.  Some of the statistics they found were shocking; children as young as 4 are using the internet on a regular basis.  Some of the information they provided was somewhat expected.  Children from families where the parents were less educated were not as familiar with computers and the internet unlike children from families where the parents were more educated.  Again, this article reinforces that girls use the internet for more social activities than the boys did.  Something new they stated was the boys felt they were more tech savvy than the girls because the girls never were interested in conquering the technological gadgets the internet offers.

Link to Article:
Class and Gender Impact Youth Internet Use

Gender Differences in the Uses of Facebook

Social Tendencies
Women have always been viewed as the gender who is more social, interested in others lives, and more "nosey".  The article's findings completely support the stereotypes I have just listed.  More women were likely to post statuses, comment on other's information, post pictures and use the other features of Facebook that allow them to connect with others socially.  Men on the other hand used their Facebook profiles to share links of news events and other less personal information.  Men were also less likely to post anything family related on Facebook while women used Facebook as an important medium to share information with or about their families.  Women also have used the photo option as a way to share information about their life with others.  Men on the other hand post photos of hobbies and interests instead of photos of themselves.  Women find Facebook to be a good way of communicating between long distance friends and family members while men find it to be as important.  Basically, what I have concluded from the article is women use Facebook on a more personal level than men do.  This conclusion can be true for a lot of other mediums we use today such as email, blogging, and text messaging.
The link to the article:
Got Facebook?

Scratching