Week 6 Reflection

This week we have moved into the Digital Technologies area of the Technologies curriculum. The focus in this course will be on the following computational thinking processes which are Abstraction, Patterns, Decomposition and Algorithms.

In week six I learnt about Binary numbers which I had never heard of before. At first it was rather confusing to understand, although after a few practice rounds on the binary number tables that Wendy gave to us I got the hang of it. We also learnt about Infographics, after doing some research to help me understand the complexity of the underpinning skills of an infographic. First being the target audience, when coming up with the concept, do your research and find out what your audience likes, so that you can create an infographic that they will just have to share because it's so on-point with their thoughts. Secondly, a compelling theme. The theme is essentially the story and it needs to correlate with your brand, as your infographic will become another footprint in your content marketing journey. Next being actionable data, for people to want to share it, it needs to feature stats that will back up your case. The key here is to find stats that will help prove to your audience that your product or service is the solution that they need in their life. Your headline needs to be strong so that people will be compelled to share it. Keep it simple, concise and relevant to the theme. Quite like blog posts, a great way to grab attention and invite people to check out your infographic is to create a 'how-to' headline or one that asks a question.

All computer language is based in binary code. It is the back end of all computer functioning. Binary means that there is a code of either 0 or 1 for a computer to toggle between. This is how computers have come to assist humans in tasks that would take so much longer to complete. The human brain functions holistically at much more rapid speeds than a computer in doing other types of very complicated tasks, such as reasoning and analytical thought processes.

The Cisco Binary Game is designed to provide for leaning in a fun, engaging format. The goal is to master the ability to convert decimal numbers to binary numbers and back again. The game claims that unlike most other learning games that test your knowledge, this game teachers you while you play. It is a score based game as you achieve higher scores and advance levels, patterns and conversation strategies begin to emerge. Before you know it, you'll be mastering the conversation of eight-digit binary numbers to decimals in your head.

Reference - Retrieved from http://www.socialmediatoday.com/content/what-makes-great-infographic-1
Photo credit - http://www.activatedesign.co.nz/blog/2013/12/what-are-infographics-and-how-are-they-used/#sthash.XwmDLChw.dpuf

Definition of Digital technologies

Any technologies controlled using digital instructions, including computer hardware and software, digital media and media devices, digital toys and accessories, and contemporary and emerging communication technologies. These technologies are based on instructions given using binary (0 or 1) code that invariably mean one or more processors are present to respond to these instructions. Computers, smartphones, digital cameras, printers and robots are all examples of digital technologies.