When I first
enrolled in New Media Narratives, I expected a ride through narrative as
expressed in new media – the English major in me was intrigued. I thought I would be responding more to
selected narratives presented non-conventionally (i.e. books, magazines,
etc.). This course, instead, was more
expository than rhetorical as it focused on the media, on how narrative can be
conveyed digitally. Having said this, I certainly
have no regrets as I have learned a great deal from the media presented in this
course. I have become more fine-tuned to
narrative as it appears around me, in everyday situations as well as online.
While all of
the modules made an impression on me, the media that stand out are the readings
by Eisenstein, Inanimate Alice, the
Selfie readings, and Technobiophilia.
First, Eisenstein’s careful analysis of
and reflections on text-based digital narrative provided a sound foundation for
me to look at narrative in a new way. Second,
Inanimate Alice presented a view of
the world that refreshingly international. I took Alice herself to be a metaphor for
those just starting to use digital media (like me) and appreciated its
exploratory and progressive nature. Third, the selfie readings really helped to
put into perspective the human need to provide a permanent marker in history;
it helped me to see that their existence is not only justifiable, but
essential, to our cultural progress. Last, Thomas presented more of a cultural
response to the advent of technology and countered the dominant viewpoint that
our fascination with technology will bring an end to society as we know it – the
optimistic nature of her futuristic presentation reminded me of Marina Gorbis’ The Nature of the Future.
What will I
do more often? Hmmm…I am intrigued by
the concept of narrative as presented digitally, so I will likely look for more
of that online and use it more often in my own teaching. I will look for narrative in more visual-based
offerings, certainly. I will also value
visual narrative more – it has such a long reach. Coupled with audio, either in the form of
music or spoken word; it has the potential to make a much more dynamic impression
upon its participants. I actually sort
of regret this course is coming to an end and would take more courses that continue
this exploration, as it’s helped me to think in a new way that is more open to
the potential of digital media.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Lisa. I'm glad this course has encouraged you to see different kinds of narratives as narrative. I think that is really the best take-away. Many people link a certain kind of platform (books) with a certain kind of product (novel), but when we see pull apart those more traditional linkages, we can see "story" anywhere. New media is a poignant example, I think, as there are oft cited folks who see new media (social media especially) as synonymous with nonsense. We, using our critical literacy skills, not only know how to find "quality" information (what we want) but we also know how to understand/interpret it. As an aside I like your simile for Alice as a tech neophyte tracking her journey. She can stand as an example.
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