First and foremost, I had a wonderful time taking the course, Digital Literacies for the summer. At first when I registered for the course I was a little nervous because I started to think to myself that I might have made a mistake selecting this particular course since I didn’t have my own computer or that much experience with them. In my mind I doubted myself and already drew the conclusion that I would not be able to handle the course even though it had not started yet. When the first day of class arrived, Tuesday July 5, 2011, I began to think that everything happens for a reason. I decided that I will be okay with this course, things will work out, and it did.
From taking this course I am now more knowledgeable about technology and what it can do. As a digital learner I feel that I am also up to date with the world that I live in. I always thought that I was before until I took this course. The digital applications that I had to use within this course prompted me to apply myself and try new things. Through this I was able to discover how technology can play many roles and serve more than one purpose in my life and the world as a whole. I did so many projects and I am happy with each and everyone of them. I have two videos that I can show to friends and family. What’s more significant than that is I have the ability to make more. I feel that though that class has ended my knowledge and creativity has not.
As a learner I feel that since taking this course I am capable of grasping new concepts, especially when it comes to computers and the various programs associated with it. Before I took this course I had the mentality that some people are technologically inclined while others are not. I was completely wrong about that. I realized that I can do the same things that other people who use technology on a daily basis do. Though it did take time, effort, and patience, I was still able to accomplish things. In addition, I never actually took a class that exposed me to so much information with computers. I recall not too long ago just being able to type papers and search the internet. Now I know a lot more than when I walked into class. Being able to make projects and try new applications is something I never thought I would ever be doing. All the things that I have learned are not just for class. I can take it and utilize it in my everyday life within my other classes as well as at work.
Through this class I have a better understanding of digital text and what it entails. This is important because the world in my opinion relies on digital text in more ways than one. It allows people to develop their skills, but also express creativity, thoughts, and ideas. Using digital text provides and alternative to the usual text of print that is commonly used. By having my own experience with digital text through the projects I have done and the books I read in this class I realize how significant it can be to incorporate both written and digital text in the classroom, especially digital text. The reason why I say this is because I recall the controversy that surrounded digital text and whether it was efficient enough in providing students with the same information that they would receive from regular text. I feel that digital text can be a great innovative way to connect students to what they read by having a visual aspect to go along with it. Students are able to see how what they read can be transformed to a screen and the power of how it is depicted. This reminds me of the old adage, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. Though digital text is not written it is still able to convey the same meaning and message as a written text. This is beneficial and important because students need to be exposed to as much as possible as active learners.
When I think about how I considered not taking this course I get happy at the fact that I did. Yes, I had difficulties at times, but that’s life. Nothing works one hundred percent of the time and patience is a virtue. Like the song from my final project by Nas, “I Can”, I realized that it’s true. I can and I did do things that I never thought I could or would ever consider doing in life. This class helped me to grow as both an educator and student. In the midst of it, all I had to do was apply myself and have a positive outlook. With this mind set I know I will go far and beyond in this digital world that I live in.
