Final Exam II
I really enjoy learning about the different ways people connect using specifically the internet. I had never known all of the different applications that people use to speak, vent, and discuss personal issues. It seems like after taking this class and learning about media literacy I notice the ways in which people communicate on the internet level as well as peoples need for communication with others. An example of this can be found at http://www.jasondunn.com/ which is an example of a personal blog.
Viewing first hand how manipulative the media is in agenda setting and forming opinions, I have a new critical outlook on the media. Using the example of the present media coverage of the candidacy for presidency, the media has taken pointless information like Hilary’s looks and John McCain’s age and made them issues within the public. Media is very manipulative and sometimes biased, without stepping away and viewing media while understanding its tactics a viewer can become subconsciously influenced. After learning about how manipulative the media is, I have a better understanding and critical outlook upon what the media covers.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/25/politics/main2397926.shtml
Learning the new programs like Illustrator and Flash really opened my eyes to another aspect of media literacy. I was not familiar with the two programs before class, and although I struggled with Flash, I found it both interesting and important to know how advertisement banners and different websites used the programs. I enjoy the fact that I now have better knowledge about advanced programs that I can use to outlet my creativity as well as better understand the internet.
