This blogging has been an interesting experience. Even though I had a blog before this, I am not much of a blogger. Only if I have something that I really need to say or just want to say. And that isn't very often. So this was kinda weird for me. I never knew what to say for the "free" post- especially since it had to be on topic.

Some of the blog posts I didn't really have much to say. So I would just ramble on until I felt the length was good. It was nice to sometimes talk about what I am feeling about an assignment, but I felt weird having my classmates and professor reading it.

Since I had already had a blog before this wasn't really a 'learning' experience for me. I knew already how to use a blog and how I wanted to use it. I'll probably go back ot my blog and continue to post about stuff I've been wanting to not pertaining to the class. Although, I've gotten so used to not posting personal things, only class things. So we'll see if I go back to blogging.

I think group projects are interesting. A lot of times, I get stressed out in picking the project. But, I like how we grouped the groups by interest of topic.

Groups sometimes take the issue on a completely different path that you would take if you were by yourself. But, a lot of times you didn't even know that that path was there to take. So, they help you open up your mind to different ideas.

Group projects can be harder because you have to find time to get together with your group members, instead of doing things on your own time. But, it hasn't been difficult for me and my partner to meet yet.

Group projects take a good load off your shoulders by splitting up the work. Now I can focus on my parts of the project more in depth, and not get burned out by everything I have to do. It's nice to work together to get a big project done. It feels better than having to do it on our own.

I think there has definitely been a rise in involvement in civic engagement, especially among college aged students. Once we enter into college, we are thrown with an amazing amount of opportunities and clubs to get involved in. So, a lot of people usually get involved in some sort of "cause" or political movement that really fires them. Being so young, we have a lot of opinions and passions, so I think that is why we are the ones that are really rising to this new revolution of living up to our civic duties. For example, the Occupy group that is sprouting up. I don't agree with what they are trying to do, but I know a lot of young people who have jumped on that bandwagon. They gather together with other occupy "members" and basically just kinda talk about all the problems. I don't know if they really do anything to try to fix anything, but there are many young students who have become really passionate about this issue.

I don't really remember my parents or grandparents talking about things they got involved in. My grandparents were wheat harvesters in Potter, Nebraska. So I think they had a smaller world view. Not that they were ignorant, they just didn't have all the resources we may now have to really "make an impact."

I really do think technology plays a part in this sprout of civic engagement. We are more connected, we know more what's going on in the world. We get news right when it happens, and we can post our opinions for the world to be able to see. Technology has allowed us to do things we couldn't have years ago, because how it connects us.

I think it's a really interesting idea. And I think it'll will only continue to flourish as the years go by.

Going into it I thought it would take more time and be more stressful than it was. Not that it didn't take time or wasn't stressful, but I found it to flow easily. There were points that I felt stuck, and I had to get creative, but I eventually made it through.

My movie didn't turn out exactly as I pictured. I think it was harder to focus on what I was trying to say. There was so much to say that I found it hard to really tie it all together. But, also my visuals weren't as cool/neatly edited as they could've been. That's mostly because I didn't have a whole lot to work with and I was low on experience.

I enjoyed my final product, though. I mean, I probably won't go back and watch it, but it wasn't awful. I liked how the different levels worked together.(video, music, voice over)

I could see myself doing something like this again in the future. Hopefully I'll get better at it. But, it was more fun than I thought it would be.

My movie is going better than I thought. I don't like the Windows Movie Maker program, though. It's really difficult and limited on what it can do. But, I'm making it work.

I like the direction I'm taking, I think. But, I worry I talked to much/ramble on about things not pertaining to the point.

It's hard finding pictures for some part of my text. I don't really know what to do. There are some big chunks that still don't have pictures with them. But, I will figure it out, obviously.

I'm not too pleased with what I've done, sadly. I think I took an attempt at greatness, but then later realized I would fall short. So, now, I am just trying to making something. I mean, I'm sure it's not bad. I just am bad at this digital storytelling thing.

I've never really done it before. I've seen my parents do it all the time, and my sister was pretty good at it as well.

I'm really nervous for when we have to start putting the video together/editing. I know it'll take me along time because I am not used to the program and so I don't have a feel for how they worked. I looked over the one on my computer a little bit, it seems simple enough, but almost too simple. I run across the problem of the movie makers don't let me do anything!

I feel I am pretty good with technology, but I have no idea how to make movies on them. I don't know how to cut videos, I don't even know how to get videos onto my computer. So, this shall be really interesting.

Being a theatre major, I love the visual arts. I love using lights, costumes, sounds to tell a story. Our theatre department just put on the musical, Thoroughly Modern Mille , and it's truly incredible. But, if we just heard the lines and the music, it would not have the same effect. The set pieces, costumes, and lights have so much to bring to the table. They really effect the overall feel of the show. The lights can affect the mood: whether there is red for a scary, horror feel or blue to show calm and peaceful. But, it can be even more complex than that. The costume a character wears shows so much about who the character is. Does the outfit look wealthy? Or is it ratty? Do the colors reflect brightness or dullness? The colors give insight into how the character feels in a broad sense.

I say all to this to say that visual storytelling is effective. It really adds to what the storyteller is trying to get across. The right music and right visuals can really be more powerful than words would ever be. That's why they say "A picture is worth 1000 words." It has so much to say.

Still, I think we as a society are still learning how to make these digital stories. Because, the majority of the stories I've seen are not that good. They seem more awkward than powerful. This is a fairly new concept (now I understand theatre and stuff like that has been around forever and we have gotten that down) but setting words to a picture is new. It's not just setting a scene with the right lights, but it's setting a scene with still images, or silent images. Trying to locate these images can be hard. Trying to figure out exactly what the storyteller wants is hard. I know I have no idea how I am going to construct my video. And I think it's going to be very challenging. But, I think as this medium grows, we are going to find many ways to effectively tell these stories. And I think they are going to be really cool.

http://www.storycenter.org/stories/index.php?cat=4

After reading "Seven Steps of Digital Storytelling" I came up with several questions that I then used to sort of evaluate the videos I watched. Some I didn't feel worth asking the questions because they didn't grab me, but the ones that I did grab me I mentally answered these questions:

Does it answer "so what?"
Does it have a bigger meaning?
Show insight into the storyteller?
Is it relatable to audience?
How does story affect the teller?
Do emotions fit? Too emotional? Too detached?
Is it honest?
Is it clear?
Doe they show, not tell?
Do the visuals work? Do they go with the story?
Does the speaker connect with the story? With the audience?
Does the story make sense? Does it flow?
Is it too wordy?

"Final Edition" by Luke Clarke was a very well constructed digital story. He talks about two major losses in his life: the death of his father and the death of his newspaper company. These are obviously very real and very near subjects to him. But, you can really hear it in his voice. He doesn't play up the emotions and doesn't try to add any dramatic pauses or inflection- he just reads. The story that he is telling takes care of the emotions. But, also the emotions he felt and still feels for going through this situation shine through to make the piece simple, but powerful.

He doesn't just tell how these events happened, but connect them. Clarke connects his relationship with his father to trying to make him proud through his job. The paper closed down the day after his father died, which Clarke ends with.

Throughout this 5 minute video we also get a glimpse of who Clarke is. As a worker, as a son, as a father. He tells what's important to him, but keeping it focused to the story.

The music is perfect. It is soft and slow. It fits the solemn mood of the story, and the pace of Clarke's voice. The visuals also work well, and the way they are presented are in a powerful way with fades, zoom's and sometimes just a completely black screen. Some simple pictures like a leaf in the snow add to the mood of the video. The pictures that he used shed light unto his family and help the story along.

My only suggestion for if Clarke were to ever go back and edit it would be to cut out some parts. He get's a little too wordy at areas, adding in details that are helpful, but overall they are not needed. I think if he really worked hard on achieving "less is more" the video would be even more powerful.

It's a very good watch, I say.

Three things I learned about reading pictures:
1. We associate the same or similar colors much more strongly than we associate the same or similar shapes.
It makes sense, but this fact did not cross my mind until it was brought to my attention.

