Naturally, I'm sure I'm the last to post...
But save the best for last! I reall enjoyed this class. I cannot help but apply concepts from class to my everyday media use. Whether someone is talking on the phone while checking out at the grocery store, to every time I pick up my blackberry, I cannot help but analyze my personal media use and judge others in the same way.
I think what was most useful in class were the round table discussions. I really enjoyed hearing what other thoughts about in class topics (especially during the cell phone unit). It was also comforting to know that my obsession with my cell phone and facebook is the norm amongst other girls my age (Thanks, Donna) which was apparent in classroom discussion.
I think in the future, it would be best to spend more time on Second Life. I truly believe that within the next few years, online activity within the classroom with increase. This year alone, I had three classes interacting with blogs and only completing assignments online. As this teenage generation (which has helped create and expand online virtual communities like MySpace and Facebook) grows older, so will the increasing amount of socialization on the Internet.
I also think I will be a better parent down the line. Though parenting is in the far, far future for me, I will be sure to pay close attention to my child's online usage and interaction with new technical innovations.
It's been a great ride for 11am on Tuesdays and Thursdays! Best of luck everyone! Have a happy holiday!
Cheers!
Friday, December 14, 2007
final thoughts
This class has really forced me to re-evaluate my media uses. It has made me look at things with new eyes, eyes that are far more aware of the influences technology has on our society and how the idea of community is being re-defined by technology.
I have given the most thought to my cell phone practices, probably since this is the medium that I most use in my day to day life. I now notice things about how I use my cell phone and I am more aware of how I am using it. For example, I try to never interrupt a conversation that I am having in real life with a cell phone call, either coming or going. Its that whole idea of “absent presence” that seems to take away from the value of day to day interactions. Also, when it comes to text messaging, I have noticed that I text more and more to the people I am close to in real life and less with people I don’t know as well. This is probably because I know I am going to remain close to the people I love no matter how I communicate with them. Texting allows us to communicate more often than we would with actual phone calls Sending quick little messages to those people keep us connected more often. However, with people I don’t know as well, I feel like the voice interaction helps us establish more of a relationship as well as lessen the chances for misunderstandings or confusion since we don’t yet know each other to well.
The same goes for IMing over the internet. I only IM with people I know and am close too. In fact, I have my screen name blocked to people who are not on my buddy list. I did this when I started to get IMs from people I did not know or did not want to talk to. Again, I believe this is because I like having the alternative form of communication with people I am close too but do not want that for people I am not close too.
In terms of social networking, I am starting to see it as a way from people to express who they are. I did not see it this way in the beginning because for me personally, I find it very hard to express myself in this manner. After spending time on MySpace and seeing the profiles of others, I can see how people do put a lot of time and effort into creating a page which is a true representation of who they are, what they stand for, and what they enjoy.
But I am still not convinced that this is true of Second Life (surprised?) I do not see people’s avators being an extension of who they are because it seems like such a change. I do however, believe that it is a good means of vicariously doing what is not always possible to do in the real world, such as fly or transport. When I was younger, I spent plenty of times wishing that transportation was really possible. Actually, I still wish it was possible whenever I am traveling or running late.
Overall, I do feel as if I learned a lot this semester about me and my media uses as well as some of the new media coming about that I would not have engaged in otherwise. Thanks everyone for the great semester!!!
I have given the most thought to my cell phone practices, probably since this is the medium that I most use in my day to day life. I now notice things about how I use my cell phone and I am more aware of how I am using it. For example, I try to never interrupt a conversation that I am having in real life with a cell phone call, either coming or going. Its that whole idea of “absent presence” that seems to take away from the value of day to day interactions. Also, when it comes to text messaging, I have noticed that I text more and more to the people I am close to in real life and less with people I don’t know as well. This is probably because I know I am going to remain close to the people I love no matter how I communicate with them. Texting allows us to communicate more often than we would with actual phone calls Sending quick little messages to those people keep us connected more often. However, with people I don’t know as well, I feel like the voice interaction helps us establish more of a relationship as well as lessen the chances for misunderstandings or confusion since we don’t yet know each other to well.
