Course Reflection

Upon starting Digital Art Media class, I thought that I was pretty ‘fluent’ in technology, but throughout the course I learned over and over again that there certainly was a whole lot that I didn’t know. This class was both a learning experience… and fun (say it isn’t so)! I got to discover new websites on the internet that I never knew existed before this class and would have totally been all over! Sites like Animoto, Aviary, Textorizer, and my personal favorite, Tagxedo, really allowed for us to explore what’s out there and apply our personal touch through different forms of digital media. A plus to the class was that everything Phoebe found for us was FREE (I love the sound of that)! Not only does that make it less stressful and more enjoyable, it also increases the chances of using the websites and other resources again :)

Our first assignment was called ‘Urban Landscape,’ where we went out (in the brutal cold :P) with our beloved phones and captured a handful of pictures. I was skeptical at first, but (minus that once again, brutal cold) I actually had a lot of fun doing it. I learned different techniques, angles, and what to look for through our reading material. The following week we got to edit the photos on Picnik, something I had used a DOZEN times. As Phoebe would have it, I actually learned some new things. Although Picnik is now shut down, what I learned is not. I learned exactly what it meant for a picture to be too ‘grainy,’ and what saturation, contrast, and sharpness all contributed to a photo.  At large, I learned what the names of the ‘effects’ actually were.

Another favorite was the ‘Day in the Life’ assignment. Using Google Docs Presentation maker, we all made presentations of, just that, a ‘Day in the Life!’ What do people love talking about more than themselves?… Er, nothing! ;) All joking aside, it was another case of the ‘learning-without-knowing-it.’ Combining my newly-found exceptional photography and editing skills, I incorporated them into a little story to input into Google Docs. The theme that was followed throughout that week (and a few other) was cloud computing, and means of making, editing, and storing things online. It was a great concept to learn because it is definitely 'new age,' and I know how we can all struggle to keep up with the times (besides Phoebe, she's hip).

In the end, it was fun to share my ‘life story’ and venture into those of my classmates (another favorite human quality: nosiness)! I am graduating, with one summer class to take, and will be starting my internship this summer as well. I am in Public Relations/Communications and it is definitely a field where digital media comes in to play. I will be helping promote events and maintain my company's online material and I can foresee myself using parts of this class to aid me in my adventures! All in all, it was a great semester and learning experience. Phoebe, you did awesome and I will definitely recommend your class! :)