The main argument of the extract, and why the extract is relevant to Networked Media as a course
The extract from Mortensen and Walker is primarily concerned with the notion of Blogging being essential to the development of ideas, given the communal atmosphere of the Network. The extract emphasises the “interlinked” nature of Weblogs, and how this interconnectivity between Blogs encourages “conversation” between their authors. Mortensen and Walker then argue that this idea of “communal discourse” is what allows “ideas to be expressed and formulated”. Furthermore, Mortensen and Walker also attribute this notion of blogs being “interlinked” to the capability of Weblog authors to post links in their own writings that can connect readers to other Weblogs or online articles on the same subject, therefore “creating a context for bits and pieces that at first glance may seem to be unconnected fragments” (2002).
It is safe to say that the extract echoes the reasoning behind the implementation of Blogging as a major assessment task for the subject of Networked Media. Under this assessment, we are encouraged to use our Blogs as “a place for you to continue developing your online writing skills”. The Blogs are also “intended to be where you can reflect on ideas and problems that are raised during the semester in Networked Media” (Seth Keen, 2011). We are also encouraged to read our classmates’ Blogs, and to even link to these Blogs in our own posts if the discussion topics are similar. In this respect, we are being encouraged to assist each other in the establishment of our own ideas of the concepts and notions raised during the semester.
The Blog as an assessment task in the subject of Networked Media is primarily concerned with the idea that they, to quote the extract from Mortensen and Walker, “allow single, small, insignificant ideas to be expressed and formulated” (2002).
References:
Mortensen, T and Walker, J 2002, “Blogging Thoughts: Personal Publication as an Online Research Tool” in Researching Ict’s in Context. Ed. Andrew Morrison. Oslo: University of Oslo, p.249-259.
Keen, S 2011, Assessment Tasks Networked Media 2011, viewed 12th August 2011, <http://www.sethkeen.net/networkedmedia-2011/tasks/#blog>