The same goes for IMing over the internet. I only IM with people I know and am close too. In fact, I have my screen name blocked to people who are not on my buddy list. I did this when I started to get IMs from people I did not know or did not want to talk to. Again, I believe this is because I like having the alternative form of communication with people I am close too but do not want that for people I am not close too.
In terms of social networking, I am starting to see it as a way from people to express who they are. I did not see it this way in the beginning because for me personally, I find it very hard to express myself in this manner. After spending time on MySpace and seeing the profiles of others, I can see how people do put a lot of time and effort into creating a page which is a true representation of who they are, what they stand for, and what they enjoy.
But I am still not convinced that this is true of Second Life (surprised?) I do not see people’s avators being an extension of who they are because it seems like such a change. I do however, believe that it is a good means of vicariously doing what is not always possible to do in the real world, such as fly or transport. When I was younger, I spent plenty of times wishing that transportation was really possible. Actually, I still wish it was possible whenever I am traveling or running late.
Overall, I do feel as if I learned a lot this semester about me and my media uses as well as some of the new media coming about that I would not have engaged in otherwise. Thanks everyone for the great semester!!!
This is the end
First I would like to start by saying that I am so sad the class is over. I have learned so much about media and the way it affects people in every aspect. Thanks Linda for making the class enjoyable and entertaining.
I never really thought about how much and for what reasons I use my cell phone and the internet. It was facinating having to sit down and think about my identity and the communities that I belonged to because of these different types of technologies. I have learned that I am very dependent on my cell phone. I also noticed that there are certain reasons why I make my online profiles the way I do.
I think that second life was an awesome expierence as well. I was really nervous about it at first because I had hear how wierd it was. I thought it was absolutely crazy that there were thousands of people online from different places around the world talking to eachother face to face....through our avatars. This section of the class was probably most interesting to me because it was so foriegn and more like an out of body expierence sometimes. I think that along with the girls in the class, and Linda I will also miss Greta from time to time.
Thanks again for a great class.
Love you all!
I never really thought about how much and for what reasons I use my cell phone and the internet. It was facinating having to sit down and think about my identity and the communities that I belonged to because of these different types of technologies. I have learned that I am very dependent on my cell phone. I also noticed that there are certain reasons why I make my online profiles the way I do.
I think that second life was an awesome expierence as well. I was really nervous about it at first because I had hear how wierd it was. I thought it was absolutely crazy that there were thousands of people online from different places around the world talking to eachother face to face....through our avatars. This section of the class was probably most interesting to me because it was so foriegn and more like an out of body expierence sometimes. I think that along with the girls in the class, and Linda I will also miss Greta from time to time.
Thanks again for a great class.
Love you all!
Thanks to all for a great class!
Thanks to all for your willing spirits in sharing this adventure with me. I learned so much from all of you about how these new communication technologies are integrated into your day to day life. Your stories and experiences gave me new insights into a subject I have thought about for years. Not only did I learn a great deal, but I enjoyed getting to know all of you better. Your generous and kind ways will remain with me for a long time.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
…Some Concluding Thoughts…
When I signed up for this Comm and New Media course, I had no idea what to expect. From the course description, I knew we would cover certain technologies, such as the cell phone, social networking, and “Second Life,” but I had no idea what we would be discussing about each of the different technologies. Now that I have completed the course and can reflect on my class experience, I have gathered some concluding thoughts about my course experience.
First off, I can actually say there is a lot to consider when it comes to technology. This class helped open my eyes to things I never really considered before, or even had the idea to begin considering. Even though we spent a lot of time on mobile telephones, I must admit that I really enjoyed studying that area of technology. Mobile telephones are interesting pieces of technologies that are constantly changing and influencing the ways people interact with one another. Prior to this class, I would have to say that I did not consider myself to be addicted to my personal mobile telephone, but this class changed my mind, and it is scary! After several readings and analyzation of my personal mobile telephone practices, I would have to confess that I may be addicted to my personal mobile telephone. I was not aware that my personal mobile telephone was given to me as “digital leash” for my mother. Additionally, I find it amazing how slowly it is consuming my life during times such as “interspace,” and changing the way I interact with others around me. I realize that I have a weird attachment to my mobile telephone and have a hard time disconnecting the attachment. I feel naked if I do not have my phone with me, and texting has consumed my life. This class has made me aware of certain personal mobile telephone practices, and has influenced me to try and change my dependency on my mobile telephone.