2. The upper half of a picture is a place of freedom, happiness, and triumph; objects placed in the top half often feel more "spiritual."
I didn't realize there was any significance to where objects were placed (besides the obvious focusing of pictures). I actually think I was drawn towards the one that was on the lower half, though.
3. We feel more scared looking at pointed shapes; we feel more secure or comforted looking at round shapes or curves.
It makes sense as I looked at the picture, but I was not aware of it before.

http://www.123rf.com/photo_3871322_abstract-art-using-curves-shapes-and-colour-mix-that-can-be-seamlessly-tiled.html

Honestly, when we first started this essay I had no idea what Personal Literacy meant. I mean, I read the definition and I had an idea because of the discussions in class, but I wasn't sure if I understood it completely. And I had absolutely no idea what I would write about. The questions that were provided in the prompt sheet helped generate ideas though. Then, I did the free writing exercise and just wrote about whatever came to mind concerning reading and writing. That started getting my mind and creative juices flowing.

When we had to write the two one page responses, I had a totally different direction. I was going to write about how my dad influenced my personal literacy. But, as I started writing it out, I shifted my focus without even knowing it. I kinda came about what I believe could describe my 'personal literacy' by accident. Then I decided to chunk the father aspect, even though I love my dad. He's still apart of my paper, as a minor character though.

Even from my first rough draft to my final draft I changed my focus. The main idea of my final draft was making it's way out more and more each time I sat down to work on my paper. After peer review, I went all in. I picked what I wanted to really explain and just went for it. Even if I had so many other aspects I had tried to squeeze in before. I still felt a little squeezing as I wanted to hold on to some things really tightly. But, I finally picked a road and I took it. It allowed me to keep some of those other aspects I wanted, but I think my paper is pulled more tightly together. And my thesis is more clear now, I think.

At first, I didn't have much fun with this paper, but it got more fun as the time went on. I was fleshing out more things, and I even added in some 'funny' anecdotes to embellish points. I am pleased for the most part with my paper, but, we shall see!

I like peer review. It has been very helpful for both papers. It's good to see the feedback, because sometimes you think your paper is just awesome... then realize it's not. Or, you think it's horrible but they come back and give good encouragement. I fear peer reviews, though, because I am usually embarrassed about what I am writing. For this paper, especially. But, both my reviewers seemed to enjoy it.

The thing that I got most from the peer review, which was very helpful, was they made me realize that my thesis was hard to find. Which meant my paper was kinda all over the place. That made me go back and really look at what I was trying to say. I tore my paper apart. I kept a lot of sections, but deleted a lot, moved a lot around and added even more. I think I am pleased with my final copy. It at least is more focused, in my opinion. But, it was really frustrating trying to focus it. I think the hardest part of writing a paper is when you have it written, but major surgery is required. Because I was almost tempted to just start over. But, I had some good parts that I felt helped the essay along, and I had a good skeleton. So, I had to cut and paste and move around and focus the paper while trying to keep what I had already written. I finally got it, after a day or two from just walking away. That helps. Leaving the paper to rest, then coming back fresh.

A missions conference where thousands of people who love Jesus get to come and get their minds blown by awesome dances, music, and preaching.
When class is cancelled, that is a wonderful thing indeed.
The month of November. Wonderful weather, wonderful food, wonderful family, and three days off of school.
Acting on a stage- there are few things more wonderful.
Making brownies just so you can lick the spoon.
Getting off of class at 12:15 on Tuesdays and not having anything else to do.
The Cookie Cones they have in the cafeterias.
Singing is a wonderful thing. In any situation and with anyone.
Whenever God answers my prayers. That is pretty sweet.
Getting to go every Sunday Night to Theatre Girls Group and getting to know some of the older girls better while having a Bible study at the same time!
Being in a room with a piano, all by myself. No one listening, but just getting to play my little heart out.
Getting a letter in the mail unexpectedly from a friend you love dearly.
Whenever crew gets cancelled because there is a play going on (even though I will have to work the show anyways.)

