My blog demonstrates a real progression over the semester. One of my first blogs, Don’t blog? Well, you should displays my initial reluctance to blog however this disintegrated after the lecture on blogging given by Seth that made me realise there were different ways of writing ideas other than through essays. Whilst earlier blog entries were based solely on lectures and tutorials my later blog entries began to branch out and incorporate my own interests with Networked Media. I also feel as though the personal tone I drew on at the beginning of the semester now successfully combines a more academic style of writing giving my entries an element of sophistication. Half way through the semester my blog also underwent a layout change and I began to implement tags which demonstrates my awareness that visual texture is just as important as text when blogging. One of my initial blog entries, worriedaboutreadings@hotmail.com illustrates my engagement with Landow’s assigned reading. Whilst this blog entry successfully shows how I have applied an assigned reading to Networked Media, the blog entries titled Robert Altman’s Spatial Narratives and Shaun Gladwell – New Media Art elicit my ability to apply my own personal interests and observations directly to the material learnt in this subject. In particular, the two blog entries above emphasise my progression towards utilizing more academic writing and also reflect my engagement with spatial montage that formed as the reading for our hypertext essay.

Not just a technology, but also an ideology is a blog entry that I wrote on the notion of ideology and the internet when questioned by Hugh in tute. This concept got me thinking about another subject, Communications Histories and Technologies so I wrote a blog that assisted me in understanding how exactly the two subjects are indeed very similar and how the internet has progressed and been adopted in society. This blog was proceeded by Comms and Networked get along that asserts the similar practice of applying alternative academic theories and communications history to Networked Media.

Hugh Davies continued… forms as a blog entry that exemplifies my grasp of hypertext, including both its strengths and limitations. Moreover, I felt it was the one lecture I comprehended the most out of any of the lectures given. This lecture prompted my decision to begin hyperlinking blog entries more often and can be identified in my final participation blog, FINAL FINAL FINAL PARTICIPATION PARTICIPATION PARTICIPATION BLOG BLOG BLOG, that forms as evidence that I have. I chose to incorporate my final participation blog entry as I feel it neatly summarises all of the goals and how I have or have not achieved them in this course. Additionally, the Adopted-a-blog entry successfully shows how I have progressed given I am now able to analyse a blog in regards to the ideas we have covered in lectures. The blog entry, Spatial Montage in Networked Media is the last blog entry that I have spoken about given it conveys how I have been able to grasp the main aim of Networked Media which is essentially learning different ways of writing in the Network. Aside from the different methods of writing I list in the blog entry, the actual process of writing when blogging has formed as the most interesting way of writing in the network. Ultimately, my blog has formed as a zone where I have been able to develop ideas and share them amongst others. I have been able to find my own voice when blogging that I feel accentuates my online presence and offers more freedom outside of University to express an alternative form of writing to that of an academic style.

1. Spatial montage in Networked Media… is the first blog entry that I would like to draw upon as it successfully conveys that I understand why exactly we study Networked Media and how indeed we are adopting new styles of writing in the network.

2. Hugh Davies continued… shout out to hypertext. This blog entry exemplifies my grasp of hypertext, both its strengths and limitations. Moreover, I felt it was the one lecture I grasped the most.

3. Comms and Networked get along… conveys how I am able to grasp material from other subjects outside of this course and apply it back to the course.

4. Robert Altman’s Spatial Narratives… another blog entry that demonstrates my ability to apply outside course material to the course. In particular, I like how I have adopted sound as opposed to visual material to exemplify how spatial montage can be applied to a number of mediums.

5. worriedaboutreadings@hotmail.com 

6. Not just a technology, but also an ideology

7. Adopted-a-blog

8. FINAL FINAL FINAL PARTICIPATION PARTICIPATION PARTICIPATION BLOG BLOG BLOG

9. Mercedes Benz gets interactive

10. Still thinking of a number ten. I’ll get back to you Barry.

Over 12 weeks I wrote four participation blogs entries that I have successfully adhered to. My first participation entry was titled, The Participation Father: Part 1. When reviewing this blog entry I realise just how off track I was on the first day of this subject. It provides a broad understanding of participation in this subject that I have subsequently made more specific in The Participation Father: Part 2, The Participation Father: Part 3 and The Participation Father: Part 4. 

