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To create an effective infographic, ensuring accuracy of information and managing time are crucial challenges that we faced. Accuracy in information is paramount as infographics are visual representations of data and facts, aiming to convey a message clearly and concisely. With the information that we have, we wanted to make sure that the important information about the evolution of news is portrayed accurately. Therefore, meticulous fact-checking and ensuring data integrity are essential steps in making sure the information is correct.

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When you try to do other tasks, but then you remember SAU326E

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Time management is another significant challenge in infographic creation. Designing the infographic involves multiple stages such as research, planning, design, reading and all of which require time and attention to detail. Efficient time management is crucial to meet deadlines and deliver a high-quality infographic. It involves setting realistic timelines for each stage of the design process, prioritising tasks, and allocating sufficient time for revisions and improvements. Since we are both students with quite a lot on our plates, we are ensuring that we allocate enough time to perfect this infographic and meet all the requirements needed.

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Internet is cool, but so does newspapers

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Making infographics involves a tricky balance between getting things right and getting them done on time. We need to make sure our info is accurate, but we also need to work efficiently to meet deadlines. This means planning well, staying organised, and communicating with our team. As students, we're figuring out how to manage our time wisely and focus on what's important so we can make great infographics that are accurate and delivered on time.

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Next, another challenge is that when we try to put too much text or information in the infographic. While a minimal text is necessary to give context, adding large chunks of text can intimidate the reader. As students, we believe every section of the text (in this case we are reviewing an article) is vital but we tend to forget that poor design and discussion can actually backfire by complicating things that were once clear. So we discussed and tried to identify the critical points of the information. Once we established the key ideas, we splitted the long sentences into several logical parts and eliminated unnecessary information that adds ambiguity. We also used icons, shapes and other design elements to take the narrative forward.

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Trying to find the right animation to make the infographic more interesting 

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Last but not least, we had difficulty in understanding the assignment guidelines. Because the course (SAU326E) is completely new to both of us, we lacked the necessary knowledge and skills and struggled to understand the criteria. What we did was we studied the information carefully several times to ensure that we fully understood what was being asked. Aside from that, we continued referring to the lesson we'd taped for ourselves and asking each other questions to avoid misunderstandings.
In conclusion, creating an infographic is not an easy task. We faced difficulties in conveying the message with limited words into a concise and visually appealing format. It also requires significant time, effort and planning. As a result, it pushed us to rework drafts so that the infographic could clearly explain the information.

(506 words)

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Task 2: A Walk Through Time ad by Petronas 

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Task 2: A Walk Through Time ad by Petronas 

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Petronas’ “A Walk Through Time” ad is about Malaysia’s history and transformation in six decades. It started with two boys at a barber shop under a tree during the 50s, before they reached a parade that celebrated the nation's independence in 1957. In the 60s, the Federation of Malaysia was formed following the merger of the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak on 16 September 1963. Then there was the golden age of Malaysian culture in the 70s, in which the era focused on disco beauty and natural, minimalist beauty. As new cultures, attitudes, and art were introduced to the country, Malaysians embraced them and made them their own. The development of Malaysia continued with the age of industrialization in the 80s and followed by the winning of the Malaysia national badminton team in the Thomas Cup. The men’s team has enjoyed immense success, having won the Thomas Cup five times in 1992. The ad ended on the present day focusing on the iconic city skyline of Kuala Lumpur, showing how much Malaysia has developed. From the ad, we found that as a country grows, so does materialistic culture and individualism. In a materialistic culture, acquiring wealth is the pathway we try to take to happiness. From the creation of advanced technology such as televisions and gadgets, to Malaysia’s Twin Tower, society pushes us to set ourselves apart in order to obtain a sense of individuality. As both of us are reading this ad and come from a family that values togetherness and the importance of cooperation for one another, we can say that the country’s development is like a double-edged sword, it improves people’s quality of life but also causes collectivism to collapse.

(285 words)

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"A Walk Through Time" ad by Petronas features a series of signifiers showcasing its literal meanings. These signifiers include places that unite people, such as a parade celebrating national unity, a market fostering social interaction, a theatre where people of different races come together to watch a movie, a mamak restaurant where people with different backgrounds gather to watch sports.

