As the semester’s halfway point draws near, let me take a moment to consider my experience in CT 101 thus far. I’ll explore my development, lessons discovered, and opportunities for growth in this post, focusing on important issues that influence my experience in this digital storytelling course.

How am I doing in CT101?

When I think back on my performance in CT 101, I think I really participated in the readings and assignments. I’ve tried to contribute to discussions and engage in activities, and I’ve consistently shown up for both in-person and virtual sessions.

What have I learned and retained the most?

The significance of narrative is the central idea that has struck a chord with me during this entire experience. Crafting interesting narratives across various digital platforms requires excellent storytelling, whether it be achieved through GIFs, memes, or classic narrative styles. I’ve learned new techniques for interacting with audiences and delivering ideas that stick by using the power of memes and GIFs.

What new skills have I developed, cultivated, and displayed regularly in my weekly posts?

I’ve developed a new skill set in my weekly blog entries that revolves around making memes and GIFs and using them to improve storytelling. I’ve refined my skill to create visually appealing memes that go well with my written reflections through testing and practice.

I’ve experimented with several meme forms and themes using apps like Imgflip and Giphy, learning how to successfully modify text, images, and humor to deliver messages. Through this approach, I’ve been able to hone my eye for picking memes that align with my blog post themes and speak to my readers.

In addition, I have dabbled in GIF creation, using programs like Adobe Photoshop and Giphy’s GIF Maker to create lively and captivating images. Through experimenting with timing and animation methods, I’ve developed the ability to create GIFs that enhance the richness and energy of my narrative endeavors.

Including GIFs and memes in my weekly blogs has improved my grasp of visual communication principles and broadened my creative horizons. I’ve used design principles like typography, color theory, composition, and timing to make sure my GIFs and memes express ideas effectively and elicit the feelings I want from my viewers.

I’ve proven through persistent practice and iteration that I can easily incorporate GIFs and memes into my blog posts, which improves readers’ experiences with the narrative as a whole. My ability to interact creatively with digital audiences and enhance the impact of my narrative content has increased because to this newfound skill set.

What do I know now that I did not know before taking this class?

I had little exposure to the artistic possibilities of GIFs and memes in digital storytelling prior to joining CT 101. I didn’t realize how important of a role they played in influencing online culture and communication; I just saw them as internet junk.

As a result of actively participating in the course materials and exercises, I now recognize memes and GIFs as effective narrative techniques. I now know how to use their striking visuals and cultural connections to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences.

I’ve also learned about the technical side of making and editing GIFs and memes, from choosing the right template to being proficient with editing tools. My comprehension of digital media production has expanded as a result of this expertise, and I now possess useful abilities for expressing concepts in an engaging visual way.

All in all, CT 101 has changed the way I view memes and GIFs, transforming them from being just online fads to vital elements of modern digital storytelling. Now that I’m aware of their capacity to amuse, educate, and prompt thinking, I can’t wait to use them creatively in my next projects.