dreaming out loud.

Personal Reflection Blog #4

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:46:37 -0400

1. I believe that I am still learning to determine the extent of information needed. I still struggle to determine if I achieving a manageable focus but I think this is because I want to go above and beyond the assignment requirements. For the paper we wrote in this class, I was able to narrow it down after spending more time looking at the assignment requirements.

2. I now have started using the library database and different search tools learned in this class to retrieve credible sources for research projects. I now know that sometimes research requires extra effort to achieve the desired sources.

3. Through the practice we did in class and the annotated bibliography, I know how to analyze a source critically to determine whether or not it’s scholarly. This is a skill I have greatly improved on from this practice.

4. I can extract necessary information from the source to include in my research. From the plagiarism workshops, I know what and how I can integrate the information I find. Though I was proficient in this before, I know now more specifically how to do this.

5. I definitely was not familiar with the ethical and legal standards for using other’s work. The different video and exercises we conducted gave me a better idea of what can be used and the reasoning behind it.

Personal Blog Reflection #3

Wed, 08 May 2013 04:04:15 -0400

Now that we are more than half way though the course reflect on the social media tools you have learned about. How do you think social media will change in the future? What other trends do you see happening? Are there any specific technologies that you think will gain popularity or emerge? Why? Be creative. Reread the rubric.

Though I felt confident with my knowledge of social media tools prior to this course, my knowledge has definitely been widely expanded. I now regularly implement different knowledge this course has provided me into the work that I am doing with my non-profit, Tree Fresno, and as the Vice President of Public Relations for Panhellenic Council. I now use a QR code for any material I develop and this has raised the traffic for some of the websites I was hoping to grow while also engaging the audience further. I also developed a video on YouTube for the Fresno State Dance Marathon to easily explain to those interested in a meaningful, engaging way what the event was.

As this course has taught us repeatedly, we are constantly inundated by too much information. I believe social media will continue to explore different ways to engage users in a compelling way. I feel that the current popular social media apps truly allow users to build and personalize their brand while gaining attention from others. Pininterst and Instagram have become wildly successful in the past year. Personally, I feel that it is a way for users to express themselves to all their friends and feel validated. Instagram brings out the worst narcissistic characteristics in users as they seek to post pictures that deliver them the most “likes.” This is reflective of our culture that is obsessive over social status and fame. Facebook and Twitter also reflect the same notion as users desire “likes” on status and “retweets.” I believe we see a continuation of this first-world, image-obsessed culture in social media apps.

Just in this semester, we have now seen Vine go viral which is basically the video version of Instagram, which reaffirms that users are looking for more ways to establish themselves and their own image. I think social media apps will become more specific in terms of what type of content is shared in order to market toward specific niches. I think they will develop ones specifically for a community. For example, an app that allows picture sharing like Instagram but the community shares pictures of different food creations for those who have a passion for cooking. From my knowledge, these types of apps are already out there but I believe they will increasingly become popular.

Personal Reflection #2: Digital, Information, and Social Media Literacy

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 21:05:29 -0400

PERSONAL REFLECTION #2

We have spent the first weeks of class discussing information literacy, digital literacy and social media literacy. At this point, how would you explain these three literacies? How do these literacies apply to your life? Submit Assignment in Assignment area!!!

Digital literacy is the ability to use digital technology to effectively use and create information. Because of the fast-paced technological lifestyle we live in, digital literacy proves to be critical to any individual’s ability to retrieve reliable, accurate information. Through this class, I quickly found that my current frame of reference and practices on retrieving information are not as solid proof as I had always believed; I have always relied on basic Google searches for research because of its mere convenience. I have learned that are databases available digitally that grant you access to thousands of published scholarly resources. I have also learned that there are different search engines that can more accurately retrieve the type of information you need than Google. The different tools I learned in this class improved my digital literacy greatly and over the course of this semester, I have been more efficient and effective when I’ve conducted research for all classes.

Information literacy is the ability to first recognize when information is needed and then where to retrieve it. I believe digital and information literacy are trying to achieve the same objective and are closely related. This course has taught me that knowing where to locate necessary information is a strong skill and can improve my ability to perform well as a student. It saves time and lessens frustration when you are equipped with the knowledge of which sources to consult.

Social media literacy is the ability to use social media effectively and to evaluate it critically. Through this course, I have improved my understanding of how to develop a personal brand and learned that nothing is truly private. I have been paranoid about my posts since this class. Every post brands me and I want to ensure that I am presenting myself positively and that anything I post publicly is something I would not care if anyone and everyone saw. I used to Tweet random thoughts but I no longer anymore; I have also learned how to effectively use hashtags.

Letter of Recommendation

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 22:36:00 -0400

PERSONAL REFLECTION BLOG #1:

Pretend it is the end of the semester. Write a letter of recommendation that reflects what you hope your service site supervisor will be able to say about you. The letter can focus on things like punctuality, commitment, initiative, the value of what you produced for the agency and/or their clients, your creativeness, expertise and/or ability to learn, communication skills, or just about anything else you hope to display through your service-learning work this semester.

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with great pleasure that I have been asked to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of Parmita Choudhury. I was first introduced to Parmita through her work with the non-profit I oversee, Tree Fresno. She was part of a team of students from University 50H who were assigned to help us in regards to social media.

At our first meeting, I was impressed by her creativity and knowledge regarding different social media outlets. She presented a confident, enthusiastic approach to working on different aspects of Tree Fresno’s needs. I was pleasantly surprised by her eagerness to help and learn to better Tree Fresno.

Within just a few hours of meeting, we were able to devise a clear, strategic plan to target each goal. Parmita’s contributions included a solid idea of how to not only improve the current social media tools but to also sustain them. She introduced the group to HootSuite, and I was thrilled to know their efforts would be continued after their work with me would be over. Her innovation and energy helped steer the group’s discussion to different avenues and opportunities to push Tree Fresno’s social media initiatives forward.

Their final project exemplified meticulous detail and work. Parmita’s contribution to the final group project was the design of an Instagram social media picture competition which engaged many of our fans and drew in a new ones. It appealed specially to a younger generation which is one of the demographics we wanted to increase marketing efforts towards. I am greatly thank for her work, and this is a competition we can now continue annually.

It is my sincere conviction that Parmita should be considered a top applicant for any employer. Her drive and passion will be exemplary additions to any workplace.