This semester has been an introduction to media and the broad spectrum of elements it covers. We started by looking at identity and producing a creative piece that that represented ourselves. This required us to reflect and find ways to communicate and depict different elements of our personality. We had to use editing programs. I had to focus on how to edit and cut the visual clips to suit the sound and how to incorporate all the different elements together to make one cohesive piece. In one of the first lectorials we looked at the differences in the way that we learn. I fit into the hyper active thinking group which means that I have a short attention span and focus intensely on the material in front of me for short periods of time. I find it much easier to learn using a hands on approach. I like to have things explained to me initially but then I must solidify this knowledge by repeating the tasks myself. I also learned about scholarly sources and how to locate reliable and accountable information. You can then use and reference these in your own work. This course required me to make connections between media and the outside world. I had to think proactively about the alternate ways in which media has become embedded in our lives. It has meant that I cant be passive when consuming media and that I have to pause and determine the reason why a media outlet has produced this media, the reason why I am consuming it and the message that is being conveyed. In this semester I learned how to use a hand held recorder to capture audio recordings. This is important in order to accompany clear and crisp footage with appropriate audio to create a 3 dimensional world that audiences can immerse themselves in. I have learned about the importance of getting the right balance in the levels of audio in a piece. Bold use of sound can highlight moments of tension and heightened emotions but use of minimal the sound can be just as effective and impactful and can enhance the importance of sound when used sparingly and appropriately. This semester I have really struggled with the technology involved in producing media. I find it challenging to self teach myself things involving technology and I find it very intimidating and bewildering. I am less experienced in the sound aspect of media productions, I need to learn more about how to record clear crisp sound to create professional looking work. I learned about, but still need to improve on sourcing stock footage and material that doesn’t infringe on copyright laws. I have also struggled to grasp some of the content on the theoretical side of the course. The broad and boundless interpretation of the different aspects of media was challenging for me to comprehend and wrap my mind around. In the film making process I realized that I work from a visual point of view and create quite interpretative and artistic pieces that focus on aesthetics. In the editing process I have learned that I begin with the music and edit to the beat. I generally produce material where the visuals match up with the audio in a sort of choreographed composition.

The blog posts that I feel resonated most with me and contained the strongest links to the content covered in the course are:

– http://www.mediafactory.org.au/siobhan-bird/2015/05/26/technology-developments-desensitizing-us/
– http://www.mediafactory.org.au/siobhan-bird/2015/05/19/18515/
– http://www.mediafactory.org.au/siobhan-bird/2015/04/22/sound/
– http://www.mediafactory.org.au/siobhan-bird/2015/03/23/life-without-media-exposure/
– http://www.mediafactory.org.au/siobhan-bird/2015/03/26/blood-in-the-gutter/