Final Project Research 3- Similar Organization, Canada

http://www.kidney.ca/Page.aspx?pid=183

The Kidney Foundation of Canada is people working together for a common cause. We are volunteers, individuals living with kidney disease, donors, and staff members — from all walks of life, all across Canada.

Since its creation in 1964, The Kidney Foundation has helped millions of Canadians suffering from kidney failure and related disorders such as hypertension, diabetes, urinary tract infections and kidney stones.

Source: http://www.kidney.ca/Page.aspx?pid=305

History

In the 1960s, people with kidney failure had little hope of survival. Dialysis was considered an extraordinary treatment and restricted to very few. Transplantation was still experimental.

It was during this time that a young Montreal architect, Morty Tarder, died from kidney disease. Confronted with their son’s death, the Tarder family vowed to start an organization that would raise money for research into this poorly understood disease. In 1964, The Kidney Disease Foundation of Canada, as it was known then, was created in Montreal.

Today, the Kidney Foundation of Canada is the national health charity committed to kidney health and to improved lives for all people living with kidney disease. Our vision for the future is an enduring legacy of those dedicated volunteers who, 40 years ago, started out with a compelling cause and the resolve to make a difference.

Source: http://www.kidney.ca/Page.aspx?pid=308

http://www.kidney.ca/Page.aspx?pid=183

As seen from the screenshot above, we can see that the Kidney Foundation of Canada had used many social networking tools. Therefore, I think that the Kidney Dialysis Foundation in Singapore should also do it too as to create more awareness.

Final Project Research 2 – Twitter

A free social networking service that enables its users to send and read messages known as tweets. Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters displayed on the author’s profile page and delivered to the author’s subscribers who are known as followers. Senders can restrict delivery to those in their circle of friends or, by default, allow open access. Ever since late 2009, users can follow lists of authors instead of following individual authors. All users can send and receive tweets via the Twitter website, Short Message Service (SMS) or external applications. While the service itself costs nothing to use, accessing it through SMS may incur phone service provider fees.

Since its creation in 2006 by Jack Dorsey, Twitter has gained notability and popularity worldwide. It is sometimes described as “SMS of the Internet” The use of Twitter’s application programming interface for sending and receiving text messages by other applications often eclipses direct use of Twitter.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twitter

What Twitter does?

Whether it’s breaking news, a local traffic jam, a deal at your favorite shop or a funny pick-me-up from a friend, Twitter keeps you informed with what matters most to you today and helps you discover what might matter to you most tomorrow.

The timely bits of information that spread through Twitter can help you make better choices and decisions and, should you so desire, creates a platform for you to influence what’s being talked about around the world. Search results spread across Twitter and in other ways across the Web so you can discover what’s happening on and off of Twitter.com, wherever you prefer.

Twitter can give a voice to even the weakest signals because of its simplicity. Users can access Twitter on powerful broadband connections via a video game console or through faint connections in rural areas via SMS on a simple mobile phone. You can also access Twitter through more than 50,000 third-party Internet and mobile applications.

Just remember, how you use Twitter is completely up to you. Follow hundreds of people. Follow a dozen. Post every hour. Post never. Search for your favorite topics and create lists. Or not. You are in control on Twitter.

Source: http://twitter.com/about

Top 20 Social Networking Websites in Singapore

The following report shows websites for the industry ‘Computers and Internet – Social Networking and Forums‘, ranked by Visits for the week ending 01/30/2010.

Rank	Website	Visits
1.	Facebook	49.23%
2.	MySpace	16.36%
3.	YouTube	14.65%
4.	Tagged	1.26%
5.	Twitter	1.12%
6.	Yahoo! Answers	1.03%
7.	Yahoo! Profiles	0.84%
8.	Meebo	0.61%
9.	myYearbook	0.57%
10.	Windows Live Home	0.52%
11.	Classmates	0.33%
12.	MocoSpace	0.28%
13.	Yahoo! Groups	0.27%
14.	Linkedin	0.27%
15.	Mylife	0.24%
16.	BlackPlanet.com	0.21%
17.	Club Penguin	0.21%
18.	Yelp	0.17%
19.	CaringBridge	0.17%
20.	MySpaceTV	0.16%

Source: http://alishawright.com/top-20-social-networking-websites/

Through the information above, we can see that Twitter is 5th in the ranking. Thus, I think that Kidney Dialysis Foundation should have a Twitter account to update on their events so as to create more awareness.

Final Project Research 1 – Kidney Dialysis Foundation

http://www.kdf.org.sg/index.aspx

The Kidney Dialysis Foundation (KDF) is a non-profit charitable organisation, established in February 1996 by Dr Gordon Ku, a kidney specialist. KDF provides subsidised dialysis treatment to needy members of the community so that these patients will not be deprived of treatment due to financial difficulties . Patients needing treatment from KDF are referred by the medical social workers in the restructured hospitals.

A holistic approach is taken when caring for patients as it is KDF’s mission to look after the well-being of patients by nurturing hope and confidence to make life more meaningful, even for the most destitute. With the commitment to provide high quality, low cost treatment to patients who are unable to afford treatment KDF has with the support of donors and sponsors, set up a few centres to care for its patients. As at 31 March 2009 KDF has served over 519 patients of which 53 have undergone successful kidney transplantations. It is currently serving about 274 patients and annually, $6.4 million is needed to continue this life-saving mission.

Source: http://www.kdf.org.sg/about.aspx

Who are their “clients”?

KDF only attend to patients who are from the lowest 10% of the income group and referred by the medical social workers from the restructured hospitals. Most of the patients hold jobs such as cleaners, hawker assistants, store assistants and taxi drivers.

Source: http://www.kdf.org.sg/about.aspx

Age of the kidney patients at KDF
The patients were mainly from the 41 to 60 year old age group. As at 31 March 2009, this group of patients constituted 66.8% of the total population. The elderly patients (more than 60 yrs old) represent 25.5% of the total patient population.

Source: http://www.kdf.org.sg/patient.aspx

Creating more awareness

In order to create more awareness, I think that we probably should not forget that most of the kidney patients visiting KDF were 41 years old and above. Thus, I think that advertising through the Internet (eg. Facebook, Twitter) and through their website is not that appropriate. I think that is might be better if they also could advertise through television and newspaper.

Reflection: New Media Landscape

Lionel Chin

Lionel Chin is the co-founder of Ripplewerkz, which is an all in one design house which offers high quality Web, Blog, Print and Corporate ID development. Boasting an impressive portfolio of projects such as Nuffnang, Prominent bloggers/Celebrities (eg. Allan Wu (The Amazing Race Asia), Wong Lilin (Mediacorp), Nico Chua (FM 933 DJ), Lunch Actually, Airtrade and The Eurasian Association (Singapore) etc, the name Lionel Chin certainly resonates in the digital industry.

5 key points the Speaker had mentioned during his presentation:

1. Freelancing is better

2. Earn money through blog, you will earn more than what you thought

3. Twitter is very convienient with now

4. Working world is hard

5. portfolio is very important

3 things that has inspired me:

1. I was inspired in becoming a web designer in the future.

2. I was inspired to work hard and get a nice portfolio.

3. I was inspired to earn money through advertising on blog.

Do you think its useful to have a guest speaker to share their expertise, experience and “Tips & Tricks” of the trade?(explain)

Yes. I think its useful because I can know how it is like to be working in the outside world. I can really imagine how it is like through his sharing of experience. I think that the speaker is very friendly and sincere. Even though he is very young, he is able to work and start earning money. Thus, I think that he is very brave and is someone that we can respect. I believe that after attending the lecture, people will want to be like him in the future.

National Archives

http://www.nhb.gov.sg/NAS/index.htm

Established by an act of parliament in 1968, the National Archives of Singapore (NAS) was first known as the National Archives and Records Centre (NARC). In 1979, with the addition of the Oral History Department, the National Archives was renamed the National Archives and Oral History Department. NAS is an institution under the National Heritage Board, which was instituted in 1993.

