Gonski 2.0, whose needs are most important?

On June 18, 2017 By Kyle HughesIn Media And ThoughtsLeave a comment

I recently conducted an interview in the Illawarra region in regards to Gonski 2.0 and the desired budget changes to accommodate the funding plan. The business manager in which I interviewed of a popular Catholic high school in the region, gave insight into the realistic outcome that will occur if Gonski 2.0 becomes possible.

If Gonski 2.0 is passed, his school may be forced to make decisions that shall affect the overall education just to stay above water. Although the effect may not be immediate, he states that within 2018-2019, the effect will be largely noticeable with the affordable education standard the school currently offers being made to suffer.

This outcome will become largely similar for other Catholic schools in the country, with many being underfunded or losing their funding altogether.

The funding changes will cause alot of changes to occur within the span of a few years.

In recent reports, it is being made apparent that “rich schools will be even better off if the parliament fails to support the government’s so-called Gonski 2.0 schools funding model”, according to the Education Minister. However, if Gonski 2.0 is supported, more schools could potentially be harmed than not, especially Catholic schools which will have their funding cut. It is stated that Catholic schools will be $4.6 billion worse off while Public schools will receive a $4 billion increase.

Gonski 2.0 will cut funding by $1.2 billion over 10 years the budget office states.

Although the concept of Gonski 2.0 is great, its flaws are noticeable and will affect many children who may be forced to relocate their education to elsewhere. The needs-based funding system may work for some schools, but if its forcing other schools to lose parts of their education to accommodate the new changes while public and private schools are relatively untouched in a negative manner, it is not desirable.

The Coalition is stating that the “neediest schools” will win. However Fairfax Media reveals otherwise that both Public and Private Schools will be receiving mostly funding increases, leaving Catholic schools underfunded and “needy” and not receiving the same treatment.

The purpose of this post is to highlight the fact that research needs to occur into who is being affected and that I do not believe the proposal of Gonski 2.0 is ideal for the education of most children. Sacrificing the education of some children for other children is not a correct way to achieve matters and will leave many affected.

Gonski 2.0, is this the right way to protect the future of all children?

Leave your thoughts below. If you would like to read more about Gonski 2.0 click here.

Who owns your news?

On June 16, 2017June 16, 2017 By Kyle HughesIn Media And ThoughtsLeave a comment

News is critical to our understanding of key events occurring around the globe. It provides us with an insight quickly to an event that has occurred, closing the borders in which govern countries and allowing distribution of information across those lines. In an ideal world, news is free and unbiased. However, in reality, companies are often bought, and the information is biased and/or unreliable.

It is becoming more apparent that information must be researched before it is consumed and believed. Before you continue reading news, you must ask yourself who indeed owns your news or media outlets. Are they independent organisations or are they funded by an individual/s? These questions are critical, because they can answer whether your information you are consuming is true or funded.

In Australia, a large number of news outlets are funded by rich individuals. Rupert Murdoch, a Media Mogul, owns various newspapers including The Australian, The Daily Telegraph and The Courier Mail, alongside others. Using Murdoch as an example, it brings forth the warning that news provided from listed outlets may not be 100% unbiased and may be funded.

Newspapers around the world may be suffering the same fate. It is paramount that you research into who owns your media.

Other individuals who own parts of media outlets include Gina Rinehart, James Packer, Lachlan Murdoch and Bruce Gordon who own select parts of The Ten Network.

maxresdefault — Ten NEWS- Owned by Gina Rinehart, James Packer, Lachlan Murdoch and Bruce Gordon.

It does not take long to research into who owns the various media outlets your consume. It is also important to look into independent publishers who may be more reliable with their validity of information over larger publications who may be suffering the Murdoch effect. By investigating into your news sources, it will save you a headache in worrying about where your news actually comes from. As a member of the Media Audience, it is your responsibility to investigate.

Click here to find out which networks are owned within Australia. To find out the future of Journalism within Australia click here.

How to stay safe online

On June 10, 2017 By Kyle HughesIn Media And Thoughts3 Comments

“The media’s the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that’s power. Because they control the minds of the masses.” –Malcolm X

The media, the very sphere in which we live our lives within, is great in power and reaches far and wide. We exist within the media sphere, indulged in its information, craving its touch. Although the media is very beneficial in its uses, allowing its users to get a constant stream of information at their fingertips whenever and wherever, it is important to acknowledge that such a utility should still be used with precautions. Read below to find out how to be more “cyber smart”.

Digital Footprint:

This tip is very important for any user of media. Always, and I emphasise the word always, check what you post before you post. This is because every time you go online and post, you leave behind a digital footprint. A digital footprint is a trail that is your mark upon cyberspace and showcases your whole existence upon the web. This trail can be used and abused by others, and it is almost impossible to have no digital footprints.

It is imperative that you monitor what you post before it is placed upon cyberspace. As I stated before, your personal data can be used and abused which is why I claim individuals should not place very serious and/or personal information online that can place the user in a dangerous situation.

