My Reflection
Dear Mark,
This class was to say the least, interesting! I mean that in the best way possible. I did not know what to expect coming into the course but I have a new appreciation for Communication, Technology and Culture.
What I liked most about this class did not know what to expect each week. It can be so dreadful going to class and watching what looks like the same PowerPoint presentation each time. It was definitely a breath of fresh air not being able to predict the lecture; even if that means the professor occasionally jumps up on a desk. It was creative of you to discuss topics that were important to us. There was never a time myself or the other students, or so it seemed, held back from discussing anything. Simple lectures like one of the first ones about gameography even had meaning. At first, I found it difficult to understand what you wanted us to think about but eventually it all started to make sense. Lectures like "are you a reader" not only involved the class, but had everyone really thinking. You made me think or question some things that I normally would not think twice about. The overall diversity and lectures of each class made this experience unique and very interesting.
I learned a lot about social networking sites that I never really had an interest in before this class. Believe it or not I created my Twitter account after two weeks into it. Along with my Twitter account, I signed up with Pinterest, Instagram, Delicious and obviously Tumblr all within the last 2-3 months. I have become interested and familiar with the negative and positive affects of social media. A lot of this I learned through the discussions on wikispaces. When you originally announced that we would be using it for weekly or daily online discussions I will honestly admit I was not excited. I have had previous discussion groups in other classes where you must answer specific questions. Once I realized that we can literally post anything on the wikispaces, I was excited. I have learned more about current events from the wikispace than I have from any other news outlet in the past 2-3 months. It's interesting to be able to discuss with classmates on a daily basis about topics we care about or feel are necessary to talk about. In big classes, students are not always given the opportunity to interact with other peers and this gave us a chance to engage.
The narrative essay was one paper that I was truly nervous about when it was first assigned. This was the first time in my entire school career that the teacher had not given specific requirements for an essay and that scared me. At first I did not even understand what a transformative learning experience was. I was a bit upset about the direction given on the essay but my perspective changed. After reading the articles that were posted on the wiki about transformative learning experiences and from doing some of my own research, I began to understand. The paper was very personal because not only was it based on a physically and mentally life changing experience, but I am not used to sharing personal information like that to a teacher. It was also difficult because it is something that is ongoing. Ironically enough I wrote it at the doctor's office and once I started, I could not stop. In the end, I enjoyed writing this essay and learned a bit about myself from it. Before the essay I was unaware my transformative learning experience was something that I was currently dealing with. The essay helped me talk about the experience and learn more about what it means to find my social identity.
This class definitely made Wednesdays more interesting. I liked how we were able to communicate with you through the wiki and in class discussions. You always have interesting thoughts and allowed me think critically. I can proudly say that I attended your class the most out of all 5 of them this semester.
Thanks for the last few months!
Donna McTeague