Portfolio Topic Check

Porfolio Topic Check

1. Does the topic relate to ITGS? Explain how!
Yes, this topic does relate to ITGS because videogame consoles are comsuming far too much electricity a year and we need to find out a way to cut down on the amount.

2. Is the area of impact one that has not been addressed in a previous portfolio piece? Which area of impact have you already done? Which area of impact does this piece fit?
Yes because this portfolio piece will focus on Science and the environment. I have already done the Health, Business and Employment, and Politics and Government portfolio piece.

3. Was the news item published no more than six months before you started the course (you started September 2008)? What is the publication date of the article?
Yes, this news article was published on December 21, 2009.

4. Does the article raise one or more social or ethical issues related to an IT system? State clearly the social or ethical issue.
Yes, this article does raise on or more social or ethical issues related to an IT system. One ethical issue is the argument whether videogames/video game consoles should be stopped and the social is that it is killing our electical output in the world.

5. Is the problem clear? Explain the problem.
Yes, the problem is very clear. How do we limit the amount of enery video game consoles use?
Video games use too much energy annd we need a way to fix it asap or else the world's electrical output will suffer drastically.

6. Can you think of two viable solutions? Briefly state the possible solutions.
Yes, I can think of two viable solutions.
1. Choose a console that uses less energy [PDF]. The Nintendo Wii is the power miser of the group tested, Xbox 360 is in the middle, and Sony PS3 uses the most energy if left on all the time. (See No. 3.)
2. Don't watch movies on your game console. According to Noah Horowitz of NRDC, "movie playback on the PS3 uses four to five times as much power as that of a stand-alone BluRay player."

7. Do you have access to a range of resources on this topic? Name three possible resources to research this topic.
Yes, I do have access to a range of resources on this topic. I have the Christian Science Monitor, BBC, and Wikipedia.