These signifiers collectively convey the importance of shared experiences and community in the human experience. They highlight the role of shared activities and events in bringing people together, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. For instance, the parade symbolises national unity, evidence that despite the races that exist in this nation, we are still able to live together in harmony.   The market represents social interaction, the theatre showcases the power of shared experiences to bridge cultural divides, the mamak restaurant emphasises the universal language of sports. These signifiers collectively emphasise the importance of shared experiences and community in the human experience, providing a rich and engaging narrative that invites the viewer to reflect on the significance of unity and shared experiences and how important it is to understand each other.

Another signifier that we can find from the ad is the skyscrapers and the public transportation in Malaysia which is a sign that Malaysia has developed a lot over time. The video shows the Petronas Twin Towers in the beginning of the ad. The twin towers have been a sign of modernity and a pride to all Malaysians.  These towering structures are not only a symbol of economic growth but also a reflection of the country's commitment to modernity and innovation. Apart from that, the ad also reflects the transportation in Malaysia, from bicycles and rickshaws, to cars and public transportation such as buses, commuter and LRT. This shows Malaysia’s progress and commitment into building a better nation by improving its infrastructure and modes of transportation.

The ad also highlights the cultural heritage and traditions of Malaysia. It showcases various cultural practices and customs that are unique to Malaysia, such as the traditional Malay dance, the Chinese dragon dance, and the Indian Bharatanatyam dance. These cultural practices are not only a reflection of the country's rich cultural diversity but also a symbol of its resilience and ability to adapt to change.

(380 words)

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Based on the first signifier, the ad shows how there’s a lot of places where Malaysians can spend time together and unite. It is obvious that these places suggest the importance of unity, togetherness, and cross-cultural understanding in the Malaysian experience. These signifiers go beyond just showcasing physical spaces - they represent the human need for connection, belonging, and the transcendence of cultural and geographical boundaries through shared activities and events. The parade, for instance, symbolises not just national unity, but the ability of Malaysians to come together despite their diverse backgrounds. The market, theatre, and mamak restaurant signify the power of shared experiences in bridging cultural divides and fostering social interaction.

The signifiers of skyscrapers, public transportation, and the Petronas Twin Towers represent Malaysia's progress and commitment to modernity. These symbols of economic growth, infrastructure development, and architectural innovation convey a sense of national pride and the country's transformation over time. However, it is important to consider whether these signifiers of progress and modernity may also be problematic or obvious. While they showcase Malaysia's development, they could also be seen as reinforcing a particular narrative of progress that may not fully capture the nuances and complexities of the country's social and economic realities. What the ad showed us is only the capital state of Malaysia. Truthfully, there are still a lot of regions in Malaysia that have been lacking in development and we cannot say that Malaysia has truly developed fully in some areas. Aside from that, the emphasis on modernity and progress might reinforce the idea that Malaysia is merely emulating Western models, rather than developing its own unique path. This could perpetuate a narrative of cultural and economic dependency on the West.

While the ad does celebrate the nation’s cultural wealth, it is crucial to consider whether they may also perpetuate stereotypical or oversimplified representations of Malaysian culture. It is important to ensure that these signifiers are presented in a nuanced and respectful manner, acknowledging the complexities and ongoing transformations within the cultural landscape. There are so many cultures in Malaysia that it is hard to convey all of them in the right manner.

(356 words)

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Overall, the ad relies on visual and gestural mode to convey the meaning of Malaysia's success throughout the history. As Malaysia is developing into a more modern country, embracing different cultures and getting recognition from other nations, it is also important to acknowledge that behind every success comes with a price. Places such as the theatre, market and mamak restaurant bring people together and foster a sense of community. But what we do not know is that these places only exist when there's an exchange of goods or material objects between people. For instance, the theatre provides a form of entertainment for audiences and plays a vital role in passing down cultural knowledge from one generation to the next. In order to immerse ourselves in these experiences, we are forced to pay tickets to be able to explore various emotions with others. Moreover, as we strive for development in all sectors (transportation, architecture etc.), we tend to overlook the struggle to achieve these goals. We may celebrate Malaysia’s own local car, but we do not understand the problems that all these great inventors faced, such as mental health and financial problems. This can also be seen when the two boys entered the commuter looking surprised because there was no interaction between people and they were too occupied with the gadgets. Therefore, we can conclude that development creates more material objects and has led to individualism. Humans see material wealth as a foundation of human relationship but it is temporary and can bring only fleeting satisfaction. A country's development must not entirely focus on material growth but should include the human aspects as well. So that we can have the balance between material possessions and human relationships that are essential for our well-being and happiness.

