Name: Alisa Kim
Partner: Kodi Cheng
Issue: The Changing Way we Communicate: The Emerging Power of New Media
What I was trying to get across to the class about my issue?
To the class, my partner and I were trying to get across the positive and negative impacts of media on society and how technology has ignited a world of new media that has revolutionized the way we communicate. Our aim was to educate the class on how the emerging power of new media has brought us together on a global scale and at the same time how it has devalued some of the more important aspects of society. We wanted to emphasize that although new media has made information more easily accessible, we have also suffered the consequences. Our dependence on technology and the internet has diminished some of our previously valued qualities, such as first-hand, research and credible news, privacy on the internet, and valuable personal communication. Despite losing these things, at the same time, technology has revolutionized the way we live. To get our point across, we decided to discuss the following functions of media: information, advertisements and social media.
Production Elements Organization -research, -presentation, -creative process
The organization of our presentation was productive for we used effective transitions between individual segments of our presentation. When presenting, we ensured to have equal involvement and participation. Overall, I think that Kodi and I spend a reasonable amount of time preparing for our presentation. Not only did we reread our facts several times, but we also took the time to do a run-through of our presentation. This helped us know if we were short on time or overtime. Thus, we indicated the points that should be taken out and whether if it would be necessary to add more examples/videos to our presentation. In addition, we delegated tasks accordingly and set deadlines. If we were unsure of certain facts or ideas, we would ensure to communicate with one another and give each other feedback. To present our topic in an interesting manner, we used effective strategies to engage and involve the audience. In addition, we were energetic and knew the points we wanted to emphasize to the class.
Participation. Comments about co-operation, diligence, support. To what degree partners contributed to the overall work and success of the project?(if applicable)
As a group, I found that Kodi and I were both encouraging and supportive of each other’s ideas. Kodi gave her input and constructive feedback in our discussions. Since we both contributed to the project equally, we were able to be successful by achieving the desired end result. For instance, we always took the time to communicate and collaborate. In this way, we knew that we were both on track and aware of what needed to be completed by each person. As partners, we demonstrated a sense of cohesion.
What aspects were most successful? Least? What I would do differently?
I think the theory and analysis of our project was the most successful because we ensured to be in-depth by providing visual, sound and media examples for the class. This definitely helped us get our point across for we illustrated our point of view about our issue. In addition, I believe our production was also successful for we were well prepared and outlined the format of our presentation in a clear, audible and effective way. The least successful aspect was our overall creativity and interest level. If I were to do this project again, I would spend more time in the creativity aspect of the project, for I found that we could’ve been more creative in the way we presented our issue. When working on the project, we were focusing mainly on our theory and analysis, and not so much the creativity. Originally Kodi and I wanted to create a unique game for the class to play, but due to lack of time we ended up choosing an online social media game. Although we used effective strategies to engage and involve the audience, next time I would ensure to have better time management so that all aspects of the project would be prioritized and completed to the best of our ability.
Theory: How did we use a variety of medias to get our point across? Why did we choose what we did? What worked? What didn’t?
When researching the content of our issue, we kept in mind that the information we deliver to the class should be interesting and relevant. Most of the time, we discovered that not all information sources are useful nor reliable. Thus, we ensured to use concrete examples which convey the reality of the points we’re trying to make, rather than leaving everything theoretical. Moreover we remembered to stress the points that we believed would interest the class. Overall, using a variety of medias helped us come over as more authoritative, for we had facts and specifics to back ourselves up.
How did we explore the use of technology/media concepts in relation to our issue?
We not only explored online sources, but we also considered our own point of views and what we believe. In addition we used YouTube videos, images, situations when media was present (Paris attack, ALS ice bucket challenge.) This helped us further clarify our points and gave the class a better understanding of the history and background of new media.
Analysis: How much of our presentation was based on research? On opinion? (whose?) INCLUDE A LIST OF RESOURCES, CITATIONS
We used facts and also looked at professional’s opinions. Since our topic was not so complex, I found that we were able to develop ideas with the information we’re already aware of. In addition, we did take the time to research facts, to further deepen our knowledge and understanding of our topic. Something that we found intriguing was a media and communication theory stated by Croteau and Hoynes. The theory stated the influence of media and how we’re involving with it. We kept this theory in mind, while researching for other facts.
Works Cited
| Wallace, Kelly. “Teens Spend 9 Hours a Day Using Media, Report Says – CNN.com.” CNN. Cable News Network, 3 Nov. 2015. Web. 17 Dec. 2015. <http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/03/health/teens-tweens-media-screen-use-report/>.
