1. Evaluate your “learning experience” using the Wall Street Journal and quizzes instead of a traditional textbook and tests. Do you feel like you learned more, or less, about Mass Communications than you might have with a textbook, a mid-term and a final exam? How did reading paper affect your schedule, your study habits, your performance in other classes?
Having read communications textbooks for past courses, reading the Wall Street Journal was a very different - and entirely welcome - change of pace. Rather than reading about communication concepts, we were able, through the WSJ readings, to see these very concepts implemented in a real world environment. They were no longer distant, cloud-like principles - they were tangible and made real.
2. Do you plan to continue your subscription to the Wall Street Journal? Explain why, or why not.
I have yet to decide. If money was not an issue, I would extend my subscription. But, because money is an issue, I have to weigh the positives and negatives of continuing the subscription or letting it expire. I did, however, talk to my parents about it and asked if they would like to pay and have it delivered. I offered it as a substitute for the Orlando Sentinel that is delivered to our house. They have yet to decide.
3. List any suggestions that you have about how the course work or the instructor could improve your learning about Mass Communications.
Having experienced an entire semester of this course, I would not have changed anything.
4. Are you likely to pursue a career in any Mass Communications field based on the experience in this course?
I did not choose to enter a field in mass communications due to my experience in this class. However, the concepts I learned will be beneficial for my future career as a pastor. The skills developed in this course will help me to better communicate a message to a large audience.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Essay 3
Which social-networking services do you use? (Such as Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or any other)
I currently have Facebook, LinkedIn, Myspace, and Twitter accounts (in addition to this Blogger account). However, I only actively use Facebook and Twitter.
If you use any service — How much time do you spend using the services, on average, each week? What “value” would you put on the time you spend using the sites — how important is it to you? Would you pay a fee to keep your account(s)? If yes, how much would you pay (annually)?
On any given week, I am on the Facebook website two or three hours. When using the computer, I will sign in to Facebook and Twitter, but won't actively look at them. They are simply open in a browser as I do homework, search the web, or read content online.
The ability to stay in contact with friends - both close and distant - and family is important to me. It is nice to have the ability to stay tuned into what people are doing, to a greater extent than text messages or phone calls make possible. Rather than hearing what people are up to, Facebook allows me to see what they are up to. These social networks, though important, are not substites for genuine relationships. They merely enhance the friedships I have already started with people.
Though I would much rather the sites be free to use, I would, if necessary, pay a fee to use them. However, it depends on two simple factors:
1. How much? If Facebook were to charge $120 a year to use their service, I would discontinue my use of it and search for another site. There are many out there that are free to use. If it were $24/year ($2/month), I would more than likely continue my use of it. However, it would depend on the second factor.
2. Who is using it? If all my friends left Facebook because of the price, there would be no sense in paying for the service. To me, I use it because of the friends that are using it. If they leave, so does my reason to have it. A social network without anyone to socialize with is pointless.
I currently have Facebook, LinkedIn, Myspace, and Twitter accounts (in addition to this Blogger account). However, I only actively use Facebook and Twitter.
If you use any service — How much time do you spend using the services, on average, each week? What “value” would you put on the time you spend using the sites — how important is it to you? Would you pay a fee to keep your account(s)? If yes, how much would you pay (annually)?
On any given week, I am on the Facebook website two or three hours. When using the computer, I will sign in to Facebook and Twitter, but won't actively look at them. They are simply open in a browser as I do homework, search the web, or read content online.
The ability to stay in contact with friends - both close and distant - and family is important to me. It is nice to have the ability to stay tuned into what people are doing, to a greater extent than text messages or phone calls make possible. Rather than hearing what people are up to, Facebook allows me to see what they are up to. These social networks, though important, are not substites for genuine relationships. They merely enhance the friedships I have already started with people.
Though I would much rather the sites be free to use, I would, if necessary, pay a fee to use them. However, it depends on two simple factors:
1. How much? If Facebook were to charge $120 a year to use their service, I would discontinue my use of it and search for another site. There are many out there that are free to use. If it were $24/year ($2/month), I would more than likely continue my use of it. However, it would depend on the second factor.
2. Who is using it? If all my friends left Facebook because of the price, there would be no sense in paying for the service. To me, I use it because of the friends that are using it. If they leave, so does my reason to have it. A social network without anyone to socialize with is pointless.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Essay 2
1. What is your favorite movie — the one you’d want to watch over and over if you can have only one on a deserted island. Explain why it’s your favorite. Talk about any emotional attachment to it, the characters/actors, the story/plot, the filmmaking techniques, etc.
My favorite movie, at least for now, is August Rush. Though the whole concept of the movie is a little farfetched, it nonetheless gives the viewer a sense of inspiration. A young boy, growing up in an orphanage without any knowledge of who his parents are and later escaping to find the world of music at his fingertips, learns to play the guitar – a skill that will ultimately make him a star and bring the three of them together. Filled with amazing songs, an inspiring storyline, and an overall hopeful message, August Rush is my choice.
2. Which do you prefer — seeing a film at a theater, or watching it in another venue or on another platform (at home on TV, online, on your iPod or phone). Explain why, and talk about some advantages and disadvantages of the different ways to watch a movie.
The answer to this question entirely depends on the situation. Some movies are more geared to private home viewing with a few friends and others are designed for large-audience viewing. Due to the current economic issues at hand, my choice would be to watch a movie at home, but when the economy rebounds I believe my preference will change back to theatres. Some theatres are dirty and appeal to a less than ideal clientele, but such factors can be overcome by finding a good theatre – they’re everywhere. Because so many other things can be done on computer, it’s nice to put it away, which is why I don’t prefer to watch movies on the computer. I would be very unlikely to watch a movie on my phone or iPod because the screen is far too small and if you have to resort to doing so the chances are that you are in far too much a rush to even make the attempt anyway. Sit down, relax, pop open a can of soda, and enjoy the movie in the comforts of your own home (on your large widescreen TV).
3. If you watch the Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 22, write a little about what you think of the show. If you don’t watch it, explain why.
I was interested in watching it, but ended up not. When school and work assignments are completed and there is time to relax, I tend to spend it doing the things I want to do most and, this time, it did not include watching the Academy Awards. When they roll around next year, I imagine I will highly consider viewing it, but, if the same factors that influenced me this year are again present the next year, I imagine I will repeat my choice and pass.
My favorite movie, at least for now, is August Rush. Though the whole concept of the movie is a little farfetched, it nonetheless gives the viewer a sense of inspiration. A young boy, growing up in an orphanage without any knowledge of who his parents are and later escaping to find the world of music at his fingertips, learns to play the guitar – a skill that will ultimately make him a star and bring the three of them together. Filled with amazing songs, an inspiring storyline, and an overall hopeful message, August Rush is my choice.
2. Which do you prefer — seeing a film at a theater, or watching it in another venue or on another platform (at home on TV, online, on your iPod or phone). Explain why, and talk about some advantages and disadvantages of the different ways to watch a movie.
The answer to this question entirely depends on the situation. Some movies are more geared to private home viewing with a few friends and others are designed for large-audience viewing. Due to the current economic issues at hand, my choice would be to watch a movie at home, but when the economy rebounds I believe my preference will change back to theatres. Some theatres are dirty and appeal to a less than ideal clientele, but such factors can be overcome by finding a good theatre – they’re everywhere. Because so many other things can be done on computer, it’s nice to put it away, which is why I don’t prefer to watch movies on the computer. I would be very unlikely to watch a movie on my phone or iPod because the screen is far too small and if you have to resort to doing so the chances are that you are in far too much a rush to even make the attempt anyway. Sit down, relax, pop open a can of soda, and enjoy the movie in the comforts of your own home (on your large widescreen TV).
3. If you watch the Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 22, write a little about what you think of the show. If you don’t watch it, explain why.