Another thing this class has taught me is how to blog! I am not a blogger and this was the first time I have ever had to post a blog. I cannot say that I will continue blogging, but it is nice knowing how to do one. Oh yeah, and thanks to Mary, I now find myself checking out celebrity blogs every now and then-but thankfully not addicted yet! Haha! Along with Internet, I liked talking about social networking sites because I was interested to see everyone else’s pages and how they portray their identity. I am not big on social networking, but I do have a facebook and myspace that I like to use when I am bored or procatinating! By the way after two years and comments from my roomie, I finally updated my myspace-so check it out! What! What! My last favorite thing I liked in the class was the class experience on “Second Life.” I wish we could have spent a little more time because even though I found it frustrating, it was quite interesting and entertaining!
In conclusion, I liked this class and enjoyed receiving a new perspective on technology use. The most important lesson I learned is that technology is good so long as you use it within moderation. I am currently trying to work on my cell phone addiction! Additionally, I learned to be careful when it comes to people on social networking sites and “Second Life” because you never really know who the person behind the screen is. People can play with identity easily online and it is easy to be drawn into a potentially dangerous situation. With that said, I will end by saying I enjoyed this class!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Final Thoughts...
This has been a truly remarkable course that has allowed me to think outside the norm and really focus in depth about my experiences with the cell phone, blogging, social networks, and virtual worlds. I think that I have been able to gain an incredible amount of knowledge from this course. I have realized that I am so dependent on my cell phone and it holds me back in a lot of my relationships. I feel like through texting, I cut back on a lot of conversations and face-to-face interaction. I really wonder if relationships are going to be forever changed or if there will really be some way to bring back face-to-face interaction, so that our relationships with others are not weakened and/or terminated all together.
Something that was really reinforced throughout this class was the fact that these advances in technology keep children these days from the most important thing in life; family. Our society today has become so obsessed with the growing technology that we take so much of it for granted and we never seem satisfied, only hungering for more. Clifford Stoll talks about this major concept and in all actuality it really frightens me to think about what the next generation will be like! I feel like children are learning way too much at an early age and they are acting too old. It saddens me to think that they are missing out what is truly is to be a child.
All in all, this course was extremely helpful. It made me realize that although these new advances in technology are able to transform our lives and in some cases make things easier, there is a negative side to them that most people are not aware of. I have to admit that if I was not forced to think about how these types of media affect our lives, I never in a million years would have thought that talking on the phone in public was so bad! Also, I now feel like I am much more aware of the danger of social networks, especially the “not so private” privacy settings on facebook that we talked about. I feel extremely grateful that I was exposed to all of the information in this class regarding the types of identities that I portray with my cell phone especially. I am much more self-conscious about my ring tone and when and where I choose to use it!
Thinking back and reflecting on this whole semester…the role new media has played in my life is kind of depressing because it ruins so much! However, now that I am made aware of the problems, I am one step closer to fixing them!
Comm. & New Media, as many have already mentioned, forced me to examine technologies I use on a daily basis but often took for granted. I never really thought about how these new technologies affected me personally, or my relationships with others.
From cell phones to blogging, this class was especially relevant and really resonated with me because these are things I use every day. In thinking about our class discussions I realized my cell phone, especially, is something that really is an extension of myself. If I forget my phone at home I feel lost, and almost empty for the day. It is an embodiment of who I am-from the ringtones, pictures, and phonebook full of friends-and I don’t feel right without it.
Also, our study of social networking sites really made me think about my expression of identity. In one of the previous posts someone wrote that Facebook is a billboard that advertises ourselves. I completely agree! But I also have to remember the discussions we’ve had about impression management and wonder if these representations of ourselves are really for us or, instead, meant for the public. If we’re playing for the audience our identity representations aren’t always wholly accurate-but rather what we want others to see.