Social Media:

If at all possible, use different passwords on different websites, have your social media accounts on private and also limit your personal postings on public forums. By doing this you shall minimise the risk of fraud and other hostile actions being taken against you. By using private social media settings, it shall allow you to acknowledge who can follow or friend you and create a safety net around you online, limiting unknown individuals from contacting you.

It may seem important to gain more likes but remaining safe is more critical.

VPN:

A VPN or Virtual Private Network is “a technology that creates a safe and encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the internet”, as stated by TechTarget. In the current media age it is very important to consider the use of a VPN due to its much needed security additions which can help “mask” your digital footprint and general internet usage by hiding your IP from the public.

what-is-vpn@2x-92c540058555604479f63c33e47638d7 — ExpressVPN- A diagram of how VPNs work in a basic form. VPNs are used as tunnels.

VPNs that are great at what they offer include:

NordVPN (My personal favourite and the VPN I am currently using)

Express VPN (For users who wish fast VPN usage)

Tunnelbear (Has a great free version)

These 3 VPNs are my top 3 favourite. Research into VPNs and find one that it most suitable to your lifestyle and budget, it is worth it.

Although the media can be scary and its power immense, do not be afraid for it can also be great and rewarding. Embrace that we live in the media age and use its potential towards furthering yourself and your career. We are the media generation, of the new digital age, cherish that.

Remember also, be smart online at all times and do not post what you wouldn’t wish everyone to see.

Happy posting.

The future of Journalism

On June 7, 2017June 7, 2017 By Kyle HughesIn Media And Thoughts1 Comment

The future is looking dim for journalists with jobs getting cut, newsrooms becoming smaller and the fear of “fake news” becoming common occurrence. Fairfax is cutting costs by $30 million and is believed to be losing 115 staff across The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times and WA Today within the future.

The previous year Fairfax axed 120 jobs from the newsrooms in Sydney and Melbourne. These two events bring forth the realisation that careers in journalism are not dependable and thus these jobs are not secure.

411a69a2d6bc7ad06c224c02610e2016 — Fairfax workers go on strike after recent staff axing and $30 million funding cut.

Last month Fairfax workers went on strike due to the funding cut and axing of staff within the company. The strike began on Wednesday the 3rd of May and lasted a week. It is believed that 1 in 4 newsroom jobs will be cut.

The future of journalism based careers are not secured and due to the recent funding cuts and axing of staff by Fairfax it has become apparent that freelance journalism is becoming necessary.

Big companies like Google and Facebook have a combined ad-revenue of $3.2 billion, which have taken away the spotlight from journalists and made it harder for journalists to get their content in the forefront of the media.

Newspapers companies like The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age have been forced to cut some of its workers.

Freelance journalism I believe is now the path for journalists to pursue due to the unreliability of newsrooms and the lack of job security within Australian media companies it now becomes apparent that journalists may now have to become freelancers.

Freelance journalists, although may find it harder to start, will find their career a more rewarding approach. However a portfolio is needed and it is made more difficult as journalists are entering a job market that is diminishing quickly. This means journalists are forced to come up with more creative and engaging work to combat the growing competition within the market.

With the journalism job market diminishing quickly it is now paramount to turn to freelance journalism to increase your job security and be more in control of your future.

Click here to find out how to become a freelance journalism writer.

Hope- It’s importance

On June 5, 2017June 5, 2017 By Kyle HughesIn Media And Thoughts1 Comment

Hope, it is a word which resonates a positive ending to a time and place. We hope for better times to come after a bad storm in our life or we hope for a chance to show our worth. The word, hope, means a desire for a particular thing to occur and for good to follow. It is a word that non-religious and religious folk can agree upon, a connection between both although with slightly different connotations. It has been present throughout history and will continue to be so.

It is important to hope for a better future.

With the recent terrorist attacks over the past few months, it is important to acknowledge that such actions are solely linked to the terrorists themselves and in no way directed towards that of religion. The ones that conduct such actions of terrorism have created separate beliefs branches from that of the primary religion and thus other believers of the religion should not be labelled in the same bracket as those who conduct such actions.

During this period it is paramount to remain hopeful for better times and to continue to strive to live as normal as possible and not allow terrorism to penetrate your heart with fear for otherwise the terrorists have succeeded with their actions. A hard task but an important one. Imbue your heart with courage, hope and love.

1496656787434 — Ariana Grande’s One Love concert in Manchester brought together humanity against tragedy.

Do not let terrorism draw humanity apart but rather let the opposite occur, let it unite humanity under hope and love.

The recent concert of Ariana Grande in Manchester titled “One Love Manchester” on Sunday June 4th was a success in the regard that it demonstrated humanities strength and resilience to tragedy. The concert is estimated to have raised £2 million of which will be donated to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund.

