Introduction
Hey everyone! My name is Gabby Ellis and I’m excited to be in class with you all this semester. In all honesty, I am taking this class because it fulfills the last requirement for my minor. This seems like an intriguing course and is definitely not what I expected it to be when I initially signed up. I consider myself to be a beginner it terms of my relationship to technology. Beyond using my phone and different apps, I really have no technological knowledge. There are still times where I accidentally discover some new feature on my phone after 2 years of having the device. When it comes to computers, I try to use only the most basic features (microsoft word, internet, etc.). Trying to install any app or new program onto my laptop usually results me either sitting in front of my laptop for hours until I finally figure out how to install the program or me crying out in frustration and glaring at my laptop for half an hour before giving up entirely. Hopefully after this course I’ll have a new option where I can figure out a computer program in less than an hour and don’t have to resort to having a stand off with my laptop. One aspect of this course that intrigues me is that we will be doing most of work in class instead of outside of class. This is an aspect I appreciate since I feel like I will need a lot of guidance and time to redo assignments if I mess up. Like I mentioned before, I am almost a complete beginner when it comes to technology so there is a good chance that I will mess up a fair amount of times, so having class time to work and fix those mistakes is a big pro in my book. Also, the concept of coding books into an online format and analyzing them seems quite interesting. I’ve used online book and journal resources before, but I never really gave any thought as to how those texts made it to their online destination. Something that makes this course seem a bit more intimidating to me is the contracts we all make for ourselves. I have had courses before where we got a say in our final grades and had to explain why we felt we deserved the grade we wished for, but I haven’t taken a course where we had to set our own objectives and desired grade at the beginning of the course. The idea of setting all of these goals for myself and knowing that I have to reach each of these goals to get my desired grade is definitely an intimidating thought. Also, the course in general makes me somewhat apprehensive. Since I am not that good with technology, I have this fear that a class that has a heavy focus on using technology won’t be an ideal choice for me. I’m hoping that as the semester goes on and I gain more experience with the technology that we’ll be using, I can gain some more skill and knowledge. I am excited to see what the rest of the semester brings and what skills we will learn throughout this course.
4 Comments
molwils
Hi Gabby! I feel quite the same way as you about being a beginner in technology. I use my phone, computers, etc., but I feel like I can only do pretty simple tasks on them. I do like that we will be doing most of the work in class, as well. It seems like other classes I have had require a lot of outside work and that can sometimes be difficult when you have other classes or work responsibilities. I am apprehensive though, in the same way that you are. I hope it’s something I can manage!
laujack
Hey Gabby, I appreciate your honesty about this course. I am nervous about the technology aspect as well since I have never had a class concerning technology. And the grade contracts freak me out as well. Hopefully you can find some comfort that if you struggle, some of us are right there with you. It is exciting to think about the end of the semester and how much we will know compared to now. I’m excited to get to know you better this semester.
wschmid
Hi, Gabby. I’m glad you’re in the class, as you’re a familiar face. I hate when I don’t know anyone in a class. Don’t worry too much about new technology. You’ll learn it as you’re using it. If you have any questions, just ask in class. Before you know it, you’ll have some obscure Linux distribution installed on your laptop. 😊
The contract is something new to me as well. I’ve also had classes where goals are set, and we defend our final grade, but the detail we go to in this contract is more than I expected. Being able to set goals and define how those goals are met is a great skill to have in the wide, wide world of society, though.
cmorone
Hi Gabby! I am also taking this class to fulfill a requirement (my last 400-level elective for my English major). I’m sure that, throughout this class, you will learn about a lot of different features of different types of technology, which I find exciting and intimidating. I also agree that the learning contracts were intimidating, but because of it, you can have more say in how much your knowledge of technology can hold you back (or make you succeed) from a good grade. I look forward to working with you!