(294 words)

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Assigntment (20%): Postman’s Ideas on The Relationship Between Epistemology and The Dominant Medium of An Era

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Assigntment (20%): Postman’s Ideas on The Relationship Between Epistemology and The Dominant Medium of An Era

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Neil Postman argues that the dominant medium of communication in a culture shapes the culture’s epistemology - its conception of truth and knowledge. He believes that as society has shifted from a print based culture to one dominated by television, the nature of truth and how we acquire knowledge has fundamentally changed. In the print era, Postman contends that public discourse was serious, rational and coherent. However, he asserts that television has replaced print as the dominant medium, and this has led to decline in quality of public discourse.

Neil Postman believed that when print media like books were the main way people communicated, public discourse was more serious, logical, and well-organised. Written words were considered more credible and truthful than spoken ones. Scholars highly valued published works because they could be carefully analysed and verified. However, Postman argued that the rise of television changed this dynamic. Television relies more on emotions and visuals rather than logical reasoning. As a result, he felt that public discourse has become more superficial and focused on entertainment instead of serious issues. Postman warned that shifting from a print-based culture to a television-based one has had negative effects. He believed it has led to oversimplifying intellectual discourse, with important topics being overshadowed by trivial and sensational content. Television news could offer immediate, real-time coverage of events. For instance, due to limited time slots, in-depth reporting was often sacrificed in favour of more sensational or superficial content. Postman thought that different forms of communication, like print versus television, profoundly affect how a society defines and values knowledge. In simpler terms, he argued that the primary way people get their information—whether through books or TV—shapes how they understand truth and gain knowledge as a society.

Postman believes that television imposes certain constraints on language and exposition that have permeated through society. He warns that rather than an Orwellian future, we are in danger of a Huxleyan dystopia where people are distracted and pacified by hedonism and entertainment. In summary, Postman sees a direct link between the dominant communication of an era and the way that culture defines and values truth, knowledge, and intellectual discourse. The rise of television, in his view, had negative consequences for public discourse and the life of the mind.

(376 words)

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(Angelina)

We can see the evidence from the rise of “gossip news” on television. This trend reflects the increasing tendency to blend entertainment and information to retain more viewers. Many television news programs have increasingly blurred the line between news and entertainment, prioritising sensational stories and dramatic visuals over substantive reporting. For example, a news segment on a celebrity's personal life or a heartwarming story about an animal rescue may receive prominent coverage, while a complex policy debate gets relegated to a brief mention. Gossip news outlets like TMZ and Entertainment Tonight continue to trend, indicating that people prefer 'soft news' over 'hard news'.

This preference leads to important news about wars, natural disasters, or economic issues being overlooked, as these topics are often distressing. Many people find comfort in remaining uninformed about such serious matters, subscribing to the idea that ignorance is bliss. Additionally, the entertainment-focused format of these news programs appeals to viewers' emotions and provides an escape from the harsh realities of the world. As a result, serious journalism is often overshadowed by more engaging, but less informative, content. This shift has profound implications for public awareness and discourse, as the prioritisation of entertainment over education can contribute to a less informed and less engaged community. Consequently, critical issues that require public attention and action may be neglected in favour of more trivial matters.

The increase in entertainment and gossip news has caused the public to be less trusting in traditional media sources. As news reporting has been focusing more on sensationalism than factual reporting. This can cause the viewers to be sceptical of any information that they receive. This loss of trust can make the situation worse, as people might rely on even less dependable sources for news, leading to a harmful cycle of false information and disengagement.

