Midterm Reflection: No Longer Amused

After studying media for eight weeks in this class, what have you learned? Please be specific.

• I have learned to be more wary of the media that I consume on a regular basis. Television programs, no matter how educational you may think they are, exist only to entertain you to the point where you will continue to watch long enough to consume advertisements. I have also become more aware of the media conglomerates that own the media that I consume, and the persuasive techniques they use to promote their ideals. I am trying to do a better job at "reading" television critically, in order to try to see the underlying motives of the programs.
  

What is the most important thing you have learned about yourself as a critical reader, a writer, and a thinker in this class so far?

• I have learned from articles that we read like "Get Smarter," from James Cascio, and from the Postman's "Amusing Ourselves to Death," that I am not alone when struggling through a book. Many in my generation tainted with the pervasiveness of television and the Internet, easily become distracted when reading a book. This warping of our attention spans make it more difficult for us to think critically. I have learned to focus more reading, and to block out outside distractions when I do. I really need to put in the time necessary to fully understand what the author is saying.
  

What’s one thing you would do differently this first half of the semester if you were to take this class again?

• I would not take as long as I have been to write on my personal blog. I don't know why, but I feel overwhelmed publishing my personal media meditations on a public blog. Because I am behind by one posting, I have to struggle to find new topics to write about. Because I am posting on a public blog, I only want to present the best content that reflects my abilities.
  

What’s one thing you would like me to do differently this first half of the semester if you were to take this class again?

• If I took this class again, I would want you to spend more time on the reading reflections after we complete a book. I think it would make more sense to really dig deeply into our assigned readings the day after they were scheduled to be completed. I feel as though we may have waited too long to jump into some of the texts we read, and it would be more beneficial to review them while they are still fresh in our minds.
  

Please comment on the usefulness of the power tools, our quizzes, the course blog, your personal blog, our films, and our books as learning tools.

• I really enjoy the learning tools implemented throughout this class. I think they suit the subjects and topics in this class well. The power tools are something that everyone should know, and I am glad that it is held at such high importance, but I feel as though we could delve deeper into some of its content. Perhaps specific examples of some persuasive techniques, or trends. The quizzes are good to get a better understanding of what we should be learning from this class. The films are interesting, and show perspectives not typically seen in most media. I have to say that "Amusing Ourselves to Death," is one of the best books that I have read in recent years, and I feel is a very important perspective that should be considered. All in all, I really like the way this class is going, and I feel that I am learning important information that will make me stronger.