Johnson, Sheree. “New Research Sheds Light on Daily Ad Exposures.” SJ Insights LLC. 29 Sept. 2014. Web. 17 Dec. 2015. <http://sjinsights.net/2014/09/29/new-research-sheds-light-on-daily-ad-exposures/>. How the Internet Is Changing Advertising. YouTube. YouTube, 01 July 2009. Web. 17 Dec. 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wx0GfbC0BA>. What Happens On The Internet In 60 Seconds. YouTube. YouTube, 24 May 2013. Web. 17 Dec. 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uiy-KTbymqk>. “Facebook Releases Stats about Canadian Usage; 14 Million Daily Users – Macleans.ca.” Macleans.ca. The Canadian Press, 13 Aug. 2013. Web. 17 Dec. 2015. Newman, Daniel. “4 Technology Trends Disrupting How We Communicate.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 13 May 2014. Web. 17 Dec. 2015. <http://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2014/05/13/4-technology-trends-disrupting-how-we-communicate/>. Shakeel, Muzna. “The Role of Media in Today’s World.” Hamariweb.com. Hamariweb.com, 06 Dec. 2012. Web. 17 Dec. 2015. <http://www.hamariweb.com/articles/article.aspx?id=10166>. “Online Advertising.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Dec. 2015. Web. 17 Dec. 2015. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_advertising>. Krol, Charlotte. “How Has Advertising Changed in the Last Five Years?” The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group, 30 Sept. 2014. Web. 17 Dec. 2015. <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/digital-media/11130345/How-has-advertising-changed-in-the-last-five-years.html>. “Attention Required! | CloudFlare.” Attention Required! | CloudFlare. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Dec. 2015. <http://smallbiztrends.com/2013/05/the-complete-history-of-social-media-infographic.html>. “Claims Paris Attacks Received More Media Coverage Than Beirut Called ‘Blatantly Untrue’ By Journalists.” The Huffington Post UK. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Dec. 2015. <http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/11/16/paris-attack-media-coverage-beirut_n_8573186.html>. “Mass Media and Its Influence on Society Think Research Expose Think Research Expose.” N.p., Web. 17 Dec. 2015. <http://thedailyjournalist.com/pen-and-pad/mass-media-and-its-influence-on-society/>. |
Depth of content: To what degree did we introduce new ways of looking at this issue, new information? Was this class ‘educated’ or just ‘entertained’?
I find that the class was educated rather than entertained, for we emphasized points and theories that we’re not all aware of. We wanted to inform the class about how technology has revolutionized the way we live. Relating back to our thesis, we discussed the positive and negative impacts of media on society and ensured to use examples that are relatable to our daily lives. Especially since we’re in a time that is heavily dominated by the internet, we are able to receive news or share our latest photo with a touch of a button. Sites such as Buzz feed are used for sources of news, advertisements surround us both offline and online, as well social media has built communities beyond our everyday face-to-face interactions use. Although new media has made information more easily accessible, we have also suffered the consequences. Our dependence on technology and the internet has diminished some of our previously valued qualities, such as first-hand, research and credible news, privacy on the internet, and valuable personal communication. Despite losing these things, at the same time, technology has revolutionized the way we live.
How well did our examples reinforce and illustrate our points?
We used effective examples that were brief, extended, and hypothetical. We used brief examples that were not lengthy nor complex, to further illustrate a point that may not be immediately obvious to all audience members. In addition, we used extended examples to further explain concepts. Moreover, the fictional examples we used helped the class understand complex facts and ideas, for we put them into more relatable terms. Overall, I find that our examples helped the class better understand and relate to the key points of our presentation.
What new skills did I develop during this project?
I developed problem solving skills during this project. When we encountered problems, I developed and used strategies central to our goals. I was able to facilitate group decision making and deal productively with conflict. Developing this important skill definitely aided us to be productive and accomplish our tasks in an effective manner. In addition, I developed the skill of being innovative. I introduced new ideas and was creative in thinking. I looked at problems or situations from a fresh perspective and endeavoured to come up with creative solutions.
What new things did I learn about myself in the process of working on this project? (related to the content and/or process)
I learned that I myself am not aware of the positive and negative effects of social media. We all use our phones daily and feel like we’re not going to survive without the use of technology. While working on this project, I learned that as much as I love my twitter page, it’s not worth the negative effects on my health. Technology has transformed the way we live and it’s a serious issue that adolescents don’t know the negative effects social mediums are doing to our brains and overall health. Through working on this project, I’ve learned to limit the time I spend on technology and social mediums. Not only does it distract us from life goals, but it is affecting the way we communicate with our peers.
What might I do differently if I were starting over? What skills can I transfer to my next assignment in this class or others?(or life!)
If I were starting over, I would spend more time in the creativity aspect of the project; for I found that we could’ve been more creative in the way we presented our issue. For next time, I will keep in mind to engage the audience more, for it is critical to have the audience involved. But overall, I am completely satisfied with the end result, for I do believe we were organized and productive. The problem solving skills I have gained from this project will definitely be transferred to my next assignment, for it truly did help us be productive and work more effectively. Thus, I found that we achieved our desired end result. In addition, for next assignments I will transfer the skills I already have: hardworking, independent, organized, reliable, responsible, productive, and etc.