Final Blog Post, Samara Anderson

Hoo, boy… This semester has been a doozy.

But I’m just glad that it’s over. My academic career has been significantly impacted by CT 101, which introduced me to the world of technology and digital creation. There have been both good and bad things about my time in CT 101, as with any experience. I will reflect on my journey in this blog post, highlighting both the triumphs that have motivated and enhanced my learning as well as the difficulties (and annoyances) I have faced.
Positive Experiences:
  • Creative Empowerment: CT 101 has given me a platform to explore and express my creativity in the digital sphere, which has given me a sense of creative empowerment. I now have the knowledge and resources to realize my ideas, which has given me a sense of empowerment and allowed me to realize my artistic potential. My confidence in my capacity to invent and create using multiple digital platforms has grown as a result of interesting projects and practical exercises.
  • Collaboration: The sense of community and teamwork that CT 101 has generated has been one of the course’s highlights. I have been exposed to other viewpoints and have been encouraged to think outside the box by interacting with other students and participating in group projects. The community’s supportive attitude has created an environment in which ideas can thrive and genuine connections can be developed.

 

  • Tech Skills Development: CT 101 has been a key factor in helping me improve my technological know-how. From website design and development to graphic design and multimedia creation, the course has given me a firm foundation in a variety of digital tools and technologies. These abilities are beneficial for my own artistic projects as well as transferable to potential professional endeavors.

And the Negatives…:

  • Technical Challenges: CT 101 has had its fair share of technical difficulties, just like any other technology-based course. These challenges, which might range from software bugs to compatibility problems, have occasionally impeded projects’ easy progression. However, as I learned to overcome and adapt to unforeseen technical issues, these trials also taught me resilience and problem-solving abilities.
  • Time management: Working on challenging projects and tasks in CT 101 has required a significant time commitment. It has occasionally been difficult for me to juggle my assignments with other academic and personal responsibilities has been a challenge at times for me because 1- I have/had 4 other classes to deal with on top of CT 101, and 2- I’m a procrastinator and my time management is horrendous. I even procrastinated on this assignment! Sorry, Ryan…
Both good and bad things happened to me during CT 101, yet they all helped me develop as a digital creator. My technological abilities have improved, and the course has given me more creative freedom. It has also promoted community collaboration. Although there have been difficulties because of technical difficulties, time management issues, and the learning curve, there have also been chances for growth and self-improvement. Reflecting on my experience, I am grateful for CT 101’s transforming qualities and the insightful insights it has taught me, empowering me for my upcoming pursuits in the rapidly changing digital arena.
If I’m being honest, I’ve been so busy with this semester and have been running around like a chicken with its head cut off, trying to complete as many assignments as I can so I can pass everything. I’m trying my best here, but I won’t beg for a grade that I know I probably don’t deserve. So, for my final thoughts, I’m gonna hope for at least a C, or a C+, in this course. I would be satisfied with it, and I’ll be able to breathe easily. Mostly because I haven’t been on top of this class as I am with the others, and I know I’ve been slacking a bit, but that’s life! This isn’t for pity or anything like that, I’m just saying. I know that I’m probably rushing this final post, but I’m juggling so many things, personally and academically, as I am typing this at my computer right now, trying to beat the deadline. So, I am so sorry if this seems choppy! Really!!! But, I will say this as a closing, I will try my hardest to do my best in my classes for next semester (and the rest of my years at York College). I’ve had so much fun in this class, and I will never forget you, Ryan Seslow!
Much Love, Samara A. (AKA- “Dee Dee”)

Assignment 2- Thoughts on this Class + GIF Making?

What did I think on the first day of the CT101?

Honestly speaking, I thought CT 101 with Professor Ryan Seslow was just going to be another useless computer class, like the ones I’d taken back in middle and high school. Plus, I was confused as to why my schedule labeled CT 101 as an Online Synchronous course (or Hybrid, I honestly forgot which one it was…), but then Professor Seslow was sweet enough to clear up the confusion in an email, and in person, and explain to his students that the course is fully in person. Thanks, Ryan!

 

Did I like hearing about the course and its creative content? How did it make me feel?

When I learned more about the course and its creative content, I was excited to delve deeper into the world of Digital Storytelling. Of course, in the beginning, I was so confused about how, and where, to start… If I was even going to succeed, and if I was even going to like the class as a whole as time went on. But the more I attended the short lectures and worked with my peers, the more I started the like the class. Now, I think of this class as a fun elective, a class to give me a break from my usual workload in my Major required classes!

 

 

How does CT101 compare to some of your other classes so far?