(301 words)

(Mabel)

Another evidence will be the shift of traditional education to edutainment. Edutainment heavily relies on digital technology (i.e. TV) to make learning an enjoyable, interactive experience by incorporating elements of entertainment like games, multimedia and immersive experiences. This helps capture and sustain student attention compared to passive lectures, and challenge the notion that education must be dry and boring to be effective. Apart from that, edutainment often utilises a more personalised learning experience, tailoring the content at a pace to the individual needs and abilities of each student. This contrasts with the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional education. One of the most well-known examples of edutainment is the children's television series Sesame Street. Using a combination of live action, animation and puppetry, the show teaches young viewers letters, numbers, and other educational concepts through entertaining characters and storyline.

Edutainment is a powerful approach that combines education and entertainment to create an engaging and effective learning experience. However, the epistemology of edutainment differs from traditional education in several ways. Traditional education often views knowledge as a fixed body of facts to be transmitted from teacher to student. In contrast, edutainment aligns more with a constructivist epistemology that sees knowledge as actively constructed by the learner through exploration and interaction. Next, assessments in traditional education often focus on factual recall to measure learning. The epistemology of edutainment calls for assessments that evaluate understanding, application and critical thinking. Learning is seen as an ongoing process of knowledge construction rather than a one-time absorption .

Nonetheless, there are concerns about the accuracy and reliability of information presented in an entertaining format, risk of students becoming too distracted by the entertainment elements and losing focus on the educational content . Therefore, careful design is required to strike the right balance.

(293  words)

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In modern society, the internet has become the dominant medium of our time, replacing traditional mass media like television and print. The rapid growth of the internet can be attributed to several key factors. This includes the increasing broadband penetration and access rates, especially in developing markets, combined with the proliferation of internet-enabled devices and bandwidth-intensive applications have fuelled strong internet traffic growth. Next, economic factors like GDP per capita and wealth, which enable countries to invest in internet infrastructure and allows individuals to afford internet access. For instance, Malaysia’s GDP per capita has been steadily increasing, which has enabled greater investment in telecommunications infrastructure and affordability of Internet access for individuals. Moreover, innovations like the World Wide Web and graphical browsers like Mosaic, have enabled the use of hyperlinks, video, audio and graphics and provided an effective user interface. Mosaic was the first browser to display images inline with text, enabling a more interactive and visually appealing browsing experience. This helped drive the growth of the web by encouraging users to create and share multimedia content. While Mosaic was eventually overshadowed by other browsers like Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer, its pioneering features and technology formed the basis for the modern web browsing experience.

One of the primary reasons why the internet has become so dominant is because of its accessibility and ease of use. The internet is available on a wide range of devices, from smartphones and tablets to laptops and computers, making it easy for people to access information and stay connected anytime and anywhere. The rapid advancements of internet technology has also played a major role in making it the most influential force today. More people around the world can get online thanks to widespread internet access, especially in developing countries. Smartphones have become so common that they make using the internet easy and convenient for everyone. Plus, improvements in making apps and user experiences have made the internet even more attractive, providing smooth and interesting ways to connect and interact online. The internet affects more than just how we talk to each other. It also changes what's popular and how we talk about things together. It's a main way we get news and info, and it's changed how we share news, sometimes skipping regular news sources. It lets people and groups quickly share ideas and influence what others think and how they act. The internet's impact on culture and trends shows how important it is in today's world.

(413 words)

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The internet has revolutionised how we approach truth and knowledge acquisition. It lets everyone around the world share and access information, which challenges how experts and institutions traditionally controlled knowledge. But with so much info online, it's hard to separate what's reliable from what's not. People need to think carefully and question what they read. Also, the internet shows us stuff based on what we already like, which can make us stick to our own beliefs without seeing other sides. This can create bubbles where everyone agrees and different opinions get ignored. So, while the internet lets everyone learn and share, it also spreads different versions of truth.

To use the internet wisely, developing strong critical thinking skills and media literacy is crucial. These abilities empower individuals to evaluate sources, identify biases, and consider diverse perspectives. By developing these skills, individuals can maximise the internet's potential for expanding knowledge while mitigating the risks of misinformation and maintaining openness to a variety of ideas.

