Final Reflection

           Reflecting back on the path of this course I still have to say that I did enjoy the structure and format of this class. Its understanding and lenient design has allowed me to successfully finish my first semester of grad school while keeping up with all of my other responsibilities in life.

I would have to say that my strength in my understanding as in the middle of the semester remains in discussions. Discussions within this course allowed for me to have self-initiated learning where I first developed an answer on my own and then once everyone posted I had the opportunity to learn from classmate’s point of views as well. I would say getting to hear everyone’s responses is what expanded my learning the most. Harder concepts became clearer having the opportunity to hear the different perspectives. For example, Networked Publics by Kazys Varnelis was a challenging piece for me at first. It was the thematic group discussion that really helped me fully grasp the broken down concepts. Therefore I thoroughly read and participated in every discussion to get the most out of my learning experience.

As for improvements I am still in the process of improving my methods when it comes to online learning. I am discovering what the best times for me to read online material are so that I actually absorb the content. This was my first full virtual semester. I have taken online classes before but never all at the same time. I have learned its better for me to read during the day and not at not night because I am not as alert. I have developed a tendency to print out key reading material for note taking purposes because it works better for me than highlight within the text on the computer. A new opportunity for improvement that has been discovered since the mid of the course has been my skills when it comes to APA format. APA was completely new to me. In the past I have always used MLA. The OWL Purdue website was a close friend this semester to help me tackle the in-text citations and reference page for every formal piece assigned and will continue to be with future courses.

I have had much insight throughout the course of this semester. I have learned that the best tool I have entering into this new field is right at my fingertips. To reach out to my classmates and peers if searching for advice. Everyone has a different experience and opinion so you’re bound to find an answer that is going to lead you in the right direction. As stated in my midterm reflection my insight remains in the fact I can utilize the knowledge provided in this course in my actual career and life. I found relevance in the acquired information and I look forward to the opportunity to apply it.

I truly enjoyed the knowledge that New Medias and New Literacies had to offer. I believe that that readings, discussions and assignments have all helped my growth within my potential career.