I feel like CT 101 is much calmer than my other classes so far. It focuses more on the online aspect, and it’s about students expressing themselves through the internet. My other classes are more centered around facts than opinions, so this is a nice break from the monotony of memorization, books, and concrete facts.

I know that the semester is about to end, and I’m upset that I probably won’t be able to take CT 101 again in the future, but at least I can say I was able to experience it and tell my friends about what I did.

 

What are the creative potentials of this class?

In order to fully realize their creative potential in the digital sphere, people often enroll in CT 101, a course that combines technology and creativity. In order to promote creativity and support a thriving community of digital artists, this short post highlights CT 101’s transforming potential. Join me as we explore CT 101’s seemingly endless creative potential.

Digital Tools as Creative Mediums: In CT 101, students are introduced to a wide range of digital tools and programs that serve as platforms for artistic expression. Students are given the freedom to play with these tools and stretch their imaginations, whether they are video editing programs like Premiere Pro or graphic design software like Photoshop and Illustrator. The course promotes experimentation with different digital mediums, opening up a plethora of new opportunities for artistic expression.

Remix Culture and Mashup Art: CT 101 welcomes the idea of remix culture and encourages students to build on preexisting materials to produce something fresh and original. Students create original works of art by remixing and mashuping (is that a word?) various components, images, and ideas. This encourages students to discover the creative potential in recreating and repurposing previous works and develops a culture of cooperation, inspiration, and creativity.

Interactive Experiences and User Engagement:  CT 101 highlights the necessity of building interactive experiences that attract and fascinate people. Students are urged to create engaging websites, video games, or other digital works. This emphasis on interactivity builds a closer connection between the artist and the audience, allowing for the development of immersive and unforgettable digital experiences.

 

 

How do I feel about learning new skills that use Internet tools?

My final thoughts on this class and learning new skills that use internet tools is that innovation and creative discovery are stimulated by CT 101. The course unleashes people’s limitless creative potential by combining technology with creative expression. We are given the means to break down barriers and embark on transformative creative journeys via the use of digital tools, remix culture, multimodal storytelling, interactive experiences, and a supportive community in CT 101. Whether you’re a digital artist, storyteller, or simply interested in the beginning of creativity and technology, CT 101 opens the door to a world of limitless possibilities where your imagination knows no bounds! So go out there, and prosper!

 

Before I leave, check out this GIF I made of a dancing cat!

Ain’t it cute? Okay, byeee!

Assignment 1 – Happy Internet!

Assignment 1 – The Internet’s My Happy Place

Currently, on the internet, one thing that is making me happy (and that has been keeping me happy/calm for these past few weeks) is those ASMR videos online, on YouTube.  I find them to be very relaxing, and they help me a lot.

Rolling Chill Out GIF by Alice Socal - Find & Share on GIPHY

Finding peace of mind and relaxation is becoming more and more crucial in today’s hectic and stressful environment. The Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is one phenomenon that has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. ASMR is the term used to describe the pleasant, tingly sensation that some people get in reaction to particular audio and visual triggers. In this blog post below, I’ll explain the benefits of ASMR, and why I love it so much!!!

 

Stress Reduction and Relaxation: ASMR videos have been found to be quite successful in lowering stress levels and promoting relaxation. These videos are frequently characterized by soft whispers, pleasant sounds, and calming sights. As a result of the skillfully created sound and image combinations used to create ASMR content, people can relax and escape from the stresses of daily life.

Enhanced Sleep Quality: Many people experience difficulties regarding their sleep, like insomnia or difficulties falling asleep. ASMR has been known to be a potential sleep aid. Individuals who watch ASMR videos might experience a more profound state of relaxation, which assists in falling asleep and enhances the quality of their sleep.

Management of Anxiety and Mood: Individuals who suffer from anxiety or mood disorders often find that ASMR is an effective tool to alleviate the symptoms they are experiencing. ASMR triggers’ soothing quality can generate a sense of relaxation, reduce anxiety levels, and provide a brief break from unwanted thoughts. ASMR has also been shown to trigger the release of endorphins, which can assist enhance mood and produce a sense of overall well-being.

My personal preference for the ASMR videos is the POV types (Apothecary, Library, Cafe, etc). I feel like the atmosphere is so calming and also aesthetically pleasing! Some of my favorite ASMRtists are Moonlight Cottage ASMR, Coromo Sara ASMR, ASMR Bakery, and Karuna Satori ASMR. I find their voices (referring to Karuna and Moonlight) to be so soothing, and their actions (referring to everyone!) to be soooooo mesmerizing.
Anyways, that’s my piece on what makes me happy on the internet, and I hope you enjoyed it!