Who are they?

The National Archives of Singapore (NAS) houses the collective memory of our nation. This memory allows current and future generations Of Singaporeans to understand our different cultures, explore our common heritage and appreciate who we are and how we became a nation.

As the official custodian of the corporate memory of the government, NAS manages public records and provides advice to government agencies on records management. From government files, private memoirs, historical maps and photographs to oral history interviews and audio-visual materials, NAS is responsible for the collection, preservation and management of Singapore’s public and private archival records, some of which date back to the early 19th century.

NAS protects the rights of citizens by providing evidence and accountability of government actions. Its repository of archival materials makes NAS an important research centre for those in search of information about the country’s history. NAS also promotes public interest in our nation’s history and heritage through educational programmes and exhibitions.

What do they do?

1. Manages archival holdings. Acquires and preserves records of national and historical significance, including records which document the rights of citizens and obligations of the government, and makes them available to the public.

2. Conserves and preserves paper documents which have deteriorated due to physical wear and tear, acid content in paper or insect and fungal infestation.

3. Implements effective records management for the civil service, and identifies important public records for permanent preservation.

4. Reformats images of fragile paper records onto microfilm and digital media for effective long-term storage.

5. Captures and preserves the moving images and recorded sound heritage of Singapore and organizes traveling exhibitions to bring our history to Singaporeans.

6. Records memories of people who have influenced and participated in Singapore’s history through recorded interviews.

What type of service do they provide?

- Records Management and Preservation NAS implements an effective records management programme for the public service.

Vital records are scanned and output onto microfilms for preservation in climate-controlled conditions. Records with intrinsic value are carefully conserved. In 2003, NAS achieved ISO 9001:2000 certification in imaging and conservation services, in recognition of quality and operational efficiency in our key preservation processes.

- Providing Access

The value of archives lies in their continuing relevance to people who need them to understand the past, write research papers, as evidence of rights and obligations, or simply as creative inspiration. Public access to the collections is available through the Archives Reference Room or online at www.a2o.com.sg.

- Sharing Knowledge

In addition to the core work in protecting and preserving its archives, NAS shares expertise with the community through consultation and training. They run regular seminars on using archival resources, records management and oral history methodology. In partnership with local universities, NAS provides internships and courses on archives and records management. They also conduct guided tours of NAS to educate the public on the nuts and bolts of archival work.

- Archives Conservation Services

Archives Conservation Lab provides professional conservation services for paper records such as anoxic treatment, deacidification, leafcasting, mechanical cleaning, manual repair, tissue mounting, encapsulation and high value (rare) book binding using archival method. The customers include government agencies, companies as well as private collectors. The experienced conservators will be able to recommend the type of treatment(s) required and provide an estimation of the charges based on the physical condition of the records as well as offering advice on proper storage and handling methods. NAS may impose a 10% downpayment for large scale or high value projects before the commencement of work.

Do they use any Social Media & Web 2.0 technologies for public communication & education?

http://www.a2o.com.sg/a2o/public/html/

Yes, the National Archives of Singapore (NAS) developed the Access to Archives Online Singapore , a one-stop portal site on heritage information dating back to 17th century. a2O allows users to seamlessly search information across NHB’s various independent databases and view selected photographs, maps and plans, listen to oral history interview samplers and watch snippets of audio-visual recordings, round the clock. In addition, a2O also provides information on recently acquired materials by NAS, Online Exhibitions, how to access our archival collection as well as student programmes.

Why is it called a2O?

The name a2O is used as an analogy to HO – an essential element to live. As much as human beings need water to survive, heritage and culture is an essential part of our lives. a2O allows us to search for heritage information, which documents the on-going process of changes and reveals different facets of our history, values and identity. The message is that “aO” is a link between our past and present as well as a bridge to the future.