Now, in my use of these communication tools I am so conscious of the things we’ve talked about I’ve began to change how I use them. Now, for example, I try (key word-TRY!) not to talk on a cell phone when I’m in public places. This is mainly because now when I feel I’m in a public place I want to be present and not off in my own world talking on a cell phone. This class almost made me feel guilty about how I was using these things in the past! I want to have that small talk and I do not want to be the girl in the corner, isolated, because I can’t break away from a probably meaningless conversation in the first place.
From cell phones to blogging, this class was especially relevant and really resonated with me because these are things I use every day. In thinking about our class discussions I realized my cell phone, especially, is something that really is an extension of myself. If I forget my phone at home I feel lost, and almost empty for the day. It is an embodiment of who I am-from the ringtones, pictures, and phonebook full of friends-and I don’t feel right without it.
Also, our study of social networking sites really made me think about my expression of identity. In one of the previous posts someone wrote that Facebook is a billboard that advertises ourselves. I completely agree! But I also have to remember the discussions we’ve had about impression management and wonder if these representations of ourselves are really for us or, instead, meant for the public. If we’re playing for the audience our identity representations aren’t always wholly accurate-but rather what we want others to see.
Now, in my use of these communication tools I am so conscious of the things we’ve talked about I’ve began to change how I use them. Now, for example, I try (key word-TRY!) not to talk on a cell phone when I’m in public places. This is mainly because now when I feel I’m in a public place I want to be present and not off in my own world talking on a cell phone. This class almost made me feel guilty about how I was using these things in the past! I want to have that small talk and I do not want to be the girl in the corner, isolated, because I can’t break away from a probably meaningless conversation in the first place.
Use and Abuse
Analyzing the media I use every day has been extremely interesting, and yet unnerving. Looking in depth at how people use technologies like the cell phone, Myspace, and Second Life has created an almost cynical view on my part regarding these social practices. It is not that these things are inherently bad, but it is more, the misuse of these practices that causes me to feel this way. When individuals ‘chat’ on the cell phone and never say anything of importance, spy on others via Myspace, and waste away the hours on Second Life without forming new relationships with the people around them is when I begin to worry and wonder about the state the world is in. I feel as if these technologies are taking away from what is really important within life – human (meaning face-to-face) interaction. I believe that without this interaction, an important part of a person will be missing. This part, whether it is labeled social skills or physical communication, should be developed within every person, for we are all on this earth together. Without interacting physically with one another, the physical world around us would deteriorate right before our eyes. Staying together emotionally and spiritually through physical interaction is an essential part in every person’s personality and mental development. I do not see how these interactions could be replaced with virtual ones, and still have our everyday lives be meaningful and fulfilling. Although relationships can be formed online and through the use of the cell phone, and although some of our research from the semester may indicate otherwise, I do not personally believe these relationships can ever serve as a substitute for face-to-face interactions.
It is interesting to note, however, that although I have a certain outlook on these forms of media, I will continue to use them myself in everyday life. However, I think it is important that I learn to not abuse these technological privileges that I possess. Using the cell phone, Myspace, and Second Life to enhance the relationships I already have formed within my real life is possible. It is important, however, that I not become reliant on these technologies to form and maintain relationships. It is the dependence on these media that ultimately hurts interpersonal relationships among people. Hopefully, as a result from this class and my ability to critically see how these media are used and how they affect our lives, I will be able to achieve a balance between their use and my own personal relationships. Perhaps it is my small town values coming into play, but this whole dependence on media to create and keep relationships has me skeptical. This article, although in different terms, explains everything I am attempting to convey through this blog post. Media is both valuable and harmful to society. It’s all in how you use it.
It is interesting to note, however, that although I have a certain outlook on these forms of media, I will continue to use them myself in everyday life. However, I think it is important that I learn to not abuse these technological privileges that I possess. Using the cell phone, Myspace, and Second Life to enhance the relationships I already have formed within my real life is possible. It is important, however, that I not become reliant on these technologies to form and maintain relationships. It is the dependence on these media that ultimately hurts interpersonal relationships among people. Hopefully, as a result from this class and my ability to critically see how these media are used and how they affect our lives, I will be able to achieve a balance between their use and my own personal relationships. Perhaps it is my small town values coming into play, but this whole dependence on media to create and keep relationships has me skeptical. This article, although in different terms, explains everything I am attempting to convey through this blog post. Media is both valuable and harmful to society. It’s all in how you use it.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
This class has given me the outlet to embrace and showcase my inner-nerd. I love all of the advancements in technology and can't wait to play with the latest and greatest gadgets or software.
