Module 5!

Information Ecologies

For the last module we have been asked to give some reflections on questions asked about Information ecologies. Here are my response after reading the materials.

The first question is -
How might the metaphor of an ‘ecology’ impact on the way you think about, understand or use the Internet?

After reading the 2 articles, i was a little overwhelmed with the the concepts put forth. I think i grasped the 'meat' of the article but struggled a little with the intricacies.
Ecology, before these examples, was only a reference to the physical world. But after some deeper thought i can somewhat put into perspective in regards to information ecologies.
The 'net' being the new ecology, or the environment of the ecology is mind altering. I now look at the internet with a different perspective. The idea of information pollution, biased company propaganda being a great example. What i take from this in my sphere is that all the information available is shaping our new ecology. We have to look at information and its use carefully. Who controls it and who alters it. Being part of this ecology myself, as in this course, i see the importance of data exchange and the quality of it.
It really does give me a greater understanding of the new world we live. We must guard it and really take measures to qualify data we use. Accessibility needs to be addressed as well in countries with baron "ecologies".


How are the concepts ‘information’ and ‘communication’ understood within the framework of an ‘information ecology’?

Information within this model is the living creature within a physical world. It is ever changing, being created and also dissipating. It is the variable in the model. Communication on the other hand is not the major underpinning of the information ecology. It is more of a semantic, necessary of course but it merely refers to the way information is passed. Communication is the way the information is passed either via e-mail, posted document or even a web log.

Why don’t we talk of a ‘communication ecology’?

I guess we don't because, form what i understand, its not the method of how the information is conveyed, but the more the message or information.
Data, Information is the key element here.
Just like the real world ecology, the tangible is the real elements concerned. The method of how the creatures get around is not as important as the creatures themselves. The creatures existence and purity of lineage. Just like information in this current day!