A non-profitable association in Singapore

Disabled People’s Association

About DPA:

The Disabled People’s Association (DPA) is a non-profit, cross-disability organization, officially registered in Singapore on 28th April 1986. We are an associate member of the National Council of Social Service and also are registered as an Institution of Public Character with approval to issue tax-exemption receipts to out donors.

Mission:

Our mission is to be the voice of people with disabilities, helping them achieve full participation and equal status in the society through independent living.

Role:

DPA’s role is in the area of advocacy to influence decision-makers to implement policies and programmes aimed at promoting social integration of persons with disability and to share experiences concerning disability in order to co-operate in search of better solutions through its ‘Voice”, the Integrator and other forum such as round-table discussions.

Services:

We are a Resource and Research, Information and Communications Centre for the Handicapped (RRICCH). Available on display in our premises are assistive devices like a talking microwave oven, height adjustable stove, kitchen sink, accessible bathroom, tactile flooring to help people with disabilities live independently. DPA promotes Universal Web Accessibility in Singapore and provides web accessibility audit and certification for accessible websites.

Source: http://www.dpa.org.sg/Home/default.asp

Although this association is officially registered on 1986, I didn’t know about this association until now. I believe that other than me, many people out there doesn’t know about this association as well. Thus, I think that maybe they could advertise and introduce to the people out there to become a volunteer/ donator to help out for the disabled people.

What are the ways to increase its presence in our society today?

Some common ways for advertising:

1. On TV

2. On newspapers

3. Online

4. Flyers

5. Posters

Although giving out flyers and putting on posters are ways to advertise, I do not think that it is actually a good way to advertise. I noticed that people give out flyers in the bus interchange and just outside of the MRT. I also noticed that people were in a hurry or maybe don’t really like to read flyers. Thus, many people would not take the flyers or they would take it but throwing it in the rubbish bin later on. Thus, I think that this is not a really good idea for advertising.

I think that it is better to advertise on the Internet or write an article on the newspaper. As this is a non-profitable association, it is better to use a cheaper yet powerful method for advertising. I believe that many people read the newspaper/ read articles through online almost everyday. Even though advertising through newspaper article needed money as well, I think that it is an effective way to advertise it. Through online websites like facebook, it is also an effective way for advertising. Facebook is a famous website that people from all over the world used. People uses it for gaming, advertising and making friends. Thus, I think that it is also a good way to advertise.

Communication

What is communication? Communication is a process and such contains many elements susceptible of defect. Why do we communicate? We communicate to convey our idea/message to the others. Thus, communication is a very important thing that we humans do.

The communication process works like this:

A person, messenger, has a message to communicate. Thus, the messenger will encode his message through speaking, beahaviour or body language. After that, the messenge will go through a channel, which is email, face to face, phone call, letter, presentation or etc. Then, the receiver will decode the message. However,  the receiver might or might not get the correct message and misunderstandings may occur.

When does communication normally break? Communication is often broken because interference occurs in the communication process. Unclear messages, the incorrect tone and channel used are often causing communication to be broken. Therefore, we need to take note of how we communicate to prevent from misunderstandings.

Harold Laswell’s theory of communication states: “Who(says) What(in) What Channel(with) What Effect”

The Shannon-Weaver model deconstructs communication into 6 elements:

-a source

-an encoder

-a message

-a channel(is a path: it is the medium on which the message travels)

-a decoder

-a receiver

There are also three other factors: physical noise(the problem that Shannon was trying to solve in the first place. But noise is not just an audible sensation.), semantic noise and feedback.

The destination in the journey is the receiver. Without a receiver, there is no-one to communicate with. However, the destination is not the final step. The final step goes back to the start. The receiver provides feedback(heartbeat of communication).

Mathematician Norbert Wiener(who coined the word ‘cybernetics’) defined the feedback principle to mean “behaviour is tested with reference to its result and success or failure of this result influences the future behaviour”.

Literature Review: New media

New media!

article1 : Happy 40th Birthday, Internet!

article 2: Average Internet User Now Spends 68 Hours Per Month Online

article 3: What Comes First:Internet or Breakfast?

