Decisions.Decisions.Decisions
Introduction:
Hello mentees. My name is Matthew Horn. Some
interesting facts about myself: I have a fraternal twin brother, I’m married to
the most beautiful Japanese/Polish hybrid on the planet, and I spend my leisure
time usually doing one of two things: playing video games or playing guitar.
After the 5 year track at Valencia, I finally made it to UCF and I haven’t
looked back since. I’m weeks away from graduation and I hope that when you all
get to this point you can be helpful to those who follow in your footsteps.
Why
IDS?
After about the third undergrad business class, I
realized that maybe college wasn’t cut out for me; or that I wasn’t cut out for
college. Anyway, after a year hiatus of pondering on what to do next I
discovered the redeemer that was IDS. At first I was a little overwhelmed. I
had no idea that one could study an assortment of fields or which combinations
were more suitable for my needs. I was told by an advisor to pick the areas
that are the most appealing to me and that I’d eventually discover a way to
implement the chosen areas of study. I’m still working out the kinks on that
but these are the areas that were the most appealing to me and I’m determined
to make them work: Humanities and
Behavioral/Social Sciences with a minor in Writing. Writing has always been a passion of mine and I’m hoping
it can act as the facilitator for my future undertakings.
Activity:
The activity that I want to assign this week relates
to ethics and the choices we make in life. Though the activity presents some
fairly extreme circumstances, its primary goal is to show you how your
decisions will alter your future.
Enter your name and email address then begin.
Talking
Points:
Please answer 3
of the following 5 questions.
2-3 sentences for each response.
1. What
was your initial reaction to the activity?
2. Did
you shoot anyone at the bar? Who and why?
3. What
were some of the explanations you gave the kids at the playground?
4. Some
of the outcomes in the game remain the same regardless of your choices. Name a
couple.
5. Which
bar was fuller at the end of the game? Reputation or Self Worth? Why do you
think that is?
Food
for Thought (OPTIONAL)
The findings are rather
interesting. Tell us what you think in 100-200 words.
If any of you are
interested and have a gaming console or computer that’s capable of playing
games, I suggest you check out the Mass Effect series. The games selling point
is its story and how it evolves based on the decisions you make within its
universe. It’s a very captivating experience. Cheers.
What was your initial reaction to the activity?
ReplyDeleteMy initial reaction to the activity was that it made me laugh, because before I changed to IDS I was a digital media major and I had to do projects like that too. It made me feel nostalgic and reminded me about how much I had to work just to get a project working when I was in DM.
I did it to, and thought it was a fun activity which really made me think
Deletegreat subject matter
I agree. It was hard to take the subject material seriously at first due to the way it was depicted. Overall, I thought it was an interesting, and fresh activity.
DeleteDid you shoot anyone at the bar? who and why?
ReplyDeleteYes I shoot everyone in the bar, because I was curious what would happen. The first time I played through I let Guillermo shoot Rick.
Mike
DeleteI wasn't as curious as you to see what would happen, I didnt shoot anyone in bar...
Good way to find out the end results...next time i play i'll come in shooting
I thought this was the most interesting part of the activity. I also went back through multiple times and shot different people to see if there was a different result.
DeleteHahah, thats amazing. I did not shoot anyone the first time, but certainly would if I played through again. If only to see how it changes the outcome.
DeleteI didn't shoot anyone at the bar, but to be honest I tried to shoot Rick! When that didn't work I tried shooting into the air to unload the gun, and that's when the timer ran out.
DeleteWhat were shame of the explanations you gave the kids at the playground?
ReplyDeleteI gave the cupcake to the girl because I thought that she looked older and I could get Cody something else later.
I did the same thing, I felt that she looked like if I didnt it might present a problem, where as Cody would understand.
DeleteWhy did you think Cody would be understanding, when he was the demanding one. Was it because he was smiling? Just curious.
