The death of disinfotainment
Article Abstract:
The convergence of high-bandwidth communications networks, wireless mobile data communications and digital image compression and transmission will take control of the media out of the hands of centralized political power and will increase popular access. The national media currently provides 'disinfotainment,' which is packaged bits of news with more entertainment value than appeal to the intellect. This can be controlled and manipulated by governments and by centralized media organizations. Several recent events in both the communist and non-communist worlds have shown that individuals with consumer-level tools can be powerful media communicators. These tools include portable camcorders, fax machines, microcomputers, electronic mail and bulletin board systems. The combination of all of the aforementioned technologies will decentralize media by reducing the costs and improving the access to the tools to produce effective media.
Publication Name: Publish
Subject: Publishing industry
ISSN: 0897-6007
Year: 1991
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
In search of Nintendo for the mind
Article Abstract:
A computer education revolution is needed to make learning a process of discovery rather than a passing of knowledge from computer to child. The Nueva Center for Learning near San Francisco, CA has two goals: to create an excellent school for gifted children and to help revitalize the US and international educational systems. First-grade students at the center learn how to conduct on-line searches, build Hypercard stacks, explore simulation software and study history and current events using CD-ROM and videodiscs. Students from grades two through seven use Paracomp's Swivel 3D to create and explore virtual worlds using state-of-the-art equipment. Mathematics, music, art and history specialists use multimedia technology to create interactive learning software for teaching the principles of their subjects to teach children to explore these subjects by themselves.
Publication Name: Publish
Subject: Publishing industry
ISSN: 0897-6007
Year: 1991
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Questioning technology
Article Abstract:
More people should spend time thinking about how technologies might affect our lives, before spending time and money developing these technologies. The main goal of the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) is to inform congressional committees using assessments or studies, identifying negative and positive consequences of a new technology. The OTA staff keeps abreast of developments in such areas as science, international security, natural resources and energy. The members meet and argue about what such technologies as computer conferencing or satellite television will mean for different parts of the US. The OTA publishes dozens of reports each year on toxic chemicals, high-definition television, and educational software; the public should read these reports.
Publication Name: Publish
Subject: Publishing industry
ISSN: 0897-6007
Year: 1991
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: The end of the line. Seeing ghosts
- Abstracts: The vision from down under. Louise Fili: Design Archaeologist. Team of unorthodox discipline
- Abstracts: The overseas odyssey of Rico Lins. Doo Kim internationalizes corporate Korea. The cool world of Paula Scher
- Abstracts: Raymond Loewy: the fine art of self-promotion. Saving grace
- Abstracts: Turner Duckworth: friendly rivals. Your action world. The Burdick Group: protecting fertile ground