Like others have mentioned, I am seeing my technology use in a completely different light. This semester, I've started to analyze my own use of my cell phone, facebook, blogs, and SecondLife and have found myself pondering that identity question. "What is this person trying to tell me?" I find the need to ask, "How is this person using this technology to better convey their authentic self?" I think these questions will haunt my thoughts forever. I'm okay with that. I really enjoyed playing with the idea of identity and multiple identities online and through new technologies. I'd never thought about how different I am with the various people I call on my cell phone, or how the fact that it's a mobile phone affects the way I use it. Also, I've decided Facebook is like a billboard that advertises YOU. How creepy is that? And why am I still on it?
The past semester has been a welcomed forum and brainstorm for finalizing my comp topic. So thanks, you guys! Our class discussions were enjoyable, informative, and creative. I'm continuously amazed by the brilliant women at SMC!
That being said, this class has given me the blogging bug. I've started my own blog as a creative outlet and have been posting absurd, self-deprecating short essays. If you'd like to take a look, I'd love comments and feedback. It's a little crass, so please don't let my use of four-letter words harm my grade!
Bringing it back to academia... However, in beginning this blogging endeavor, I've discovered a very active and addictive "20-something" blogging community. Everyone is so supportive and encouraging. Knowing people read and enjoy what I write has me hooked!
Like others have mentioned, I am seeing my technology use in a completely different light. This semester, I've started to analyze my own use of my cell phone, facebook, blogs, and SecondLife and have found myself pondering that identity question. "What is this person trying to tell me?" I find the need to ask, "How is this person using this technology to better convey their authentic self?" I think these questions will haunt my thoughts forever. I'm okay with that. I really enjoyed playing with the idea of identity and multiple identities online and through new technologies. I'd never thought about how different I am with the various people I call on my cell phone, or how the fact that it's a mobile phone affects the way I use it. Also, I've decided Facebook is like a billboard that advertises YOU. How creepy is that? And why am I still on it?
The past semester has been a welcomed forum and brainstorm for finalizing my comp topic. So thanks, you guys! Our class discussions were enjoyable, informative, and creative. I'm continuously amazed by the brilliant women at SMC!
That being said, this class has given me the blogging bug. I've started my own blog as a creative outlet and have been posting absurd, self-deprecating short essays. If you'd like to take a look, I'd love comments and feedback. It's a little crass, so please don't let my use of four-letter words harm my grade!
Bringing it back to academia... However, in beginning this blogging endeavor, I've discovered a very active and addictive "20-something" blogging community. Everyone is so supportive and encouraging. Knowing people read and enjoy what I write has me hooked!
When I first came in to this class, I never really imagined that I would look at the technological aspects of my daily life in such a different light upon completion of the course. I basically took for granted the technology in my life, since I have become so accustomed to using so many different forms over the years.
It all started with AIM for me, then the constant use of the cellular phone, leading to obsessive Facebook usage and eventually to the wonderful world of Second Life. I can honestly say that I don't know what I would do without certain aspects of technology, with my cell phone as the most important and Facebook creeping in at a close second. Second Life I could do without, but if I spent a few months getting used to it, I could see myself getting attached to it as well. As with any technology, it takes a while to get used to, but it becomes impossible to live without.
Comm and New Media has made me scrutinize my every use of technology, while analyzing my personal sense of identity and community along the way. I have also opened my eyes to my tendency to "lurk" within various communities. I have found myself frequenting many blogs, especially since most websites and online articles have adopted a "comment" section, which is essentially a blog in itself. While I have been frequenting these blogs, I have noticed an overwhelming urge to participate and include my own comments. I have even created a few usernames and begun to do this.
