Monday, May 26, 2008

Sample questions from previous years

New Media Technologies
The questions a and b refer to passages that are no longer available to download but it gives you an idea of the kind of standard that will be required. The questions 3 and 4 are the essay type that you should practice.

2 (a) In what ways does the passage suggest that the mobile phone is important to a young
person?

(b) Using your wider knowledge of new media technologies, discuss how far young people’s
use of media technology differs from that of their parents.

3 To what extent do new media technologies make people more creative? [45]
Or
4 How much do media industries benefit from new media technologies? [45]

2 (a) In what ways could the Nokia 7700 phone be described as an example of ‘convergence’? [5]
(b) How far does all new media technology need to be as portable as the Nokia 7700? You should refer to examples from your wider studies in your answer. [20]

3 To what extent are digital technologies beneficial to audiences? [45]
Or
4 Discuss the extent to which media industries must introduce new ideas in order to compete. [45
]
2 (a) In what ways is this battle similar to that over video in the 1970s? [5]
(b) The next generation DVDs will be able to store much more material than current DVDs. How far are issues of storage and/or compatability significant for other new media? [20]

To what extent are new media technologies changing the way that audiences consume the
media? [45]
Or
4 Discuss the way media industries develop and promote new media technologies. [45]

2 (a) What impact do the loyal consumers appear to have on Apple’s development ? [7]
(b) The passage suggests the iPod could become an ‘all-in-one’ device. Explain how another technology with which you are familiar can be seen as an ‘all-in-one’. [20]

3 To what extent do new media technologies increase interactivity for audiences ? [45]
Or
4 Discuss why media industries invest in new media technologies. [45]

Long road site

Have a look at the slide shows on here, they are very good and have just been updated.

http://longroadnewmedia.blogspot.com/

Have a good look at this site, you will also be able to find links to other students blogs, see what the competition have been up to!!!

In particular look at the work of Bill Thompson who is a big cheese in New Tech writing. He has a good slideshow here, all about the concept of Web 2, remember that?



The latest idea in new tech that as the means of production are now in the hands of the audience rather that the institutions. This is due to the digitisation and minaturisation of technology, software has developed and is cheaper than ever and it can all be shared via the internet. Social networking sites means that audiences can bypass institutions and share ideas and creations ( innovations such as links, widgets and embedding makes this really easy) with like minded others, globally, this is a revolution!!

Past Papers and Mark schemes

You can find previous exam papers along with the examiners report here.

The Gadget Show: Channel 5, 8pm Monday

Last chance to watch it before your exam, you may get some really up to date info to make your response stand out from the crowd!

Gadget Show, Monday 8pm, Channel 5

Last chance to watch The Gadget Show before your exam, you may get some really up to date info to make your response stand out from the crowd!

Microsoft Surface - The Possibilities

You need to consider not only, convergence, divergence, multiplatform delivery but also implications for the future.

Look at this video for Microsoft's latest innovation. After the success of Apple's ipod and expansion into itouch and iphone, Microsoft need to diversify and think of 'lifestyle solutions', not just spread sheets and word processing, which they are in danger of being typecast as.

Multiplatform delivery

Multiplatform delivery is the concept that forms of media are produced to be consumed through a variety of platforms.

eg. the film 'Transformers' available as DVD, Blueray, Nintendo DS and Wii games, PSP, PS3 games, mobile downloads etc

Radio eg Russell Brand's show transmitted via analogue radio, digital radio, over the internet live, as a pod cast to download onto computer or MP3 player or via the BBC's listen again service, iplayer)

Media Institutions are diversifying more and more to offer their products to audiences in ever more diverse and audience friendly ways. This is how the situation of narrowcasting has come about. It is becoming rarer for a product to be broadcast and for the whole audience to consume it at the same time and in the same form. Audiences have far more power now, not only to participate in the creation process but also to chose how, where and when they will consume it.

eg- if you miss a TV programme you can:
1. save it to your digibox ( Sky + for example)
2. use the watch again facility through a digital provider such as Virgin.
3. Record it to VHS or DVD if you have a DVD recorder
4. Watch it via the internet BBC iplayer 7 day catch up, ITV's 30 day catch up, Channel 4's 7 day catch up plus, 4 on demand
5. Some of these services allow you to download their content onto video equiped MP3 s and PSPs, so you can literally watch it, whenever and wherever you like.