For me, I've always found it easier to write about my personal life than say it. I'm not very good at talking, but I can gather my thoughts more clearly when I write them all down. I got a blog because, simply, my whole family had one. I know basically my grandparents and parents and maybe one or two more read this blog, but I don't care. I kinda like it like that. But, I also know anyone could potentially read it. I try to not spell everything out online. Only things that pertain to me. And how I feel. Sometimes I talk about something someone said and respond to it, but mostly it's about what is going on with me. But, I think people share more because it's easier to seem brave on the internet. It's easier to seem like they could share all these personal things face to face. And, for me at least, it's easier to be yourself. Sometimes in person you feel you have to back down or not say what you really feel. Online, this may not be the best thing, but, you can really say whatever you want without holding back. But, it's a little different from a diary because you are not writing to the wall. You are writing to the world, but it's easier to take a "fight" online than it is in person (I don't believe we should fight online though). But, if someone says a heated comment on my blog, I would feel more comfortable of having the option to be heated back, because there is no face to face connection. But, it also gets a little tricky because it is easier to be misunderstood online.

Also, the openness about the internet makes people feel like maybe one person otu there will connect. Instead of just sharing to a specific person, they can share to the whole world, (even if the whole world doesn't answer) in the hopes that one person could say "I know how you feel". Having a blog probably makes people feel a little less lonely.

I feel that by writing this sentence I may just end up on the site We Feel Fine. No, but really. When I first heard of this site, I actually panicked a little on the inside. I've had a blog for probably four years now. I didn't religiously blog, but there are plenty blog posts. And I am sure most of those blogs have the words "I feel" somewhere in there. And the thought that parts of my blog could be on this site freaked me out a little. Although, no one can really get mad at them for doing it. Because, by posting on the web, you are letting anyone from anywhere read what you wrote. It's up for grabs. So, technically anyone can go to my blog and read any of my posts. I don't know why that doesn't freak me out, but a blog that only takes certain sentences from my blog (that has millions of others so it's impossible to sift through them all) does.

I think it's an interesting site. It's fun to play around. I don't understand the major point of all the ways they present these "thoughts". But, I enjoy all the colors and shapes. It's fun to search for the most random of feelings, like "a female in her 20s from Bulgaria who felt accepted on a rainy day". Although, most of my tries came out as "No Result" which kinda defeat the purpose.

Trying to connect and relate to the whole world is a cool thought, but that is not what appeals me. I'm not really looking (from this site) for people who I could say "I feel the same way!". For me, it's more just interesting. Seeing all these plain sentences from bloggers all over the world. And, it's funny a lot of the time.

I give props to the creators for a really cool idea.

Since being in college, I've learned a wealth of knowledge (I guess.) But, one thing I have learned: bikers here are viscous. When I imagined walking down the streets of Baylor before coming, I imagined cheerful kids on their bikes riding gracefully down the street. So, when I came here I realized that that was not the case. First off, you hear them coming. They sound like a swarm of bees are about to overcome you. (I have actually swatted at my head a couple times thinking a huge bug was about to attack me). Then, you look back to see what angle they are coming from/how far they are behind/ and where you need to go to not be trampled. Then they speed by you, sometimes only missing you by a hair. Other times, there is a mass of bikers all around you. All trying to fit in the tiny space at once. Others race you as you are heading towards a narrow way where only one can pass at a time. You are walking just about to hit the small lane, when a biker speeds by you ready to take you down if necessary. I feel like every time I walk to class I am risking death. Sometimes, it's not that bad. But, there is that awkward moment when the biker has to brake quickly because they couldn't squeeze past like they thought. The thing I don't get as well: you could be saving time getting to class, but it takes about an hour to lock up/ unlock the bikes. I could probably beat a biker when the time I save of having to find a place to put my bike/lock it up.

So far I haven't had been hit, but there have been some close calls. And I have experienced some total "ate it" moments for bikers. It's really awkward.

Sorry I haven't been blogging much (personally... for not the class stuff). It's just... busy here.

I love college. I wish I could tell you all about it. I'll hopefully write down some things. But, theatre is awesome. College is cool. Not too stressful yet. I am keeping up with my classes so far. Nothing that has made me cry yet. Miss my family. Miss my home. Miss HNW. But, I love Antioch. Love lifegroup (we went tortilla tossing tonight!!! It was connected to the lesson... lol). Love WILOWY (Hilary) and my friends here. So, things are good. :)

Out of all the essays I have ever written this has probably been my favorite. Now, if I had a choice to not write it, I would probably opt out (because... I am lazy). But, I don't think I am alone. Anyways, I enjoyed the topic, and getting in to it I knew what I wanted to get out of it... so it flowed for me easily.