I was interested in watching it, but ended up not. When school and work assignments are completed and there is time to relax, I tend to spend it doing the things I want to do most and, this time, it did not include watching the Academy Awards. When they roll around next year, I imagine I will highly consider viewing it, but, if the same factors that influenced me this year are again present the next year, I imagine I will repeat my choice and pass.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Essay 1
1. What were your newspaper reading habits — prior to receiving the Wall Street Journal. How often did you read a newspaper? Which paper(s) did you like to read. Give expansive answers, give details. If you answers are never and none, explain why not, and where you got your news.
Prior to this class, I have not had any consistent reading of a newspaper. I tend to get my news on the radio while at work, on the TV while at home, or the word of mouth communication from friends, coworkers, and family.
2. What is your opinion of newspapers, in general? Like them? Hate them? No use for them? Can’t live without them? Explain
I enjoy reading. Therefore the answer to this is easy: I like them. The thought of having a fair chunk of the news at my fingertips is exciting, but at the same time when I sit down to read I prefer to read books. News, and most other things in a newspaper, is something I prefer to hear or see rather than read. It may sound odd, but if the same articles in a newspaper were put into a book, I would be more likely to read them. Maybe it is the feel of a book in my hands, or maybe something entirely different. I don’t really know. What I do know is that the concept behind a newspaper is right down my alley, but the manner in which I get that content seems to lean on other avenues of communication, mainly audible or visual.
3. How do you feel about using the Wall Street Journal to learn about mass communications? What are your learning expectations for the class, and do you feel the WSJ will meet your expectations?
At first thought, it seemed odd to be reading the WSJ instead of a textbook, but it has grown on me more as time has passed. The idea is riveting. Through this class, I expect to become not only more knowledgeable regarding communication to the masses, but also on current events and topics that each and every American, in order to be informed, should be aware of. Ignorance in this age of technological advancement in communications is an unforgiveable excuse.
4. How do you feel about using a newspaper rather than a traditional textbook?
Rather than reading a textbook which talks in generalities, what about reading specific examples of communication in the real-world? Not only is the information more relevant, it is also exciting and different from the typical college experience. To go against the grain is a very popular thing these days and even the slightest change of scenery (like a newspaper instead of a traditional textbook) is more then welcome.
Prior to this class, I have not had any consistent reading of a newspaper. I tend to get my news on the radio while at work, on the TV while at home, or the word of mouth communication from friends, coworkers, and family.
2. What is your opinion of newspapers, in general? Like them? Hate them? No use for them? Can’t live without them? Explain
I enjoy reading. Therefore the answer to this is easy: I like them. The thought of having a fair chunk of the news at my fingertips is exciting, but at the same time when I sit down to read I prefer to read books. News, and most other things in a newspaper, is something I prefer to hear or see rather than read. It may sound odd, but if the same articles in a newspaper were put into a book, I would be more likely to read them. Maybe it is the feel of a book in my hands, or maybe something entirely different. I don’t really know. What I do know is that the concept behind a newspaper is right down my alley, but the manner in which I get that content seems to lean on other avenues of communication, mainly audible or visual.
3. How do you feel about using the Wall Street Journal to learn about mass communications? What are your learning expectations for the class, and do you feel the WSJ will meet your expectations?
At first thought, it seemed odd to be reading the WSJ instead of a textbook, but it has grown on me more as time has passed. The idea is riveting. Through this class, I expect to become not only more knowledgeable regarding communication to the masses, but also on current events and topics that each and every American, in order to be informed, should be aware of. Ignorance in this age of technological advancement in communications is an unforgiveable excuse.
4. How do you feel about using a newspaper rather than a traditional textbook?
Rather than reading a textbook which talks in generalities, what about reading specific examples of communication in the real-world? Not only is the information more relevant, it is also exciting and different from the typical college experience. To go against the grain is a very popular thing these days and even the slightest change of scenery (like a newspaper instead of a traditional textbook) is more then welcome.
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