This class has developed my digital writing skills tremendously, which will help me throughout the rest of this course as well as in my life beyond this course. When I signed up for this class I didn’t realize how different it was actually going to be from a standard english class. And the first day of class I was honestly scared because the concept of the class seemed far fetched and difficult. After being in the course for time I have adapted to the way in which it is taught, and actually like it better than a traditional english class. In a traditional class there would be test and lectures, in a standard looking classroom, where students mainly use pencil and paper staring at a whiteboard. In this class we are sitting in a urban looking lab, with no test, and we mainly use computers.
Another thing that makes this class so different from other classes is the fact that we post our work on a blog. In traditional classes it would only be the teacher that would be able to view a students work. But in here any of a students classmates can view their work. Which is something that I like more because it holds me to a higher standard. It forces me to make sure that my work is perfect just in case any of my classmates choose to view it. This could also be helpful to my classmates or future students who take this course and need an example of what to do on a certain assignments.
This blog form of writing is also helpful to me because I am able to surf the web while I am researching or writing a paper in class. I am able to incorporate pictures in my writings along with links and sounds. All of these aspects together help me to have more complex forms of writings.
With the different assignments that we have had I gained a more complex understanding how to research. I’ve always known the difference between primary and secondary research, but now my understanding has just evolved. This has especially helped with the exterior built environment analysis were I learned that when it incorporate secondary research it can make my writing more compelling and interesting. And I will continue to use this in future built environment analysis’s.
I have a variety of strengths and weaknesses in my writing. I’ve been a good standard writer but with this new form writing I see new weaknesses. Like incorporating pictures in the right places, adding digital recordings, and leaving behind that standard form of writing with 5 paragraphs.. But now that I understand the digital world more I should do great in this class.
My favorite part of this class is the point system. Mainly because if I had to rely on the major assignments alone to get my grade in this class I probably wouldn’t have a great grade, being that I didn’t have great scores in the beginning. That is why I love all the opportunities for extra credit in this class. I have taken advantage of all the extra quizzes on D2L. This have given me a lot of points and I am very grateful for these. I am very satisfied with all the effort that I have put in this and the amount of points that I have reflect that.
Though I am satisfied with my points I can still do somethings to make this class easier and be more successful. The main thing that I can do is start the projects earlier. In doing that I will have more time to research, analysis, and complete assignments. The one thing that I can add to my process as a writer to improve my work is have someone read through my work after I complete it. This will ensure that my work flows and sounds good.
All in all, I am enjoying this class and appreciate everything that I am learning along with the unconventional way that this class is taught.