I don't really have a strategy for going into papers, or rather, I haven't found mine yet. When I get the topic I immediately and think about what I would want to say. The thoughts kinda float in my head until I sit down and write, and only a couple of them actually get on paper (I forget the rest). I really liked freewriting for this essay. I just put down everything I was feeling/thinking. It was all probably garbage, but I used to to take off.

Both the one-on-one conference and the Peer Reviews I thought were really helpful. They helped me focus even more on what I was trying to say, and helped with my form. I had to do a lot of rearranging and cutting-and-pasting, but it made my paper more clear and concise (in my opinion).

I realized even more through this paper how essays are really a formula. You take a stand, make a thesis, and the whole paper should point to the thesis. Just... follow the thesis. It's simple. Take the first half of the thesis and expand. Then take the second half and expand. Then answer why your thesis has any significance. And you are done. So I think for my next paper I will definitely remember to keep to the formula. Keep is simple. And just follow the steps. It really makes essays a whole lot easier to write.

-Bethany

For graduation I got a Nook. It was a very generous gift from a friend and I was so grateful. Although, I don't think I will ever convert completely to e-reading. But, this summer I did read a lot of my books on the Nook. Well, when I say a lot... I mean two. I didn't actually read many books this summer.

Writing this paper made me realize how much I miss books. I miss staying up into the middle of the night reading a really good book. I love stories. And, it's not like with the Nook, books are not as good. Or I can't stay up with it. But, books are better. And, I can't really put my finger on it. I like being able to flip through the pages. I like, knowing where I am in the book. I like turning the pages.

I really don't want to lose books. That would really stink.

Thankfully, I actually have an opinion on this topic. I actually care. It actually affects me. Too many times I feel forced to write about something I (a) don't know enough about or (b) don't really care. Now, I know that is probably ignorant, but some subjects don't interest me. I could talk to you all day about my religion class, or about why I don't care for Taylor Swift much because these subjects spark something in me. The debate for a Universal Library does that as well. Although, I am having trouble defending my side. I very much don't like the idea of having a universal library with all books made to be printed online. But, my arguments are weak and subpar. I can't get past the I-love-the-smell-of-books-and-old-libraries argument. No one is going to win with their nose as their greatest defender. But, I can't deny the magic of a physical book copy in my hand. There is something about the feeling of it in your hands and the personal interaction you can have with it. I love when you are so into a book that you literally take it with you wherever you go, reading it any second there is down time. And also, the fact that you can read it alone, all for yourself. I love discussing books I've read. But, there is something to be said when you embark on a journey (yes, that is very cheesy) and it's all for you. You get to take it in all yourself. I don't know if anyone else feels that way, but I do.

We will lose all of that if we go to online print. I mean, yes, you can still read it alone, and most could still read it whenever they want, and it is the same story. But, it's just not the same. And, I really really don't want to have to stare at a backlit screen for all my reading. The thing is, these are weak arguments. I mean, they are my personal thoughts and opinions. But, I can't imagine winning over many disciples for these thoughts. I don't know.

This is why I like blog writing. Because it is a place for my opinion and my thoughts. I don't have to really care about the arguments I have. I mean, I want to persuade them, but if they don't want my opinion, there is not much more I can do. I also feel looser writing on a blog. I feel more free to take risks and to not follow rules.

On the plus side, I had a flash of genius for my introduction. Kinda. Maybe.

This is a really funny video that goes very well with what we have been talking about with regards to technology dependency. We take all the cool gadgets we have for granted, and get frustrated when they are taken away. I like his point where he said we act like we think people owe us something. We do kinda go about as if we have a right to these technologies, and if they are taken away it's an offense to us. It's good sometimes to sit back and poke fun at our hold and attachment to technology, and I think he does a good job on it.

But, watch the video!! It is really funny.

Bethany

(The title is a joke)

What was supposed to be a quick stop into the library on my walk home from class turned into a two hour process of frustration. I almost gave up at one point, but the librarian saved me at the last point. I should've gone straight to her, but I am one of those people who will try to figure everything out on their own. Even if the computer suddenly burst into flames, I would've wanted to fix the problem all by myself.