In my second participation blog entry I set goals based on attending all lectures and tutorials, creating 3 blogs entries a week and devoting 8 hours of study to this subject. To date I have attended (or partaken) in every single lecture for this subject and have also attended 11 out of the 12 tutes (missing one on account of being ill). Additionally, I have put in at least 8 hours study a week. These hours have been devoted to completing three blog entries religiously each week, watching videos posted by Seth to assist the HTML coding process, working on the annotated bibliography and also the hypertext essay. I have completed three blog entries each week based on the lectures, the tutorials and a topic of my choice that relates directly back to the subject. However, I intended to create one blog entry a week based on a specific reading but have failed to do this given I have dedicated only four blog entries to the set readings. Admittedly, since the annotated bibliography I have focused heavily on spatial montage and neglected blogging and hyperlinking. Furthermore, I also set a hyperlinking requirement for my blog entries that I kind of adhered to. Perhaps I was a bit too lazy with adding links however some blog entries demonstrate an excessive amount of links. The texture of my blog undertook some additional changes to enhance my readers experience by making it more engaging expressed through links and also a new layout to make it visually pleasing. Moreover, I also stated that I should use the programs mentioned by Seth in the first lecture, particularly with group assignments. This was successfully implemented given I am continuously using Cyberduck, Drop Box and Delicious in relation to the hypertext essay to not only to create web pages but also to communicate more easily with group members.

In the third participation blog entry I noted the criteria above in addition to some new additions…additions.

1. Critical assessment evaluation. Speak to peers and tutor Hugh about project work that I’m a bit uncertain about.

Overall, I rarely felt that I had to speak to Hugh outside of class as a lot of my queries were dealt with in the online videos. However, in class I consistently contributed and asked Hugh specific questions if my fellow class mates could not assist me.

2. Actually record the amount of homework you’re doing so you don’t fall off track and become overwhelmed by Broadcast Media.

I consistently kept a log book where I constructed lists that I worked on each week. Overall my work load equaled 8 hours per week for this subject.

My final participation entry focused on immersing myself further in Seth’s online community. I feel as though I neglected this area slightly which is exemplified in my poor, unconfident HTML skills. Although I watched the basic videos and continually used this page to source other peoples blogs, perhaps I could have focused more of my attention onto the HTML tutorial videos. Additionally, I focused on a criteria that concerned the group work for hypertext essay. I feel I have adhered to this criteria given I have constantly prioritised this group work. In regards to this assignment, my strengths lie in written communication and organisation so I heavily assisted the group with collaborating Annotated Bibliography ideas whilst establishing a contextualising statement, also organising group meetings.

What do you think you have done well?

Based on the answers given above, I feel as though blogging, particularly relating outside material to the course has been my major strength. It is also the task that I have enjoyed undertaking the most given I’ve been able to adopt an alternative writing style to academic writing. This has enabled me to find a tone of voice that meets half way between personal and academic writing.

What do you think you have learnt to do better?

Throughout this semester I have learnt to utilise different modes of writing in the Network. In particular, I have learnt how to become a better blogger. By this I mean I now know how to create a blogging experience through visual textures, adopting a more personal tone and establishing an overall blogging voice that combines my own style and a slightly academic style. I have also learnt to write visually in the Network as exemplified through the image based narrative in my hypertext essay.

What do you think you could have done better?

To date, I could have focused more on writing HTML in the Network. As opposed to copying HTML code I could have typed text myself to familiarise and remember specific codes. Additionally, I could have watched more tutorial videos and perhaps contacted Hugh when I was having difficulties as opposed to suppressing them.

As we move into the second half of the second semester I admit that my participation has remained nothing but heavily consistent. I have sought to adhere to all of my criteria established in week 1 to a high standard. However, it’s all getting pretty boring. In order to shake things up and get out of this 3 x blog entry, 1 x lecture, 1 x tutorial monotonous rut I am going to list a new set of criteria more relevant to this time in the semester.

1. Watch Seth’s videos and immerse yourself in his online community - I always by pass these videos which would explain why I’m shit scared of HTML and coding it myself. To learn I must actually look at these, absorb them and apply them to the hypertext essay. Also look elsewhere for tips, ask class mates.

2. Use more hypertext in blog posts - Illustrates further engagement with the blog whilst being more captivating for readers.

3. Take “Ramblings” blogs further by drawing on ideas learnt in Comms Histories and Technologies particularly relating to remediation.

4. Prioritise group work for the hypertext essay – My strengths lie in written communication and organisation so perhaps assist the group with collaborating Annotated Bibliography ideas whilst establishing a contextualising statement, also organising group meetings.

Ultimately my main aim is to participate in group work and watch Seth’s videos to develop my confidence with HTML coding. Naturally my attendance will continue to be spot on and the blog entries will keep on comin’.

