…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!