DeleteThat is a very good point that his "words" were much different than his facial expression. I am glad you pointed that out. I also wonder if either character could have shared the cupcake with the other, but after all, one can not simply just expect scenarios to go swimmingly. I actually gave the cupcake to Cody just to see what would happen though, even though I would usually have gave it to the girl.
DeleteI also gave the bigger cupcake to the girl, because Cody was a bit whiney for my tastes. What's a big brother for if not for tough love!
DeleteI also gave the cupcake to the girl! I too did it because I thought she looked older, and usually the girl would be more fussy about it than the boy.
ReplyDelete-Ashley Card
1. What was your initial reaction to the activity?
ReplyDeleteMy initial reaction to the activity was a laugh, to be honest. The first scene in the cafe was more me trying to get a feel for the purpose of the game. To be honest, I felt like some of the actions you had to take were common sense, if you had morals, respected yourself, and others. But, you must remember that all individuals are raised differently and have different moralities. Therefore, what I may believe is common sense when it comes to "doing the right thing," may not be the same for another individual.
Devin McGhee
Devin
DeleteI thought it was a good exercise, I do agree with how you respond and your choices do reflect how you were raised and even though we all assume we have morals and respect there are different levels, and not everyone responds the same.
Ah, but common sense is always opinionated isn't it? I would say it is common sense that a feather would hit the ground as fast as a wrench would on the moon, but one who never took a physics class would disagree. Morals are also in the eye of the beholder one might say. Which is why "justice" is always such an arguable topic. I did like the way the game actually made you make choices though, interesting game, interesting lessons. Overall, good activity. Glad we got to do this one.
Delete2. Did you shoot anyone at the bar? Who and why?
ReplyDeleteNo, I did not shoot anyone at the bar. I just did not feel it was right. Just because your life is at risk does not give you the right to decide when someone else's should end, especially not to save your own. As unrealistic as it may seem, in situations like that, you are to remain calm. Therefore, I did not shoot anyone in the room. I simply waited until the police officer arrived.
Devin McGhee
Devin
DeleteI reacted the same way you did, I didnt open up shooting because I wouldnt want to injure someone innocent or myself in the process. Remaining calm is the key in a situation like that.
I also did not shoot anyone in the game, for basically the same reasons you stated. In some ways though its funny that a game such as this can make us feel as if its real life. I think if I did not have the thought in the back of my head that this is for a class, I would have been more prone to shoot someone.
DeleteInteresting that nobody shot anyone on their own. There are many people out there that believe that our penalties of law are not strict enough. That also can be tied into the fact that many would feel safer without such people still around. Finally I should say that the overpopulation in this world would arguably make it seem plausible to make more resources and jobs available to those who were not causing issues. This all being said. I did not shoot anyone in the room, just figured I would point out a few darker feelings.
Delete3. What were some of the explanations you gave the kids at the playground?
ReplyDeleteWhen Cody thought he should get the larger cupcake just because he was a boy, I told them: Just because you are of a certain gender does not mean you are more entitled to certain items more than another individual.
Therefore, I gave the larger cupcake to the little girl.
When the little girl "called" jump rope, I told them: Just because you called jump rope does not mean you do not have to share and take turns. If you went first last time you guys were playing with the jump rope, then you should take turns. This time Cody should jump rope first.
Therefore, I gave the jump rope to Cody first, because rightfully, it was his turn to go first.
Devin McGhee
Devin,
DeleteI think this was a good example also of unfairness in the workforce, and roles they play, and how we view them. I did exactly the same thing for the same reasons.
I felt that it was a way to show them neither gender is better and also that sharing is how people get along in the real world.
Devin,
DeleteNice to see that you, would take a stand against such gender bias.
In keeping with the available choices, I gave the larger cupcake to Jane because she was not demanding that I do so. Moreover, Cody demanded so because he was bigger and male. Not going to validate that gender Bias.
After my initial play-through I went back in and messed around with different explanations to see if there would be a different outcome. The result was always the same. It would have been cool if they could have implemented some sort of technology that could have altered how the kids acted towards one another.