I think that this course really made me realize that I don't want to participate in the blogging world as a lurker. I want to open up and allow others to view my opinions, inside of having a verbal exchange with my monitor and keeping my opinions to myself. I like what this class has done to me in this respect, I enjoy being able to actively participate in the communities that I have been lurking in for so long.
It all started with AIM for me, then the constant use of the cellular phone, leading to obsessive Facebook usage and eventually to the wonderful world of Second Life. I can honestly say that I don't know what I would do without certain aspects of technology, with my cell phone as the most important and Facebook creeping in at a close second. Second Life I could do without, but if I spent a few months getting used to it, I could see myself getting attached to it as well. As with any technology, it takes a while to get used to, but it becomes impossible to live without.
Comm and New Media has made me scrutinize my every use of technology, while analyzing my personal sense of identity and community along the way. I have also opened my eyes to my tendency to "lurk" within various communities. I have found myself frequenting many blogs, especially since most websites and online articles have adopted a "comment" section, which is essentially a blog in itself. While I have been frequenting these blogs, I have noticed an overwhelming urge to participate and include my own comments. I have even created a few usernames and begun to do this.
I think that this course really made me realize that I don't want to participate in the blogging world as a lurker. I want to open up and allow others to view my opinions, inside of having a verbal exchange with my monitor and keeping my opinions to myself. I like what this class has done to me in this respect, I enjoy being able to actively participate in the communities that I have been lurking in for so long.
Monday, December 10, 2007
A whole new world...
I was on a ridiculously long flight home to
This has honestly been one of the most eye-opening classes I have taken here at Saint Mary’s… besides my Catholic Social Thought class of course :-) I was always aware of the fact that new media like blogs, cell phones, and social networking sites are slowing taking over our lives, but I never really came to terms with the fact that it is happening so fast! These things are consuming our lives like none other. Before I used to just brush off my, and others, use of new media forms. Now, I cannot get on Second Life without really considering how attached I am to my avatar. I can’t even get on Facebook without scrutinizing the identity I have put forth for all to see. Even cell phone use goes through my mind as more than just a daily activity. How did she answer her phone? What was her ring-tone? What kind of mobile does she own? It is all so much more fascinating to me.
I can honestly say I have really learned how to analyze and look at new media use in a way I never have before. I do not simply go through the motions any longer when it comes to blogging and walking along the beach as Trista Sands. Those activities are no longer ways to procrastinate writing that term paper that’s due in five hours. It’s a way to look at myself and who I am becoming.
This semester has been very reflective for me. Analyzing my usage of new media helped me to understand the unique way I use cell phones and blogs in my daily life.
One of the things that has really been brought to my attention is how comfortable the younger generation is using this technology. I just have a sense that, even though I am pretty well versed in modern technology, I will be behind the times in a few years. I sometimes get exasperated when my mother can't figure out her cell is an actual phone and not a walkie-talkie...but I am afraid that will be me in a few years. Even being on Second Life, I felt like I was a bit outdated.
Second Life in particular was the one area of new media where I didn't feel that comfortable. Whereas, when I first got AIM or Facebook I was addicted from the start. Being on Second Life was a little too surreal for me. I felt very on edge the whole time I was on it, and think my own inability to adapt is going to be one of the reasons I will become outdated.
One of the things I did love about this semester was being able to reveal my secret celebrity blog obsession. :) Being able to talk about that and vocalize where the attraction to the blogs came from was a very introspective look at how I personally form communities.
One of the things that has really been brought to my attention is how comfortable the younger generation is using this technology. I just have a sense that, even though I am pretty well versed in modern technology, I will be behind the times in a few years. I sometimes get exasperated when my mother can't figure out her cell is an actual phone and not a walkie-talkie...but I am afraid that will be me in a few years. Even being on Second Life, I felt like I was a bit outdated.
Second Life in particular was the one area of new media where I didn't feel that comfortable. Whereas, when I first got AIM or Facebook I was addicted from the start. Being on Second Life was a little too surreal for me. I felt very on edge the whole time I was on it, and think my own inability to adapt is going to be one of the reasons I will become outdated.
One of the things I did love about this semester was being able to reveal my secret celebrity blog obsession. :) Being able to talk about that and vocalize where the attraction to the blogs came from was a very introspective look at how I personally form communities.
Overview of Class
Thank you very much Renee for the pictures. They were quite lovely :)
Throughout this past semester we have touched on identity and community within the world of cell phones, personal blogs and second life. I never really put much thought into any of these new media resources, but now after this class, I have a whole new perspective.
Every time I see my brother texting back an forth between his friends and his girlfriend, I will think about how different the various age groups use the cell phone's technology. I will also be more cautious of how I treat my future children someday when they want a cell phone. Although there are many options today on keeping a GPS tracking system on the cell phone user, I will make sure that I don't make my children feel as if they have a "digital leash" around their necks.
The next time I go and read my favorite blog - Something Old and Something New, I will think more about the kind of interactions I may be having with the blog's author. Although I may not make a direct posting on that person's page (lurker), I do take the time to read her entires as well as check out the various items that she suggests (and even go on to buying them!). I will also be more aware of the kind of impact that a blog posting can have on my audience. If a blog is set to open readership, then everyone can read and respond, and I must be prepared to receive various different comments and feedback.
As for Second Life... there is so much more to be discovered that I cannot even begin to comment on. Second Life is truly a second world that can become addicting and even take over some people's lives. My computer, however doesn't seem to like the software that much, so it doesn't look like addiction will be a problem with me. I do want to be able to explore the world even more and test out my avatar, make friends (safely) and hopefully someday join SMC as we get our own island! Overall, it has been a very interesting experience.
Thank you Professor Berdayes as well as the rest of the class for a great semester. I never knew that there could be so many different levels to the items that we discussed in class - it was definitely eye opening!
Throughout this past semester we have touched on identity and community within the world of cell phones, personal blogs and second life. I never really put much thought into any of these new media resources, but now after this class, I have a whole new perspective.
Every time I see my brother texting back an forth between his friends and his girlfriend, I will think about how different the various age groups use the cell phone's technology. I will also be more cautious of how I treat my future children someday when they want a cell phone. Although there are many options today on keeping a GPS tracking system on the cell phone user, I will make sure that I don't make my children feel as if they have a "digital leash" around their necks.
The next time I go and read my favorite blog - Something Old and Something New, I will think more about the kind of interactions I may be having with the blog's author. Although I may not make a direct posting on that person's page (lurker), I do take the time to read her entires as well as check out the various items that she suggests (and even go on to buying them!). I will also be more aware of the kind of impact that a blog posting can have on my audience. If a blog is set to open readership, then everyone can read and respond, and I must be prepared to receive various different comments and feedback.
As for Second Life... there is so much more to be discovered that I cannot even begin to comment on. Second Life is truly a second world that can become addicting and even take over some people's lives. My computer, however doesn't seem to like the software that much, so it doesn't look like addiction will be a problem with me. I do want to be able to explore the world even more and test out my avatar, make friends (safely) and hopefully someday join SMC as we get our own island! Overall, it has been a very interesting experience.
Thank you Professor Berdayes as well as the rest of the class for a great semester. I never knew that there could be so many different levels to the items that we discussed in class - it was definitely eye opening!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Hey all, I was taking screen shots throughout our tour today and thought you guys might want to see them. You can get a better look if you click on each picture. It will open it bigger. I was having trouble getting good angles, but I don't think they turned out so bad. Feel free to download and edit anything.
Great shot of Misty's big hair
We meet Bender
Checking out Bender's SMC shirt. How nice was that?
Back of the SMC shirt
Art gallery tour
Hanging out in the church
The church was made from Bender's photographs - how pretty!
Watching a movie
Gathering at the library commons
Entering the library
Exploring the reading lounge
Misty relaxes in a bean bag chair
Checking out the research help
Thank you, Bender!!
Great shot of Misty's big hair
We meet Bender
Checking out Bender's SMC shirt. How nice was that?
Back of the SMC shirt
Art gallery tour
Hanging out in the church
The church was made from Bender's photographs - how pretty!
Watching a movie
Gathering at the library commons
Entering the library
Exploring the reading lounge
Misty relaxes in a bean bag chair
Checking out the research help
Thank you, Bender!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)