Anyways, so I entered the library and went to the computer to look up on BearCat John Bulwer's Anthropometamorphosis. This was my first time to use Microfilm, so I wasn't exactly sure what all the numbers and symbols meant, and what would be needed to actually locate the film. So I wrote down everything I thought I would need: 686, fl. 1648-1654, Early English Books, Wing B5460, 1641-1700; 1224:10. Then I headed towards the microfilm, quickly found the box for 686 and opened the drawer. There were three film boxes, I wasn't exactly sure which one to grab. I didn't know if they were the same or different books. I grabbed one with the year 1641-1700 on it. There wasn't really anything else to let me know if I was in the right place or not. I went to what looked like the reader for microfilms, someone was already there reading a different film. It was a big, fat machine that I would not know how to use. Luckily, I turned around and there were computers that read "For Microform Scanning Only". I sat down at a computer, signed in and followed the step by step instructions on the sign next to me. I clikced on the "Scan2000" program, but an error was coming up. Something wasn't plugged in right or what not. I wasn't about to mess with the eletrical plugs and mess something up. So, I awkwardly signed up and moved to the other computer right next to me. This one I got in successfully. I opened up my film, and threaded it through the machine (I don't know if that is the right phrase to use). I actually put the film on the wrong way, but was not aware of that till later on. Then, I quickly figure out how to get it focused and in the right section, I go a couple pages and scan a picture to my USB drive. I then start reading it, and it doesn't seem like I am in the right book. I knew that this roll said something about being Early English books, so I proceeded for the next 20 minutes or so to scan through basically the whole roll. I start off by hand spinning the roll to move the film along, when a librarian comes up to show me how to do it from the computer. A control button, that lets you spin it at different speeds and what not. The librarian comes back in 10 minutes or so and starts working on the other computer (she figures out the problem pertaining to the program and gets right into it). Suddenly, my computer freezes, and when it comes back to life. The control and many of the buttons were gone. I didn't know what to do, how to unravel it (because at this point I wanted to leave and try again later), so I asked the librarian what to do. She asked me to exit out of the program and go back in, that didn't work. I signed off and signed back on, still nothing. She said we could save my place and I could come back a later time, but I told her that it was okay and I was basically done. She sees my sheet of paper with the assignment on it and realizes, with a chuckle, what I was doing. She asks if I was a freshmen, and offered her help. Which I was desperate for at this point. She showed me what all the numbers and letters meant that I had written down. The 686 was the call number on the drawers to locate the right drawer, the 1641-1700 were the years. 1224:10- the 1224 was the film number and the 10 stood for the 10th book on the film. So, I went back to the drawer, realized that I had seen the first drawer with a 686 but failed to see the 20 drawers after it. I found the right roll, put it in. The B5460 was the kinda "code number" for the book. I found the book finally, rejoiced on the inside, scanned it and used the computer control to quickly rewind the film and put it back in it's box. I really enjoyed the process, even if most of the time I was so lost. The librarian was actually really nice and commended me on my attempt to figure it out on my own.

Obviously, without technology, this microfilm would not have been accessible in the first place. Most of these books would probably be withered away. So, in that sense technology is an amazing thing. But, it also can be a clutch. Because, when something isn't working (like my scanners), I come to a place where I just don't know what to do. And, a lot of times no one really knows what to do. The librarian had to manually roll the first film I grabbed back to it's spool (it was a long film). Not that that is undoable in any sense, and probably doesn't take much time, but technology has made us so accustomed to not doing much but pushing a button or two. So when things go wrong, we get a little overwhelmed.

I love technology. I'm a big advocate for it. But, I do think people can abuse it. Just like anything. It reminds me of the verse in the Bible, "'All things are lawful for me,' but not all things are helpful" (1 Cor 6:12). That doesn't exactly match, but it's basically saying that all things are good in nature, until we abuse them and depend on them. Which is very true with technology, I hope I don't get to a point where if technology did disappear, I wouldn't know how to live with myself. I guess I can't really say. But, what I do know is technology does help us understand more about the world, and do really cool things like read old books from the 1600's.

Bethany