Since this subject I’ve often found blogging as my number one source of inspiration. It used to be travelling but now I’m consumed by the blog. Even when I’m not blogging I’m thinking of things to add to a blog entry. To blog more is to read to listen to view more so I can blog more about my ideas on things that are often considered boring in conversation. I find that my personal voice and thoughts are best expressed written down rather than spoken out loud to (at most times) a bemused receiver. As a result of this inspiration I am upping my participation criteria…

1. 20 blogs a week. Just kidding, I’m sticking to my 3 blog entries but plan to enhance their content and make them a bit sharper.These blog entries will adhere to lecture content, tutorial chats and ramblings on various personal interests that can of course, be related back to this subject. Speaking of making my blogs sharper, I also intend to jump on the theme band wagon. Express myself through my background layout that also gives some indication about the blog whilst making a good first impression.

2. Keep up with the readings, ESPECIALLY WRITING A BLOG ON THE READINGS. I cannot express this enough to myself, I’ve been slacking off. In addition to this, why not research these readings further. Get more info on the authors as well. I’m talking one reading a week with solid background check and research on the author as well as making sure you understand the thing.

3. Attend all the lectures and tutes. I am yet to miss one, I don’t think I ever will as I possess the burden of feeling intense guilt. Even when I don’t go to Histories and Technologies. This weighs heavy upon me.

4. Devote 8 hours of study a week to this little guy. I’d say I’ve been exceeding this. Keep up the good word.

5. Actually record the amount of homework you’re doing so you don’t fall off track and become overwhelmed by Broadcast Media.

6. I’m not very good at HTML. As a result there needs to be further research time allocated to becoming good at it. In my first participation blog I spoke of becoming familiar with my capabilities. This is a capability I am aware of. I’m not very good but you bet I’ll get better.

7. Add more links to blogs! Hypertext like a crazy person. Stay up to date with the kids.

8. Just because you’re speaking about Lev Manovich doesn’t mean you should neglect hypertext and blogging. These actually have more to do with the course so far. In fact Manovich, I’m not even sure why you’re there. This will make for a great entry on the annotated bibliography.

9. Ask for critical assessment evaluation. Speak to peers and tutor Hugh about project work that I’m a bit uncertain about.

That’s heaps for now. More to come no doubt.

I’ve been having a little think about criteria. This is very personal and I have avoided my usual habit of asking people what they’re likely to do. Throughout the semester I am also likely to change and reassess the criteria that I post so bear with me. Perhaps this set of criteria is too standard. But, for week 2 each are essential to motivating and directing me. As the weeks progress I can see my criteria becoming more personal given I’ll become aware of my own ability in this subject.

1. Devote 8 hours of study per week to this particular subject

2. Attend all tutorials

3. Attend all lectures

4. Create 3 blogs per week – one blog on a reading, one blog on a lecture, one blog on a personal interest eg. film

5. Ask questions and be an active participant in tutorials

6. Use the programs mentioned by Seth in the lecture, particularly with group assignments

7. Create a timetable that records study hours

8. Self assess your assessment or ask others for their opinion before submitting

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a student in possession of a Media degree must actively participate in Network Media to achieve a H1. This sentence attempts to remind us that if you re-phrase classic literary text, it can be applied to a contemporary media subject. I’m sure Austen didn’t intend to draw comparisons between the Bennett sisters and 2011 RMIT students but there is no denying that the Bennett sisters active participation in Victorian era society ultimately got them husbands. I make this perhaps nonsensical comparison to emphasise how our active participation in this subject will ultimately get us a good grade but unfortunately not a husband who earns more than 5000 pounds a year.

If we are to learn successfully in this subject we are to participate. Participation in this subject above all requires attendance, contribution in the realm of the class room and the inter-web. In particular, it is perhaps most necessary to participate through blogging contributions and up to 3 or 4 should be posted each week not only to enhance personal writing skills but to demonstrate an active involvement in the subject at hand. Also, attending lectures and tutorials, taking notes and completing the readings all fall under the cloud of participation.

I draw on the word “active” because most people have in their blog posts, but I wouldn’t use it unless I felt it was appropriate to apply here. Being active and being pro-active are rappppsolutely essential to participating as they ensure you don’t fall behind and stay behind during the semester. Both terms encourage us kids to start using a knife and fork as opposed to the spoon that was used to feed us throughout year 12. Participation prompts us to become self reliant and responsible for our own learning, this subsequently endorses confidence and organization skills that can be applied to the work force we enter into after University. More specifically, because the media industry is rumoured to offer no real feed back on certain types of work and often involves collaborating in teams, participation prepares us not only to self assess but also to apply organizational skills to group situations that resemble future industry practice.