DeleteNaturally it took me a while to realize that the email log-in they were requesting was @knights. LOL. The activity was pretty rudimentary. I feel the choices were to limited in scope.
ReplyDeletefor example:
The kids in with the cup cakes. I would have done one of the following things; Cut both cupcakes in half giving each child a half of each size. Or Cut the big cupcake in half for the children and eat the little one myself. Any other explanation would be bias in a number of ways. However, in keeping with the available choices, I gave the larger cupcake to Jane because she was not demanding that I do so. Moreover, Cody demanded so because he was bigger and male. Not going to validate the gender Bias. I could not find the jump rope scene ??
The Bar. I kept refusing to shoot any one the first time but not for long enough for the the other options to present themselves. I shot someone just to see what would happen in theory. I was not quite sure if he handed me the gun or just wanted me to pick someone. Playing again I waited it out, assuming I had the gun I would have placed Rick under citizens arrest and had the other men tie him up and call the police.
The two outcome that remained the same were; Continuing the conversation with Guillermo or not, the bigoted supervisor still came in and made outrageous insulting comments to him.
No matter whether the bartender confronted Rick and tried to come him down or whether she remained quit. Rick still pursued the path of violence.
Laura
DeleteI think the idea was just to make us aware of our choices, and how they can be viewed. Also that this is a reflection on our ethics and choices we make in our lives. I thought it was a great exercise in which to experiment witht those choices.
1. What was your initial reaction to the activity?
ReplyDeleteMy initial reaction was it was a little absurd. Then I started getting into it, and overall had some fun. I get what it was trying to achieve, but think it was maybe a little bit to on-the-nose with a lot of it. That being said I will likely play through again to see how different choices affect the outcome. So I guess that is something of a testament to the game.
Hi Mark,
DeleteYes, I think this game is definitely a good way to see and understand how our daily choices affect us! It may seem silly, but it makes you think.
It was a bit slow for me at first, but I think my turning point in the game is when Rick came in and kicked Guillermo out of the seat. I found that refreshingly realistic. Even though I am completely apalled by Rick's attitude, I thought it was a good touch by the programmer to have significant & realistic scenarios.
Delete2. Did you shoot anyone at the bar?
ReplyDeleteI did not shoot anyone at the bar, but I have to admit I really wanted to. Actually the only reason I did not was I was trying to shoot the old lady and every time I tried it just advanced the story cause it thought I was aiming at Rick. Not sure what this says about me...I guess at least I did not shoot anyone? Regardless I think next time I may just to see how it alters things.
Mark,
DeleteI am reading your subconscious... and your decision tells me that you don't like people that are rude and snippy at you for no reason. Can't say I blame you there.
3. What were some of the explanations you gave the kids at the playground?
ReplyDeleteI gave the cupcake to the girl and told the boy the reason was because, "You cant always get what you want, and if you try sometime you find, you get what you need." Then I gave the jumprope to the boy and told the girl the reason was because "you already got the bigger cupcake fatty."
Mark
DeleteI again think this was a great way to experience what we would do in a situation like this..how our morals, values and ethics come into play...
It also was a way to see if we were bias in any area...but good points...I thought it was a greaat exercise
Mark
DeleteI also went with some rather humorous explanations. I knew the end result would be the same so I played around with it a couple times.
I was kind of confused at first, since there was no initial hint that I should click on someone versus something. I tried clicking the milkshakes, actually. The second thing I did was to click the only interface button within sight (the arrow at the bottom right). I'm currently a DM minor and I, too, remember the frustrations of interactive projects past.
ReplyDeleteErik
DeleteIt was initally confusing for me to no directions, but then I figured it out like you by clicking the various items and going from there.
Your right interactive projects can be frustrating, shows that we need a little more patience in dealing with things we aren't familiar with.
Thought it was a great activity though to test our values, and life choices
Initially I thought the activity was a little ridiculous. The purpose was unclear and a bit silly for me. After getting around the substance of the game, the "decisions have consequences" purpose became rather clear. I was a bit terse and condescending with the children. I told them that life isn't fair and to move on. Though it was not eloquent I do believe in the substance of that message.
ReplyDeleteIn the bar scene I shot the teacher's husband. I don't really have a reason why, I just did. I found it interesting at the end of the game that my reputation and self worth were both even. I guess I made the middle of the road decisions.
Jason
DeleteI felt the game was interesting since I initially didnt know what would occur. I am surprised to find that both your reputation and self worth were faily even.
Mine were disctinctly different and I tried to do middle of the road decissions as well. As to the children that does seem a bit intense...and I think that was part of the game...how you respond and handled the situation.
Overall I found it interesting and a good way to measure ones choices.
1. What was your initial reaction to the activity?
ReplyDeleteAt first, I was excited at the chance to play a game for an assignment. Playing video games is my favorite pastime. As I began the game, I was slightly put off by the graphics. I reasoned to myself that it was probably a student's game created for a class and that changed my opinion on the graphics. The plot points to click on were slightly difficult to find. There were no directions on how to play the game.
~Rachel Tobier
Rachel
DeleteI agree that this was not the most informative game or assignment. I did feel that the game did provide a chance to test ourselves on reputation and self worth.
It would have been better had there been directions as well, and not having to click all over the entire page to try to figure out the next step.
3. What were some of the explanations you gave the kids at the playground?
ReplyDeleteAt the playground scene, I offered the larger cupcake to my brother because family is important. I told the girl: “You don't always get what you want. And if you try sometime you find you get what you need.” I'm not really very impartial and it felt funny to include lyrics from a song I enjoy. When it came to the jump rope, I gave it to the girl because she got the smaller cupcake and that was my way of making it up to her. Also, if Cody was actually my brother, he'd probably have as horrible balance as I do and would end up hurting himself.
~Rachel Tobier
Rachel
DeleteInteresting reasoning for your choices, I gave the cupcake to the girl and the rope to Cody. I felt differently. I thought she was older and a girl and the boys ussually win as gender goes so I gave her the cupcake and to be fair gave Cody the rope.
I think it was interesting how our bias, and gender ideals work in regards to who gets what.
2. Did you shoot anyone at the bar? Who and why?
ReplyDeleteWhen offered the option to shoot someone in the bar, I figured it was a necessity because I'd rather one die for the greater good of the many. I originally wanted to the shoot my ex-manager, but it seemed like that wasn't an option. I didn't kill Guillermo because he was supporting his family. I also left my professor and his wife alone because they had a child. I ended up shooting the elderly women because my rationale was that she'd be passing away sooner than the rest.
Rachel
DeleteI didnt come in shooting like alot of players did. I didn't shoot anyone.
Your reasoning as to who to shoot is interesting. The one you wanted to shoot you couldn't so you shot some old lady who was going to die soon anyway...If the scales had to be tipped I would say you made the better choice of those available.
How did you score on your final overall game.
MikeBee,
ReplyDeleteI was really curious too! But then I felt bad for the people I would have shot haha
Devin McGhee,
I was raised with strict morals especially about doing the "right thing" by myself and other people. I also did not shoot anyone because I felt it was not right. I could not justify taking someone else's life.
Laura Lynn,
First off, Lynn is my middle name! Love it :) Second, I agree with your thoughts about the options that could have taken place such as cutting the cupcake in half. I would have eaten the smaller cupcake and cut the larger one in half for the children to share.
Mark,
It is funny how you kept trying to shoot the old lady but the computer thought you were trying to shoot Rick. Maybe that is destiny stepping in? LOL
Erik,
Even thou there were no directions, we all still figured it out which shows our quick learning skills! It goes to show you how smart we are when we need to be.
Jason,
It is true that life is not always fair. I guess it is better they learn that sooner then later. We can all agree to a time when life just wasn't fair and got us down. They should also know that what does not kill you makes you stronger :)
Rachel,
I like how you chose your brother because he was your family. This shows that you are very loyal and loving. It was also nice how you then gave the jump rope to the girl first because the boy got the cupcake.