It was a moment in which everyone connected and became one, artist and fans, and everyone came together to promote love and unity. Through this event, humanity fought back against the acts of terrorism via unity, love and support.

http-%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2017%2F06%2Fariana-grande-one-love-manchester-highlights-1.jpg — Ariana Grande and Miley Cyrus performing at the One Love concert alongside artists Justin Bieber, Robbie Williams, Pharrel Williams, Niall Horan, Little Mix and other artists.

The concert was also a reminder that together humanity stands strong under a united force. We must continue to do so.

Leave a comment below on your reaction towards the One Love concert and what you believe is the way to promote hope during this period of tragedy.

Philosophy, is it still needed?

On June 4, 2017 By Kyle HughesIn Media And ThoughtsLeave a comment

Philosophy, the study of life, knowledge and existence and the very questioning of everything. Why do we still need to study a science that has existed from the time of Aristotle and Socrates? There are many reasons for why we do. These are the reasons why:

Understanding:

Studying Philosophy expands your mind with new concepts and allows you to question your current beliefs. This is important because it encourages the individual to constantly be learning and developing your mind at every moment. This is furthered by the use of “Thought Experiments” which utilise various scenario’s and concepts to help an individual question and understand their existence.

It is important to study Philosophy to question your own beliefs. However, due to the complexity of a science like Philosophy, it is advised that you follow a guideline or similar to make sure that you are on the right path and not misinterpreting the texts.

Relevance:

A lot of Philosophy is still relevant today with its many teachings and concepts being still of practical use. Many of the various Philosophers lessons are still applicable in today’s society. One lesson is that of Epicurus who taught that if we remove suffering from our lives we will be happier and we can achieve that through surrounding ourselves with friends, living a more simple lifestyle and being kind to those around you.

Although the world in which we exist now is far different from those who taught Philosophy, their lessons will still be applicable and can help us to live a better and happier life and be more knowledgeable.

Fulfilment:

Through the study and learning of Philosophy, an individual can feel more fulfilled and content with their existence. This is due to becoming more knowledgeable about their surroundings and existence, and feeling like they are becoming more connected within themselves and those around them. A lot of Philosophers teach various ways in which an individual can be happier with their life, and this is a big reason in why individuals can feel more content through studying Philosophy due to having an abundance of information on how to be happier.

With the constant gaining of knowledge, it is also apparent that this could lead to fulfilment. Many Philosophers teach of routes to happiness, and through gaining knowledge, an individual may feel as if they have a better understanding of the world around them and through this, feel more content and whole with themselves.

So should you study Philosophy?

The answer to this question is yes. Through the study of Philosophy. an individual will be more knowledgeable of themselves and the world around them. It will encourage continual search for knowledge and enhance individuals feeling of self-fulfilment. Due to the relevance of Philosophies teachings, it will always be applicable to your life, and thus, its importance is paramount.

So get those books open and start reading immediately, new knowledge is imbound.

Poetry- Why is it still needed?

On May 31, 2017 By Kyle HughesIn Media And ThoughtsLeave a comment

Why is poetry still so needed in today’s society? We read the poetry of great poets from differing periods of time in which they existed. We feel what they felt, and we experience the thoughts that ran through their head. Why though is it so important that we continue to read and create this art form that began thousands of years ago? It is important due to the historical and artistic (and many other) origins of poetry.

History:

By reading poetry, we experience the historical origins of an art that influenced history in many ways. We understand various events, and at times we can use poetry as sources to understand key concepts from history. An example is Homer and his two major ancient Greek epic poems, The Illiad and The Odyssey. Both poems give an insight into the Trojan War and the aftermath of the fall of Troy. Although fictional pieces of literature, both can be used as sources to learn more about the period of Greek history. These are both examples as to how we can learn from the history of poetry.

Through reading the works of various poets like Edgar Allan Poe and Robert Frost, we can be enriched by their words and lessons. These lessons and thoughts by the great poets will forever be relevant and rewarding, and thus always needed. We learn to understand their mistakes and how to improve upon the world and events they speak of. Although they often led hard lives, they lived and felt love and all their thoughts are placed into every one of their words. These are lessons for every generation to read and learn from.

Art:

Poetry is an art, a branch of literature that allows individuals to voice their thoughts and feelings through their pen. It can be deep and invigorating and is almost always changing. It also can be moulded into whatever the writer wishes it to be, meaning the poetry piece is 100% crafted by the individual. Poetry can also be therapeutic, helping mend and at times let people speak without opening their mouth, using the written words as their voice. This is a powerful action and why poetry, and other forms of art, are so important. Being a member of the Digital Age, poetry can now be uploaded online whereas in the past it was limited to physical texts, and thus others can view it and enter discussions online related to it, increasing its effectiveness and audience.

These two reasons, art and history, are why poetry is still so needed. It’ll never lose its effectiveness, only its audience will change as the years go by. Poetry is one of humanities greatest treasures.

“I was never really insane except upon occasions when my heart was touched.”-Edgar Allan Poe.

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