The internet has had a significant influence on society in several ways. The internet has expanded individual freedom and capability to communicate, allowing for greater news gathering, interpretation and empowerment among the masses. This has led to increased specialisation, fragmentation and decentralisation of societal activity. In addition, the open and decentralised nature of the internet democratised knowledge dissemination, empowering individuals and organisations to share information directly with the public. However, the internet has also enabled fringe and extremist groups to more easily connect and spread their views, disrupting established social, political and economic structures. The blurring of lines between mass and interpersonal communication on the Internet has made it difficult to precisely define and study its effects on audiences. Research shows that while traditional media still have more influence on public opinion overall, the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have had a significant impact on shaping public opinion formation and dissemination. The internet provides an overwhelming amount of information, often leading to information overload. As a result, people may struggle to discern credible sources from unreliable ones. As relativism has increased due to the diversity of perspectives available online, individuals encounter conflicting viewpoints, leading to scepticism about absolute truths. This “illusory truth effect” can cause the spread of misinformation and fake news. In addition, instant access to information has changed how we learn. We no longer rely solely on memory; instead we search for answers online. This shift affects our memory retention and critical thinking.

(412 words)

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(Angelina)

Social media platforms serve as a vivid example of how the internet has reshaped our approach to truth and knowledge. These platforms facilitate the rapid dissemination of information on a global scale, fundamentally altering how information is accessed, shared, and perceived. Firstly, social media democratises access to information by allowing anyone virtually with internet access to participate in public discourse. This democratisation has expanded the diversity of voices contributing to global conversations, challenging the traditional dominance of mainstream media in shaping public opinion. Users can now share news, opinions, and personal experiences instantly and directly with a potentially global audience, circumventing traditional gatekeepers. However, the liberty nature of social media also presents challenges. The sheer volume of information that ranges from credible news to rumours, misinformation, and fabrication can overwhelm users' ability to discern truth from fiction. Algorithms designed to personalise content based on user preferences and behaviour further exacerbate this issue by creating echo chambers. These echo chambers reinforce users' existing beliefs and preferences, filtering out disagreement viewpoints and contributing to the polarisation of public discourse.

Moreover, the viral nature of social media amplifies the spread of information, whether accurate or misleading. Issues and narratives that gain traction on social media can quickly influence public opinion, shape societal norms, and impact political agendas. This dynamic has profound implications for how individuals form their beliefs and make decisions, often based on information that may be selectively presented or manipulated.

To navigate this digital landscape effectively, individuals must practise critical thinking skills and media literacy. These skills are essential for evaluating the credibility and reliability of information encountered on social media, identifying biases inherent in content, and understanding the motivations behind information dissemination. By developing these skills, individuals can navigate the complexities of social media's epistemology, harnessing its potential for informed engagement while mitigating the risks of misinformation.

(307  words)

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(Mabel)

Another great example will be the use of search engines in acquiring knowledge and truth. Search engines algorithms analyse user behaviour, preferences and context to deliver personalised search results tailored to individual users. For instance, pages that keep users engaged and on the site longer are likely to be ranked higher and improve search rankings. This helps provide more relevant and useful information, but can also create “filter bubbles” where users only see content aligned with their existing beliefs. Search engines are constantly evolving, with companies like Google seeking to understand and respond to natural language queries, allowing for more conversational and intuitive voice-based searches. This has improved accessibility and convenience for users. As search engines provide instant access to a vast amount of information on the Internet, making it possible to quickly find answers to questions and discover new content. However, it includes a significant amount of misinformation and falsehoods. Search engines do not always effectively filter out unreliable sources, and are designed for finding information quickly, not for deep learning. Relying on them too heavily can lead to shallow, fragmented knowledge rather than a coherent understanding of topics. This can lead to overconfidence in search engines that can make people less likely to critically evaluate the information they find. The convenience of search engines may discourage deeper research using more reliable sources. In summary, search engines have revolutionised how we access information and share knowledge, reshaping our daily lives in countless ways. They have made information more accessible than ever before, but they also introduce challenges that can undermine the acquisition of true knowledge.

(266  words)

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Question 2: https://youtu.be/yvDWSa3MwFU

Question 5: https://youtu.be/0sBFCA3bdhc