‘Fast forward to today, and the Internet has over 1.5 billion users, and most of them can’t imagine the world without it. Most of you don’t need an explanation of what it is and how it works; it’s one of the fundamental things you encounter, like rain or electricity. It’s in our blood. It brought us the ability to communicate fast, to connect with our friends, to create stuff together; it brought us social media, Twitter (Twitter) and Facebook (Facebook).’(article 2)

Internet! It is an important key in affecting our society. From the paragraph above, we can see that everyone of us can’t live without the internet. Why is Internet so important? It’s important as we can use it for research, projects, games, advertising, emails, messenger, facebook-ing and etc. There’s so many uses of Internet that it’s absolutely uncountable.

‘Although that still trails television usage by a significant margin, it’s clear that the Internet is carving out a greater and greater role in our lives each month.’(article 2)

With the Internet around, people tend to “forget” our traditional media(eg. television, newspaper). People will thus, spend lesser time with traditional media and will then spend more time with new media. Why is this happening? New media is much more convenient than traditional media. What do I mean by this? For example, if we had missed a drama series from our TV, it’s not a big deal. This is because, we can go to some online websites, like youtube  and just watch the show from there. Thus, people will rely on the internet and so it will bring traditional media and us further apart.

‘in September 2009, the average U.S. Internet user spent an estimated 68 hours online (both at home and at work).’(article2)

I think that not only for U.S., Singaporeans also spend many hours on the Internet. For me, I have been spending for at least 6 hours per day online. Entertainment, research, gaming and etc. There are so many things to do with the Internet and you will not get bored.

‘For the larger web brands, users spend an average of 1 hour 53 minutes a month on Google, 3 hours 8 minutes on Yahoo and 5 hours 24 minutes on Facebook.’(article 2)

I don’t think that the above sentence is refering to only ‘a month’ but ‘per day’. I have been spending more than 6 hours per day which means that I’ve been spending 6 x 30=180 hours per month! Wow! I didn’t realise that I’ve spend so much time on the Internet.

‘Akamai, which helps sites like Facebook and Amazon keep up with visitor demand, says traffic takes off even earlier, at around 6 a.m. on the East Coast. Verizon Wireless reported the number of text messages sent between 7 and 10 a.m. jumped by 50 percent in July, compared with a year earlier.’ (article 3, from U.S.)

Nothing perfect exist in this world, which means that everything has their advantages and disadvantages. Thus, Internet is also likewise. Although there are advantages on the Internet, there are also disadvantages about it. There are people having internet for their breakfast too in Singapore which is not a good sign. As we know that breakfast is the most important meal of all, we should take our breakfast everyday. Therefore, we can see that internet had caused a disadvantage to our health.

Internet not only caused a great impact on our health, it also caused us to be very reliant on the Internet. Many people were getting very lazy to go out shopping, to talk with each other face to face/telephone, to cook and etc. Thus, many people will tend go online shopping, using msn, order food from online and more. Thus, people will be sitting down most of the time which will lead to the lack of exercise, having communication problems and also eating outside food which is very unhealthy.

In conclusion, new media brought us advantages and also disadvantages which have caused a very big impact on our society.

“Hot” to “cool”

“Hot media usually, but not always, provide complete involvement without considerable stimulus. For example, print occupies visual space, uses visual senses, but can immerse its reader. Hot media favour analytical precision, quantitative analysis and sequential ordering, as they are usually sequential, linear and logical. They emphasize one sense (for example, of sight or sound) over the others. For this reason, hot media also include radio, as well as film, the lecture and photography.

Cool media, on the other hand, are usually, but not always, those that provide little involvement with substantial stimulus. They require more active participation on the part of the user, including the perception of abstract patterning and simultaneous comprehension of all parts. Therefore, according to McLuhan cool media include television, as well as the seminar and cartoons. McLuhan describes the term “cool media” as emerging from jazz and popular music and, in this context, is used to mean “detached.”

New media terms