COMM 372T: Final Reflection

As I reflect on such a productive semester, I can say that all of the assignments that I've completed have helped shaped my view on the use of digital media as a whole. My favorite assignment from this course was definitely our most recent project, the platformed analysis, where we had to analyze the impact that a specific digital platform has on our society. It was shocking to understand how the affordances of a platform such as YouTube could enable its users to carryout unusual behaviors for the sake of monetization. I enjoyed researching how something as seemingly simple as a social media platform or other entertainment services could have such profound effects on culture, politics, and everyday life. Plus, it gave me a chance to see how good my video editing and vlogging skills are, which was so much fun!

Taking this class has definitely changed the way I engage with media. Before, I used to consume digital media somewhat passively, without really thinking too deeply about its implications or how it's created. Now, I find myself approaching media more analytically, questioning the motivations behind certain content and the algorithms that shape what I see. It's made me a more discerning consumer and, I hope, a more responsible creator as well. From taking this class I realized how important it is for people to have digital literacy, not only decipher when things are scam attempts but also deciphering if what they are consuming is healthy and authentic media.

Curating my ePortfolio was valuable to creating my professional presence online. Showcasing some of the work I've completed in this class, along with reflective pieces that articulate my thoughts and growth throughout the semester has allowed employers to get a look at my writing skills and overall personality. I have had employers tell me in interviews that being able to see how I write is valuable to the interview process. I believe I've presented myself as a thoughtful, engaged student and hope other people see this as well. Additionally, I've made sure to keep my ePortfolio updated with relevant projects beyond the classroom, that show my growth and skills in my major field.

My advice for future students creating an ePortfolio would be to approach it as more than just a checklist of assignments. Use it as an opportunity to tell a story about your journey through your education, that show both your progress and skillset. I think having an ePortfolio, along with a resume is valuable because it gives employers or anyone a chance to understand who YOU are and what you can bring to the table. Don't be afraid to show your personality and unique perspective on course content or any other content related to your field because it will make your website stand out. And finally, don't stop using your ePortfolio after you create it for a class, you can continue to leverage your ePortfolio beyond COMM itself, whether it's for job applications, networking, or personal branding.

Here are side by side before and after screenshots from a few pages of my site: